OK, I will only make this admission once, thanks to years of non-therapy: I love me some plush, stuffed animals. I really, really do. Yes, I have a stack of Dwell magazines that would make modernists envious. Yes, I love modern design. And yes, I love cute teddy bears. Deal with it. I mean, just look at these wonderful stuffed bears and bunnies (not sure where the owls are hiding but I will find out!) from Emma Hall, the stitching genius behind the Stars By The Door Stitching shop. How can you not love these? Where’s my pacifier?
Emma not only makes the bears and bunnies by hand, she also make the sweaters. She is just beyond! Graciously, she agreed to answer a few questions for us. Read on to get to know this talented handmaker better and try not to be distracted by the cuteness, because there is a ton coming your way. You have been warned! Where is my blanky?
1. What inspired you to begin your collection?
I have always enjoyed making things, from an early age I was making what ever popped into my head. I once made a pair of shoes! But I got wrapped up in university and being an adult and I stopped making. After my degree I got a boring office job and spent far too much time on Pintrest. I became fascinated with the fad of sock toys. From then on I was buying socks in bulk and messing around. I always used the top of the sock for the toy’s little outfit and I realised the ribbing looking like a little jumper. So I started to knit my own socks and that is where the knitted bears and bunnies came from. If you visit my blog there is great photo story of the evolution of my products.
2. Can you name a favourite source of inspiration?
My Nan! She taught me how to knit at age 4 and I have been practising with her for years. She taught me her techniques and I taught her some new ones too.
3. What materials do you love to use?
I would also say the jellybean range of teddies has been an inspiration for the faces of my toys and of course the craze that is Amigurumi for my wide spaced eyes.
4. Do you have a dream collaborator?
Gosh I haven’t really thought about that, but I would love to stock my teddies in cute handmade shops by the seaside.
5. When you need a musical muse, who do you turn the volume up for?
I confess when I am making bunnies I am usually watching TV! Mostly documentaries, I’m a information sponge. My latest teddy was created while I learnt about the astrological dynamics of asteroids!
6. How do you use social media/blogging to promote your work?
I have Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, WordPress and Wanelo. As much I can get my hands on. You can find my by searching statsbythedoorstitching
7. Where to you see your shop/project going?
Well I have been offered a wholesale in a small handmade shop in the UK so I am thrilled but I want to keep my roots in Etsy and become a successful seller there, I want to reach 100 sales this year!
Thanks Emma! By the way, regarding the bunnies: you can send Emma a DM over at Etsy and you can get a cuddly bunny made just for you. I hope you enjoyed this edition of Handmade Profiles. Now, can you keep it down? I’m about to be put down for my nap.
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BLOG | ETSY | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
