Handbags and glad rags
IN Craft Creations this week, we speak to Aulwyn Latham who makes a variety of craft items. “I learnt to sew with my gran on her treadle sewing machine, knit with my mum and hand embroider through my aunty.
“I left school in 1966 with no GCSE’s and a skill set of knitting, sewing and embroidery. My art teacher killed any interest I had in art with negative comments on my work.
“After I got married I went to evening classes to learn how to make clothes. I love making gifts for friends and love seeing their reactions, it gives me great pleasure.
“Prior to my retirement I considered the various crafts that I was interested in, selling the crafts I make to fund my hobby. This is how Crafts by Aulwyn was born (see: facebook.com/ craftsbyaulwyn). Bespoke, personalised items give me the most satisfaction
“I was invited to join a local knit and natter group and from there my craft skills broadened.
“I learned how to crochet, and Francesca Lawrence has opened my mind to beading and weaving.
“Also, Abakhan run a variety of courses for novices, helping to improve my skills and learn other crafts. On the mixed media course (painting and free motion stitching) my art teacher’s comments came back to haunt me, but Fliss (the ttutor) helped me and I ccouldn’t believe the lovely ppainting I ended up with!
“Courses at Sewing IInnovations, Bodelwyddan increased my knowledge on a variety of materials that can create a broad range of items from bags to items using sublimation (ie: digital photo on to fabric and then sewn onto a cushion).
“I was encouraged to jjoin Rhos on Sea and Conwy Country Markets, and all the members are very friendly and encourage you to learn new or enhance your current skskills. “My skills now include sewing, machine embroidery (incl. bespoke items), crochet, knitting, bead weaving, jewellery, fascinator’s and cards, and I have a list of things I want to make.
“Whoever said ‘retirement was a slower pace of life?’ are so wrong!”