Who am I? April Marie Textiles was established in 2008 when I decided to start selling my crocheted products professionally.

I have always had a love of designing and making and as soon as my Granny, Leitha gave me those all important first knitting and crochet lessons... I was a way.

I just love being snuggled up with a blanket, a cup of tea (or glass of wine!) and my crochet. Some say I am a twenty something grandma!

When I left uni I knew I wanted to be a maker. Starting off by making knitted and crochet scarves for family and friends my little business has now flourished into a mix of making, teaching and events organising.

Being professionally trained at Nottingham Trent University (2006) in textile design, my portfolio of knowledge both contextually and technically is varied. I have a strong drive to create and through experimentation I have developed a diverse range of practical skills which I like to share with others. Like Granny I love to share my knowledge and pass on what I know. I now offer one-to-one and group crochet classes for beginners.

Communicating my ideas and networking with like minded people definitely drives my enthusiasm. As a member of The Nottingham Craft Mafia, a group of crafty folk based in Nottingham I am able to bring together my ideas and be inspired by others.

Born and raised within a close knit family I am inspired by tradition, history and good old family values and am keen to sustain traditional techniques and ideas. Working from my spare room at home I have developed a range of crocheted accessories to suit both the home and the body, many of which capture a sense of homely comfort, warmth and wellbeing.