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 Welcome
Hope you’re all keeping well, makers?
I know yet another lockdown will be
tough on so many, but we’re here
126 with positive vibes and all the craft
inspo to keep you busy and lift spirits.
First o , you’ll need to get cosy. Crochet
our hot water bottle cover star, knit an you’ve ever dreamt of running your own
oversized jumper adorned with embroidery, small biz, this shares all the knowledge you
or whip up a retro-style patchwork quilt. need. Filled with advice from top creatives,
Make all three and you’ll earn bonus Mollie plus beautiful illustrations by Ingrid Wuyster
points, and be the warmest crafter ever! from Teken-ing, it’s your guide to making a
Next up? It’s all about colour and cheer. living from your craft. So maybe 2021
There’s plenty of ways to brighten up your could turn out to be your year after all!
home and your wardrobe, from a Fair Isle
bobble hat to a stitched holiday scene
(anyone remember those?), ideal for that
dose of escapism we all need right now.
And last but not least, check out your
bonus Start Selling Your Makes book. If Yvette Streeter Editor

FOLLOW MOLLIE MAKES FOR DAILY INSPIRATION...

MOLLIE MAKES 3
 36
126

INSIDE
THIS
ISSUE

20 79

14 41

Introducing
THE LATEST FROM THE
WORLD OF HANDMADE

10 Mollie loves
Discover what’s new in craft and
creativity from our favourite designer-
makers and independent businesses
ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE

14 Hot water bottle cover

Looking to level up those cosy nights
in? This tactile, retro-style crochet hot
water bottle cover is just what you need

20 Knitted jumper
We bring you the ultimate collab – a
chunky knit jumper that’s ideal for
newbies, decorated with statement
yarn embroidery detailing

28 Latest crush
Shop and craft the modern
monochrome aesthetic – it’s all
about creating maximum contrast with
bold stripes and colour blocking

4 MOLLIE MAKES
 BUILD A BRAN
D 9 MASTER
SOCIAL MEDI
A 9 PRICE
YOUR PROD
UCTS 9 FIND
YOUR AUDI
ENCE

28 IN ASSOCI
ATION WITH

XXXXXXX CHRISTM
AS MOLLIE
MAKES 801

PLUS! YOUR BONUS GUIDE TO

SELLING YOUR MAKES

50 66
57

Living Making EXCLUSIVE!

57 Bonus papers
CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR HAND-PICKED PROJECTS
YOUR LIFE AND HOME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH Illustrator Gee Fan Eng,
AKA Minifanfan, shares
36 Yoga mat bag 66 Knitted hat eight cute, colourful
Dust off your sewing machine and whip Try your hand at Fair Isle colourwork to art prints celebrating
up this simple, super-handy accessory brighten up your day and your outfit Chinese New Year

41 Needle punch cushion 73 Embroidered wall art

Nod to this season’s hottest interior Combine sketch-style stitches with
trend with a dreamy shell-shaped plenty of texture in this idyllic scene
cushion in the softest shade of pink
76 Good read
44 Meet the maker
Artist Alina Tang shows us around her
Fancy your own creative space? Helen
Martin finds out how to make it happen
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE
space that’s part studio, part shop
79 Felt flower makes
50 Patchwork quilt Four different ideas for easy-sew 32 Subscribe UK
Fall in love with patchwork thanks to blooms in sunny spring colours Subscribe to Mollie
this beginner-friendly project, adorned Makes and save 50%!
with bold appliqué hearts 82 Templates
All the shapes for this issue’s makes 72 Subscribe overseas
54 Get the look US readers – subscribe
Need fresh inspiration for your four 90 Tea and a chat today to save up to 78%
walls? We’re all about the curves Jessica Light talks trims and tassels

MOLLIE MAKES 5
 126

Contributors

Viktorija Mineikyte
Vicky created her brand
vickyknits to keep her sane
during the 2020 lockdown, Saphia Barros
and uses her Instagram to .QPFQP DCUGF VGZVKNG FGUKIPGT
share her work and inspire Saphia loves bringing a 3D element
others. When Vicky’s not to her work, using knitting, needle
designing or knitting, you’ll punch and more to create unique
PF JGT GZRNQTKPI .QPFQPoU tactile surfaces. Her latest
top coffee spots or taking collection, Vintage Romance, is a
pics of her newest makes. love letter to all things crochet.
Learn to knit Vicky’s cosy Make Saphia’s fibre art on page 30.
jumper on page 20. www.textilesbyphia.etsy.com
www.vickyknits.com

Alina Tang
(KPG #TVU CPF &GUKIP ITCFWCVG .KPC
has been a collector of objects from
a young age. She’s inspired by her
creative parents, and has a love for
EGTCOKEU CPF TCPFQO MPKEM MPCEMU .KPC
has high hopes and dreams of one day
becoming a morning person.
Tour Alina’s studio space on page 44.
www.pansy-shop.com

Gee Fan Eng

Illustrator Gee Fan, AKA
Minifanfan, is only 152cm tall. She
Cheers!
OC[ DG NKVVNG DWV UJGoU FG PKVGN[ Ifeoluwa Adedeji, Valerie Bracegirdle, Sophia Palmer
GTEG n*CRR[ FTCYKPIU HQT JCRR[ Andy Brinkley, Becki Clark, Becca D Sophia always wanted to be a
people’ is her motto, and a " /WUVCTF /QFGNU .WE[ &CXKFUQP marine biologist until she realised
mantra she practices everyday in Colette Earley, Bee Gibbons, Xanthe Grundy, she was scared of the ocean, and
her life and work. Gee Fan’s a girl %JCTNGU *GPT[ ,GUUKEC .KIJV /KC / now teaches students to sew. She
who loves to eat kimchi in every @ Mustard Models, Helen Martin,
CNUQ JCPIU QWV KP VJG QH EG YKVJ
meal, and enjoys crafting, too. Elin Petronella, Karmijn Simons,
Mil Smith, Philip Sowels,
JGT (TGPEJKG .WPC FGUKIPKPI PGY
Find Gee Fan’s colourful artworks and dressmaking projects.
Taomi Tucker
pull-out prints on page 57. Sew Sophia’s handy yoga mat
www.minifanfan.com bag on page 36.
www.jessalli.com

6 MOLLIE MAKES
 Online shop – cottons, linens, corduroys, canvas & Japanese fabrics

www.fabricinspirations.co.uk

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 Introducing
THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF HANDMADE

Valentine’s Day hype can be

a bit much, but what if it was
simply about showing some
love – surprising your bestie,
sending a sweet note to your
mum, or treating yourself?
Wolf and Moon’s limited
edition emerald Lyra earrings
are top of our list (hint hint).
www.wolfandmoon.com

MOLLIE MAKES 9
 MOLLIE
LOVES

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MODEL: WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/LAURACHARLEYDESIGN

WE’VE GOT A CRUSH,
AND WE DON’T CARE
WHO KNOWS IT.
Our unadulterated love for Hello
DODO’s cute and comfy Flower
Power jumper is real, because pink
and red are for life, not just for
February. Although in all fairness,
we’re obsessed with pretty much
everything this South Coast-based
husband and wife slow fashion duo
create. They’re passionate about
screen printing, and spreading joy
through their colourful designs.
www.hello-dodo.com

latest drop
PJ day goals, the earring to
or the best WFH set up
ever? Either way, we’re
big fans of Chiara
rule them all.
Handmade jewellery brand
Celini’s work and can’t The Journee of J’rissa is
wait to live out our taking polymer clay
pink, plant-filled interior accessories to the next level
dreams through this with incredible colour
beautiful print. Also effects, glorious texture and
island girl style. Now you just
available as an original
need to match your outfit to
gouache painting if your jewellery’s get-up.
you’re feeling fancy. www.numonday.com/shop/
www.chiaracelini.com the-journee-of-jrissa-store/

10 MOLLIE MAKES
 Advertisement feature

brand focus
Modern BOOK OF
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Inside, you’ll find interview
questions on a range of topics,

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work, community and vulnerability,

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practice. Whether you read it front
as these lampshades go to to back or pick it up for a 5-minute
show. The simplest of stripes pep talk, this is the book you can
carefully wound to perfection, lean on for balancing family life
they’re minimal yet marvellous. and art in your own way.
www.lovingstring.etsy.com

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Marissa Huber & Heather Kirtland

Marissa Huber is a painter and

surface pattern designer who started
taking her art more seriously after her
son was born. She carves out room
for creating in the space between
her career in interior design and the
quality time she spends with her two
children and husband.
Artist Heather Kirtland received a
BFA in painting from the Maryland
Institute College of Art. She currently
teaches encaustic workshops and is
focused on her own studio practice.
When Heather’s not painting, she
loves to read, run, and encourage
other mothers to find a creative outlet
through a project she co-founded with
Marissa: Carve Out Time for Art.
www.themotherhoodofart.com
 Creating ace
works of art
just got way easier.
Mamahoela’s Punch Needle
Name Banner DIY Kit ticks all
the boxes for our wall décor
requirements – fuzzy tactile
texture, cute pennant shape
and modern colour combos,
plus it’s personalisable. It’d
be lovely for a nursery or
new mama gift, and an Slow fashion
equally welcome addition to
a gallery wall. Your one-way MacramÉ bags
ticket to needle punch as you’ve never seen
prowess, it just so happens them before. How wild is
to be sustainable too. this tasselled beauty from
www.mamahoela.com Hanga? Basic shopper it
ain’t. Their knotted bags
and planter hangers are
bold, colourful and always
made with recycled cord.
Add it to the dream outfit
you’ve planned for when
you’re finally allowed out.
www.hangastore.com

Dreamy sleeves
and fashiony
frills, that’s how you know it’s
a Faith Rowan Leeves piece.
Shop your merino Peggy
jumper ready to buy or
made to order, and check
out their patterns, kits, and
cottagecore-worthy frocks.
www.faithrowanleeves.com

NEED TO READ
PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM WRIGHT; MODEL: MOLLIE MEREDITH

fresh blooms
Teagan Olivia Sturmer’s Floral
Embroidery book is filled with
exquisite botanical designs,
reflecting a real love of nature.
If you fancy slowing down with
contemplative stitching,
getting lost among petals and
sharpening your embroidery
skills, this guide is ideal. It’s
beginner friendly, with great
walk-throughs for each hoop.
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

12 MOLLIE MAKES
 THE NEW HOME OF...

come & visit our brand new website at

www.gathered.how – we’ve joined this
creative community to bring you even
more easy ways to embrace handmade!
LEARN NEW CRAFTS & TECHNIQUES
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makers everywhere. Discover the latest patterns and tutorials for crochet, knitting, sewing,
quilting, papercraft, embroidery and more, and pick up skills from experts you can trust.

www.gathered.how/molliemakes
 Winter
hottie
Add retro vibes to cosy nights in with Taomi Tucker’s
crochet hot water bottle cover

cover
s tar

14 MOLLIE MAKES
MOLLIE MAKES 15
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE
HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER

MATERIALS TENSION SPECIAL

Q Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Each granny square is yrh yarn round hook ABBREVIATIONS
Aran, 50% wool/50% approx. 9cm (35/8") square RS right side 4-tr cluster 4 treble cluster
acrylic, 100g/180m per WS wrong side – (yrh, insert hook in st
ball, one ball each in FINISHED SIZE BLO work stitch through indicated, yrh and pull up
Mustard Yellow (823) Approx. 22 x 34cm back loop only loop, yrh and draw through
(Yarn A), Sailor Blue (839) (8 x 133/8") magic ring to make a 2 loops) 4 times, inserting
(Yarn B), Candy Floss magic ring, hold yarn the hook in the same st
Pink (849) (Yarn C) and ABBREVIATIONS (UK) in your hand and wrap each time, yrh and draw
Seafoam Blue (831) (Yarn st(s) stitch(es) working thread around through all 5 loops on hook
D) (we got ours from sp(s) space(s) fore nger twice to create puff stitch (yrh, insert hook
www.lovecrafts.com) ch chain ring, slip ring off your nger in st indicated, yrh and pull
Q 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) ch-sp chain space and insert hook to pick up loop to the height of
crochet hook ss slip stitch up rst st, ch1, then work a tr) 3 times, inserting the
Q Yarn needle dc double crochet necessary sts for Round 1 hook in the same st each
Q Hot water bottle approx. htr half treble and close the ring tightly time, yrh and draw through
20 x 33cm (77/8 x 13") tr treble by pulling the loose end all 7 loops on hook, ch1 to
complete st

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4

Scheme 2 Yarn B Yarn A Yarn C Yarn D

Scheme 3 Yarn A Yarn C Yarn B Yarn D

Scheme 4 Yarn C Yarn A Yarn B Yarn D

Scheme 5 Yarn B Yarn C Yarn A Yarn D

Scheme 6 Yarn C Yarn B Yarn A Yarn D

16 MOLLIE MAKES
Keeping cosy by whatever means Sunburst granny squares squares each in Schemes 2-6.
possible is a must for winter, so (make 12) There should be 12 squares in total
add this retro-inspired hot water Make two squares in the following – two in each colour scheme.
bottle into your current blanket and colour scheme (Scheme 1)
loungewear mix. Round 1 using Yarn A, start with a Front (use six squares)
Worked in our latest favourite magic ring, ch2 (counts as 1 htr), 11 Take one square from each colour
colour combo, Taome’s chunky htr in ring, ss to top of starting ch2, scheme and lay them out in two
textured cover is such an easy way pull ring closed, break yarn and columns of three, using the main
to get into crochet. Each sunburst fasten off [12 htr] image as a guide to colourway.
motif is made using the same Round 2 join Yarn B in any st, ch2 Using Yarn D, join the squares
granny square pattern – you’ll just (does not count as st), 1 puff st in together as follows:
switch up the colourways to create each st around, ss to top of 1st Place two squares from the bottom
the different looks. So, once you’ve puff st, break yarn and fasten off of one column RS together.
mastered the basics – check out [12 puff sts, 12 1 ch-sps] Starting at the top right corner, ss
our stitch guide on page 82 to get Round 3 join Yarn C in any 1 ch-sp through the BLO of each square
started – you’re good to go. at the end of a puff st, ch3 (does across to the left. Note that as
All you need are four balls of not count as st), 4 tr cluster in same you’re holding the squares RS
yarn, one trusty crochet hook, and 1 ch-sp, ch2, (4 tr cluster in next 1 together, the BLO of the front
a few evenings curled up on the ch-sp, ch2) 11 times, ss to top of 1st square is the one closest to you
sofa – hot chocolate optional. 4 tr cluster, break yarn and fasten and the BLO of the back square is
off [12 4 tr cluster, 12 2 ch-sp] the loop furthest away. Break yarn
Instructions Round 4 join Yarn D in any 2 ch-sp, and fasten off.
The hot water bottle cover is made ch2 (counts as 1 htr), 2 htr in same 2 Join the last square from the top of
from 12 granny squares. Six ch-sp, *3 htr in each of next 2 2 the column using the same
squares are joined to form the front ch-sps, (3 tr, ch2, 3 tr) in next 2 technique to form a strip of three
of the cover, and six squares are ch-sp; repeat from * 2 more times, squares. Repeat with the remaining
joined into an envelope for the 3 htr in each of next 2 2 ch-sps, (3 three squares.
back of the cover. The front and tr, ch2) in first 2 ch-sp, ss to top of Attach the two columns along the
back are then crocheted together, starting ch2, break yarn and fasten long adjoining edge with a similar
and a neck is crocheted up from off [48 tr, 4 2 ch-sps] technique, this time using dc
the centre top. Repeat Rounds 1-4 to make two instead of ss as follows:

MOLLIE MAKES 17
HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER

Hold the two columns RS together. two squares together as before There should be 30 htr along the
Starting at the top right, join Yarn D using dc top and bottom, and 42 htr down
into the BLO of the two corner 2 each side.
ch-sps, ch1 (does not count as st), Forming the envelope
1 dc through BLO of both columns Lay both back sections RS up, Finishing
through to the left, break yarn and positioning the top section slightly Place the front and back sections
fasten off. over the bottom section so it WS together. Count 7 sts along the
overlaps the two rows of htr. top from the top left corner 2 ch-sp
Back bottom section (use Thread the yarn needle with Yarn over to the right, then join Yarn D
four squares) D, then bring it up through the through front and back sts with a ss
Lay out a 2 x 2 block of four WS of the top section, 4 sts from Round 1 ch1 (does not count as st),
squares, then join two squares the corner ch. Sew through both *work 1 dc through front and back
together as per the front, using sections, down to the corner ch, sts along the edge to the corner 2
Yarn D and ss. Repeat to join the then tie off the yarn to secure it. ch-sp, 2 dc in corner 2 ch-sp;
remaining two squares, then join Repeat on the opposite side. repeat from * until top right corner,
the two columns using dc. work 1 dc in each of the next 7 sts,
To form the inner edge of the Border break yarn and fasten off
envelope, turn the back bottom Using Yarn D, work a border around There should be a gap of 16 sts
section RS up, positioning the dc both the front and back sections between the first and last st on
join down the centre. Work two Round 1 join Yarn D in top left both the front and the back for the
rows along the top as follows: corner 2 ch-sp, ch2, *1 htr in each neck, making 32 sts all around
Row 1 join Yarn D in top right st until next corner 2 ch-sp, (1 htr,
corner, ch2 (counts as 1 htr), 1 htr in ch2, 1 htr) in corner 2 ch-sp; repeat Neck
each st across, working 1 htr either from * 2 more times, 1 htr in each st Round 1 join Yarn D in any st at the
side of the dc join, turn [30 sts] until next first corner 2 ch-sp, (1 htr, neck, ch3, work 1 tr in each st
Row 2 ch2 (counts as 1 htr), 1 htr in ch2) in corner sp, ss to top of round, ss join to top of starting ch3
each st across, break yarn and starting ch2, break yarn and fasten [32 sts]
fasten off off [144 sts, 4 2 ch-sps] Rounds 2-10 ch3, 1 tr in each st
Work 1 htr in each side of the round, ss to top of starting ch3
Back top section (two squares) centre dc seam on the top and Break yarn and fasten off. Fold the
Using Yarn D, join the remaining bottom edges to avoid gaps. neck to the RS and sew in all ends.

18 MOLLIE MAKES
MEET THE MAKER TAOME TUCKER
Taome is 24 years old and
runs her one-woman crochet
business, Hooked Apparel,
3 ISSUES
FOR £5
from her home in Manchester.
She started crocheting again
to keep busy in May 2020 and
decided to sell a few pieces.
To her surprise, her Instagram
blew up, and Taome now
crochets full-time. Her main
focus is being as sustainable

W ny
as possible while offering
bold, bright designs or
statement pieces inspired by
her customers. Find Taome on
Instagram @hookedmcr.
www.hookedmcr.com

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 Knitwear goals
Vicky Mineikyte and Andy Brinkley team up to
show you how to craft this jumper of dreams

20 MOLLIE MAKES
 PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE; MODEL: BECCA D

MOLLIEMAKES.COM
MOLLIE MAKES 21
HOW TO MAKE A KNITTED JUMPER

MATERIALS If all you want to do right now is Rib

Q Wool and the Gang k2tog knit 2 stitches pile on the layers, this jumper is Rows 1-8 (p1, k1) repeated to end
Crazy Sexy Wool, 100% together for you. It’s chunky, cosy and
wool, 200g/80m per p2tog purl 2 stitches oversized, but also has a statement Body
ball, seven (seven, eight, together sleeve and slightly cropped fit to Row 9 (RS) k
eight) balls in Forest RS right side elevate it. After all, we will be Row 10 p
Green (037) WS wrong side leaving our houses one day. Rows 11-40 (42, 44, 46) repeat
Q 12mm (US 17) If you’re new to knitting, Wool Rows 9 and 10 a further 14 (15, 16,
knitting needles SIZE NOTES and the Gang have plenty of video 17) times
Q 10mm (US 15) circular The pattern is written with tutorials at www.woolandthegang.
knitting needles, 80cm an oversized fit approx. com. Once you’re done, get to Shaping the neckline
(31 ") long 25cm (10") larger than bust wearing your swish knit straight Row 41 (43, 45, 47) k19 (21, 22,
Q Knitters’ safety pins away, or turn to page 25 and add 24), cast off 6 (6, 8, 8) sts, k to end
Q Large-eyed yarn needle TENSION that gorgeous embroidery detail. Row 42 (44, 46, 48) p until cast
Approx 8 sts and 10 off point, leaving remaining sts on
ABBREVIATIONS rows to 10cm (4") over Instructions needle for later [19 (21, 22, 24) sts]
st(s) stitch(es) stocking stitch (knit 1 row, The jumper is worked in four pieces Row 43 (45, 47, 49) k2, k2tog, k to
k knit purl 1 row repeated) using – a front panel, back panel and two end [18 (20, 21, 23) sts]
p purl 12mm needles sleeve panels, all seamed together Row 44 (46, 48, 50) p
and finished with a collar. Row 45 (47, 49, 51) k2, k2tog, k to
The pattern is written for the end [17 (19, 20, 22) sts]
smallest size with differing Row 46 (48, 50, 52) p
SIZE S M L XL instructions for the larger sizes Row 47 (49, 51, 53) k
shown increasing in brackets, i.e. Row 48 (50, 52, 54) p
UK size 8-10 12-14 16-18 20-22
S (M, L, XL). Cast off
When casting on, leave a long With WS facing, rejoin yarn to
/ wÌ LÕÃÌ 81-86cm 91.5- 101.5- 111.5-
(32-34") 96.5cm 106.5cm 117cm enough tail to sew the side seams shape second side of neckline
(36-38") (40-42") (44-46") – roughly one and a half times the Row 42 (44, 46, 48) p [19 (21, 22,
cast on. And, when knitting the 24) sts]
VÌÕ> LÕÃÌ 109cm 119cm 129cm 139cm
(43") (47") (51") (54Ω") neckline, keep the tension loose so Row 43 (45, 47 ,49) k up to last 4
your head can fit through the band. sts, k2tog, k2 [18 (20, 21, 23) sts]
i }Ì L>V 46cm 48cm 50cm 52cm Row 44 (46, 48, 50) p
iV Ì Ü> ÃÌ® (18") (19") (19æ") (20Ω")
Front Row 45 (46, 49, 51) k up to last 4
Worked from the bottom up sts, k2tog, k2 [17 (19, 20, 22) sts]
- iiÛi VÕvv 49.5cm 49.5cm 51cm 51cm
Ì Õ `iÀ>À ® (19Ω") (19Ω") (20") (20") Cast on 44 (48, 52, 56) sts using the Row 46 (48, 50, 52) p
long tail method Row 47 (49, 51, 53) k

22 MOLLIE MAKES
Row 48 (50, 52, 54) p Row 2 p using mattress stitch. MEET THE MAKER
Cast off Rows 3-38 repeat Rows 1 and 2 a Line up one sleeve edge to the
further 18 times main body and seam. Find the VICKY MINEIKYTE
Back sleeve centre, then pin to one stitch
Work as per Front to the end of Decrease for cuff sizes S and M down the back from the seam edge
Row 10 Row 39 (39, -, -) k2, k2tog, k34, of the shoulder. Starting from the
Rows 11-46 (48, 50, 52) repeat k2tog, k2 [40 sts] sleeve centre, sew the horizontal
Rows 9 and 10 a further 17 (18, 19, Row 40 (40, -, -) p and vertical stitches from the
20) times Row 41 (41, -, -) k2, k2tog, k32, middle to each side. Repeat with
k2tog, k2 [38 sts] the second sleeve.
Shaping the neckline Row 42 (42, -, -) p Pin the underarm points together,
Row 47 (49, 51, 53) k18 (20, 21, 23), Row 43 (43, -, -) k2, k2tog, k30, then use the yarn tail to sew from
cast off 8 (8, 10, 10) sts, k18 (20, k2tog, k2 [36 sts] the bottom of the body edge up Vicky is a self-taught
knitter and pattern
21, 23) Row 44 (44, -, -) p to the end of the sleeves. Use
designer, creating
Turn the work around leaving the half stitch weave for the rib, then
woolly pieces for her
other side of the neckline to be Decrease for cuff sizes L and XL mattress stitch for the rest. brand vickyknits using
worked later Row - (-, 39, 39) k high quality, sustainably
Row 48 (50, 52, 54) p [18 (20, 21, Row - (-, 40, 40) p2, p2tog, p34, Collar sourced yarn. Vicky
23) sts] p2tog, p2 [40 sts] With RS facing and using 10mm studied fashion design,
Row 49 (51, 53, 55) k2, k2tog, k to Row - (-, 41, 41) k circular needles, pick up the and discovered her
end [17 (19, 20, 22) sts] Row - (-, 42, 42) p2, p2tog, p32, stitches in a clockwise direction passion for knitwear
Row 50 (52, 54, 56) p p2tog, p2 [38 sts] and start working in the round. design in the second
Cast off Row - (-, 43, 43) k Start at the centre back and make year of her studies.
Keep up with Vicky’s
With WS facing, rejoin yarn to Row - (-, 44, 44) p2, p2tog, p30, sure all the cast-on stitches are on
latest yarny makes on
shape second side of neckline p2tog, p2 [36 sts] the same row or line on the sweater
Instagram @vicky.knits.
Row 48 (50, 52, 54) p [18 (20, 21, Row - (-, 45, 45) k to make the collar even www.vickyknits.com
23) sts] Round 1 pick up and knit 8 (8, 9,
Row 49 (51, 53, 55) k to the last 4 Cuff (all sizes) 9) sts along to shoulder seam, pick
sts, k2tog, k2 [17 (19, 20, 22) sts] Change to 10mm circular needles up and knit 26 (26, 28, 28) sts down
Row 50 (52, 54, 56) p Row 1 (k2tog, p2tog) repeated to the side, across the front and up
Cast off end [18 sts] to the next shoulder seam, pick
Rows 2-8 (k1, p1) repeated to end up and knit 8 (8, 9, 9) down the
Sleeves (make two) Cast off shoulder seam and along the back
Worked from top to cuff. Cast on to the start [42 (42, 46, 46) sts]
42 sts using the long tail method Finishing Rounds 2-8 (k1, p1) repeated to end
Row 1 (RS) k Pin the shoulder seams, then sew Cast off to finish.

MOLLIE MAKES 23
24 MOLLIE
LL MAKES
 02 02 03

04 05 06

HOW TO MAKE AN EMBROIDERED JUMPER

MATERIALS This super-easy, ultra-glam hack aran-weight yarn. If necessary, two 04 To create the flower buds, work

Q Knitted jumper will take your newly knitted strands of a thinner yarn can be small groups of straight stitches in
Q Tapestry needles in jumper to the next level. But, used for a chunky effect. blush pink yarn near the flowers,
various sizes you aren’t limited to adding these 02 Because you’re working on a using the main image as a guide
Q Assorted yarn in embroidery flourishes to me-made knitted background, you won’t to placement. To secure the end of
different weights and garments – why not jazz up charity be able to trace the pattern onto a thread length, run it under a few
colours (we used blush shop finds, or give something from the jumper. Instead, refer to the nearby stitches on the WS of the
pink, cream, green, light your wardrobe a new lease of life? main image for placement, and jumper to anchor it in place. When
green, coral, dark You don’t need to use specific use straight stitches in blush pink stitching flowers down the sleeve,
mustard, light mustard yarn types for this project either, yarn to outline the position of the place one hand inside the sleeve
and dark brown) so it’s a great way to use up odd main flowers. Start each strand of so you don’t accidentally catch the
Q Glass rocaille beads in and ends from your stash. Just try yarn with a backstitch or two on knitting on the opposite side.
gold, size 6/0 or 5/0 and pick a selection of different the wrong side (WS) of the jumper, 05 To add the leaves, use green

Q Mustard sewing thread weights, textures and hues to add then stitch up onto the right side DK yarn to work alternate, angled
Q Sewing needle interest to your finished stitching, (RS) in the centre of the flower, straight stitches from the centre of
and use a nice chunky yarn for the working outwards with straight the leaf’s base outwards. To create
main flower motifs. stitches, like the spokes of a wheel. the stems running from the leaves
New to embroidery? Turn to Try not to make the stitches too to the flower buds, use green
page 82 for a step-by-step guide long, otherwise they become more yarn and chain stitch, then work
to each of the stitches used. like a loop and won’t sit flat. straight stitches at the base of each
03 Following the positioning bud to connect them.
01 The yarns used should guides, continue stitching the 06 For the vines, use light green

complement the base jumper flowers using the same blush pink yarn and feather stitch, following
colour, and each shade should yarn and straight stitches. Group the stitch guide on page 82. We
stand out well against it. Use a the stitches together in clusters of used a ribbon yarn to add texture,
chunky-weight yarn for the flowers five, with slightly longer stitches and anchored it at the opposite
to make these really pop, then add at the centre of each cluster, end of the vine from the flowers,
in smaller details using a DK- or resembling petal shapes. working down towards them.

MOLLIE MAKES 25
 07 08 09

10 10 12

HOW TO MAKE AN EMBROIDERED JUMPER

07 Using a light-weight coral yarn,

MEET THE MAKER ANDY BRINKLEY
work petal markings on each flower
using straight stitches, as shown. Andy grew up on a
08 To add the smaller four petal sheep farm in South
blossoms, use chunky cream yarn Africa, so working with
and lazy daisy stitches, following beautiful wools has
the guide on page 82. Start each been a lifelong love.
stitch in the centre of the blossom Now living in North
and work outwards, placing each Carolina, she has an
one intermittently among the expansive knowledge of
blush pink flowers. embroidery techniques,
09 Fill in the gaps at the centre of and creates something
each lazy daisy stitch from Step 8 every day for fun.
using light mustard DK yarn and www.oandystudio.com
straight stitches – this will add
depth and definition.
10 Using dark mustard gold DK

yarn and the guide on page 82,

add a small cluster of French knots
to the centre of each blush pink
flower. Alternatively, you could
replace these with small straight
stitches, or larger gold beads.
11 To finish, stitch the beads in

between the French knot flower

centres to add sparkle, making
sure not to pull the thread so tightly
that they recede into the knots.

26 MOLLIE MAKES
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 01

LATEST
CRUSH

PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN KOPE WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/JONATHAN_KOPE

MODERN
MONOCHROME
Say goodbye to subtlety and go
bold with striking black and
white. Can’t stop staring? Get in
on the eye-catching vibe with
maximum contrast colour
blocking and clearly defined
dots, lines and splashes.

02

04

03

05

07

06

09

08

28 MOLLIE MAKES
 01 It’s time to get some

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www.sindisokhumalo.com
02 Trend spotting at its

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10 www.pigletinbed.com
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www.kinhome.co
10 We’re all about

celebrating those curves.

www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

make
it!

TURN OVER TO
DIY MODERN
MONOCHROME

MOLLIE MAKES 29
 make
it!

MODERN
MONOCHROME
WALL ART
MATERIALS
Cotton macramé cord, 70cm (27 "), 12mm (3/8")
thick Black and white bakers’ twine, 2mm (1/8") thick
Yarn and Colors Must-Have yarn in White (001),
Cream (002) and Black (100) Large-eyed sewing
needle Comb Tailors’ chalk

01 02 03

MEET THE MAKER

SAPHIA BARROS
04 05 06 Saphia studied Textile
Design at Chelsea
College of Arts, where
she discovered her
passion for crochet and
machine knitting. She
now runs a small part-
time biz focusing on all
things textiles, including
knitting, crochet and
needle punch – find her
latest makes on Insta
01 Fold the macramé cord in 03 Repeat to wrap the cord in sewing the cream ends into @saphiabarros_textiles.
half so both ends meet at the the cream yarn, white yarn, and under the black wrapped www.textilesbyphia.
same point. Using tailors’ chalk, black yarn and bakers’ twine, section using the large-eyed etsy.com
mark both sides of the cord using the main image as a sewing needle.
roughly 21.5cm (8 ") up from guide to placement. When 05 Hold both ends of the cord

either end – this will mark the adding a new colour, knot it together and wrap the black
start and end points of the yarn together with the end of the yarn around them. Start under
wrapping, and will also previous wrap colour, wrapping the bottom wrapped sections,
determine the loop size. over any knots and trimming and wrap for roughly 1cm ( ")
02 Tie the bakers’ twine in a off the excess yarn. Vary the along the cords – this will close
knot around the left-hand length of each section to create the loop. Finish sewing the last
mark, then start wrapping it a more freehand look. end into and under the
tightly and evenly around the 04 Knot a length of cream yarn wrapping as per Step 4.
cord, over the knot, and over the black wrapped 06 Untwist the unwrapped ends

working upwards towards the section, then start wrapping it of the cord and brush them out
second mark. Wrap roughly in a criss-cross pattern over the using a comb. To finish, trim
5cm (2") of the cord. black yarn, as shown. Finish by the ends evenly to neaten.

30 MOLLIE MAKES
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SEE PAGE 72
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34 MOLLIE MAKES
 Living
CREATIVE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LIFE AND HOME

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MOLLIE MAKES 35
36 MOLLIE MAKES
 FIND
y
FLOW
Combine craft and relaxation with
Sophia Palmer’s cute crossbody yoga mat bag

PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE

MOLLIE MAKES 37
 01 02 03

07 09 10

HOW TO MAKE A YOGA MAT BAG

MATERIALS If you practice yoga, pilates, or 02 Fold a 23 x 14cm (91/8 x 5 ") centre crease of the fabric running
Q 1m (393/8") patterned are all about at-home fitness, plain fabric piece in half along the down the pocket centre. Topstitch
cotton canvas fabric (we we’ve got the ultimate storage length with wrong sides (WS) the sides and bottom, leaving the
used Art Gallery Fabrics solution for your mat. This easy-sew together. Measure and mark 2.5cm hemmed top edge open.
Here Comes The Fun in drawstring bag comes complete (1") down from the top along one 06 Place the two plain triangle

Block Stencils Pop) with a handy pocket, and it looks open long edge, then draw a line pieces RS together and pin along
Q 50cm (19 ") plain pretty darn good, too. from this mark to the bottom right the two shorter edges, as shown.
cotton canvas in pink Plus, when we do all get back to corner – the folded edge. Cut Sew using a 1.5cm (5/8") seam
(ours was from www. those IRL classes, the crossbody along the marked line to create a allowance, leaving the long top
minerva.com) strap means you can just chuck it triangle, then repeat with the edge open, then trim the corners
Q Plastic snaps over your shoulder and go – no second 23 x 14cm (91/8 x 5 ") piece. and turn through to the RS. Press,
Q Plastic snap rooting around in a cupboard or These will be the pocket flaps. topstitch along the sewn edges,
fastener tool faffing with re-rolling your mat. 03 On the 23 x 23cm (91/8 x 91/8") then pin and zig zag stitch the
Sewing can be just as mindful as plain fabric square, press one open raw edges.
a good yoga session – simply cut edge to the WS by 1cm (3/8"), then 07 Pin the pocket flap to the main

out all your pieces first, then pin again by 1cm (3/8"), creating a hem bag piece, aligning the bottom of
well and take it slow when stitching – this will be the top of the pocket. the zig zag edge with the hem of
any curves. Use a 1cm (3/8") seam Pin the hem in place. the pocket and matching the
allowance throughout unless 04 Sew along the hem as close to edges. Pin, then sew just above the
otherwise stated. the folded edge as possible. Next, zig zag stitching. Fold the pocket
sew the remaining three sides flap down over the pocket and
01 For a standard-sized yoga mat, using large zig zag stitch to help press in place, then open it up.
cut a 66 x 75cm (26 x 29 ") piece prevent the fabric fraying. Press 08 Attach one half of the snap

of patterned fabric. If the mat is the three zig zagged edges to the fastening to the WS of the pocket
wider than 61cm (24"), cut the WS by 1cm (3/8"). flap, roughly 3cm (1 ") down from
fabric longer than 75cm (29 ") to 05 Fold the 66 x 75cm (26 x 29 ") the point, following the
allow for the extra width. Next, cut patterned fabric piece in half along manufacturer’s instructions. Fold
a 20cm (77/8") diameter circle from the width, aligning the long raw the pocket flap back down and
the patterned fabric – we used an edges. Press the centre crease by mark the point where the other half
embroidery hoop as a guide. Cut a hand, then open the fabric out of the snap fastening needs to sit.
23 x 23cm (91/8 x 91/8") square from right side (RS) up. Pin the pocket on Attach it to the outside of the
the plain fabric, then cut two 23 x top, roughly 10cm (4") down from pocket where marked, going
14cm (91/8 x 5 ") pieces. the top short edge, and with the through the pocket fabric only.

38 MOLLIE MAKES
 04 05 06

11 12 13

09 Fold the main bag piece in half Fold the long edges towards the
along the width with RS together, centre crease, WS together, and
MEET THE MAKER SOPHIA PALMER
aligning the long raw edges. Pin press, then fold the fabric in half Sophia is a designer,
along the open long edges, sew to along the length, hiding the raw dressmaker and sewing
create a tube, then finish the seam edges. Fold the short edges to the teacher from Dorset and
with zig zag stitch. Next, pin the WS, then pin and sew along both runs her own sewing
20cm (77/8") circle piece to one end long edges. Attach a safety pin to school. It’s a fun space
for kids and adults to
of the bag, RS together, and one end of the drawstring and
learn in, and she and
adjusting the fabric as you go to thread it through the channel at
her tutors teach a huge
neatly align the raw edges. Sew the top of the bag. variety of crafty skills.
carefully, going slowly to keep the 12 For the strap, cut a 100 x 10cm
Keep up with them on
circular shape, then finish the seam (393/8 x 4") piece of patterned Insta @sew__jessalli.
using zig zag stitch. fabric. Fold in half along the length www.jessalli.com
10 Zig zag stitch the raw edge at with WS together, press, then open
the top end of the bag, then fold to out. Fold the long edges to the WS
the WS by 3cm (1 "). Press, then by 1.5cm, (5/8") then fold the fabric
fold to the WS by 3cm (1 ") again in half again along the centre
to create a hem. Pin in place, then crease, WS together. Pin and sew
fold the hem to the RS. Mark where along both long edges, then zig
the top and bottom of the hem sit zag stitch the short ends.
along the side seam using two 13 Fold one end of the strap to one

pins, then remove the pins in the side by 1.5cm (5/8"), then pin this
hem around this area. Unpick the side to the top of the bag, just
side seam between the two marker below the drawstring channel. Sew
pins to create a gap for the in place with a rectangle, then sew
drawstring, then fold the hem back a cross through the middle to
and sew around it, as close to the secure it, as shown. Fold and pin
folded edge as possible. the other end of the strap to the
11 To make the drawstring, cut a bottom of the bag in the same way,
120 x 6cm (47 x 23/8") piece of making sure the strap isn’t twisted.
patterned fabric. Fold the fabric in Roll the bag down so the sewing
half along the length with WS machine can reach, then sew in
together, press, then open it out. place as before to finish.

MOLLIE MAKES 39
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 shell
collectoR
Add texture and softness to your sofa with
Lucy Davidson’s needle punch pillow

MOLLIE MAKES 41
 02 02 04

08 09 09

HOW TO MAKE A NEEDLE PUNCHED SHELL CUSHION

MATERIALS Missing summer days? Bring the stretch easily over the frame. Lay The easiest way to do this is to tape
Q Monk’s cloth, 60 x 70cm seaside into your home with this the fabric out on a hard surface, the template to a window, then
(23 x 27 ") peachy dream of a pillow, then centre the frame on top. hold up the frame and copy it on.
Q Large wooden frame, complete with pearlescent detail – 02 On one side, fold the edge of Alternatively, trace the design onto
50 x 60cm (19 x 23 ") glittery yarn isn’t just for Christmas, the fabric towards the frame by the reverse of the fabric, flip the
Q Rico Fashion Linen Swell you know. Scalloped homewares half, then fold it again, this time frame, then copy it onto the front.
Aran, 80% cotton/20% are huge right now, so this tactile over the side of the frame – this 06 Thread the punch needle with a

linen, 50g/110m, in cushion is peak trend, as well as prevents fraying. Hold the fabric length of Yarn A doubled, leaving a
Salmon (004) (Yarn A) super-squishy and touchable. in place, then push a drawing pin 10cm (4") tail at the tip of the
Q Glitter 4 ply Metallic We love the soft pink shades through the fabric and into the needle. Set the loop height to 5 by
Yarn, 80% viscose/20% Lucy’s chosen, but feel free to swap wood at the centre of the frame twisting the handle of the needle,
Lurex, 50g/200m per out the yarns for similar-weight edge. Once the centre point is then pushing or pulling the metal
cone, in Coral (8F1) versions from your own stash. And, secure, add pins at either side, shaft until the spring inside the
(Yarn B) if you don’t have a wooden frame, working out towards the edge. handle snaps into the fifth notch.
Q Wendy Purity yarn, use an old picture frame instead. 03 Repeat Step 2 on the opposite The loop heights range from 1, the
70% cotton/30% Just a note – the step images side, firmly pulling the fabric to smallest, to 6, the longest.
Merino wool, 50g/ above do show you how to prepare keep it as taut as possible, then 07 In needle punch, there are two

100m per ball, in the frame and needle punch the repeat until all four edges are types of stitches – flat stitch and
Breeze (5165) (Yarn C) shapes, but they don’t actually folded over and secure. loop stitch. The flat stitch is created
Q Peach cotton fabric, feature the cushion itself. 04 To secure the corners, pinch the by working on the right side (RS) of
40 x 44cm (15 x 17 ") overlapping fabric together and the fabric, making a loop stitch on
Q Adjustable punch 01 First, prepare the frame. The fold it to one side, as shown. Trim the wrong side (WS). This piece is
needle cushion measures 36 x 40cm (141/8 x away the excess, then fold the made from loop stitches, so you’ll
Q Erasable fabric marker 15 "), so you can use any size fabric in on itself. Fold again to work on the RS of the fabric, but
Q Sewing needle frame, as long as there’s enough hide the cut edge and create a use the WS as the cushion front.
Q Matching sewing thread space in the centre. There should straight edge, then pin in place. 08 To start punching, place the tip

Q Drawing pins be 15-20cm (6-77/8") of extra fabric 05 Using the template on page 82, of the needle onto the fabric along
Q Soft toy stuffing around the design, and it should trace the design onto the fabric. one of the shell outlines, with the

42 MOLLIE MAKES
 04 06 08

09 09 09

needle opening facing in the

direction you’ll be punching. Push
Step 6. Fill in the rest of the shell
shapes in each section as per Steps
PUNCH NEEDLE EMBROIDERY
the needle down until the handle 8-9, using the template on page 82 This project was
meets the fabric, making sure the as a guide to placement. taken from Punch
10cm (4") yarn tail is still in place. 12 Once the design is complete, Needle Embroidery
09 Bring the needle back up, just turn the frame to the WS and trim For Beginners by Lucy
enough to touch the top of the any yarn tails to the same height as Davidson (Search Press,
NNGF YKVJ VCEVKNG
fabric. Skim the needle across the the loops. Remove all the drawing
makes for your home,
fabric by about 0.5cm ( "), then pins from the reverse of the frame
RNWU CFXKEG CPF VKRU VQ
punch down again. Repeat Steps and take off the monk’s cloth. Trim JGNR [QW OCUVGT VJG ETCHV
8-9 along the outline, then once the fabric around the needle www.searchpress.com
the outline is complete, begin a punch, leaving a 2cm ( ") border.
new row within it. Continue all the 13 Cut the backing fabric to the

way around the shape, then same shape and size as the monk’s
repeat to work smaller and smaller cloth, then pin the fabrics RS
outlines inside each other until the together, aligning the edges. Sew
whole shape has been filled. around the outside of the shell, as
10 To change colour or switch to a close to the needle punch as
new length of yarn, push the possible, leaving a 10cm (4") gap
needle down until the wooden along one straight edge. Turn the
handle meets the fabric. Cut the shell RS out through the gap.
yarn at the tip of the needle, hold 14 Fill the pillow with the stuffing

onto the yarn tail, then carefully until it’s nice and plump, then
pull up the needle, leaving the yarn neatly hand-stitch the gap closed
tail on the WS of the fabric. using matching sewing thread.
11 Thread the needle with one Carefully trim any loose or larger
length each of Yarn B and Yarn C, yarn loops to finish, so they’re all
then set the loop height to 3 as per consistent and neat.

MOLLIE MAKES 43
 VISUAL ARTIST ALINA TANG
SHARES HOW BECOMING
HER OWN BOSS GAVE HER
THE FREEDOM TO FOLLOW
THOSE CREATIVE GOALS

A
lina Tang, or Lina, as she’s more
commonly known, grew up in a
sunny, quiet suburb of Perth in
Western Australia. She describes
it as a beautiful place with lots of
trees and beaches, which sounds idyllic,
but Lina had always felt a desire to travel
further afield. So, in the summer of 2018,
she moved to the Netherlands.
It turned out to be the start of a new
adventure which saw Lina spending two
years with her partner Bobo working on
residency projects, and freelancing in
places like Lapua in Finland, Los Angeles,
and Jiali in Taiwan. But, printmaker,
ilustrator and ceramicist Lina decided to
settle in Amsterdam in 2020 to establish a
place she could call her own: pansy.
“I received the keys for the space in
March 2020 and it’s been quite the
journey from there,” laughes Lina. “The
ideas have been brewing for many years
and stem from a desire of wanting to
share what I care most about in the world
– beautiful colours, handmade objects,
the creative and handmade processes –
with a community.”
Celebrating work from fellow makers
alongside her own is hugely important to
Lina, and we talk collaboration, creative
inspiration, and how she came to make
MEET THE this idyllic space her own.

MAKER Tell us about pansy. It’s part shop,

studio and creative workshop space, and

MAKING
home to small events and exhibitions.

Where did the idea to start pansy

HANDMADE come from? It’s built on a foundation

from a business I used to run in Australia
called Beau Est Mien with a small group

DREAMS of creatives. It gave me an incredible

understanding of working in a team,
building projects together, managing sta

HAPPEN WITH and organising and facilitating workshops.

I loved working with my best friends, but
it’s long been my dream to build my very

ALINA TANG own space from the ground up, with my

own vision and intentions.

What do you love about what you do?

Words: IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI
Photographs: ALINA KRASIEVA To be honest, I love to be the boss. And I
don’t mean that in the traditional sense,
where I like to feel power or order people

44 MOLLIE MAKES
Alina’s welcoming store
and workshop space,
pansy, is always filled
with greenery: “People
in Amsterdam are
pretty plant-obsessed!”

MOLLIE MAKES 45
 MEET THE MAKER

around. I mean in the sense that I have

the creative freedom to make decisions,
to concentrate on my vision, and to build
something I can share with positive, like-
minded people. I love that I can work with
my hands, that I can build a world of my
own, and that I can share what I love.

Describe your brand aesthetic. In a

nutshell, pansy is a bouquet of sweetness,
friendliness, and cheerfulness. The
aesthetic is unapologetically feminine,
often described as girly, childlike or naive.
But anyone who knows me knows I take
everything I do seriously, and it’s always
done with intention and attention. And I
don’t think those things cancel each other
out. You can be a successful business
owner, a badass, know your stu , and
still be full of childlike joy, enthusiasm
and wonder. I always describe pansy as a
physical extension of myself – it’s a space
and a shop that shows all the beautiful
things I love and care about.

Was it hard to find the right space for

the business? The story with the space
is very much ‘right time, right place,
right people’ – it’s a weird and wonderful
layout with an upstairs level for the shop,
and a studio space downstairs. It’s small
enough that I can manage it on my own,
and there’s a huge window that lets in the
beautiful afternoon sunshine. I knew the
first time I visited there was something
special about the space. It’s centred in
a beautiful historical street that’s home
to many wonderful independent shops,
cafes and artist studios. There’s a wa e
restaurant, vintage clothing stores, a shell
01
museum, and so much more.
02

How do you want the store to make

people feel? I try my hardest to make 01 Flowers and cute Curtin University
sure every person who comes to pansy smiley faces are in Perth.
feels seen and loved, even if it’s in a small some of Alina’s 04 pansy sits on a
way. It’s in my personality to be friendly favourite motifs. creative, vibrant
and sweet with people, and I think that 02 Lockdown has street in a beautiful
translates well into being a shopkeeper, been spent catching part of Amsterdam.
being able to make a cheerful di erence up on creative work 05 “The ceramic
in someone’s day, even briefly. With the and designing new workshops where
workshops, I hope I can inspire agency products for pansy. people can build
and creativity in people, whether they’re 03 Alina originally a pot for their
feeling burnt out and exhausted, or just studied Fine Art plant have been
curious about trying something new and and Design at especially popular.”
working with their hands.

Do you come from a creative

background? I really adore my parents’
creativity. My parents are both refugees
who fled Vietnam during the 1970s and

46 MOLLIE MAKES
 04

03

05

“You can be a successful

business owner, know
your stuff, and still be
full of childlike joy.”
built a new life in Australia, running their
own deli, supermarket, and Vietnamese
restaurant. My mum’s shrines are set
up with a lot of care and attention to
symmetry, colour and detail – traits I
see in my own practice. When she wants
to practise her English, she’ll send me
funny short stories about our family dogs,
Jett and Ellie. I think these reflect my
creativity and how I see the world, seeing
personality and humour in animals,
and in my case inanimate objects too.
My dad’s devotion to spirituality and
community are things I’m passionate
about in my own way.

Is it hard balancing your creativity

with running the business? I think
most creatives struggle with running
a business as it isn’t an easy thing. It
involves a lot of brain squeezing, emails,
administration, numbers and taxes. All
things I can confidently say I don’t enjoy
or like doing. But the way I cheer myself

MOLLIE MAKES 47
 MEET THE MAKER

01

02

up is by bringing joy into those tasks – I

recently bought the most ridiculous
“I love transforming a
chunky pink keyboard and matching pink space into my own little
mouse, so it’d motivate me to write and world, whether that be
respond to my emails a lot quicker.
an apartment or a shop.”
When do you feel most inspired?
I always feel creative when I talk to big di erence is that at home I do tend to
other people doing interesting things. I relax more and be less tidy.
always believe creativity and art aren’t
just manifested and shown in studios or Now you have pansy, do you have any
galleries - we’re expressing and cultivating goals for it? I want to see pansy rooted
it through our everyday lives in what we in the community as a safe and colourful
wear, what we listen to, what we find space for locals and visitors alike through
01 pansy is all about 02 Alina crafts and interesting, joyful and inspiring, and in more exhibitions, artist talks, collaborative
cute things for nice paints these curvy the people we love. Work-wise, I’m a late workshops, and community care events.
people, and this wall vases in her owl and love coming home after a day at In response to our partial lockdown here
bright, modern studio space, then pansy, sitting down with my boyfriend in the Netherlands I’ve reset opening
store shows off their sells them upstairs Bobo, and knuckling down on drawings, hours to put a little less pressure on
wares beautifully. on the shop floor. new projects, or talking through ideas. running the shop, allowing myself more
time in the studio. I try to stay very aware
Are there similarities between your and conscious of my time, energy, and
studio and your home? I consider both commitments, making sure I allow myself
of them my home, so naturally there are a lot of time to create. And, I know in the
many. I love transforming a space into future I’ll have to invest in a helper to
my own little world, whether that be an keep this juggle in a little bit of balance.
apartment, a studio or a shop. I try to
create a colourful, friendly and relaxing Finally, what advice would you give
space in both. I’ve noticed I pay a lot of your younger self? Be brave, put your
attention to my senses, and create spaces work out to the world, talk to strangers,
that not only appeal to my eyes, but also and reach out to people who inspire you.
to my nose (I love nice smells), my ears
(I have music, podcasts, or my favourite
Shop Alina’s colourful, joy-filled prints, ceramics
TV shows in the background), and my and original artworks at www.pansy-shop.com or
hands and body (with pu y pillows, soft drop in and say hi in real life. You can also follow
toys, comfy chairs and squidgy clay). A pansy’s adventures on Instagram @helloitspansy.

48 MOLLIE MAKES
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50 MOLLIE MAKES
Big love
Find your new craft crush with Xanthe Grundy’s
patchwork and appliqué heart quilt
MOLLIE MAKES 51
 02 03 04

08 09 10

HOW TO MAKE A PATCHWORK QUILT

MATERIALS We’re sharing the love with you sides (RS) together, then sew the
Q 50cm (20") Robert Q Long quilting ruler this Valentines – our love of adjoining edge. Open out the
Kaufman Kona Cotton Q Walking foot quilting, that is. Forgo soppy and squares, then sew the third square
Solids in Ice Peach Q Matching sewing thread pass on the feels by making this in the top row onto the opposite
(Fabric 1) and Petunia Q Masking tape retro-vibes quilt for a Valentine or side of the second square in the
(Fabric 6) Palentine instead, using beginner- same way. Repeat to join all the
Q One fat quarter of friendly patchwork skills. squares in the top row.
Robert Kaufman Kona There’s no tricky piecing in this 03 Repeat Step 2 to join the

Cotton Solids each in project – just sewing together squares in the remaining rows, then
Peach (Fabric 2) and simple squares, then adding press the seams open on each
Creamsicle (Fabric 3) appliqué heart shapes. So, if you’ve block. For the odd rows, press the
Q One fat eighth of always fancied giving this mindful seams to the right, and for the even
Robert Kaufman Kona craft a try, here’s your chance. rows, press the seams to the left –
Cotton Solids in Take it slow when quilting the this will ensure the seams nest
Mango (Fabric 5) layers together, but don’t worry too together neatly in the next step.
Q 75cm (7/8 yrd) Robert much if the quilt seams don’t line 04 Place Row 1 and Row 2 RS

Kaufman Kona Cotton up – perfection is overrated. And, together, matching the first squares
Solids in Cantaloupe use a 0.5cm ( ") seam allowance in each row. Align the short ends
(Fabric 4) throughout, unless stated. and pin, then align the seams along
Q 1.25m (1 yrds) the long edge and pin. Sew the
light-weight fusible 01 Press the fabrics, then cut 50 10 adjoining long edge, open out the
webbing x 10cm (4 x 4") squares from Fabric rows, then sew Row 3 onto the
Q 1.1 x 1.3m (42 x 50") 1. Cut 22 10 x 10cm (4 x 4") squares bottom long edge of Row 2 as
wadding from Fabric 2, 21 10 x 10cm (4 x 4") before. Repeat to join all 12 rows,
Q 1.2 x 1.4m (46 x 54") squares from Fabric 3, and 18 10 x then press the seams to one side.
cotton fabric (Fabric 7) 10cm (4 x 4") squares from Fabric 4. 05 Using the template on page 82,

Q Spray starch Finally, cut 9 10 x 10cm (4 x 4") mark out five heart shapes on the
Q Rotary cutter squares from Fabric 5. paper side of the fusible webbing.
02 Lay out the fabric squares as per Cut out each shape, leaving a small
the colour placement guide on border around the marked line.
page 82. Take the first two squares 06 Lay out Fabric 6 wrong side (WS)

in the top row and place them right up, then place the heart shapes on

52 MOLLIE MAKES
 05 06

11 12

top, paper side up. Press each one 10 Cut five 6cm (2 ") x length of
MEET THE MAKER XANTHE GRUNDY
in place for 10 seconds to fuse the fabric strips from Fabric 4. Place
webbing to the fabric, then cut out the short ends of two strips RS Xanthe designs quilt
each heart shape along the marked together at a 90° angle, then sew and sewing patterns
lines. Peel off the backing paper. diagonally across the corner, as inspired by mid-century
07 With the quilt top RS up, and
modern design and the
shown. Trim the excess fabric at the
nostalgia of hand-crafts.
referring to the layout guide on corner and press the seams to one
She lives on the Gold
page 82, position the first heart side, then repeat to join the Coast of Queensland,
shape in place, coated side down remaining strips. Fold the long Australia with her
(previously the paper side). Press binding strip in half along the husband and kids, and
with a warm iron for 10 seconds, length, WS together, then press. you can follow her on
then zigzag stitch around the 11 Pin the binding along one long Instagram @wifemade.
outside of the heart to appliqué it. edge of the quilt front, roughly www.wife-made.com
Repeat with the remaining hearts. 30cm (117/8") in from one corner,
08 Lay out Fabric 7 RS down, aligning the long raw edges of the
taping it to the surface underneath binding with the quilt edge. Start
so it’s taut. Lay the wadding on sewing 8cm (3") in from the short
top, centred and flat, then layer on end of the binding, and stop 0.5cm
the quilt top RS up, smoothing it ( ") from the first corner. Fold the
out neatly. Pin all three layers binding up and to the right, then
together across the whole of the back to the left in line with the
quilt sandwich, with the pins next quilt edge. Pin in place, then
roughly a hand’s breadth apart. repeat along the remaining edges,
09 Using the walking foot, sew the stopping 20cm (8") from the start
quilt layers together with straight of the binding.
lines across the width and length. 12 Fold the short edge at the start

We quilted ours with lines just of the binding to the WS to hide

inside of each square, as shown, the raw edge. Trim the end of the
but you could sew along each seam binding so it sits inside the start of
if preferred. Trim off any excess the binding with a 1cm ( ")
wadding and backing fabric, overlap, then sew. Fold the binding
squaring them with the quilt top. to the quilt back, then sew in place.

MOLLIE MAKES 53
 GET
THE LOOK
CURVES AND
SWERVES
If staring at the same four walls
is getting a bit much, take the
edge off things with this calming
aesthetic. Think soft, undulating
waves, gently rounded corners,
and calming circular shapes in
soothing pastel hues.

01 02

01 Better days are on 02 This beautifully 03 Sometimes it’s the 04 The Plump Vase is 05 What is it about

the horizon, so remind crafted Oude Lamp is little things that make a not only pleasing to round cushions that’s
yourself of that with this described as ’quietly difference, like not say, it’s pretty pleasing just so darn appealing?
window into a peachy opulent’, which also eating dinner on your on the eye, too. Those No offence to those
dream world. Helina feels like a life goal. lap. Shop these rippling rolls of frosted squares out there, but
Bassey’s Boho Desert Part of AAKS’ Weaving handwoven raffia glass had us hitting an angle-free accessory
Landscape feels warm for Change collection, placemats and start a ‘add to bag’ the very always looks more
and peaceful – the creating employment new weekend ritual, second payday came inviting on the sofa,
only kind of art we for refugee artisans in setting the table with around, and we highly especially when it’s
need in our lives right Burkina Faso, buying it care. Even takeaway’ll recommend getting in clad in the softest
now. www.helina is an all-round win. feel fancy. www. on the action. www. velvet. www.noths.
illustration.etsy.com www.aaksonline.com ourlovelygoods.com thehappyblossoms.com com/poppyandhonesty

54 MOLLIE MAKES
 Living
01

03

BRAND FOCUS
salt studios
Started as a part-time side
hustle to support founder
Francesca Pappacoda’s
painting practise, this slick
biz didn’t take long to grow.
04 Salt Studios craft jesmonite
homewares and jewellery
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDA ROSETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

in a range of finishes, from

marbled trays to terrazzo
plant pots, but it’s those
waves-for-days mirrors we
can’t resist. Choose from
lilac, mint, chunky chip – or
just scoop them all up.
07 www.saltstudios.co.uk

02

06

05

03

BOOKMARK
06 Shopping a whole

new sofa seems like a

07 Sculptural candles

are so hot right now,

Kristina Dam Studio
Architectural design is Kristina
bit of an indulgence, and these Lex Pott 01 Francesca makes all her
Dam’s bag, and it shows in every
but one teeny weeny twisted versions hit colourful products at her
carefully thought-out clean line of
seat is acceptable. This just the right note her furniture and accessories. Each South-East London studio.
La Folie Armchair is between subtle and piece created by Kristina Dam 02 These wavy handmade
pure Moulin Rouge statement. And with Studio originates from Kristina’s mirrors come in a range of
vibes – less for relaxing evenings in pretty passion for merging art and interior sizes, shapes and finishes.
in, and more for much standard these design. From prints and vases to 03 Learn the art of jesmonite
draping yourself over. days, your home coat racks and storage, every item casting with Salt Studios’
www.marieburgos deserves a glow up. is a thing of Bauhaus-esque beauty. beginner-friendly workshops.
designthestore.com www.kinhome.co www.kristinadam.dk

MOLLIE MAKES 55
Advertisement feature

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56 MOLLIE
MOLLIEMAKES.COM
MAKES
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 Making
HAND-PICKED PROJECTS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Showing friends and loved ones

you care will look a bit different
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out any way you can. These
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MERRILEE LIDDIARD

MOLLIE MAKES 65
 COLOUR
THERAPYBring statement brights into your wardrobe
with Mil Smith’s knitted hat

66 MOLLIE MAKES
 PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE; MODEL: BECCA D

MOLLIE MAKES 67
HOW TO MAKE A KNITTED HAT

MATERIALS Fancy jazzing up your wardrobe sts on the right needle so the floats
Q Lang Yarns Merino 120 WS wrong side without having to hit the high aren’t too tight – otherwise, the
DK, 100% superwash yo yarn over street? Then it’s time to whip out knitting will be puckered.
Merino wool, 50g/120m your knitting needles. This is the To bring in a new colour, bring the
per ball, one ball each in SPECIAL beanie to top all beanies, featuring new yarn to the front, leaving a
Grape (446) (Yarn A), ABBREVIATIONS all the textures and shapes, plus a long tail as per the start of the row,
Dark Teal (272) (Yarn B), B bobble stitch, worked as cool 80s-vibes colour palette. and begin knitting.
Sunflower (149) (Yarn C), follows: The multi-coloured pattern is A chart is provided for the Fair Isle
Pumpkin (159) (Yarn D) Row 1 (RS) knit one stitch created using Fair Isle – if you’ve pattern on page 82.
and Grey Teal (123) into the next stitch, do not never tried colourwork before, it’s a
(Yarn E) remove the stitch from the great small-scale place to begin. Reading the Fair Isle chart
Q 3.75mm (UK 9, US 5) needle. Working into the Read the instructions below before Each square on the chart represents
knitting needles same stitch, yo, k1, yo, k1, getting started to familiarise 1 st. Read the chart from right to
Q 4mm (UK 8, US 6) slip st off left needle (5 yourself with the technique, and left for the RS, and from left to right
knitting needles stitches), turn work turn to page 82 for the chart. for the WS. All sts on the right side
Q Cardboard Row 2 working into the are knit sts with the exception of
Q Yarn needle back of the 5 stitches you Instructions the bobbles which are shown as B
have just created, sl1, p4, This pattern is knitted flat using the (see Special Abbreviations). All sts
TENSION turn Fair Isle technique and worked on the wrong side are purl sts.
Approx. 22 sts and 26 Row 3 sl1, k4, turn from the bottom up, starting with A maximum of two colours are
rows to 10cm (4") square Row 4 p2tog, p2tog, p1 (3 the rib, then knitting straight for used on any row. When a colour
over main body of hat on stitches remaining), turn the main body of the hat, finishing doesn’t appear on the chart, it’s
4mm needles. Tension Row 5 slip 2 stitches over with decreases for the crown. being floated behind the work.
must be kept uniform so the 1 remaining stitch, pull The knitted piece is then sewn When a colour is finished with and
the hat stretches evenly tight to gather bobble together using the cut-off ends for it’s not used in the next row of the
when worn a neat finish on the inside, and a chart, cut the yarn, leaving a tail of
FINISHED SIZE pom pom is sewn on top. approx. 10cm (4").
ABBREVIATIONS (UK) Approx. 20 x 21cm (77/8 x Once the rows start decreasing at
st(s) stitch(es) 8 ") (excluding pom pom) Working Fair Isle the crown, follow the written
k knit The Fair Isle pattern is created by pattern for the decreases as well as
p purl using two or more yarn colours per the chart for the colours.
sl slip row, floating unused yarns across
k2tog knit 2 together the WS of the work, and bringing Brim
p2tog purl 2 together them in when needed. Each time Using 3.75mm needles and Yarn A,
RS right side the yarn is floated, stretch out the cast on 110 sts leaving a yarn tail of

68 MOLLIE MAKES
roughly 30cm (117/8") k2tog, k14, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, down to the top of the rib. MEET THE MAKER
Row 1 (k2, p2) repeated to end of k1, k2tog, k8 [78 sts] Finish the seam with a small knot
row Next row p and weave the yarn tail into the hat.
MIL SMITH
Row 2 (p2, k2) repeated to end of Next row k7, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, Turn the hat RS out, then use
row k2tog, k12, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, mattress stitch and the cast-on yarn
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 a further 12 k1, k2tog, k7 [70 sts] tail to join the rib brim. Tie a small
times, then repeat Row 1 again (27 Next row p knot, then weave the tail into the
rows in total) Next row k6, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, inside of the hat.
k2tog, k10, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, Weave in any yarn ends on the WS
Main body k1, k2tog, k6 [62 sts] of the hat.
Change to 4mm needles Next row p5, sl1, p1, p2tog, (k1,
Starting with a knit row, follow the p2tog, p8, sl1, p1, p2tog) 3 times, For the pom pom
rst 28 rows of the chart on page 82. p1, p2tog, k5 [54 sts] Cut two 8cm ( x 31/8") diameter
At the end of the rst 28 rows the Next row k4, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, pieces of cardboard, then cut a Mil is a fashion and
main body should be roughly k2tog, k6, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, k1, 2.5cm (1") hole in the centre of textiles designer based
10cm (4") long k2tog, k4 [46 sts] each. Holding the two pieces in Montreal, Canada,
Next row p3, sl1, p1, p2tog, (k1, together, weave Yarn E around the but was raised in
Sydney, Australia, in
Crown decreasing p2tog, p4, sl1, p1, p2tog) 3 times, doughnut shape, passing it through
a family of sewists,
Continue to follow the colours in the p1, p2tog, k3 [38 sts] the centre hole and spreading the
crocheters and knitters.
chart while decreasing as follows: Next row k2, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, yarn out evenly. Mil developed a love
Next row (WS) p9, p2tog, (p11, k2tog, k2, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, k1, Once the centre hole is full, use for colour and design
p2tog) 7 times, p8 [102 sts] k2tog, k2 [30 sts] the tip of a pair of scissors to nd at an early age, which
Next row k10, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, Next row p1, sl1, p1, p2tog, (k1, the outer groove between the led her to develop her
k2tog, k18, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, p2tog, sl1, p1, p2tog) 3 times, p1, two cardboard pieces, then snip QYP LQ[ NNGF MPKVYGCT
k1, k2tog, k10 [94 sts] p2tog, k1 [22 sts] the yarn between the cardboard. label, Mil Smith.
Next row p Cut a length of Yarn E and thread www.milkatesmith.com
Next row k Finishing it between the two pieces of
Next row p Using the yarn needle, thread the cardboard, around the cut yarn, and
Next row k9, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, remaining stitches onto the knitting tie tightly in a knot. Knot again to
k2tog, k16, sl1, k1, k2tog) 3 times, needle and pull them taut. secure the cut lengths of yarn.
k1, k2tog, k9 [86 sts] Turn the knitted piece WS out and Pull away the pieces of cardboard,
Next row p align the edges, matching the then uff out the pom pom. Trim
Next row k pattern across the seam. Using to neaten using a smaller pair of
Next row p mattress stitch and the cut-off yarn scissors, then sew the pom pom to
Next row k8, sl1, k1, k2tog, (k1, ends, sew the edges from the crown the top of the hat to nish.

MOLLIE MAKES 69
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Streets of Provence
Travel to the French countryside with Charles Henry and
Elin Petronella’s dreamy embroidered scene

MOLLIE MAKES 73
 02 03

HOW TO MAKE EMBROIDERED WALL ART

MATERIALS Whisk yourself away to South- 02 Lay the fabric over the inner stem, as shown. On the upper
Q Embroidery hoop, East France via this painterly embroidery hoop, positioning the branches, leave a little bit of space
20cm (8") project with a difference. design centrally. Place the outer between the leaves to give the
Q Cotton fabric Using sketch-style and textured hoop on top, then tighten the owers room to come through.
Q DMC Stranded Cotton embroidery, Charles and Elin’s screw, adjusting the fabric to keep 04 For the greenery on the ground,

in 890 (deep forest lifelike snapshot of an idyllic terrace it as taut as possible. Using one either side of the chairs, work the
green), 90 (variegated is both crafting and holiday goals. strand of DMC 310 and backstitch, stems as per Step 3, this time
yellow), 51 (variegated Filled with tactile owers and and the guide on page 82, stitch using two strands of DMC 904 and
burnt orange), 3348 greenery, we’re thinking of it as a the contour work of the terrace. stitching the leaves closer together.
(light yellow green), 26 visualisation of things to come – a It’s always a good idea to start at While the upper branches should
(pale lavender), 318 pre-postcard to ourselves, ready for the back, beginning with what’s have a little more space between
(light steel grey), 552 future travels. New to embroidery? furthest away from your viewpoint. the leaves for the owers, on the
(medium violet), 310 Turn to page 82 for a handy guide So, start with the veranda door, lower greenery the leaves are the
(black), 900 (saffron to each of the stitch techniques. then add the chairs, table and oor. sole focus, so they can sit nearer
orange) and 904 By stitching the terrace rst, you to each other. Don’t be afraid to
(avocado green) 01 Using the template on page naturally create more space in the overlap the leaves either, as it
Q Embroidery needle 82 and a pencil or erasable fabric design, making it easier to add makes it look even more natural –
marker, trace the outline of the the greenery and owers on top use the main image as a guide to
design onto the centre of the of the black lines indicated in the placement. Under the greenery on
fabric, leaving out the owers and background (the door), midground the right-hand side of the design,
the pattern on the tablecloth. The (the chairs and table) and the add in a few lines using vertical
easiest way to do this is to tape the foreground (the greenery). split stitch and three strands of
template to a window or similar 03 Next, embroider the stems of DMC 310, again, referring to the
light source, then hold the fabric the hanging owers using two main image as a guide.
over it. Drawing in just the stems strands of DMC 890 and backstitch. 05 Work the hanging owers using

of the plants on the ground and Once the stems are complete, use all six strands of thread and French
the branches of the tree makes the these as the baseline from which knots. Architectural details require
natural placement of the owers the leaves grow. Stitch the leaves fewer strands to achieve a ne
and leaves easier, and allows for a by embroidering two straight line, but these impressive owers
more creative freehand element. stitches in a V shape out from the need some volume. Place the knots

74 MOLLIE MAKES
 05 08

in between the leaves stitched in 07 Embroider the plant pot using

Step 3, and use a combination of two strands of DMC 310 and

MINDFUL EMBROIDERY
DMC 90 and DMC 51, letting the horizontal satin stitch for the black This project was
taken from Mindful
thread’s natural colour variation do area, then two strands of DMC
Embroidery by
its job. Since these threads vary 318 and vertical split stitches for
Charles Henry and Elin
in nuances of light yellow to dark the gray area. For the tiny coffee Petronella (Page Street
red, you can feel completely free cup, use one strand of DMC 552. Publishing, £17.99),
in the placement, and don’t have Start with vertical satin stitches on NNGF YKVJ 'WTQRGCP
to consider whether to follow a the cup, make horizontal straight scenescapes inspired
pattern. If you nd it easier to work stitches for the small plate, then by some of Charles
branch by branch then do so, but follow the shape of the cup’s handle and Elin’s favourite
if you nd it more fun to work in with tiny backstitches. places. www.page
condensed areas, jumping between 08 Finally, embroider the orals
streetpublishing.com
rows, do your thing. You may want in the pot. Start by adding
to consider spacing out the owers backstitched lines using one
further down the branch, as usually strand of DMC 26 for the stems
happens in nature. and leaves. Next, add mini French
06 Next, stitch the setting on knots using one strand of DMC 26
the table in steps. First, work the in vertical rows around every other
tablecloth in one strand of DMC stem to create the tiny clusters
900 and backstitch. Begin with of lavender owers. Don’t worry
the vertical lines, then overlap about leaving space for the owers
them with the horizontal ones. If when stitching the stems and
you look at the shapes of the lines leaves, just embroider the knots
in the Step 8 image, they’re far on top of the backstitched lines.
from straight. By bending them As only a single strand of thread
along the table, you create more is being used, it’ll still be easy to
life and realism, which enhances push the needle through the fabric
the softness of the tablecloth as it without too much resistance or
hangs over the sides of the table. thread in the way.

MOLLIE MAKES 75
 76 MOLLIE MAKES
ILLUSTRATION: KARMIJN SIMONS WWW.KARMIJNSIMONS.COM
 SPACE TO CREATE
IF YOU’RE A SMALL BIZ WITH BIG DREAMS, A STUDIO AWAY FROM HOME MIGHT FEEL
MAGNIFICENT YET ELUSIVE. BUT, IT COULD BE MORE ACHIEVABLE THAN YOU THINK

Words: HELEN MARTIN Illustration: KARMIJN SIMONS

P
erhaps the vision is one of light streaming in mind”). The room itself, she says, “is still quite cold and
through huge windows, clambering spider plants on makeshift, but I love it!”
a pastel floor, fresh coffee from your personal pot The sense of separation and balance is echoed by
and a soundtrack of illuminating music and illustrator Jen Pyrah of Wren & Wilson, who creates her
podcasts. A wardrobe of Fair Isle knitwear, dungarees and colourful designs from her own light, high-ceilinged studio
office socks. As the light fades, you roll down your sleeves in Leicester. Jen moved in at the end of summer after
and nod; a good day. It’s been nearly a year of working feeling restricted at home. “I also needed to see human
from home for many of us, minds and materials fanned on beings as working from home on my own made my brain
desks, beds and sofas. For some, it’s always been this way, sad,” Jen points out. She’s since noticed significant benefits
but with that lingering blissful dream of having a dedicated to her mental health and productivity. “I’ve enjoyed having
space to create and be inspired. the routine of walking to my studio and getting the exercise
and fresh air, rather than before when I’d just roll out of
SEEK AND DISCOVER bed and go straight to my work floor.” It had always been
For North Devon artists Aluna Collective, it was pure a dream of Jen’s to have a studio and she has wise words
chance that led to their own harbourside sanctuary. Faye for those considering it. “Keep an eye out on social media
Allison of the Collective says: “As we eased out of lockdown and local news, it took me ages to find this space and I
in 2020, I saw the vacancy sign in Damien Hirst’s old only found out about it through someone sharing it on
gallery and decided, very much on a whim, to see if a Instagram.” Worried about making the leap? “Don’t think
couple of the other local artists I knew would be interested about it as a forever thing – maybe you can trial it for a few
in running a co-op space.” From there, everything moved months to see how it works out.”
swiftly. With its ideal location for footfall, separate light-
filled spaces and views out to the water, it ticks every WORKING WITH INTENTION
box and has become a true oasis. Faye describes the Monochrome illustrator and artist Laxmi Hussain has had
collective as a “beautiful sisterhood” with bouncing ideas a studio for a few years now, after deciding she needed a
and bountiful encouragement: “Being able to come into creative space. “Now my work has grown, it’s just not
an inspiring space is so productive for us all.” The work possible to work without this space dedicated to it,” she
benefits, meanwhile, have been vast. “For me personally, says. In September, after maternity leave, Laxmi moved
I’ve started working to a bigger scale and tried new into a new space she describes as “a lovely blank canvas,
methods of executing my ideas,” Faye explains. “I know the modern-looking with concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling
others have explored new subject matter, scale and colour windows, ideal for filling with my work.” Creatively, space
palettes, all within a few months of being a collective.” has been invaluable for Laxmi. “My studio definitely helps
my creative process, not having to pack anything up, giving
NEW-FOUND FREEDOM me the space to work – and to make a mess is wonderful,”
Recent additions to SmartSquid Clothing founder Sarina she laughes. “I try to do everything with intention, and so
Saddiq’s countryside studio, a semi-converted room above heading to the studio means my mind is preparing to
the garage, have included shelves for Sarina’s magazine work on my art every time I make the intention to go.” For
collection, a mini fridge, and her good friend Sophie, who Laxmi, that has a huge impact on her productivity and, in
runs small business Della Rosser. “She’s definitely the turn, “also means I actually step away from work when I
best addition,” confirms Sarina. The act of going to work leave, close the door and let myself process what I’ve been
helps Sarina separate out that part of her life: “I’m pretty working on until next time.”
rubbish at maintaining a work-life balance, but having a Whether you see yourself in a co-working space or in an
dedicated workspace does make it easier to work towards. It individual studio, there could be options for you to pull it
also means that my messy working style can be somewhat off. Think about what you need in terms of space, light and
contained to one place.” She paints a cosy picture: candle facilities. Then, start by making the decision to do it. As
burning (“usually Hazel and Blue”) and a podcast in the Faye advises: “There’s never a perfect time – just make a
background (“The Fashion Feed by Elizabeth Stiles, because phone call, an enquiry. That’s the biggest leap, then once
it always puts me in a positive and motivated frame of you fall in love with that space, you’ll make it happen.”

MOLLIE MAKES 77
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MAKE A NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE e info
SEW A COLOUR BLOCK FLEECE Turn to page 32 for mor

CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PLUS
CUTE FELT ELEPHANTS WOVEN CHAIR UPCYCLE CROSS STITCH CUSHION
CLAY CROCHET HOOKS SPRING ORIGAMI MAKES ECO KNITTED POTHOLDER

78 MOLLIE MAKES
 SIGNS OF SPRING
PHOTOGRAPHY: PHILIP SOWELS; STYLING: SARAH MALONE; MODEL: MIA M

Get a head start on nature with four cheery felt floral

makes – Bee Gibbons shows you how

MOLLIE MAKES 79
 01 02 05

11 12 13

HOW TO MAKE FOUR FELT FLOWER PROJECTS

MATERIALS Give oristry a whole new half again around the glue and the using the templates on page 82.
Q Wool felt in dark pink, meaning with these sweet felt wire, and hold in place for a few Cut fringing along one long edge
pale pink, yellow, owers. Once you’ve learnt seconds until the glue sets. of the centre, 0.5cm ( ") apart and
purple, coral and green how to craft your own blooms, it’s 03 Thread the second dahlia 0.5cm ( ") up from the bottom
Q Green floral wire simple enough to arrange them shape onto the oral wire, up edge. Next, make a small slit in
Q Glue gun into these four different makes, underneath the rst one, and glue the petal centre, then cut a small
Q Yellow felt balls, 1cm plus there’s no need to obsess over to secure it in place. triangle from the top of each petal.
(3/8") diameter a watering schedule. 04 Using the templates on page 08 Cut and glue a piece of oral

Q Wooden hoop, 15cm Pick and choose which projects 82, cut one peony centre from the wire to the primrose centre as per
(6") diameter you fancy, or make all four to start yellow felt and 10 peony petals Step 5, rolling the felt around the
Q Brooch clasp summoning those spring vibes from the coral felt. Cut lines of wire. Next, thread the primrose
Q Alligator hair clip immediately. They make for top fringing along one long edge of petal onto the wire, up underneath
gifts too, and with Mother’s Day the peony centre – these should be the centre, and glue it in place.
right around the corner, you might 0.5cm ( ") apart and stop 0.5cm 09 To make the daisy centre, cut

want to start crafting for those ( ") up from the bottom edge. a length of oral wire and roll the
special female gures in your life Next, cut small triangle shapes end into a tiny spiral. Glue this end
that deserve a treat. from the top curve of each petal. onto a felt ball, as shown.
05 Cut a length of oral wire, then 10 Using the template on page

For the posy glue one end to the corner of the 82, cut two daisy shapes from the
01 Using the template on page 82, peony centre strip, as shown. purple felt, then make a small slit in
cut two dahlia shapes from the dark Roll up the strip around the wire, the middle of each shape. Thread
pink felt. Cut down the side of adding small dots of glue as you the shapes onto the oral wire, up
each petal, making sure not to cut go to secure it in place. underneath the daisy centre, gluing
all the way through to the centre, 06 Glue the bottom of a peony each one in place.
then make a small slit in the centre petal and stick it to the ower 11 Cut 10 rose petal shapes

of both shapes. centre. Add three more petals from the light pink felt using the
02 Cut a length of oral wire. Fold evenly around the ower centre in template on page 82. Cut a length
one dahlia shape in half and place the same way, then glue the other of oral wire and place one end
a dot of glue near the centre, as six petals around the outside. at the bottom of a rose petal, as
shown, then place one end of the 07 For the primrose, cut one centre shown. Glue the wire in place, then
wire in the glue. Fold the dahlia in and one petal from the yellow felt roll the petal around the wire,

80 MOLLIE MAKES
 06 08 09

18 19 21

gluing to secure, to create the same way. Repeat Steps 15-16 to work across to the other branch, MEET THE MAKER
centre ower bud. create a second eucalyptus branch. spacing out the owers evenly.
12 Glue two more rose petals either 17 Assemble the owers and leaves
BEE GIBBONS
side of the bud, then glue a further in a posy, adjusting the heights For the hair clip
three petals around the ower. of each one to arrange them. Tie 21 Make a daisy and a primrose as

Glue the remaining four petals in the wire stems with ribbon or oral per Step 18. Cut out a small circle
between the previous petals, using tape to secure them, then trim the of green felt, then glue this to the
the image as a guide to placement. wire at the bottom to neaten. top of the alligator hair clip.
13 Cut nine leaf 1 shapes from 22 Cut three leaf 1 shapes from the

green felt using the template on For the hoop green felt using the templates on
page 82. Cut a length of oral wire, 18 Make a dahlia, a peony, a page 82. Overlap two of the leaf
then glue one end to the stem of a primrose, a daisy and a rose as per shapes slightly and glue them onto
leaf, pinching the leaf base around Steps 1-12, this time leaving out one side of the felt circle, then glue Bee creates whimsical
the wire. You may need to trim off the oral wire. Each element will the last leaf to the opposite side. HGNV QYGT JCKTENKRU
any excess glue once dry. still need to be glued as before to 23 Glue the daisy and primrose on CPF JGCFDCPFU HTQO
14 Attach a second leaf underneath secure it in place. top of the leaves to nish. JGT JQOG KP VJG +UNG
and to the side of the rst one as 19 Make two eucalyptus branches QH /CP 5JG NQXGU
per Step 14. Repeat to add the as per Steps 15-16. Attach a For the brooch QYGTU CPF PCVWTG
last leaf on the opposite side, then branch to either side of the 24 Make one dahlia and one YJKEJ KPURKTG JGT OCP[
repeat Steps 13-14 to make two wooden hoop, roughly two-thirds primrose as per Step 18. Cut out a ETGCVKQPU CPF CFQTGU
more leaf branches. of the way down, by wrapping the small circle of green felt, then glue CNN VJKPIU QTCN CPF
15 Using the templates on page 82, wire stems around it tightly. it to the back of the brooch clasp. EJKPV\[ www.thefelt
cut six leaf 2 shapes and four leaf 3 20 Using the templates on page 25 Cut four leaf 1 shapes from the meadow.etsy.com
shapes from the green felt. Cut a 82, cut six leaf 1 shapes. Attach the green felt using the templates on
length of oral wire, then glue one leaves and the owers from Step page 82. Overlap two of the leaf
end to the stem of a leaf 2 shape, 18 to the hoop by applying glue to shapes slightly and glue them onto
pinching the base around the wire. the back of each one and sticking one side of the felt circle, then
16 Attach two more leaf 2 shapes them in place, using the main repeat with the remaining leaves on
underneath the rst leaf as per image as a guide to placement. the opposite side.
Step 14, then glue two leaf 3 Start at one side of the hoop, just 26 Glue the dahlia and primrose

shapes underneath these in the below the eucalyptus branch, and on top of the leaves to nish.

MOLLIE MAKES 81
TEMPLATES
ALL THE SHAPES FOR THIS ISSUE’S MAKES. UNLESS
OTHERWISE STATED, TEMPLATES ARE SHOWN AT 100%.
FIND THE FULL-SIZE TEMPLATES READY TO DOWNLOAD
AT WWW.GATHERED.COM/MOLLIEMAKES

EMBROIDERY HOOP
By charles henry
and elin petronella STITCH GUIDE
PAGE 73

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

82 MOLLIE MAKES
 Templates
SHELL CUSHION
By Lucy davidson
PAGE 41
PHOTOCOPY AT 200%
STITCH GUIDE

loop height 5

loop height 3

loop height 3

loop height 3

loo
ph
eig t3
ht
3 eigh
h
op
lo

loo 3
ph ght
eigh loop height 3
p hei
t3 loo

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

MOLLIE MAKES 83
Templates

20
30
40

28
38

29

26
39

36
46

B 22
32

25

23
42

24
35

33

27
45

43

34
44

37
47

10
18
19

16
21

12
31

15

13
14
17
41

11

8
9

2
5

3
4
7

1
KNITTED HAT

B
By mil smith

B
PAGE 66

B
PATCHWORK QUILT

B
By xanthe grundy

B
PAGE 50

B
B
COLOUR PLACEMENT GUIDE

B
B

B
B

B
B

B
B

B
B

B
B

B
B

HEART LAYOUT GUIDE

B

B
B

B
B

B
B

B
B

KEY
B

yarn A
yarn B
B

yarn C
B

yarn D
20
30
40

28
38

29

26
39

36
46

22
32

25

23
42

24
35

33

27
45

43

34
44

37
47

10
18
19

16
21

12
31

15

13
14
17
41

11

8
9

2
5

3
4
7

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

84 MOLLIE MAKES
 Templates
CROCHET STITCH GUIDE
use our handy guide for the crochet project in this issue

HOLDING THE HOOK HOLDING THE YARN

Pencil method Knife method Method one Method two
Hold the hook in your dominant Hold the hook between your Pass the ball end of the yarn Loop the ball end of the yarn
hand like a pencil, roughly thumb and your index finger, between the little finger and around the little finger of your
3-5cm (1 -2") from the hooked about 3-5cm (1 -2") from the third fingers of your non- non-dominant hand, then take it
end. If the hook has a flat area, hooked end, resting the other dominant hand, then behind the over the third finger, behind the
hold it here between your index end against your palm. This will third and middle fingers, over middle finger, and finally over
finger and your thumb. give you plenty of control. your index finger. your index finger.

01 02 03 04

MAKING A SLIPKNOT
The first loop on the hook
01 Hold the tail of the ball of yarn 02 Hold the loop between your 03 Catch the ball end of the 04 Pull both ends of the yarn to

in your non-dominant hand and left thumb and your index finger, yarn with the crochet hook and tighten the knot, then pull just
drape the yarn clockwise over then insert the crochet hook pull the hook back through the the ball end to tighten the loop
the top of it to form a circular through the centre of the loop, centre of the loop, taking the so it’s close to the hook, but not
loop, as shown. from front to back. yarn through with it as you go. quite touching it.

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
01 02 03

CHAIN STITCH
HOW TO COUNT Use this stitch to make your foundation chain
Each chain or loop counts
as one stitch. Never count 01 Hold the hook in your 02 Pull the hook towards the 03 This is what the row of chains

the first slipknot or loop on dominant hand, and the yarn end slipknot, catching the yarn, and will look like. Hold the chain with
the hook (the working and working yarn in your other pulling it through the loop. This your non-dominant hand as you
loop). Make sure the chain hand. Move the hook under and forms the first chain stitch (ch). work, near the hook, to keep the
is not twisted, and that the over the yarn to wrap it around Repeat Steps 1-2 as required tension. Continue until you have
front is facing you. the hook anti-clockwise. to form a chain length. all the chains needed.

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

MOLLIE MAKES 85
Templates
CROCHET STITCH GUIDE
use our handy guide for the crochet projects in this issue

01 02 01 02

SLIP STITCH (SS) WORKING IN ROWS

This stitch has no height, and is often used to join rounds Follow these simple rules to construct crochet fabric
01 Slip stitch is used to join a 02 Pull the yarn through the 01 The first row is made by 02 For the next row, first make

length of chain into the round. chain stitch, then the loop working across the foundation the turning chain for the stitch
Insert the hook from front to already on the hook, to make a chain from right to left. At the you’re about to work. Then,
back into the first chain worked. slip stitch. You can also work this end of the chain or row, turn the work the next stitch into the top
Wrap the yarn around the hook, into each stitch along a row to work so the yarn coming from of the stitches on your first row,
anti-clockwise. form a neat edging. the ball is behind the hook. missing the first stitch.

01 02 03 04

DOUBLE CROCHET (DC)

One of the key stitches in crochet, doubles are simple, compact stitches that form a dense fabric
01 To make a double crochet 02 Wind the yarn around the stitch, giving you two loops on to make the double crochet
stitch, insert the hook under the hook (yrh) in an anti-clockwise the crochet hook. stitch, leaving one loop on
top two loops of the next stitch direction, as shown. 04 Yrh again as per Step 2, then the hook. Repeat Steps 1-4 as
on the previous row. 03 Pull the yarn through the pull the yarn through both loops needed for the pattern.

01 02 03 04

TREBLE CROCHET (TR)

One of the most popular stitches in crochet, this simple stitch is twice as high as a double crochet stitch
01 Wind yarn round hook (yrh), the previous row. 03 There are now three loops on 04 Yrh again and draw the yarn

then insert the hook under the 02 Wrap yrh and pull the yarn the hook. Yrh again and draw the through the remaining two loops
top two loops of the stitch on through the stitch only. yarn through the first two. on the hook to finish the stitch.

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

86 MOLLIE MAKES
 Templates

01 02 03 04

HALF TREBLE CROCHET (HTR)

a handy stitch that's between double and treble crochet in size, and looks slightly looser than double crochet
01 To make a half treble crochet 02 Insert the hook under the 03 Pull the yarn through the 04 Yrh again, then pull the yarn

stitch, work up to where you top two loops of the next stitch stitch only – this will give you through all three loops to make
want the htr and then wind the in the previous row as shown. a total of three loops on the the half treble crochet. Work htr
yarn around the hook (yrh). Wrap yrh again. crochet hook. into the next stitches as needed.

PATCHWORK QUILT
By xanthe grundy
PAGE 50
PHOTOCOPY AT 200%

HEART
cut five

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
others through your website or a third party website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Please respect one another’s copyright.

MOLLIE MAKES 87
Templates
EMBROIDERY STITCH GUIDE
use our handy guide for the embroidery projects in this issue

02 01 03

01 02

01 03

BACKSTITCH
This stitch is ideal for outlines, and it’s the
one you’ll find you use the most. 02

Come up from the back at point 1, then

03
go down at point 2. Come up at point 3, 04

05
then go back to point 1 and bring the
needle through to the back.

FRENCH KNOT FEATHER STITCH

The secret to this stitch is to hold the This connected stitch looks like a line of
thread taut while you pull it through. layered feathers. Try working several lines
01 Come up at point 1, then wrap joined together to enhance this.
the thread around the needle twice. Come up at point 1 and go back down
02

03
Holding the working thread with your at point 2, leaving a loop of thread on the
non-dominant hand, bring the needle surface. Come up at point 3, just below
down at point 2 (next to point 1) and pull and halfway between the first stitch,
until the knot is formed. catching the loop of thread. Go down at
LAZY DAISY point 4, leaving a loop of thread on the
Usually used for flower petals, this stitch surface. Come up at point 5, just below
is also ideal for embroidering tiny seeds. and halfway between the second stitch,
Come up at point 1, then go back catching the loop of thread. Repeat,
down at point 1, leaving a small loop. 02 working back and forth.
Come up through the loop at point 2,
01
then go down at point 3 (next to point 2,
but not the same hole).

03 04

STRAIGHT STITCH
The simplest of stitches. Come up at 01 02
01 02 02
point 1, then go down at point 2. Repeat.
03 04 01

03 04

SATIN STITCH 01 02
01 02

When you want to fill an area with

Straight stitch
a smooth finish, this stitch is the ideal
SPLIT STITCH
choice. It’s best worked in small areas,
A great stitch for working outlines. When
because if the stitches are too long,
CHAIN STITCH you make the ‘split’, try to go through
they may snag.
This simple method is worked in reverse. the fibres, and not just in between the
Come up at point 1, then go down
Make a small straight stitch. Come strands of embroidery thread.
at point 2. Come up at point 3, then go
up at point 1, slide the needle under the Come up at point 1, then go down at
down at point 4. Repeat. Always work
straight stitch, then go down at point 1. point 2. Come up at point 3, splitting
the stitches across the area you’re filling,
Come up at point 2, slide the needle the previous stitch, then go down at
coming up on the opposite side where
under the previous stitch, then go down point 4. Repeat.
the needle went down.
at point 2. Repeat as needed.

Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate and sell selected projects from this issue on the following
conditions. Just look for this icon. You can individually hand-make as many as you wish of our labelled projects, to sell either for yourself, your local event or to raise money for charity. You
cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) and you cannot go into mass production, which means you cannot manufacture in large quantities, especially by machine. Selling photocopies of any part
of this magazine, its kits or supplements is prohibited. We don’t mind if you make a copy of the templates for a friend but please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to
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88 MOLLIE MAKES
FELT FLOWERS
By bee gibbons
PAGE 79 EDITORIAL
DAHLIA
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make and sell selected projects on the following conditions. Just look for
this icon. Please credit the designer where appropriate and when
requested. Mollie Makes encourages creativity, and want to help you
LEAF 1 make small batches of handmade items to sell. You can handmake as
many of our labelled projects as you wish to sell for yourself, a local
event or for charity. You cannot sell in shops (online or otherwise) or go
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All toys for sale in the UK must meet a list of safety requirements, set out
in the Toy (Safety) Regulations 2011. To prove the requirements are met,
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PEONY patterns to make items that appeal to children under 14, please take the
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or visit shop.conformance.co.uk to find out about self-certification packs.

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Thank you for making this project from Mollie Makes. We have requested specific permission from designers so that you can recreate Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of
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MOLLIE MAKES 89
 TEA AND
A CHAT

MAKING THE ART

“Passementerie is like OF PASSEMENTERIE
bubble bath – it makes
life much more joyful.”
MODERN WITH
JESSICA LIGHT

A
fter my first day working for Wendy
Cushing, who trained me in the art of
passementerie weaving, I wrote:
“This is my job.” That was over 25
years ago and I’m still weaving trims
with as much passion and enthusiasm as I felt
that day. I love the action of weaving, and
that the result is a textile in its entirety, made
from just a group of threads. I also love that
I’m part of a historical tradition that goes
back to the 15th century. If I woke up in
Tudor times I could go out and get a job, as
the techniques I use haven’t changed much
since then. When I set my business up in
2008, after many years freelancing, I
knew there was a gap in the market for
bold, colourful and contemporary
trims. I wanted to drag passementerie
into the 21st century and make it
something relevant and desirable again. I
advocate using trims as central features in a
room, not afterthoughts or just edgings, but
they can also be a fun way to freshen up your
home. I put a great deal of thought into my
colour combinations and materials, especially
using unusual materials like horsehair or
paper. I have an idea of what the feel of any
collection will look like, but I design
straight from my head onto the loom so
the creative process is organic. I’m
blessed to have worked with an
incredible array of clients from Vivienne
Westwood, Burberry and Giles Deacon
THIS MONTH I’M LOVING.. to the Queen, weaving the balcony
Reading: The Secret Lives Of Colour by fringe for Buckingham Palace – my latest
Kassia St Clair, a wonderful journey into project is a collaboration with interior
the stories and histories of colours. designer Lucy Barlow of Barlow and
Listening to: A bit of Bobby Womack if Barlow. I think passementerie is like
I want to weave at a leisurely pace, The luxury bubble bath – you don’t need it,
Damned or early The Clash if I need to
but it makes life so much more joyful.
get something woven in a hurry.
Looking at: Exhibitions. The last one
I saw was Sarah Gillespie ‘Moth’, a Check out Jessica’s beautifully designed tassels
breath-taking, beautiful collection of and trims at www.jessicalight.co.uk, and follow her
mezzotints of moths. on Instagram @jessica_light_ for creative updates.

90 MOLLIE MAKES
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 THE PROFESSIONAL SERIES
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Visit janome.co.uk to find your local retailer
BUILD A BRAND 9 MASTER SOCIAL MEDIA 9 PRICE YOUR PRODUCTS 9 FIND YOUR AUDIENCE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

XXXXXXX CHRISTMAS MOLLIE MAKES 801

 Welcomee
YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE
TO STARTING A BUSINESS

4 establishing your brand

Hello makers! I can’t wait for
Figure out the basics first, like your brand
you to get stuck into our first
values, biz goals and potential buyers
ever small business guide, in
association with Cricut.
Here at Mollie, we’re all about 12 pricing for profit
chasing dreams and making Working out those costings is key to
that creative lifestyle a reality. financial success – this handy section will
So, hopefully this handy point you in the right direction
workbook will be a big help if
you’ve always wanted to sell your makes, or you’ve recently 20 where to sell
started your own biz and want some insider advice. We talk traditional online spaces and
We’ve been in the handmade game for a while now – 10 more modern ways to earn money
years this May! And while we’ve learnt a lot along the way,
we’ve also met some super knowledgeable people. Inside, 28 social media 101
you’ll find advice from us, from top creative experts and An introduction to all the apps, plus how
entrepreneurs, and from fellow brand owners too. to make online marketing work for you
Starting your own business is both scary and exciting,
but we’re here for the ride, so let’s make it happen! 36 all the admin
Get your house in order with financial
advice, tax return tips and legal
compliance chat
Yvette Streeter Editor

COVER AND SECTION ILLUSTRATIONS: INGRID WUYSTER WWW.TEKEN-ING.NL

 IF YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BIZ, YOU’LL NEED TO COVER THE BASICS FIRST.
FROM FINDING YOUR USP TO HONING BRAND VALUES, WE’RE HERE TO HELP

S
o, you’ve decided to start selling WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHAT’S YOUR BRAND NAME?
your makes – yay you! Before you get We want to know your creative hopes and Although you can change your brand name at
stuck in though, let’s take some time to dreams, no matter how big or small. Whether any time, it’s good to go with something that
get you properly set up. Establishing a you want to make money short-term or have can evolve and grow with you. So, while “Mollie
brand doesn’t have to mean spending lots of grand plans for an empire, make a note of it Makes Scarves” might seem catchy, if you
money or doing anything fancy, it’s more about below so you don’t forget when you’re caught decide you want to expand your brand in the
separating your business from yourself, and up in the daily grind. Your goals don’t have to future, but have already built up a big following,
building a solid foundation to help it grow. be money-orientated either – it’s great to aim it might be tricky to change it. Other points to
A key part of that is having a clear for financial success, but equally ok to want consider are Google-ability – is it an easy name
understanding of your intentions for the brand your business to bring freedom or vocational or word for people to search for online? – and
– who you want to be, what you’re offering and joy and fulfillment you may be missing out on. availability. Check someone doesn’t already
where you want to go. Not only do these have a business with the same name (see page
fundamental pillars help when you’re selling to 33), and that the social media handles are free.
customers, they’re also useful when it comes to Ideally, you’d want your brand name, website
making business decisions. address, and social accounts to all be the same.
Think of the next few questions as a starting
point to figuring these out, using the space
provided to jot down your thoughts. Your
my brand Name ideas
answers don’t have to be set in stone, and
there’s no right or wrong – it’s just good to look
at your brand in a more focused way.
As your business evolves, its direction might
well change. Luckily for you, being a small
business means you get to be flexible, and it
also means you can choose exactly how you
want to portray yourself to the world. d.
availABLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
WEBSITE DOMAIN AVAILABLE?

4 MOLLIE MAKES
WHAT ARE YOUR UR BRAND VALUES?
VALUE
This one might seem
Thi eem tri
tricky
ick at first, but for most
of us, our brand values will closely align with our WHAT’S YOUR USP?
own personal values. Essentially, your brand is Ah, your Unique Selling Point. This doesn’t have to be all Dragon’s Den,
an extension of you, and you want it to reflect where you’ve come up with a genius invention – it just needs to be a point of
that. Pick a few points that are important to you, difference between you and other brands offering similar services or
consider how you want your brand to make
products. Maybe all your raw materials are recycled, or you use original
people feel, or just think up a whole bunch of
colour combos? Perhaps you have a signature style, or offer your makes in
words you want people to associate with your
business. Here are some examples: inspired,
both ready-made and pattern form? If you’re stuck for ideas, ask friends
relaxed, colourful, confident, calming, on-trend, and family. It can be hard to blow your own trumpet, but loved ones are
luxury, ethical, sustainable, customer-focused, always happy to do it. We’ve written the first one in to start you off!
unique, feel-good, fun, essential, indulgent.

i want my brand to be...

MY BRAND
IS UNIQUE
BECAUSE

these are most important... I'm behind it!

MOLLIE MAKES 5
 CREATING AN IDENTITY
NEXT UP? DECIDING HOW YOU’LL COMMUNICATE YOUR BRAND TO OTHERS
THROUGH ITS LOOK AND FEEL, AND THOSE ALL-IMPORTANT VISUALS

opefully you’ve got a clearer idea When used consistently throughout your colour combos that resonate with you, or a

H of your brand basics, firming up

what you want to get out of your
creative biz, and how you want
people to see you. Now it’s time to focus on
exactly how you’ll paint that picture to people.
messaging – and by messaging we mean social
media posts, packaging, newsletters, your
website – these elements will create an
aesthetic people will associate with you.
So, how do you go about deciding these?
physical version, using paint swatches and
torn-out elements from magazines.

I’M A SERIF FONT

Times New Roman
Creating an identity for your brand is vital, as Well, a good starting point is with the notes
that’s what makes it recognisable. And, there you made on the last page. Let’s go back to ,·0 $ 6$16 6(5,) )217
are two sides to it – your brand personality, and how you want people who buy
your brand visuals. Your personality is shaped your products to feel, and
by the words you use, their tone, your customer figure out the best way to FONT CHOICE
service style, all those sorts of things. But, let’s represent that. Not a font geek? That’s ok, it’s just about
focus on visuals as these are the first thing picking a clear, legible font you’ll use
people new to your brand will engage with. So consistently. Serif fonts – ones with the twirly
we’re talking: bits on the letters – give off more of a
traditional vibe, whereas rounded sans serif
fonts – like Helvetica and Futura – have a
modern, cleaner feel. Have a look at what other
COLOUR PALETTE websites use, or just choose your fave from the
dropdown list in Microsoft Word.

FONT CHOICE COLOUR PALETTE

If your brand is bright, bold and full of energy,
LOGO
There are so many options when it comes to
you’ll want to pick a palette that reflects that. logos. You could design your own, ask a friend
But, if you’re trying to create a calming, to doodle one, or even approach a professional
LOGO grounded identity, go for softer, subtle shades.
What colours are you drawn to when you’re
– there are loads of great companies out there.
If you’re just starting out though, it’s ok to
creating? Do you use a lot of earthy tones in stick with your brand name in a nice font.
your work, more primary shades, or do you stick Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, and
PRODUCT to a neutral palette? Note down a few options, as long as you match the colours to your chosen
PHOTOGRAPHY then get hands on by creating a moodboard.
This could be a Pinterest board filled with
palette, you’re good to go. You can always have
a spruce up at a later date if you want to.

6 MOLLIE MAKES
 WHY PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY MATTERS
AIME COX-TENNANT, FOUNDER OF STUDIO COTTON, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING YOUR PICS ON POINT

If I were starting a lovely new business tomorrow, would look good on my windowsill” and “Holy smokes, that’s
brand photography is the very first thing I’d be exactly what I need to get Aunty Geraldine for her birthday!”.
investing in. Creative, quality photography improves the As you can probably guess, I’m all about that sweet, sweet
effectiveness of all marketing activity, and opens up lifestyle photography. Here’s how to get started: invest. Now
opportunities like getting featured in your favourite I’m not saying on day one you need to partner with the best
magazine, Mollie Makes. I can’t guarantee one great lifestyle photographer in your area (maybe get quotes for
photoshoot will create instant success, but I can say with a another day). Invest your time. Research how to make the
big ol’ degree of certainty that growing a brand is hard most out of your camera or smartphone. Read articles on
without a sturdy photography foundation. product photo editing and discover the software you find
Let’s start by differentiating between the main types of easiest to use. Be inspired by the compositions you love, and
product photography. There’s not really any universal annotate comments on a moodboard to reference later.
language for these types, but I like to break down brand Much like your stationery, packaging, website, graphics
pictures into two main categories: packshot and lifestyle. and more, your photography needs to be on-brand. This
Packshot photography is functional; think cut-outs on means following a consistent aesthetic that complements your
white backgrounds, packaging pics, and detail shots that products and appeals to your target audience.
highlight specific product features. My absolute favourite part of establishing an aesthetic is
Lifestyle photography focuses on prop shopping. Your local craft shops are a great place to
how your products’ll complement and start as you can stock up on a small selection of subtle papers
enhance the lives of your customers. and fabrics for backdrops. Avoid anything that outshines
These thoughtfully styled shots use your products – this keeps the focus on the items you sell,
consistent set-ups, props and and minimises the chances of DMs that start, “where can I
processing to inspire real-life feelings buy [insert thing you don’t sell]?”
and actions, like “Oh my days that My biggest tip of all is to book in photoshoots early and
regularly. Pictures taken last minute or on the fly for Insta are
rarely consistent and never as valuable as those you planned
in advance. Block out your calendar, invest in your styling,
and reap the rewards of on-brand, quality product pics.

Aime Cox-Tennant is passionate about helping small creative

businesses, and her marketing agency, Studio Cotton, are experts in
bringing brands to life with beautiful, unique identities. Studio
Cotton shares tons of advice on Insta @studio.cotton and at www.
studiocotton.co.uk, where you can also enlist their expert services.

MOLLIE MAKES 7
 KNOW YOUR
UR AUDIENCE
BEFORE YOU START SELLING, LET’S DO A BIT OF DETECTIVE WORK TO FIND OUT
WHO’LL BE BUYING YOUR PRODUCTS, AND WHERE YOU’LL FIND THEM

O
nce you’ve got a good idea of
who you are as a brand and how WHAT AGE GROUP IS YOUR HOW WILL YOU
to put that across, the next step is
PRODUCT AIMED AT? CONNECT WITH THEM?
understanding your target market Bearing those other points in mind, what
– who your potential buyers are. An obvious answer if you’re making
would be the best way to reach out to your
While it’s nice to think that anyone could kids’ clothes, less obvious if you’re
potential customers? Do you think they’re
shop your products or services, the reality is selling items like womenswear. It’s easy more likely be browsing on Instagram or
that most brands only appeal to certain to think your makes speak to all ages, Facebook? Do you think your buyer is the
audiences. But, that’s a good thing! If you can but the more specific you can be with kind of person who shops on Etsy, or are
identify your niche and understand who your your audience, the better chance you they more likely to use sites such as Ravelry
have of finding your people. Would a or LoveCrafts? We’ll chat more about
brand would appeal to you, you’ll have a
teenage niece or nephew buy it? Your where to sell your makes on page 20, but
clearer idea of who you’re marketing to.
mum? Your nan? Even just a rough age it’s a good idea to start thinking about how
Use the next few questions to consider who you’d reach out to your audience.
your customer might be, making notes as you range, such as 25-45, can give you a
go for when you finally launch your biz. clearer idea of the social media
platform your buyer might use.
thoughts
HOW MUCH WILL YOU SELL
YOUR PRODUCTS FOR? WHAT ELSE WOULD
It could be under £20, between YOUR BUYER BE INTO?
£20-£100, over £100, or a combination,
This is a good way of getting a sense of
but knowing a rough price point will give
where your customer would shop, or hang
you an idea of how affordable your
products are. It’s ok to only sell your out online. For example, if you’re making
makes at a higher price point – lots of non-toxic vegan candles, people who buy
brands solely sell handmade garments, your products are likely to be drawn to
for instance. It’s just up to you to decide if more eco-friendly buys, or be happy to
you’re happy to sell to a more limited spend extra money on products they feel
audience, or if you’d rather sell a are more ethical. Or, if you sell colourful
combination of patterns and products, earrings, your buyers might have more of an
and appeal to a wider audience. interest in fashion, or easy outfit updates.

8 MOLLIE MAKES
 MEET YOUR CUSTOMER
To really give you an idea of who your potential buyers are, let’s bring them to life! Using your thoughts from the page before
and the space below, create detailed profiles for two people you feel confident would be part of your target audience.

Name Name

Age Age

Occupation Occupation

Kids? Kids?

Hobbies Hobbies

Favourite craft Favourite craft

Favourite food Favourite food

Describe their style in three words Describe their style in three words

?PMZM LQL \PMa ÅZ[\ [XW\ aW]Z JZIVL' ?PMZM LQL \PMa ÅZ[\ [XW\ aW]Z JZIVL'

How does your product make them feel? How does your product make them feel?

Why would they buy again? Why would they buy again?

MOLLIE MAKES 9
 SPREAD THE WORD
W
READY TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT YOUR EXCITING NEW BRAND? IT’S TIME
TO TAKE THOSE GREAT IDEAS AND LEARN HOW TO SHOUT ABOUT IT

opefully you’re feeling confident across in a concise, snappy way – think your we’ve elaborated a bit to mention exactly what

H about what you want your brand

to look like now, and the audience
you’ll pitch it to – a great place to
start. Having a strong sense of who you are as a
business makes it easier to stay focused, and it
Insta bio, Etsy shop description, or business
cards. Ready to give yours a go? Use the
notepaper to jot down some key words or
ideas, and ask a few people what they think.
we feature inside. Mollie is a contemporary
craft mag, and we’re all about showcasing and
supporting designer-makers, so we’ve made
sure to flag that. And, we have slightly longer
versions where we share more info if we have
means you’ll be able to communicate that LEVEL UP YOUR MARKETING time or the space. Now it’s your turn! Give it a
clearly to potential customers too. So, what about your elevator pitch? It sounds go, then once you’ve got it down, practise
But, the ultimate test of brand clarity is being like something from a film, but it’s actually saying it with total confidence.
able to get the essence of your company across another great way of describing what you do,
in a few words or sentences. Or, in biz speak, this time with a few more words. The idea is if
having a strong tagline and elevator pitch. you got into a lift with someone you’d never
met before, you’d be able to tell them all about
MAKE IT SNAPPY your biz before you hit the ground floor.
A tagline is a short phrase that captures a Not only is this super handy for networking,
brand’s personality, values and ethos – you’re it’s nice to add to a website page or any promo,
looking for 10 words at the absolute max. So for and it’s great for when someone catches you on
instance, Mollie Makes’ tagline is “Easy ways to the hop. Without umming and ahhing, or giving
embrace handmade”. It communicates that an overly laboured description, you can clearly
handmade is at the core of everything we do, and concisely get your brand across.
but also that we’re making it accessible so There aren’t any set rules on for this, but
everyone can get involved. We chose the word some key pointers are to mention your biz name
‘embrace’ as it’s quite emotive – we want our from the off – you’d be surprised how often
readers to welcome handmade with open arms, people forget this! – include the key words from
as for us it’s a way of life, not just a hobby. your tagline, and get your USPs from page 5 in
There are loads of great taglines out there, there. Want to know ours? Here you go…
and they can be as memorable or explanatory Mollie Makes is a multi-craft and lifestyle
as you like. Nike’s ‘Just do it’ is a fab example. magazine filled with easy ways to embrace
Or, how about Lush’s ‘Fresh handmade handmade. Every issue is packed with beginner-
cosmetics’? In just three words they’ve friendly projects from modern designer-makers,
summarised their brand perfectly, and it’s plus new ways to shop and craft the latest
simple and straightforward, like their products. home and fashion trends.
You can use your tagline anywhere and So we’re getting our brand name in straight
everywhere, as it’s ideal for getting your brand away, we’ve referred back to our tagline, and

10 MOLLIE MAKES
 ILLUSTRATION: HOLLY JOLLEY WWW.HOLLY-JOLLEY.COM

MOLLIE MAKES 11
 ONCE YOU’VE GOT AN IDEA OF WHO YOU ARE AS A BRAND AND WHERE YOU’RE
AIMING YOUR PRODUCTS, YOU NEED TO NAIL THE PRICING – GETTING IT RIGHT IS KEY

hey’re not just numbers – correct Fundamentally, pricing is made up of your

T pricing can strike the difference

between a successful biz and a
struggle. It’s all down to what it
represents: the prices you put out in the world
communicate the value of your work. While it’s
costs and profit, and you’ll need to be turning a
profit to forge a business that can last. When
you’re able to get out more than you put in
financially, you can fund for the future, reinvest
in your efforts and grow.
thoughts

primarily about money, the impact of pricing Sustainable pricing factors in enough profit
often reaches beyond you and your customers to move beyond breaking even – you’ll be
in other ways too. So, it’s important to aiming to find a balance between going too low
understand the different factors involved or too high. Underpricing your work can be
before you get down to the maths. Sounds problematic, as while it’s tempting to think
daunting? Don’t worry – we’ve got plenty of you’ll sell more with a lower price point, the
advice and some excellent expert guidance so reverse may be true. Customers need a level of
you can confidently set your prices. trust to make a purchase, and a product or
service with a very low price is likely to be
perceived as low value and low quality – less
desirable. The prices you set also contribute to
the industry standard, so if prices are
repeatedly set too low for handmade items, it
becomes expected, making it difficult for
creatives to charge fair prices for their goods.
Overpricing what you do has its own pitfalls
too, as it could mean excluding your target
market and losing out to competitors. So,
bearing all that in mind, it’s time to get started
on finding that balance and setting fair,
profitable prices. First step? Let’s go through all
those different elements that’ll contribute to
the price you charge on the opposite page.

12 MOLLIE MAKES
 WHAT ARE YOUR COST PRICES?
As a starting point, have a think about which of these costs might be relevant for your products, and factor
them in. Can you think of any others? Make sure you track all your costs as you’re working, and keep your
receipts – they can be claimed back as expenses when tax time comes around (see page 36 for more).

Supplies and materials

Tools

Packaging this includes boxes, envelopes, wrapping materials, tape and labels

Postage get familiar with the different rates for your required dimensions, weights and locations

Printed materials business cards, stickers, flyers, or postcards you might include in your packages

Overheads we’re talking utility bills for your workspace and insurance for your biz

Mileage or any other travel expenses relating to your business

Third party fees if you pay someone else for events, payment processing, website fees etc.

Education any workshops, courses or training you undertake for your brand

MOLLIE MAKES 13
 Generally a good formul
formula to work with when
you’re starting out is: 01
baseline cost x 2 = wholesale price
wholesale price x 2.4 = retail price

Or, an alternative formula is:

baseline cost + your hourly rate
= wholesale price
wholesale price x 2.4 = retail price

And how do you get to those baseline costs?

Just follow my six handy steps below.

1. Work out your material costs

For each product, these will include:
Q Materials (take into account any waste)
Q Packaging materials
Q Production costs (e.g. electricity costs when
firing a kiln)

2. Calculate your fixed overhead costs

These are things like:
Q Equipment, tools, stationery
Q Studio rent
Q App and software charges
Q Public liability insurance
Q Marketing costs – adverts, business cards etc.
FOLKSY’S GUIDE Q Fees – broadband, phone, website costs,
bank charges etc.
TO PRICING 02

CAMILLA WESTERGAARD, CONTENT LEAD Work out a monthly figure for all these, then 01 Nell Swift from
AT FOLKSY, SHARES THOSE MAGIC FORMULAS divide that by the number of products you Hem: Handwoven
make in an average month. This gives a fixed weaves on an
overheads figure you can add to each product. antique loom using
natural fibres.
Pricing is one of the trickiest things to get
3. Material costs + fixed overhead 02 Kate Cooke
right when you start selling your makes,
costs = baseline cost Ceramics’s work
and comes up time and time again when I have
conversations with makers. The most important This is your bottom line. If you sell at this price, is all fired in an
thing to understand is that you’re aiming for a you’ll be breaking even but you won’t be electric kiln using
‘sweet spot’ – a price which is right for your making a profit. And, if you go below this, you’ll renewable energy.
customers, but also allows you to build a be making a loss. This is essential to know,
profitable, sustainable business. especially if you want to run offers.

14 MOLLIE MAKES
4. Add your profit
To make it simple, lots of indie businesses use a
sum it up
2 x mark-up (see Example 1 below). Or instead
of a mark-up, you could work out how long it
takes you to make a product and multiply that
by your hourly rate (see Example 2 below).

Example 1: (Baseline cost £7) x 2 = £14

selling/wholesale price
Example 2: Baseline cost £7 + £8 salary
(30 minutes x £16 an hour) = £15 selling/
wholesale price

Don’t forget, if you sell online, you’ll also be

charged card or Paypal processing fees and
usually a commission fee. Take this into account
when setting your selling/wholesale price.

5. Mark it up
If you want to sell to shops, you also need to add
their mark-up to your maths. Bigger shops that
are VAT registered usually work on a 2.4
mark-up. So, to work out your final retail price,
use the following calculation:
wholesale price x 2.4 = retail price

6. Sense check
Once you’ve calculated your costs, think about
how your price compares to similar products. Is
it in line with where you’ve positioned your
brand? Is it what you feel your customers would
expect to pay? If it’s too expensive, can you
reduce your costs, your making time or only sell
direct and not through shops? If it’s too cheap,
then increase the profit you add in Step 4.
Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way
to a sustainable, profitable business.

For more small business support, including seller

advice, craft fair secrets, product listing tips and more,
check out Folksy’s must-read blog at blog.folksy.com.

MOLLIE MAKES 15
 KNOW
WYYOUR
VALUE
IF YOU’VE OFFICIALLY CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS BUT YOU’RE STILL NOT SURE,
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FEEL SECURE IN YOUR PRICING

eeling nervous about how high your work enough to pay what it’s worth. They’ll get

F prices seem? That’s ok – just cast your

eye back over your cost prices.
Perhaps what you do is pretty
time-intensive, or you’re using high-value luxe
or sustainable materials? Remember that
it and they’ll want to support you. Feel like your
prices don’t suit your target market? Look back
over your costs to see where you could cut
back. Could you create work in batches to save
on time, or perhaps your processes will speed
handmade is always going to be more costly up as you continue to hone your skills? You
than mass-production, and you can’t compare might be able go lighter or smaller on your
the two. Don’t let fast fashion or high street packaging to save on postage, or find a more
prices sway you from charging what your work reasonable place to get your flyers printed.
and time is really worth. benefits of your whole spectrum of experience: The good news is that prices aren’t
Think back to page 5 and your USP. What’s all the trial and error, the prototypes, those near permanent – think of them as something fluid
the thing that sets your work apart? You’ll need misses and that development. that’ll grow and change as your business does.
to make sure you communicate this to your It’s also wise to consider your peer pricing. It’s wise to reassess them regularly to make sure
audience in all your business messaging, as if Do a little research into what the going rate is they’re working for you and your customers.
your worth is clear, your customers will for similar services or handmade products Some of the cost prices, such as postage for
understand what they’re paying for. within your industry. How do yours compare? example, might increase over time, so you’ll
What are your competitors charging for a similar need to readjust your figures accordingly.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY level of quality? See if you can work out an
Don’t forget that as an experienced average price and set yourself somewhere in
craftsperson you bring a whole extra layer of the middle that still fits comfortably with your
value to each one of your products or services basic costings. Give it a little time, then you can
– your expertise. All those years of education, look again and tweak as necessary. You might
training or practise have contributed to what feel more confident in charging at the higher
you’re able to do now. So, when someone end of the bracket when you have more trading
purchases from you, they’re reaping the time under your belt, or more understanding of
your customer base.

STAY FLEXIBLE
Budget is relative. One person’s splurge is
another person’s bargain. Your ideal audience
are those than can appreciate the value of your

16 MOLLIE MAKES
 STAY GOLDEN
In moments of self-doubt, remember the true value of handmade and learn to
embrace the unique perspective you bring to the creative community.

H
andmade is magic, don’t let business owner earning money from your and reactions, thank you messages and
anyone tell you otherwise. It’s creative prowess. What do you do best in reviews. They’ll bolster what you already
fuelled by passion and slow, your business, that thing that only you can know: what you do is precious, and it
skilled processes – techniques do? That’s the special sauce that sets you matters. You’re bringing joy and beauty to
that only you and your fellow makers are in apart from the big corporations – you’re a others with what you do.
on. Maybe even a few secret tricks that are skilled human making things by hand with
yours alone. So, when self-doubt creeps in love and care. You can offer a unique
and those “it’s too expensive” fears or product and shopping experience to your
comments come a-knocking, say no to customers that the big fish simply can’t.
Imposter Syndrome. You belong here. It’s easy to fixate on the negative
Focus on where the value of your output sometimes. Make sure you really listen and
lies. Think about the journey that’s got you take note of the positive feedback you
to wh
where
her you are right now – a small receive. Screengrab the lovely comments

My work is worth it...

Use this space to write down five reasons why your work is valuable. Look back on these if you ever
need to give yourself a pricing pep talk, and have them ready to fire back if you’re challenged.

1
2
3
4
5

MOLLIE MAKES 17
 PRICING IN ACTION
NATALIE MANIMA, FOUNDER OF BESPOKE BINNY, SHARES HER EXPERIENCE WITH COSTING

Hi Natalie! Tell us a bit about your business and how it’s Where do you think the true value of Bespoke Binny’s
developed. Bespoke Binny is a homeware and lifestyle brand products lies? In being able to lift people’s moods with the
that makes products made from, and celebrates, African textiles. bright and cheerful colours we use. I get this across in the style
In all honesty it became a business accidentally! I learnt to sew of my photography, and the words I use to inspire and uplift
and make bits and pieces for my own home purely as a hobby, others both on social media, and for those who place orders.
and was encouraged to open an Etsy shop by friends and family.
It’s grown steadily over the years to become what it is today. What do you take into consideration when calculating
prices? How much the materials cost for that item, how long it
Why is it so important for handmade sellers to get their takes me to make it, and other extras such as photography,
pricing right? When you really love what you’re doing and studio costs and machinery.
want to share it with others, it can be tempting to price your
products without profit in mind – I know I did that when I first How do you strike a balance between fair, profitable and
started. It’s important to remember that profit is crucial to your competitive pricing? Honestly, I think this is really trial and
business, so you have to carefully consider your pricing. There error. I try to make my products as affordable as I can, but I also
are so many costs to think about try to remind myself that if my business isn’t profitable,
beyond the obvious things like your eventually I won’t have a business, which ultimately is a negative
materials, such as a salary, if you hope thing for my customers and myself. It’s really important to do as
to support yourself with your income. much research on pricing as possible to get that balance right.
For a sustainable business, pricing
PHOTOGRAPHY: YESHEN VENEMA; STYLING: EMMA SHIPLEY

has to cover all these costs. Does your pricing for workshops and handmade products
differ? I take a similar approach with both, but with workshops
it’s important to factor in the time it might take you to prepare
beforehand, as well as the time you spend in the workshop.

Finally, what advice would you give to a new indie biz

owner? Do lots of research! There’s so much free advice out
there for indie businesses. And don’t sell yourself short – you
have a skill that you’re sharing with others, don’t forget that!

Visit www.bespokebinny.com to check out Natalie’s workshops and

vibrant homewares, and follow her on Instagram @bespokebinny.

18 MOLLIE MAKES
 ILLUSTRATION: ESTHER CURTIS WWW.ESTHERCURTISDESIGN.COM

MOLLIE MAKES 19
 DISCOVER THE BEST WAYS TO GET YOUR BRAND SEEN, INCLUDING TRADITIONAL
COMMERCE PLATFORMS AND MORE MODERN MARKETING STRATEGIES

here’s never been a broader variety handmade goods and craft supplies.

T of ways to get your makes out there,

so the real challenge is deciding which
are right for you.
First and foremost, think back to your
audience – those customers you considered on
ONLINE MARKETPLACES
Etsy www.etsy.com
Why it’s a winner: They champion British craft,
but you can sell worldwide. Community is the
main focus, with a built-in forum, free seller’s
course and access to a private seller’s Facebook
group. It’s easy to import listings from Etsy, and
page 8 who’ll love what you do. Where do they What is it? An online global website used for there are two membership tiers to choose from
hang out, both online and offline? How do they selling handmade goods, craft supplies to suit different budgets.
like to shop? And how can you make your and vintage items. Things to consider: It’s smaller than some of
products easy for them to purchase? Why it’s a winner: It’s easy to set up a shop, its competitors, and with its UK focus, it can be
You’ll also want to weigh up the products track orders, process payments and tricky to get discovered by overseas shoppers.
themselves and your profit margins, taking into communicate with customers. The search Folksy take 6% commission on sales, plus
account what makes the most practical and functionality helps people find your products, monthly fees and tax.
financial sense for where you’re at right now. and Etsy’s detailed seller handbook outlines
Keeping all that in mind, check out our run- the best practice for getting sales. It’s notonthehighstreet (NOTHS)
down of the top mainstream selling spots. something of a household name. www.notonthehighstreet.com
Things to consider: Etsy is huge, so it can be What is it? An e-commerce marketplace for
tricky to stand out and get noticed – you’ll need small creative British businesses selling gifts.
to do your own marketing to support your shop. Why it’s a winner: They have an appealing,
As well as taking a cut of each sale, Etsy also design-led website and a reputation for quality.
charges fees for listing and renewing products, They’re PR friendly and big on marketing too,
payment processing and postage, and tax on with large-scale advertising campaigns, events,
each of those, averaging around 10%. partnerships, ambassadors and an affiliate
scheme. All this can mean great opportunities
Folksy www.folksy.com for small businesses.
What is it? A UK-based online store for selling Things to consider: NOTHS is curated and

20 MOLLIE MAKES
exclusive so you have to apply, or be invited, monthly sales between £30-£1,000. Payments
to become a partner. The site is primarily are through PayPal, which incurs extra fees.
gift-focused with a huge emphasis on
personalised goods. NOTHS’ joining fee is YOUR OWN WEBSITE ine so
high street can really scale up your business,
around £200 and they take 25% commission. What is it? An e-commerce site with shopping you’ll want a good handle on your capacity for
functionality that’s all yours. producing greater quantities of your product.
Ravelry www.ravelry.com Why it’s a winner: It’s the most direct
What is it? A social networking database-style approach to retail. By running your own website EVENTS AND MARKETS
website for yarn crafters. you’re cutting out the middle man, dealing with What are they? Curated in-person selling
Why it’s a winner: It’s a community-led space all product sales from beginning to end, so the opportunities.
with great search functionality. Designers can profits come straight to you. You‘ve got control Why they’re a winner: You’ll be interacting
sell their PDF knitting or crochet patterns over every aspect of the design and with shoppers face-to-face, so you can share
globally, and opt in to have their patterns sold functionality, and there’ll be no listing fees or your passion and get instant feedback on your
through local yarn stores too. Purchases are commission to pay. products – what’s popular and what people are
trackable, and site users are able to link and Things to consider: The time and expense for drawn too. They’re great for creating buzz and
rate patterns as they log their projects. the initial set up, particularly if you hire a exclusivity around product launches, and
Things to consider: Adding patterns can be designer, plus some annual fees. Without the networking with other creatives.
time-consuming, and Ravelry’s latest design safety net of a third party, your SEO (Search Things to consider: You’ll need to create a
update has been criticised for accessibility. Engine Optimisation) will need to be on point. stand that shows off your wares, plus have
Sellers will be charged 3.5% commission on You’ll also need to meet all the legal on-the-day kit such as a card reader and cash
monthly total sales between $30-$1,500, and requirements (see page 40 for more), and be float. Location, marketing and even weather
as payments are through PayPal, each sale prepared to deal with any tech issues. can affect visitor numbers, and there’s no
incurs additional fees. guarantee visitors will be the right audience for
BRICKS AND you. Upfront fees will be charged for a pitch.
LoveCrafts www.lovecrafts.com MORTAR STOCKISTS
What is it? An online craft supplies retailer What are they? In-person high street shops
Why it’s a winner: LoveCrafts is a popular site that sell your products. spaces that could work for me...
with their finger firmly on the pulse of the Why they’re a winner: Selling IRL means more
contemporary yarn crafts scene. Users can people encounter your products, plus shoppers
create their own profiles and add PDF knitting are able to see the dimensions, and touch and
and crochet patterns to sell. It’s easy to import try things on before buying. The shop itself is
existing patterns from Ravelry, and there’s also responsible for marketing and selling the
an affiliate scheme. products, and a relationship with a stockist
Things to consider: Their focus is on selling could bring new business opportunities.
their own products, so patterns which feature Things to consider: You’ll need to be set up
yarns they stock will rank higher. Fees are 2% with pricing and a line sheet for selling
plus 20p per transaction for monthly sales wholesale (see page 14), or prepared to
under £30, and they take an overall 3.5% fee for operate on a sale-or-return basis. Selling on the

MOLLIE MAKES 21
 ALTERNATIVE CHANNELS
S
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO START ON A SMALLER SCALE, OR WANT TO SWITCH UP
YOUR SELLING OPPORTUNITIES, DIP YOUR TOE INTO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

hen you’re brand new to selling or want to

W test the waters with a new product, you might

want to try something that needs a little less
investment and a little more interaction.
Luckily, there are loads of low-key ways to sell, including ones
that crossover with marketing, and even some that could be
Email newsletter
Your newsletter
subscriber list is yours
to market to however
you like, and you can
better suited to your brand. As before though, make sure to
even arrange
consider they’re the best fit for your audience, your products purchases through
and how you work before taking the plunge. email. A direct link JOIN THE
between you and your RETAIL GIANTS
customer, these Want to play with the
SOCIAL MEDIA contacts are gold. big boys? Then apply
Why not use your brand’s Facebook, to sell through Amazon
Instagram or Twitter accounts to Handmade, or as an
arrange sales through direct ASOS boutique if
messaging, paid for via PayPal? eBay you’re a fashion or
Facebook Marketplace is also a great The world-famous buying accessories brand.
way to sell your wares locally. and selling site is better
known for second-hand and
vintage goods, but handmade DEPOP
products and craft supplies A peer-to-peer social
shopping app, Depop’s
are fair game on there too.
millennial and Gen Z audience
are after something a bit
Online clothing marketplace sites different. The app mainly has a
fashion focus, but all kinds of
Vinted, Preloved, and their US counterparts Poshmark and items can be sold or
ThredUp, are geared towards selling second-hand clothing, swapped.
which may be a good option if you’re all about vintage fashion.

22 MOLLIE MAKES
 WHY WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER
KHALIA ISMAIN, FOUNDER OF JAMII, ON THE BENEFITS OF PARTNERING UP

BE A PART OF
SOMETHING How can being part of a marketplace
or platform like Jamii boost a small
draining, and so we need to support each
other. Being open to joining forces with
MUCH BIGGER business? It’s a relatively low-cost way to
reach a wider audience and build sales. But,
small business communities can make a
huge difference, from collaborative
it’s important to choose ones that align with marketing such as promotions, giveaways
JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE AN
your values and brand, as they can easily and Instagram Lives, to cost-based
INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, DOESN’T amplify your business to new customers, initiatives like sharing studio slots,
MEAN YOU HAVE TO GO IT ALONE. IT assist in brand positioning and provide you warehouses and mentors. And, communities
with credibility. Most operate on a can also act as safe spaces to work through
TAKES A VILLAGE, RIGHT?
commission basis or with small fees, and problems. There’s an oft-quoted African
Community and collaborations are what they win when you do, making them more proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if
invested in your success and much more you want to go far, go together.”
support a business and help it grow. Being
willing to lend useful support, resources and
part of something, whether that’s an insights to help you scale. Jamii is a discount card and discovery platform
established selling platform, indie online for UK-based Black indie businesses. Find them
What kind of opportunities can arise at www.lovejamii.com and follow them on Insta
shop, partnership, co-working space or
from joining forces in this way? Jamii’s @ukjamii for Black-owned business inspiration.
directory might be just what you need to
website is often used by journalists and
take your small biz to the next level.
content creators to source great products
Working with others expands the reach and brands, and some of our partnered
of your brand and can bring fresh businesses have gained a huge level of
opportunities. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of exposure as a result. During the recent
shared knowledge, promo, and like-minded resurgence of the Black Lives Matter
movement, African-print homeware brand
creatives at your side. Working with peers
Bespoke Binny was discovered on Jamii by
will also keep you on your toes, perhaps an influencer creating a list of their favourite
raising the standard of your work, and Black-owned businesses. The resulting
bringing possibilities of mutually beneficial spike in sales allowed founder Natalie to
collabs. The positives are huge, but you’ll move into a studio and expand her team!
want to make sure you’re a real team player
Why are collaborations and community
too, supporting your fellow makers and so vital to a growing business? Running
lifting others up along the way. a business can be difficult and emotionally

MOLLIE MAKES 23
 SELLING OUTSIDE
S E
THE BOX
ONCE YOU’VE GOT YOUR GOODS OUT THERE, IT’S TIME TO THINK
BEYOND PHYSICAL PRODUCTS AND BUILD A MORE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

aking a steady, comfortable With regards to alternative revenue, we’re Stuck on what else you could be offering?

M income solely from selling

handmade products can be
challenging. In fact, it’s likely the
bulk of your time could be tied up in the actual
making and business admin (see page 36 for
talking a ‘portfolio career’, creating multiple
streams of income by finding different ways to
monetise what you’re best at. You might find
selling your wares across a combination of
platforms strikes the right balance for you, but
We’ve mapped out lots of creative ideas
for you opposite, so take your pick.

more on this). Day to day, this leaves little if it’s not paying off then it’s time to diversify.
capacity for the things that could really grow As a maker, you already have a whole host of
your business, like developing new products, skills that are extremely valuable. And, it’s likely
collaborations and creative marketing. your audience would not only love to buy from
So, how can you make it work? Well, the you, but also learn how to do what you do. The
sooner you make passive income and good news is there are plenty of ways you can
alternative revenue streams your new best generate income from sharing your knowledge
friends, the better. Any instance where you in different formats.
generate an asset, then earn from it Check out the digital platforms below for the
continuously with minimal active maintenance latest online innovations you could use to
can be defined as passive income – think expand your brand:
digital downloads like patterns or prints.

Payhip Patreon Ko-fi

Payhip is a dedicated sales platform for A membership platform for creatives, Ko-fi is a handy platform that allows you to
memberships and digital downloads, Patreon allows brands to set up subscription easily receive money from fans of your
including PDFs, video, audio and ebooks. It services. Supporters can pay monthly to content, facilitating everything from small
allows you to sell direct to customers via a receive content, or pay each time you donations to support your work (think the
link you share on your socials or website, upload something new. You can also set price of a coffee) to subscriptions to
and has recently grown in popularity with different membership tiers, with the cost crowdfunding. Physical and digital products
knitting and crochet pattern sellers. linked to the content they’ll receive. can be sold too, and the site is fee free.
www.payhip.com www.patreon.com www.ko-fi.com

24 MOLLIE MAKES
 EXPAND
YOUR BRAND
Below are some creative ways you
could diversify your small biz – circle any
that feel like they could be a good fit.

use this space to note down your ideas

MOLLIE MAKES 25
 where I offer one-to-one coaching calls, and I
focus on building a welcoming community
where people feel safe to ask questions.

Create tiers. How much do you want to

charge? Are you aiming for scalability, which
means lots of members who pay a little each
month, or a bespoke offering of just a
MAIN IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN HEATH

handful who pay a lot? I wanted my Pottery

Club to feel inclusive, so I have a range of
having a personal life. Despite wanting to tiers from £3.50 to £99 per month.
help everyone, there weren’t enough hours in
the day. So, I knew I needed a solution which Market it! Patreon isn’t an easy way to
would allow me to better serve my audience make money – you still have to work hard to
without working myself into the ground. create the content and market it.
In September last year I launched my
Patreon. It’s a way to get paid for content Set yourself goals. Goals are a great way
you’re already creating, including music, to get people excited about the next step of
YouTube videos, podcasts and even pottery your creative journey, and paint a picture of
JOIN THE CLUB advice – things which are generally hard to what your members are helping you achieve.
KARA LEIGH FORD, FOUNDER OF KARA'S monetise. I’ve learnt a lot along the way, and Is it a new piece of equipment? A bigger
POTTERY CLUB, ON HER JOURNEY FROM
here are my top tips for using it: studio? I want to get 500 members which will
SELLING CERAMICS TO SHARING KNOWLEDGE
enable me to employ my husband part time.
Think about the knowledge you have. I
Being a creative company of one, it’s have a highly engaged audience on Instagram Keep it high quality. Filming and editing
difficult to sustain a livelihood relying who ask a range of questions, from setting up videos isn’t as easy as YouTubers make it
solely on the things you make with your a studio to trouble-shooting. So, I started my look. I went on a course to learn how to do it
own hands. This is especially true if those Pottery Club as a place to share tips and properly, and I also employed a graphic
things are time consuming, like pottery. techniques via video tutorials, in return for designer to create the page on my website.
Scaling up your business can be difficult monthly membership. If anyone asks a
without employing people – I work from a question now, chances are I’ve made a video Listen to your audience. Every few
small garden studio at home in Somerset about it, so I’ll point them to my Pottery Club. months I ask what they want to see next, and
and love my location, but there isn’t build a lot of my content around that.
enough room for me to hire more Consider what value can you offer. As Communicate with your audience regularly,
people with the space I have. well as giving members exclusive early access as it’s a great way to keep them engaged.
By 2019, I was spending hours on to new work, limited-edition collections and
social media answering pottery- seconds sales, my members also get the Find Kara’s Pottery Club at www.patreon.com/
karaleighceramics and visit Kara’s website at
related questions, alongside fulfilling option to receive a piece of pottery from me www.karaleighfordceramics.com. You can also
orders, running my business and every three months. I also have a top tier follow her on Instagram @karaleighceramics.

26 MOLLIE MAKES
 ILLUSTRATION: LIZ ROWLAND WWW.LIZROWLAND.BIGCARTEL.COM

MOLLIE MAKES XXXXXXX 27

 FROM
MHHASHTAGS
ASH
HTAGS AND ALGORITH
ALGORITHMS
HMS TO FINDING
FINDIN
NG YOUR COMMUNITY,
COMMMUNITY
Y GET
READY FOR YOUR CRASH COURSE IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

MAKE TIME TO GE
GET ONLINE
WORDS: SARAH GANE

t’s hard to think of a world without social media, As we know, these apps aren’t without their downsides

I and even harder to imagine how small creative

businesses could ever have built such huge
communities without it. Love it or loathe it, social
media is the best free marketing tool out there.
These little apps have created big connections for
– something we talk about a little more about on page 34.
The always-on nature of the platforms means the line
between business and pleasure can often get blurred as
we work hard to maximise the impact of our content,
whether that’s posting during peak times, or responding
makers, writers, photographers and bloggers across the to comments as soon as they’re added. It can be
world, meaning we can form friendships, share inspiration exhausting at times, which is why establishing boundaries
and build an incredible creative community. is crucial. Whether that’s through apps, scheduling tools
From a business perspective, the digital landscape is or even outsourcing tasks to people you trust, there are
changing at a rapid pace. It’s difficult to know what the ways to achieve a better balance while ensuring your
next few years are going to look like, but one thing’s for posts gain visibility and traction with the right audience.
certain: good content matters. Whether it’s beautiful Ultimately, though, social media is about connection. It
photography, engaging captions or behind-the-scenes allows like-minded souls to step into your studio, sewing
videos revealing your practices and processes, they’re all room or workspace and find out more about you and your
helping to piece together a story for your brand. It’s why brand. These nifty apps enable you to tell your story to
people buy from independent makers in the first place. people all over the world – people who care
Broadcasting this unique content through various about the process and want to buy handmade.
social media channels means you can reach new Social media is so important for your business
customers, find your community and connect because it puts the control firmly in your hands.
with brands and makers you respect and It’s all about how you use it, not who has the
admire, as well as asking questions, sharing biggest budget, so let’s figure out how to make
ideas and support, and making sales. these platforms work for you.

28 MOLLIE MAKES
 SHARE YOUR LIKES
Before we get stuck into the different platforms, their benefits, and best practice tips, have a think about the
way you use social media first. Taking a step back to analyse what you enjoy about it and why will really help
when it comes to creating your own engaging content. And, it’ll give you a steer in which direction to focus your
energies – it’s often best to start out with the app you’re most familiar with, and have fun using.

What’s your fave platform? Who do you love to follow? Why do you use social media?
Most people dip in and out of different Which accounts always get you double Every app has different benefits, but as
social media apps, but is there one you’re clicking to like? It could be the dreamiest individuals, we all use social media for
most drawn too? Maybe you’ve lost way home that gives you serious interiors different reasons. It could be you’re a
too many hours scrolling on Instagram, or inspo, a creative with captions that always visual person and love to hop on when
creating moodboards galore on Pinterest. draw you in, or someone whose behind- you’re researching a particular project, like
Perhaps you love chatting with pals on the-scenes Instagram Stories you watch a home renovation or your next creative
Facebook? Or, was this the year you every day without fail. Again, think about make. Or, it might be a way for you to be
finally succumbed to the lure of TikTok why you like them so much – are they part of a bigger community – do you use it
and its addictive short-form videos? super-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, or to keep in touch with IRL and virtual
Write down which is your go-to, and just general life goals? Consider how you friends? Perhaps – like for a lot of us – it’s
think about why you like it. Is it the visuals, could apply some of those engaging become part of your daily routine,
the chatty comments, or maybe the short, aspects to your posts. scrolling through posts in your spare time
snappy sentences – think Twitter and its to keep up with what’s new in your world.
limited-character tweets. How could that Think about the benefits it brings you, and
translate to your brand? how your brand could offer the same
to different types of users.

MOLLIE MAKES 29
 PICKING YOUR
P R
PLATFORM
THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA APPS OUT THERE, BUT WHICH
IS THE BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS? LET’S FIGURE IT OUT TOGETHER

O
nly you can discover which
platform will really fly for your Instagram If you’re all FACEBOOK Facebook is Insta’s more
brand, but we can tell you the about the visuals, Insta is for you – a energetic, noisier sibling, and wants users to
pros and cons of the main video and photo-sharing network that share, share, share. It’s great for link sharing,
players, and that we wouldn’t recommend connects users through the images they sharing content, promoting products and
picking just one. It’s great to build up a post. Find new accounts by searching more. Unlike Insta, you can use links to drive
someone’s name, via the Explore page
community within a particular space, but traffic directly to your shop or website. And,
– where Insta share images they think
business-wise, it also makes sense not to put as Facebook’s algorithms are based around
you’ll like – and through hashtags.
all your eggs in one basket. Each platform will the average amount of ‘meaningful
Because the app wants to create
attract a different audience, so by tailoring community, the more likes, comments, interactions’ posts receive, click-throughs,
your content towards a selected few, you’re shares and saves a post has, the more shares, comments and likes are important.
getting the best audience reach possible. visibility it’ll get. You can encourage this The more engagement you get, the higher
by keeping images looking beautiful, but you’ll appear in people’s feeds, and the
also authentic and fresh – you want more likely you are to gain new followers.
SNAPCHAT & TIKTOK people to stop scrolling and take time to Use their insight tool to find out when
While there are businesses with big connect with your picture and words. your posts get the most interaction, so you
followings on these platforms, they’re not Insta likes to keep you in the app, so can post at peak times. It also shares info on
you can’t add clickable links in captions.
seen as contenders for most handmade your audience, and you’ll tend to find
But, people can click onto your profile
brands. That doesn’t mean they should be acebook followers are different to those on
and see your bio – a description of you
ignored though, especially if they’re your Insta – usually a slightly older age
and your brand, and link to your site or
go-to social media app. TikTok is a fun shop – or scroll through your grid of pics. bracket with different interests, too.
space to share short videos – behind-the-
scenes peeks or progress pics. And, if
you’re familiar with Instagram Stories, Twitter This app is here for those 280-max character tweets, and while you can attach
you’ll get the concept of Snapchat – images, Twitter was originally intended as a micro-blogging site where people can share their
sharing short posts, or stories, that thoughts in short statuses. It might seem irrelevant for brands all about aesthetics, but Twitter
disappear after 24 hours. If your target is a fab tool for communicating with your audience. And, it’s a great way to connect with other
market is Gen Z, these are worth a shot. businesses, creatives and makers too – think of it as the place you’d go to send a text. It’s also a
handy forum for starting conversations, asking questions, and learning about your audience.

30 MOLLIE MAKES
 THE POWER OF PINTEREST
PHOEBE BURT, SEO AND COMMUNITIES MANAGER FOR GATHERED, CHAMPIONS HER TOP PLATFORM

Pinterest is often overlooked in the marketing world, example, we posted our piñata crochet cushion, Ralph, four
despite 250 million people using the platform every times across three different boards – the ‘Pillow’ and
month. Don’t make that mistake – put some love into it, ‘Children’s room’ sections of our Interior board, our Crochet
especially if you consider yourself a creative. Fashion, board, and our Kids’ Craft board. Now the same image is
interior, DIY, recipes – Pinterest has an ever-growing being seen by different audiences with different purposes.
audience of creative customers scrolling for their next source
of inspiration. And that could be you and your product! CONTENT FOR LIFE
Paid-for or organic, Pinterest pins have the ability to bring The true power of Pinterest lies in its ability to drive traffic
international customers, increased sales and big blog stats. long-term, as your pins receive more and more impressions as
time goes on. Whenever someone new pins your post to their
TIME IS MONEY board, it’ll appear in their followers’ newsfeeds. This means
One of the main things that puts brands off using Pinterest is despite only two people having saved your pin on Tuesday, it
time. There’s no getting away from it: Pinterest does require has the potential to be repinned thousands of times!
dedication. You really need to be uploading at least one of But surely Pinterest has an algorithm like Instagram, right?
your own images every day and repinning for at least half an Nope. And that’s why Pinterest is my fave social network.
hour every other day, but you can use Pinterest’s built-in tool Unlike other social channels, Pinterest shows users the pins
to schedule pins for prime times like evenings and weekends. of the people they’re following in chronological order. Sure,
I usually advise avoiding repetition it’ll throw in a few paid-for pins, but your ‘Following’ feed is
on social media, but you can get away entirely organic. As long as people keep repinning, your
with it on Pinterest. A user may follow content could be seen all over the globe for years to come.
just one of your boards and not your That’s why patience really is a virtue with Pinterest. Here
whole profile, so pin your product shots at Mollie, Pinterest is our website’s biggest social traffic
across several relevant boards. For driver, but none of it was overnight. Our Library of Macramé
Knots image was pinned from our website back in November
2018. Seven months down the line it had gained 1,200 link
clicks and driven more and more traffic to our page – a
number that’s only growing as more people pin the image.
It’s all about the long game with Pinterest, so get out that
planner and start making time for this fab social network.

Phoebe Burt is the SEO and Communities Manager at Mollie Makes’

online home, www.gathered.how. She’s got a background in all
things marketing, but specialises in social media and content strategy.

MOLLIE MAKES 31
 WORK SMARTER,
NOT HARDER
IF YOU’RE FULL OF IDEAS BUT SHORT ON TIME, OR FEELING OVERWHELMED AT THE
THOUGHT OF IT ALL, HERE’S OUR TOP TIPS FOR MASTERING SOCIAL MEDIA

lthough every social media for you. All you need to do is write the caption

A platform has its own best

practice, there are definitely a few
basics that apply across the board.
First off, keeping your social channels updated
isn’t about getting content out there at every
much or as little detail as you like, but sitting
down on a Monday morning or a Friday
and drop in the image within your chosen tool,
then pick the time you want it launch – ideally
when your followers are most active. It’ll then
put the post live at your chosen time, so you
can set up a week’s worth of content in one go.
opportunity. Just like every other aspect of afternoon and planning out weekly posts will You can then engage with comments when
your business, it needs to be well thought out, be the best gift you can give to future you. they come up by switching on notifications on
engaging, and on brand. That doesn’t mean By doing this, it also makes it easier to come your phone, or log on around the time your
you can’t be spontaneous, and functions like up with content. For instance, you could plan post goes live. It’s important to engage with
Instagram Stories are great for jumping on and four posts for the week on Instagram and three people who respond to you, but this way you
saying hi. But, follow this advice and you’ll find for Facebook, one going up on each channel don’t have the faff of posting while you’re
it easier to stay on top of posting, and have a every other day. Make one post on each trying to cook dinner/put kids to bed/unwind.
clear idea of the content you want to share. platform a new product, or your latest fave. Most social channels have their own in-built
One could be a process pic or something that’s scheduling tools now, but there are also some
PREP AND PLAN inspired you – a behind-the-scenes image. And, good third-party options. Hootsuite and Buffer
For businesses big and small, content planning you could also share a customer pic. Write out a are great as they allow you to connect to
is key. Most creatives and makers tend to be rough caption, what image you’ll use, and how multiple channels, meaning everything’s all in
juggling a second job, or managing social you want to space them out, then it’s ready and one place. And, Later is good for Insta as you
media alongside crafting, admin, customer waiting with no spur-of-the-moment pressure. can preview how images look on your grid
service and more. So, make it easier by before scheduling. We’d also recommend
spending half an hour each week sketching out START SCHEDULING Tailwind for Pinterest – a way to launch pins at
a rough idea of your posts. You can go into as Social media can be a huge marketing help, but set times instead of flooding people’s feeds.
as it doesn’t make cold, hard cash, you need to
limit the time spent posting and scrolling. EMBRACE HASHTAGS
Scheduling tools help you do that, taking your Hashtags are used to connect your content to a
planning one step further by putting posts live wider topic, theme or conversation, and make

32 MOLLIE MAKES
your posts more discoverable. People can of posting, set up a page in your Notes app
pp with
wiith
either search a hashtag for inspiration, or on any relevant hashtags you might use, thenn
some platforms, follow hashtags. So, it’s really simply cut and paste them into each post.t.
important you include them in every post.
For Facebook, we’d only use one or two, BUILD COMMUNITY come across as professional, but behind that
adding them at the end of posts, or tagging a It can be easy to forget about the community brand is a person. Social media is where small
specific event within the caption, e.g. side of social media and get caught up in likes businesses can truly shine, as you’re more than
#grannysquareday. But for Instagram you can and follows, but it’s important to remember just a product or service, you’re the heart, soul
add up to 30 per post, giving you scope to people want it to be just that – social. No one and hands of it, too.
connect in different ways. Add them in a wants to feel like they’re being marketed to, and Don’t feel pressured to share everything
comment, not the caption though – your post’ll it won’t take you long to lose the love if you’re about your life, just what feels natural to you.
get the same engagement, but it looks neater. churning out endless sales messaging, either. That could be your creative process, your
And for Pinterest, use no more than 20 per pin. Instead, focus on building an engaged, loyal inspiration, why you do what you do – those
As to the kind of hashtags you use? Keep it following you love to connect with by creating little details will allow people to get to know
relevant, but think outside the box slightly. For an inclusive community within your social space. you, and in turn get likes and comments, and
example, if you post an image of a knitted This could be through your posts, sharing make people want to shop your brand. Putting
cardigan you could use hashtags specifically fellow makers, or by responding to comments yourself out there can be hard, especially if
relating to that, like #knittersofinstagram, and DMs with more than an emoji. And, reach you’re not seeing a huge uplift on the numbers.
#knitstagram and #knittedcardigan. And you out to other creatives – check out the hashtags But, it’s way more important to have 100
could use yarn-based ones like #yarnlove and you use and interact with those folks too. followers who care about what you’re doing,
#yarnaddiction. But, you can also angle it with and become advocates and customers for your
#slowfashionstyle and #slowfashionmovement, STAY TRUE TO YOU business, than it is to have 1,000 half-hearted
and biz specific tags like #smallbusinessowner, Our last piece of advice? Keep it authentic. Yes, followers. Just try not to overthink it, and more
#shopsmall and #handmadeintheuk. For ease you’re representing your brand and want to importantly, have fun!

ideas for posts and planning

MOLLIE MAKES 33
 STAYING POSITIVE
S
REPPING YOUR BRAND AS A SOLO MAKER ISN’T ALWAYS ROSY, BUT THERE ARE LOTS
OF WAYS TO KEEP UPBEAT WHEN THE ONLINE WORLD GETS YOU DOWN

H
aving an active social media
presence can feel so rewarding, not to compare myself to the endless
both for yourself and your ‘successful’ accounts. And, just like that,
business. When friends and I started to enjoy it!
strangers share positive comments, a post
FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
gets an amazing response, or you’re tagged Rather than counting each like or follow,
into a customer’s pic of your product, it’s I now use each post as a piece of
straight up cloud nine times. But, it’s hard not research: an opportunity to discover
to take it personally when images seem to fall more about my target market. What
type of person do my designs and
flat. It doesn’t take long before self-doubt
products appeal to and when would they
creeps in, wondering why you’re not getting consider buying them? Simple questions like
the same results as other accounts. these help me research and experiment with
Cards on the table? Running a creative hashtags. In doing so, I’ve found some lovely
followers who interact with my posts.
business can be tough. Pouring yourself into it “WE’RE REAL My more successful posts are behind-the-
sets you apart from faceless companies, but it PEOPLE BEHIND scenes shots – how my work is produced, what
also leaves you vulnerable when things don’t OUR ACCOUNTS!” my set-up looks like and what I’m working on
go to plan. Social media can feel like a next. So long as you can get a nice bit of natural
CARLY STALKER, CO-FOUNDER OF ROO-TID,
numbers game, but your value isn’t tied to lighting and keep true to you, people will relate
SHARES HER SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNEY
how your brand or product does, and to it. After all, we want followers to know we’re
real people behind our accounts!
certainly can’t be measured in likes or follows.
Sometimes it feels like a losing battle trying to
Write your own definition of success CELEBRATE MINI MILESTONES
gain genuine followers. I remember finding it
instead, placing significance in areas like difficult at first to not get so disheartened It’s easy to forget social media should be about
personal progression. Hold onto the reasons after each post, only receiving the usual likes connecting with people. It’s not a race to get the
you got into this – maybe to achieve that from friends and loved ones. I’d ask myself: highest figures; it’s about brand awareness and
“How am I going to make this business a sharing your story. Congratulate yourself with
elusive work/life balance, feel passionate
success if I can’t reach a huge online every new follower – that’s one more person
about your job, or work in a creative who knows about your creative adventure!
following? What am I doing wrong?” So I
environment? And, reach out to that made the best decision for myself and my
community you’ve built up for support. business – I took away the pressure social Carly’s independent homewares brand Roo-tid sells
Chatting to fellow small biz pals helps you media had over me. I decided to look on the eco-friendly paper and textile goods, from beautiful
put a down day into perspective, and is a positive rather than the negative, learn to cards and prints to aprons and oven gloves, at www.
accept what’s realistic for my start-up, and roo-tid.com. Check out her Instagram @roo_tid_ltd.
great way to pick up your mood.

34 MOLLIE MAKES
ILLUSTRATION: KIMBERLIE CLINTHORNE-WONG WWW.KIMBERLIEWONG.COM

MOLLIE BAKES CHRISTMAS 13

 BEFORE YOU LAUNCH YOUR SMALL BIZ INTO THE BIG WIDE WORLD, THERE’S JUST
ONE LAST STOP – LET'S TALK FINANCES, COMPLIANCE AND BUSINESS PRACTICALITIES

f you want your business to support

I you in the long term, it’s not just about

producing and promoting an amazing
product – you’ll need to keep track of the
pennies to have a clear idea of profit and loss.
Even if you hire an accountant, it’s
Stash those receipts
Keep a record of anything you
spend on your business. There’s
the obvious, like photography
TACKLING TAX RETURNS
The first thing to know is that they’re not
as scary as they seem. If you’ve done the
groundwork, keeping your monthly
spreadsheet up to date, it’s just a case of
important to take control of the basics, so props, shipping and payments to entering it online. Make sure you’re
let’s begin a beautiful relationship between a website provider. Then there’s registered with the HMRC at www.gov.uk,
you and your finances. After all, knowledge is other allowable expenses you then fill out their form and pay any
power, and we’re all for empowering you in might not know about – stock, outstanding tax by 31st January. If you’re a
every area of your indie brand. Plus, getting raw materials, related training sole trader, you can even give simplified
in trouble with the HMRC is not a good look, expenses – a combined total for your
courses, and working from home
so it’s best to get organised from the off. incoming and outgoing figures. You do still
allowance. Visit www.gov.uk/
need to keep receipts in case they ask for
expenses-if-youre-self-employed proof though, and this won’t be suitable
BANK LIKE A BOSS for a full list of costs you can for some businesses, but the HMRC
Step 1? Set up a business bank claim back each tax year. website has all the help and info you need.
account. Even the smallest side hustle
should separate personal finances
from biz income and expenditure, as Get organised
it’s an easy way to get organised. All that income and expenditure needs to be kept safe for your annual tax return. And, while you
You’ll have everything in one place can just stuff receipts into a shoebox, it’s better to establish a workable filing system and make
when it comes to tax return time, and friends with the good old Excel spreadsheet. We recommend setting up two physical folders
there are plenty of free options out – one incoming, one outgoing – for paper receipts. Then, do the same on your computer desktop
there – all you need to get set up is for any email or digital records you need to hang onto. Next, set up a spreadsheet and put time
photo ID and proof of address. aside each month to note your income and outgoings. This saves you having to do everything in
one go, plus it means you’re more likely to remember what each transaction relates to.

36 MOLLIE MAKES
 MAKING FRIENDS WITH MONEY
ANDI SMILES, SMALL BIZ FINANCIAL CONSULTANT, ON ENGAGING WITH YOUR FINANCES

Business finances aren’t as exciting as selling out a produce income? Go beyond general categories like ‘Sales’
craft fair or landing your first wholesale client, but and get specific with more niche headers like ‘Knitted dolls’,
tending to your money early on will set you up for financial ‘Knitted hats’ and ‘Knitted gloves’.
ease later. Here are three tips to get started. For expenses, the category will correspond with your
country’s tax deduction categories and the type of spending
DEVELOP A BOOKKEEPING ROUTINE you want to monitor. For example, your country may not
It’s easy to say you’ll do your bookkeeping – keeping on top have ‘Product Photography’ listed on its tax form, but you
of recording your financial transactions – but the truth it’s might want to keep track of your spending in that area. Try
the first thing that gets skipped after a long week. That’s to create expense categories that interest you and will help
why you need a bookkeeping routine, which keeps the you make better financial decisions in the future.
financial work from piling up, builds your bookkeeping
muscle, and ensures your finances are up to date. TREAT MONEY LIKE YOU’D TREAT A NEW FRIEND
The first step in developing a routine is to decide how Friendships require presence and consistency. It’s unlikely a
often you’ll do your bookkeeping. I recommend a minimum budding friendship will survive if you ghost on brunch or
of once a month, and ideally, doing your bookkeeping once ignore your new friend’s texts. Just like you need to show up,
a week. Next, decide when you’ll do your bookkeeping and be present and interact with a new friend, you need to
be specific. What day will you do it? At what time? When engage with your money.
choosing your date and time, go for those moments when What creates strong bonds between you and your
you’re at your best. Trying to do bookkeeping when you’re business finances isn’t just logging receipts and filing your
exhausted will lead to frustration and is demotivating, so taxes – it’s also being in a relationship with your money.
lean into your best working hours and do it then. Practice showing up for your money in small ways every
day, respecting and paying attention to it, and treat your
TRACK YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES money as if it were a true friend.
When it comes to tracking income and expenses,
there are four key pieces of information you need Andi Smiles is a financial coach and consultant, helping small
to record: the date of the transaction, who you paid biz owners to take control of their money. Check out Andi’s
or who paid you, the amount, and the category. free resource, the Biz Financial Survival Kit, which includes a
bookkkee
bookkeeping task list and more at www.andismiles.com/
For income, the category is the type of
survivalkit. You can also listen to her podcast, Ask
revenue stream. What did you sell to
Andi, and get more advice at www.andismiles.com.

MOLLIE MAKES 37
 THE LEGAL SIDE
BUSINESS LAW CAN BE PRETTY INTIMIDATING, BUT WE’RE HERE TO BREAK
THAT DOWN, AND TO POINT YOU IN THE DIRECTION OF SOME TOP RESOURCES

ust like Legally Blonde icon Elle Business Companion (www.businesscompanion.

J Woods, we want you to feel

comfortable using legal jargon in
everyday life. On page 40 we’ll be
chatting to Ingrid Fernandez, lawyer and
founder of Dec + Dash Legal Consulting, about
info) is a great government-backed website that
provides free impartial legal advice – search
‘product safety’ on their website for more info.

STAYING ORIGINAL
website wording, copyright and the delights of The best way to protect your own name is Instagram and Pinterest are full of beautiful
data protection, but first let’s get into some of with clear branding and a strong identity – all images, and while these visuals are a great way
the more general legalities you’ll need to those things we talked about on page 6. That to spark product ideas, it’s also important to
consider when starting your own biz. way, imitators won’t be able to compete, and know the difference between inspiration and
may even get flagged by your own community. intellectual property infringement.
MAKING IT OFFICIAL Ingrid talks about what to do if someone
We talked about deciding on a brand name SELLING SAFELY copies your work on page 40, but before you
back on page 4, but do you actually need to Before you start putting your products out start selling your product, it’s important to
register it? The short answer is no. As long as there, it’s hugely important they meet legal make sure you’re not treading on other people’s
it’s registered with HMRC you’re all good, requirements. Not only do you want to protect toes, too – something that’s easier to do than
unless you decide to become a limited yourself from any possible comeback, it’s also you think. For example, there are tons of stock
company at any stage – a company that’s a important your customers have confidence that images available for free online, but if you’re
separate legal entity in its own right, as the item they’re buying is safe. selling products with them on, you’ll be
opposed to one owned by somebody. If you’re selling handmade goods like toys, breaking the terms of their usage contract. Or,
Search online to make sure no one has cosmetic products, upholstered furniture, you could be making and selling garments from
trademarked the same name – Companies candles or certain gifts, you’ll need to comply a purchased pattern. While the pattern is yours,
House’s website is one way to check. It’s ok to with safety regulations. They might require you you’ll need to check the designer is OK with
have the same business name as another to label items in a specific way, e.g. ‘Not for you making a profit from it.
company, but if it’s been trademarked and you food use’ or ‘This is not a toy’, or supply safe You’ll also need to be careful if your products
u
use it, you could come into trouble. use instructions. With products like children’s include a famous face, whether you’re using
toys and beauty products however, you’ll be names of brands and celebs, or images
required to carry out safety and conformity featuring book or cartoon characters. Our top
assessments, and include labelling that shows tip? Keep it original. Find your own style,
these requirements have been carried out. celebrate your skill set, and stay true to you.

38 MOLLIE MAKES
 FOR MORE TIPS, ADVICE AND INFO, CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:

GOV.UK www.gov.uk ACID (ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN) WESTARTANYBIZ www.westartany.biz

Your official go-to for all things legal and www.acid.uk.com A free-to-use platform containing start-up
anything taxes or business related, with tools ACID are the UK’s leading design and and advanced business guides, from setting
and guidance for self-employed peeps. intellectual property organisation – ideal if up as a sole trader to applying for grants.
you’re concerned about copyright.
ENTERPRISE NATION AHREFS www.ahrefs.com
www.enterprisenation.com FOLKSY’S BLOG blog.folksy.com If you’re starting your own website, Ahrefs
A supportive community sharing all you This UK-based selling platform shares is an SEO toolset that’ll help you get seen.
need to grow your brand, from EU shipping essential info for creatives, including SEO They share lots of free learning materials, and
regulations to mental health support. (Search Engine Optimisation) tips. have a handy Help Centre for newbies.

THE DESIGN TRUST ETSY SELLER HANDBOOK GATHERED

www.thedesigntrust.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/seller-handbook www.gathered.how/molliemakes
Teaching practical business skills, The Design Etsy’s how-to handbook is an online Gathered is the online home of Mollie Makes!
Trust have lots of must-read articles and goldmine, filled with articles for running an Head to our page for more selling tips,
one-day workshops and online courses. Etsy shop that are relevant for other makers. including how to wholesale and crowdfund.

Things I need to look into

MOLLIE MAKES 39
 Having a legally compliant brand need to be transparent about what they’re
is so important – what are the signing up for – let them know how often
main areas to consider for business you’ll be emailing them, and if you’ll be
owners? It’s important to think about emailing with marketing info about your
how best to protect it. If your brand has a products and services. Make it easy for
website, this means having website T&Cs people to unsubscribe too, by having an
which protect intellectual property rights, as ‘unsubscribe’ link in every newsletter you
well as privacy and cookie policies in order to send out – you don’t want to be contacting
be compliant with data protection laws and people who no longer want to hear from you.
regulations. If you’re selling products or
services on your website, you legally need Creative businesses often struggle with
terms of sale, letting people know their retaining copyright. Have you got any
entitlements under the Consumer Rights tips? If you’re a maker of creative works,
Law, and how you’ll provide the goods or you’ll automatically have protection. It’s
services. It doesn’t have to be complicated, important to keep track of what you create
but getting compliant protects you. and when, so if someone replicates your
work, you have evidence showing copyright
What if you’re working with clients ownership. If you think you’re being copied,
directly? Then you should have a contract in get in touch with the person directly. We’re
place before you start work, covering matters all people first, and copying can occur
such as limiting your liability, cancellation or without realising. Often, the matter can be
TALKING T&CS termination clauses, payment terms, and
ownership of intellectual property rights.
resolved by discussing it openly and honestly
and coming to an agreement. But, if this
INGRID FERNANDEZ, LAWYER AND FOUNDER This is signed by both you and your client doesn’t work, you can speak to a lawyer and
OF DEC + DASH LEGAL CONSULTING, GIVES prior to starting work, so both can manage get advice on the options available to you.
US AN INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS LAW their expectations of the relationship.
Finally, what words of wisdom would
Does this help with invoicing? Yes – this you give to someone looking to start
is where your contract will become very their own business? Find your people!
Hi Ingrid! Tell us a bit about yourself useful. Setting out clear payment terms, Have business buddies who are at the same
and your biz. Starting my legal consulting detailing how long clients have to pay and stage as you or a little further along, so you
business wasn’t something I always saw your right to charge interest and late payment can travel together. Sometimes we feel like
myself doing. I’d been working in the court fees, will definitely help clients know their we’re doing it on our own, but there’s a whole
system, then in privacy practice. I then responsibilities. It’ll also help if you need to community of like-minded people to get
worked for an NHS trust before having my chase late payments, as you can let them advice from, chat with, and feel supported
two children, and thought I’d continue know the consequences as per the contract. by. There’s so much knowledge to be shared,
down that path. Instead, I started and you could also help others. This has
working with small business owners Building a mailout list is a great way to been hugely impactful for me, and has really
who had brilliant products, but reach people, but what are the rules helped in the years I’ve been in business.
didn’t know how to ensure they around it? Data protection compliance is all
were legally compliant. I’d draft about being honest and open with those Commercial lawyer Ingrid works with small biz
terms and conditions and whose information we collect. In order to do owners, taking the stress out of drafting legal
privacy policies, or help them put so in a legally compliant way, you need to give documents and making the law simple. For more
together contracts. That’s how users access to your Privacy Policy, usually by on legal compliance, or to book a free call with
my business came to life. way of a link in your email sign-up. You also Ingrid, get in touch on Insta @decanddash_ingrid.

40 MOLLIE MAKES
 ILLUSTRATION: CONSTANZA G WWW.CONSTANZAG.COM.AU

MOLLIE BAKES CHRISTMAS 13

 Contributors
Khalia Ismain
Social entrepreneur Khalia is the
Phoebe Burt founder of Jamii, a discount card
Phoebe’s got a background in for Black British businesses. She’s
marketing but specialises in social all about community, celebrating
media and strategy. She originally Black-owned brands on the daily.
joined the Mollie team in 2018 and Khalia shares the benefits of small
now works on Gathered, helping it biz collaboration on page 23.
become the best craft site ever. www.lovejamii.com
Phoebe champions the power of
Pinterest on page 31.
www.gathered.how/molliemakes

Natalie Manima
Natalie is the designer-maker behind
Bespoke Binny, creating clothing and
homewares from West African cloth. She
loves sewing, and the mood-boosting
power of vibrant colours and prints.
Natalie talks pricing advice on page 18.
www.bespokebinny.com

Aime Cox-Tennant Ingrid Fernandez

Bristol-based Aime owns Studio Ingrid is a commercial lawyer turned
Cotton, a marketing agency that’s small biz owner. After years of
passionate about small creative YQTMKPI KP EQWTVU CPF NCY TOU UJG
brands. She started her own biz after Cheers! now helps fellow brand owners and
HGGNKPI WPHWN NNGF KP QVJGT OCTMGVKPI Becki Clark, Sarah Gane, start-ups become legally compliant.
jobs, and hasn’t looked back since. Kara Leigh Ford, Carly Stalker, Find Ingrid’s top tips on page 40.
Aime chats photography on page 7. Camilla Westergaard, Andi Smiles @decanddash_ingrid
www.studiocotton.co.uk

42 MOLLIE MAKES
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Supplement to Mollie Makes issue 126