For Isobel Anderson, it’s love and appreciation that makes it all worthwhile
Posted on 23 January 2012 by Hatty FawcettSTOP PRESS
Taking a brief break from her busy life and the cold winter weather, textile designer Isobel Anderson talks to Seek & Adore about her handmade cushions.
Even as a child, Isobel knew she was destined for an artistic career. “I knew I would do something creative, something using my hands. I was interested in going in to fashion as I loved making all my own clothes.”
Isobel Anderson in her studio
Having previously worked in other fields, Isobel explains what prompted her return to textiles: “I had my knitwear company and then I worked as a garden designer for a while. After having children I wanted to get back to doing something creative.” She now designs knitwear again which includes her gorgeous range of handmade cushions sold on Seek & Adore.
We are always interested to know why our makers chose their craft, and why it means so much to them. Isobel says she has always loved sewing and knitting, but also enjoys the other aspects involved, which includes “the painting and drawing stages at the start of making a piece. The mental process of working out the design is quite complicated and so it’s nice to do that as well.”
Currently, Isobel works from a room overlooking her beloved garden, from which she finds much of her inspiration. “I’m influenced by my garden, not just producing flowery patterns but the aspects I notice from doing garden design.” Colour is also a powerful influence in her designs. She likes to try out new shades , as she says that her signature style revolves around “the type of colour combinations – they’re bold but not too garish.”
Isobel’s favourite handmade cushion is the Folklore Valentine’s cushion. She told us that “the cushion has got a lot of publicity recently and is selling really well, but that’s not why I love it. I’ve made lots of these cushions and haven’t got bored of the pattern – it still makes me smile!
Valentine's Folklore Cushion
There’s plenty more to come in the future. Expect “the same level of quality and attention to detail, but with new colours and designs.” Isobel says that for her new range she has been “inspired by the beach, not the typical red white and blues, but what I call the marine colours, the more subtle, natural ones.” Her new range of handmade cushions will launch on Seek & Adore soon.
Isobel told us what she loves best about her career as a textiles designer: “When I take my pieces out and about and people love them. Of course it’s great when people want to buy them, but just to know it’s not just me who likes them; it makes it all worthwhile and gives me the boost to carry on. It’s the response I get from people that’s wonderful.”
We definitely agree. See Isobel’s full range of handmade cushions.
We asked Isobel “Why sell on Seek & Adore”?
“Being a one man band designer working from home is limiting. Although fairly new, Seek & Adore looked promising, with the publicity it gives and sales! I was also attracted by selling alongside like-minded people. In particular I like the way the site allows customers to see the time, effort and love that goes into making my cushions. It really demonstrates the value customers are getting from buying handmade products.”
Return to Home Page