Meet The Support Team - Mardi Winen

------Mardi Winen------

1. What craft do you like to do curled up on the sofa in front of the tv (if any).

I always have my crochet alongside my chair, so if I'm not finshing off handstitching on a stitched project, Ill usually pick up my crochet.

In winter I love to crochet hats. But a few weeks ago I started a crochet bag - and I'm currently working on that.

2. Is there a craft you would like to try?

Like most of us crafty souls, I've tried just about everything known to mankind.
I have never really played in mixed media art though so perhaps down the track I'd love to have a play.

I'd also love to try my hand at beading. Although my previous attempts have all ended dismally as I'm not very patient with fiddly little things.

3. What's your earliest crafty memory?

I remember in my early childhood spending time with my Grandma Grace. We lived on the same farm so I had plenty of opportunity to spend my days with her.
She was very crafty and created the most beautiful fine crochet and tatting.

Grandma Grace sewed beautifully on her old tredle sewing machine...and I remember her making me little dresses from leftovers of floral fabric she had made her blouses from. I used to love to dress in matching clothing with her.

She was also very  involved with floral art and her sewing / craft room was full of wonderful and exciting things. I think my love of craft was instilled very early on and I have no doubt she would be thrilled to see me enjoying craft as muich as she did.
 
Just a little more on the topic...
I feel so very lucky to have the most gorgeous crochet table cloth crocheted by Grandma Grace. In fact the story f how I came to have that crocheted table cloth gives me a lump in my throat every time I think of it.

Grandma Grace had started and worked on the crochet cloth as a gift for my 21st birthday for many years but then very sadly, during my teens, she became unwell and she knew she was going to run out of time to finish it for me. So she contacted my other Grandma - Grandma Lorna (who was an amazing knitter but had never crocheted) and she asked if Grandma Lorna could finish it off for 'their granddaughter'. So my Grandma Lorna taught herself how to crochet and she finished it off on 'their' behalf....and gifted it to me from both of them at my 21st ..9 years later and after Grandma Grace had passed away.
 
4. Have you always been crafty?

Absolutely. I think I was born that way BUT if you asked if I liked to cook, you'd get a totally different response though...lol

5. What other crafts have you dabbled in?

I learnt to knit and crochet as a child. My Mum taught me to sew and in my teens I sewed a lot of my clothes. As my own kids grew up I continued to make clothes for them, often with appliques on the front.

I also tried pottery, and still have a few pieces which I love and I dabbled in oil painting even exhibiting at our local art exhibition a few years in a row and selling some of my paintings as well. I was obsessed with paper tole at one stage as well as cross stitch and tapestry...and almost every other craft I can think of.

6. Do you consider yourself arty or crafty or a bit of both?

I'd have to say I'm more crafty. I have dabbled in art but I have a lot more confidence in my abilities with craft than I do with art.


7. Where do you get your craftiness from? Does it run in the family or are you the only crafty person in your family?

It runs in my family. Both my Grandmas loved their craft and although my Mum can sew beautifully, she chooses not to. My gets her enjoyment from spending time in the kitchen....I certainly didnt take after her in the cooking department.

8. Finish this sentence.."I am most happy surrounded by...."

Like minded crafty people.. warmth...good coffee... yummy food....and great music.
 

9. What crafty or arty projects are you working on right now?

Right now I'm handstitching fabric owl bums shut and working on some notebook covers. I'm crocheting a shoulder bag and playing with some gorgeous papers and photos for a scrapbooking commitment.

10. Besides the Suport Team girls, who would you love to sit and chat and create with ..if you could choose three people? Ok....seeing as the Support Team girls would normally head my list, I'll have to say my Grandma Grace (who passed away when I was about 12 years old....and I miss her), Ashley Campbell of AshleyAnn photography - I'm always amazed by her photos..not posed...just capturing real moments and Jennifer Johner....love her scrapbooking style....and knack of home decorating.

Mardi's @Home gallery   
Mardi's Blog
Mardi's Dudley and Grace Etsy Store

Comments

[Georgie]

Mardi what a gift, Grandmas are always special but I think you must have had the most special Grandmas in the world. A real tear jerker, thank you for sharing. xx

[Mardi]

Thank you girls for your lovely comments..
It had been a long time since I had thought about my crochet cloth....and just how special it is to me....and I'm so glad Ive actually recorded the story now.
Mardi x

[mel nunn]

Mardi I love your creativity and sweetness, it's always such a pleasure looking at all your craftyness!

[Peggy]

Oh my gosh Mardi you were obviously a very much loved grand-daughter to receive such a wonderful and special 21st present!

I can't think of anything more treasured than to have two grandmothers work together to make sure you received the crocheted table cloth made with love. They sound wonderfully unselfish to share this project for you.

A wonderful insight and brought a tear to my eye! Peggy xx

[Renee Ludlow]

Oh Mardi, your story of the table cloth brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful!! I adore your gorgeous little owls...so, so sweet. Then again I do love all of your work :)
Hugs.
For the record, I would much rather do craft than cook as well :)