1. Ok, welcome to Jolee Tablecloths meet the maker. Please tell us a bit about yourself, who you are and where you are. I'm Claire Grimshaw and I own and run StitchedUpByClaire, creating handmade bags and accessories from Oilcloth. I work from home, at my dining room table (!) in Nottingham, UK. 2. Can you tell us what it is you make and what was your inspiration behind making this? I create beautiful, handmade Oilcloth accessories ranging from Zip Purses to Peg Bags, Makeup Bags to Kids Aprons, Changing Mats to Dog Walking Bags and much more. I specialise in bespoke, made-to-measure Handbags in various designs. I'm one of those people who loves to change their handbag and have it match their outfit - you can't have too many bags in my opinion! So I'm inspired to create bespoke bags for my customers - meeting their exact needs. 3. What do you do with your makes do you sell them, gift them or just make for yourself as a hobby? StitchedUpByClaire is my business and I sell my creations online and also at a boutique in my town. I have an Etsy shop which sells my readymade items but I also take custom orders through my Facebook and Instagram pages. 4. How long have you been crafting/sewing? I learnt to sew 10 years ago when I started an evening class in Bagmaking. One of the projects was an Oilcloth bag and I just loved working with this type of fabric and loved the results. After completing the course, I enjoyed lots of practice making Bags for friends & family. About 6 years ago I decided to turn my hobby into a full time business. 5. What or who was it that inspired you to start crafting/sewing? My inspiration indirectly came from my Son!! When he was born I put my career in the Food Industry on hold to be a stay-at-home mum. After a while my brain was going to mush - I needed more! So my husband suggested an evening class.....I saw Bagmaking advertised...and it was a perfect fit! On night one I didn't even know how to thread or use a sewing machine!! 6. What are your tools of choice? Sewing Machine other magical tools! I started StitchedUpByClaire using a simple, domestic machine. Sewing Oilcloth was a challenge, but I made it work! I've recently upgraded my machine to a Janome HD9 - a heavy duty machine - and it's amazing! It sews through layers of Oilcloth like butter! Things I can't be without would be: A Teflon presser foot, Sewing Clips, a Hump-Jumper (!) and Baking Parchment - all essentials for sewing with Oilcloth. 7. Who would you recommend following on social media for inspiration? There are so many amazing creative people I follow on social media. Bag pattern creators that I love include Bagstock Designs & Sewing Patterns by Mrs H. For a brilliant dose of positivity - check out Emily Coxhead. 8. One tip you would give to budding crafters? Give something a try..what have you got to lose? It might end up being a fabulous hobby that helps you relax..or even something you can develop into a business! 9. Where can we find you on social media? Facebook - www.facebook.com/stitchedupbyclaire Instagram - www.instagram.com/stitchedupbyclaire New website - www.stitchedupbyclaire.com Etsy Shop - www.etsy.com/shop/stitchedupbyclaireuk 10. One interesting fact that has nothing to do with crafting?! Not sure if its particularly interesting (!) but I can touch my nose with my tongue!