Interview with Jhoanna- one red robin

That would be Jhoanna of One Red Robin!! I have followed her blog since i started and I really have enjoyed myself. She has such a wide variety of patterns and loves the dolls and stuffed things. {i love them too}  She has another blog dedicated to just stuffed animals/dolls.  She shares free patterns…{I have been on there yay!}  This is the last interview this month   It has been so much fun to get to know a little more about each of the girls. Don't you think?  Thanks to all who have shared. 

I thought i would include her little insite for the One Yard Wonder Book and how her pattern got in the book. "In regards to the book, early last year (from memory) Store Publishing put out a call for submissions for the new book. I submitted the Peg Bears and was not expecting anything – I knew there were a LOT of submissions. So I was thrilled when I received a response from them saying that they wanted the pattern in the book."   lucky her and the others!!

So how did you get your crafty start?
I had always been interested in making things since I was a child. I found a lot of joy and comfort in it. I loved sketching, drawing, painting and gluing things together. But it was only after the birth of my first daughter that I finally got into sewing. I wanted to give her a softie that was unique and different and I couldn't find anything that I was happy with at the mall. So I decided to sew it up myself! It was a crash course in sewing for me, but I was soon hooked!

How long have you been crafting?
Since I was kid. But I've been designing and making softies for almost 4 years.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?
When I started making softies, I never planned to have a 'business' as such. It just developed that way. I still don't have a clear view of where to take this 'business'. I'm taking it one day at a time and taking opportunities as they come to me. At the end of the day, I just want to continue designing and making because it brings me joy. I want to try new things as well. I want to keep learning and improving.

What or who inspires you?
Vintage design, children's books, children's drawings, colour, Japanese kawaii aesthetic, street art, my two daughters, Beci Orpin, Shinzi Katoh, Pip Lincolne and so many designers/crafters/bloggers!

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?
During the day I work as a Business Analyst in the information technology and telecommunications industry

Tell us about your current projects.
Well, I'm going through a significant transition period in my life at the moment so I don't have many projects on the go. The things that I am excited about this year are: the current display of one of my fawns, standing 4 metres tall, in a wonderful store here in Melbourne; inclusion in two sewing/craft books to be published this year; releasing more sewing patterns through the company that distributes and publishes my patterns, Pattern Press; spending more time developing and releasing new fabric designs.
How many UFO’s do you have?
At least 10, may be more!

How much time do you spend on your craft?
A few hours every night after my daughters have gone to sleep. It's a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day.

What's your favorite color?
At the moment, chartreuse.

Do you have a favorite Notion?
I love Japanese novelty trims and vinatge buttons.

What sewing machine do you use?
A Janome DC 3018. One of the best investments I have made. I bought it when I started out and it has been a faithful, tought little machine. Highly recommended!

What music do you usually listen to when you create?
I listen to music A LOT. At work, driving, sewing, whenever I can. It is a huge motivator for me. My taste in music is pretty diverse. At the moment, it is the soundtrack to Glee, A Fine Frenzy and covers of songs by the Vitamin String Quartet.

Do you also cook?
I had a little laugh when I read this question. All I can say is that yes, I cook – only because I have to, not because I enjoy it

Do you have a favorite pattern/project?
I never tire making my little Woodland Girls and Boys and Fawns.

What do you hate to do?
The step I hate most when making softies is cutting all the pieces out! I literally need to talk myself into sitting down and getting it done. I guess I have never been a fan of cutting stuff out – I'm rather impatient and just want to get onto the actual construction and putting it all together!

What craft have you yet to try but haven't – and why haven't you done it yet?
Crochet. I am pretty hopeless when it comes to yarn-crafts like knitting and crochet. As I mentioned, I am impatient and I have clumsy fingers. I would love to learn how to crochet – I am amazed by the crocheted softies I have seen especially the amigurumi softies – but I am quite certain that I would give up very quickly!

How did you come to start your business?
The "business" was only by accident. After I shared a few of my initial creations on my website, I did get a few queries as to whether I was going to sell them. So after some encouragement from family, I did finally open an etsy shop and put a few softies up for sale. I was surprised when my first sale was to a lady who lived on the other side of the world in the UK!

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?
As much as I love designing and making, it will always be second to my family – my two girls. I make sure I leave work at work. When I get home, I am fully committed to spending time with my girls. It is only when the girls are asleep or napping that I work on my craft projects. Sometimes they want to help me and we stuff a few softies together (which is a lot of fun!). I also find time to run regularly, as this helps to clear my mind and provides some much needed "me" time.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?
Definitely! Many times. And that's why I have learned to say "No" more often to craft-related commitments and ensure I always have my priorities clear in my mind. If it doesn't fit with my priorities, I will not commit to it.

And if so, what do you do to help yourself out of it?
I have learned to step away and have a break from crafting. I spend more time on other things and let the motivation to design/make/craft naturally make its way back to me. When I have done this, I always find new motivation, inspiration and energy in terms of my craft projects.

What else would you like people to know about you?
I am deeply and truly thankful for all the people who have supported me and One Red Robin – by stocking my work, providing encouraging advice, leaving lovely comments on my blog, or simply taking an interest in what I do. I am continually surprised, motivated and inspired by it. Any success One Red Robin has had can be attributed to these people.
 

One Red Robin
Website: http://www.oneredrobin.com

Softie Making
Website: http://www.softiemaking.com

Purchase her patterns here

I love to know that i am not the only one in this world with a pile of WIPS!  and that she sneaks her sewing time in the evening.  Makes me feel a bit more 'normal' ….even though i think i might be over the top with a dash of obsession.