I set up cheekyhandmades after I left my job in the NHS in July 2010. I could no longer justify working and having kids, I felt I was always playing catch up with them, the housework, dinner etc, and the times I had to send them off in the morning on Calpol hoping for a little bit of time at work were numerous and soul destroying.

I wanted to use my creative skills, I wanted to work for myself, I wanted to be able to work around the children. And I am doing all of that now, and am loving it. I get to be surrounded by like minded people, great fabrics, my kids and cats, and listen to music all day. I get to decide what I do every day and how I do it. And best of all I get to make things and have fun doing so. And I think it shows.

I make one off named quilts for kids, to celebrate births, birthdays, and other special occasions and special little people. They are designed with you, for you, and will be totally unique. I am passionate about great design, colourful and playful objects, and excellent quality, both in things I make and things I buy. I want all my products to not just put a smile on your face but to continue to do this for years and years.

I also sell home wares, kids’ clothes, and other fun things I make.

I run crafting classes. I specialise in small classes (3 people), or one to one to really give individual attention. Classes are very much tailored to the students.

I own some gorgeous vintage sewing machines, from 1890’s treadle Singers to a cute 70’s flowery number and feel these machines are ideally suited to beginners. They are simple to thread up, simple to look after, sturdy, and often make the most beautiful straight stitch you have ever seen. I have hand cranked and electric machines and use all of them for classes.

If you have been given a machine for Christmas or your birthday or inherited one from a parent or grandparent I am more than happy to teach you on that machine so you get confidence using that.

I teach at my home in Walthamstow, E17, in a nice informal setting, with tea and biscuits supplied and a huge stash of fabric for you to buy for use in your class or outside, or for a little extra I am happy to travel to your home (within reason!). I also teach at The Create Place in Bethnal Green, E2 and Oak Studios in Hampstead.

I also repair and service sewing machines.