Meet the Maker

A new feature for us is our 'Meet The Maker'. We are passionate 'Makers' here at Jolee and what we love is to chat to some of our customers who make things from what we sell either for profit, gifts or for a bit of therapy. Here in series one of our 'Meet the Maker' series we talk to Claire who makes some amazing things from our Oilcloth and Fabrics.

1. Ok, welcome to Jolee Tablecloths meet the maker. Please tell us a bit about yourself, who you are and where you are

Hi, my name is Claire Kraus (Professor Messer) I live in rural Cambridgeshire with my husband and 3 chickens, Gretl, Heidi and Elsie. I love chickens and have been keeping them for about 8 years. When I’m not sewing I’m a Teaching Assistant at a lovely school with a fabulous team, who are some of my best customers and inspiration.

2. Can you tell us what it is you make and what was your inspiration behind making this?

I make all sorts of things that are pretty and useful, from peg bags to make up bags, shopping bags and water bottle carriers. So basically bags! The first thing I made to sell was a tote bag which is still my favourite thing to make. I love seeing my friends at school using them. I also make bunting, aprons, pencil cases and I’ve just started making eco face wipes.

3. What do you do with your makes do you sell them, gift them or just make for yourself as a hobby? What started out as a hobby has turned into an obsession, I began making presents for friends and family. Then I had a little stall at our village fete, which lead to teaming up with my very good friend Becky who makes Fused Glass jewellery. Now we have a regular stall on Royston market once a month. I’m also part of my local Country Market. So over the last 5 years Professor Messer evolved, none of it was planned I just gave different things a go some were successful some and some weren’t. But often it’s the people you meet that open up new opportunities.

4. How long have you been crafting/sewing?

I’ve always been a maker that’s where my name Professor Messer comes from. When I was a child I was always asking my Nana to show me how to make things and she said I was a ‘right professor messer’. So when I started sewing it seemed like the perfect name for me. Also having been a teacher it was even better. I would say I’ve been a serious sewer for about 10 years.

5.What or who was it that inspired you to start crafting/sewing?

My Mum and both my Nanas inspired me to sew, I started doing cross stitch as a child as couldn’t knit to save my life. My Mum is so resourceful she has a cupboard full of fabric, ribbon and the best button box ever. She often sends me fabric in the post which she has found in a charity shop. Beautiful fabric inspires me too. I’m also inspired by my friends they often give me the best ideas. It usually starts with “Claire do you think you could make me...”

6. What are your tools of choice? Sewing Machine other magical tools!

My sewing room is my happy place, I got a whizzy sewing machine for my 40th then I saw a friend’s over locker and thought I need one of those. For Christmas 2 years ago I got a second hand embroidery machine which I love but scares me a little. But my best piece of sewing equipment is my ironing board. Its an extra large one, which my engineer husband modified for me by adding a storage bucket. I couldn’t be without it super handy as I don’t have a big sewing room.

7. Who would you recommend following on social media for inspiration?

When it comes to Social Media I was a bit late the party but love following local makers and sewing shops. I think that Tilly and Buttons are great and The Great British Sewing Bee, obviously. I just love clare.bradders who won in 2020 although I’m no seamstress I admire how she really lives her style, down to rationing her fabric, which I could never do.

8. One tip you would give to budding crafters?

I love making something and then adapting it to a different use- so don’t be afraid to change things. My water bottle carriers started out as fabric vases. I took one idea and redeveloped it. I sound like an expert when I’m not really it’s just messing around and seeing what works.

9. Where can we find you on social media?

As I said I’m a bit new to social media but you can find me on

Instagram: professor_messer_ck #professormessersewing Facebook: Professor Messer @professormessersewing

10. One interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with crafting

Interesting Fact! I lived in Australia for 18 months; we got the opportunity to go with my husband’s job. We did all kinds of crazy stuff from white water rafting at the Olympic Park to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Happy Sewing Love Claire