Who am I?
Hi, I’m Andrea. I first started sewing to make clothes for my son, and my hobby turned into a full-time job when I started Uphouse Crafts in 2019.
How did my sewing journey start?
When I was a child, I used to make my pocket money cutting out patchwork squares for my Mum, who at the time had her own craft business in Shetland. Over the years, I picked up knowledge from Mum by helping her with sewing projects and things she was working on. During that time, I didn’t use a sewing machine; my interests were knitting, making jewellery with beads/wire, and button art.
What did I make when I started to sew?
With the birth of my son, Jack, in 2015, my mind started to go back to sewing. My husband got me my first sewing machine in 2017 for our anniversary. Once I made my first pair of pyjama bottoms for my son in 2018, I never looked back.
When Jack was a toddler, I began making him:
- Pyjamas
- Hoodies
- Jacket
- Outdoor bib-n-brace trousers
- Hats
The more I made for him, the more I learned and became hooked on sewing. It gave me a sense of purpose at a time when I wasn’t sure who I was other than ‘Mum’. What I lacked in skill at the time, I made up for with enthusiasm. Since then, I have never stopped my sewing journey. I love to learn new skills and techniques. In particular, I love to share my passion and show others how rewarding sewing can be.
In 2019, I decided to start Uphouse Crafts so I could work from home. Earlier that year, Jack had been diagnosed as autistic, and my husband and I adjusted our lives to fully support our son.
Where do I live?
I have lived in Shetland all my life, except for four years when I was at university in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. To me, Shetland is family and home. It is also a unique place where the accent is distinctive, the way of life is more relaxed, and the landscape is stunning. Have you been to Shetland? You really should visit at least once.
What do I make?
Shetland influences my choice of fabrics as I love to showcase all the things that make our beautiful island unique. My work features puffins, seals, whales, and nautical themes, but I also have cheerful, colourful prints. I offer a range of purses, wallets, and bags made with Shetland Wool Tweed. I also make hand-knitted Shetland Fair Isle purses.
In 2024, I rediscovered a love of drawing. I’ve now introduced a range of hand-drawn puffins, Shetland landscapes, and boats. My family background in fishing has influenced my love of drawing fishing boats of all shapes and sizes.
How can we work together?
Sewing Classes: I started tutoring sewing lessons with the Shetland Island Council Adult Learning department in June 2023. After a few successful night classes, I decided to offer lessons from my home for up to 2 people at a time. That could be you and a friend or family member. By offering private lessons, you get a much more curated experience. This can be great if you are a total beginner and need your hand held through the learning process. I would love to teach you to sew, seeing your joy and sense of accomplishment when you make something that a few hours before you couldn’t imagine.
Custom-Made Items: Over the last few years, I’ve made quite a lot of custom items. If you would like an unusual sewn item made, please get in touch. I’m sure I can help you. Email or message me on Facebook.
Custom Digital Drawings: I also do digital drawings of boats and landscapes. If you are interested in this, you can email me or message me on Facebook to discuss.
To buy any of the things I make, click here.
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