2 years ago I had never touched a needle and thread and thought that craft was a pleasant pastime for likeable weirdos. Then I spent 4 of the wettest days ever experienced in New Zealand at a friend's house in the Coromandel. My defences were down and I was going stir crazy. On day 3 she introduced me to some felt and embroidery thread and showed me how to make a needle case. I was completely hooked. I went down to the local sell-everything shop and bought their entire selection of nasty felt, a crap pair of pinking shears and a bumper pack of needles.

The next day, in a shop in Thames, the shop keeper referred to me as a "crafter" as I bought yet more felt. I flushed with pride. A year later I bought my trusty Brother sewing machine, and the rest is history.

However, I have retained my impatience with all things to do with time, patience and measuring, so although I can be prolific, my goods have a slightly wonky charm. Well, that's my version anyway...