Winnie is the founder of Scruffy Badger Time, a blog she writes to develop her creativity and share her sewing and clothing ideas. Winnie is obsessed with sewing, but has a soft spot for jewellery and photography too. She has been sewing since she was old enough to thread a needle, but is always looking to develop new techniques and skills. Winnie now uses her blog as a journal and sketchbook to organise her many projects. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Winnie.
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Colour, polka dots and florals with a massive love of Eastern art.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I am usually inspired by a fabric & depending on its qualities (weight, drape, size of print) it will provide me with ideas for what to make with it.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
My mum has probably inspired me the most - she taught me to sew from an early age as a child, whilst creating an environment where making things (clothes, toys, bread, food, jam, go-carts & stilts & so much more) was normal. Her sewing skills are still far superior to my own- She can tailor, she is extremely precise and then she can also freestyle- happy to trace patterns from existing garments. I have so much to learn from her - she is always my sewing guru - the one I turn to for advice. But we really don't share the same taste in colour and pattern - she is a lover of muted tones, and blanches at the vivid, bold prints I pick!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I am a massive Pinterest user & have board upon board of inspiration for different things that I keep topped up & then revisit when I need some ideas. It's a great way to keep a very visual & instant record of things you are inspired by, details, garments from times past or outfits being worn now.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I am still a "hobbyist" and my creativity is as yet unrealised in my (office) day job, which means that I sew only for pleasure. Therefore the things I sew are the accumulation of happy times planning & creating without any feelings of obligation. I believe hobbies and interests outside of your job are important, and for me, having a dedicated space for sewing makes it that much easier to maximise the limited free time I do have for actually sewing- not needing to unpack & pack away after each session!
