Page 17 - The Digital Cloth issue 2

A big happy HELLO from me, It is often during these activities when “WOW! This makes me smile”.
Mandy Murray! my mind is clear, the air is fresh and my I couldn’t wish for a sweeter compliment.
I am the fun loving, creative heart behind imagination is free to dream up my next
‘Sew Quirky’. fun design. In addition to my amazing Creating something handmade is so ex-
family, friends and very supportive man, I pressive and designing a pattern to share
I live in a coastal suburb near Bundaberg have a cheeky little helper by the name of with others is more meaningful than first
in sunny Queensland and love Toby, who is a playful Jack Russell. meets the eye. You never know where one
surrounding myself with positive, of your designs will end up.
like-minded and creative souls. As a In school I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Created with love from its maker and
youngster I was free spirited and always It was my desire to inspire, that led me likely gifted, isn’t that so special? It could

pestering to make something. I was lucky straight from graduating Year 12 into a be welcoming a new little human into the
enough to have learnt to sew at a very High School Teaching degree majoring in world or even brightening someone’s
young age by my special Mum, who of course… textiles! Teaching others fills day who may be suffering. Sewing has
nurtured and encouraged my creativity my heart the power to even enlighten, relax and
immensely. My Mum still inspires me with soothe the soul of the maker. The art and
to this day, listens to my ideas and helps happiness. journey of sewing is pretty awesome isn’t
tremendously with Sew Quirky. My it? That’s why I love it. Mix it with loads
If I’m not in my studio surrounded by my passion to of positivity and a spoon full of encour-
quirky creations, you’ll find me either be involved agement and you’ll have a perfect combi-

cruising around in my retro car, “Teddy” closer with my pattern brand and establishing Sew Quirky. nation for success!
a classic 1970 VW Beetle or enjoying the the sewing I could see the impact I had on inspiring my In life, many of us are in search of our
outdoors, fishing with my Dad, bike industry led students in the classroom and I knew it was my purpose. I’m lucky enough to feel like
riding or kayaking. me into I’ve been given a gift to share, to inspire
developing destiny to share it further. I am
extremely grateful to have combined both my

love of teaching and sewing into a successful
business which allows me to travel not only
around Australia, but Internationally.

Developing my own sewing patterns has given
me the opportunity to spread my love of
creating with not only my local community,
but the whole world and if you wondered what
my favourite technique is, you could say I’m an

Appliqué addict. It is evident when you look at
my designs that I love putting a modern twist
on a traditional technique.
I enjoy mixing different mediums, such as
cork, vinyl and wool felt - it gives texture to
my creations. It’s also clear to see that I LOVE
COLOUR.
Mixing an array of contrasting patterns and
solids to achieve a pop of interest. When
people see my designs, the most common
comment I receive is;