One day I mentioned an interest in crocheting to a friend, who suggested we go to buy some yarn and hooks from a local craft shop and the rest is history as they say! I picked it up like I’d been doing it all my life, I think somehow what my mother showed us all those years ago was embedded in my very core! Suddenly, the apartment was full of crocheted items and I had friends making jokes about my husband coming home and finding a cosy around the microwave, which hasn’t happened yet, but there’s still time!
EllaRose Handmade
I am a Songwriter from Bedfordshire in the UK and I currently live in Los Angeles with my husband, who is a film composer/music producer.
What got you started crafting?
I've always been a bit of a crafter, my sisters often tell me I should be on Blue Peter (a show we used to watch as kids where they featured a craft segment where they made things out of household items - their catchphrase was "and here's one I made earlier!") Anyway, one day I'd decided I needed something creative to do in between working on new songs and recording etc... I remember my mother trying to teach me and my sisters how to knit and crochet as children, she was a whiz at both, as well as dressmaking, but at the time we weren't very interested in it.
One day I mentioned an interest in crocheting to a friend, who suggested we go to buy some yarn and hooks from a local craft shop and the rest is history as they say! I picked it up like I'd been doing it all my life, I think somehow what my mother showed us all those years ago was embedded in my very core! Suddenly, the apartment was full of crocheted items and I had friends making jokes about my husband coming home and finding a cosy around the microwave, which hasn't happened yet, but there's still time!
What is your source of inspiration?
As I mentioned, I was raised with my mother constantly crocheting, knitting or dress making so the first time I picked up a hook and yarn after so many years I thought of my mother back home in England... she inspired me to try it again. My pieces are inspired by part of my heritage, as you may notice in the names of the garments. Bella Italia!
What have you made recently?
I most recently made The Viva Capecowl. I decided to try some new yarn, a chunky, soft acrylic yarn and the moment I saw the colour - pea green - I had to have it! I wasn't sure what I would create from it at the time, but knew that it would be something new and wonderful. The Viva Capecowl is a convertible piece that can be worn - as its name suggests - as a cape and a cowl. This particular one has chocolate brown buttons. The buttons themselves serve two purposes, to fasten the cape and to hold the cowl in place once it's wrapped around the neck. I truly love this piece! It is perfect over your shoulders on those chilly evenings or wrapped around your neck for those colder days to keep you snug. The stitch inspired the name as it is made using the 'v' stitch and 'Viva' means 'alive' in Italian. All our items are affixed with a signature label. You can find The Viva Capecowl on my website.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I currently sell online and plan to approach local Boutiques very soon. I also am excited that a boutique in the UK has decided to sell some of the EllaRose Collection, launching December 2010.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Handmade goods are original and each time I wear a piece, a part of me inside is elated to know that I am the only person wearing that exact creation in the world. Not only is it better for the environment but it is much more personal and it simply feels good wearing something I know I or someone else has made with love. I heart handmade and always will!
Find Me
LocationLos Angeles
Email Address
EllaRose Handmade
Personal Website
http://www.handmadebyellarose.blogspot.com
Store Website
http://www.handmadebyellarose.com
@ellarosebyhand
http://www.facebook.com/pages/EllaRose-Handmade/154340907916808?ref=ts