Kate Sheppard is the owner of Crafts by Kate, an East Anglian-based fabric gift and accessories business which started in lockdown. Here, she explains how sewing calms her, following almost a lifetime of health challenges
When did you first have the idea for Crafts by Kate and what is the thinking behind it?
I have always been a creative person. My Grandma was a knitter – unfortunately I never had the patience for wool, but my mum was the one who taught me how to sew, I used to love sewing buttons onto fabric squares as a child.
The business itself was born out of lockdown. My high-functioning anxiety was at an all-time high, and I was high-risk for Covid so couldn’t leave the house and needed a distraction/outlet. So, my sewing machine came out of the cupboard, and I quickly realised I could only make so many scrunchies for myself! I wanted to do something that would help people. Now making a headband isn’t going to save the world but if it gave someone their confidence back or made them walk a bit taller then it would be worth it!
What were you doing before?
I have been working in Digital Marketing for the last 10 years whilst also being a freelance professional photographer. I had always wanted to work for myself so in 2020 I decided to take the plunge and started Crafts by Kate.
How has your childhood shaped you, do you think? You’ve overcome some health challenges?
Unfortunately, I had a challenging childhood, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at the age of 8 years old and spent most of my childhood in and out of GOSH. I have been in remission since I was 16 but unfortunately have suffered with further autoimmune illnesses in my adult life which has resulted in mental health struggles too.
This has made me a major advocate for the importance of mental health. I truly believe that finding your own creative outlet is its own therapy. Sewing calms me, it allows me to switch off from the world and focus on the fabric. It is not a solution, but it helps ground me. I feel the challenges I had in my childhood have made me a stronger person, I don’t accept defeat easily and sincerely believe that hard work will pay off (in the end).
How would you describe your product range?
Bold, fabulous and full of rainbows. I don’t believe you can have too many colours or patterns. If it makes you feel good, who cares what others think! Just have fun with it – as long as you, your pet and baby are happy then let the world’s opinions wash away!
Is there a dog in your life you would like to give special mention to?
Crafts by Kate has a very special fluff ball who needs no introduction. Arnie came into our lives three years ago and not only is he the face of the business but has saved me (mentally) time and time again! I still toy with the idea that I should change the name to Crafts by Arnie (haha).
He loves the camera, and the camera loves him. I honestly think he feels naked when he isn’t wearing one of our bandanas, he truly is a prince (and knows it).
How important is it to you to be as sustainable as possible?
Being sustainable is a massive part of our business. I do not throw fabric away. I have a box of off-cuts from every collection which will always be used (eventually). I make a conscious effort to buy from small business fabric suppliers, which is not only to support them but to reduce our carbon footprint on deliveries. I am also looking into bringing out a new range of charity sourced fabric pieces from unwanted clothes (watch this space!)
Apart from online, where can people find you and your products in this part of the region?
From February to December, I trade across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and recently Buckinghamshire at a range of markets. I have an events page on my website which lists all the markets we will be attending this year, which is regularly updated. I also post monthly updates on my socials of the events I will attend that month.
Any plans you can share?
I have launched our 2024 Pride Collection which I am incredibly excited about. Crafts by Kate pride themselves as being part of, and a major advocate of, the lgbtqia+ community not only in June but all year round. I will also FINALLY be launching our own pet collars and a new range of luxury brand inspired bandanas including a rainbow version of our popular Louis ‘Paw’ton (stay tuned).
Visit Crafts by Kate (homemadecraftsbykate.com).
Featured images by kirsty-blackwell-photography.co.uk.
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