Page 17 - Jan Feb 2018 Order Form

the slugheree NOteBOOK
th

small World
from left: sachiyo is
interested in all
sorts of crafts;
creations from her
new book, Mini
Knitted Ocean; a
castle under seige
from Mini Knitted
Toys; Waldorf-
inspired doll.
below: cute cats;
spinning at home; a
knitted ferris wheel
– next stop, a whole
amusement park!

We´re loopy about combos, because they remind me
of chocolate and biscuits!
sachiyo ishii all these hobbies Would
When did you realise that
become a career?
I took a punt and submitted a book
proposal to a publisher online – surely
I had nothing to lose? When I heard back
from them that they were interested,
With an enviable skill for bringing almost any animal to life in knitting form, we I was overjoyed – and it’s been upwards
meet this fabulous Japanese designer and talk to the face behind the fauna and onwards ever since.
Where do you find space to Work
achiyo Ishii, of knitsbysachi.com, When did you learn to knit? felt. My next book is actually going to be on neW ideas?
is a very busy lady. In demand for I started knitting in my early 30s, after my sewing dolls and animals. I love to make I squeeze myself into a corner of my
designs for magazines and books, second son was born. I learned from a mum Waldorf and Japanese traditional dolls. dining room, which has the largest table
s as well as making things to sell whose son belonged to the same toddler And I find paper craft with Japanese to work on. It’s more sociable there as
on Etsy, we managed to pin down this group as my boys. Crochet, I managed to patterned paper extremely meditative. I can chat to my sons while they’re
creative Sussex toymaker to learn about teach myself more recently, via YouTube. pottering around in the kitchen.
the skills she uses to add a touch of magic Why spin your oWn yarn When
to her designs – and how she remains What is the first thing you made you could buy it? it must be tricky Working from
focused with two teenage sons wandering for yourself? I believe all knitters should at least try it home – hoW do you sWitch off
in and out of her design space every day! I knitted a scarf with tinsel chunky yarn – once. You can create your own yarn with in the evenings?
yes, really! It was fun to work with and fascinating effects and textures, even if I like to put my feet up and watch a good
What is your earliest memory I got to use very large needles. In fact, I you are a beginner. It is completely movie, especially if it’s got anything to do
of being creative? enjoyed it so much that I made one therapeutic, too, so give it a whirl! with craft or cooking. I saw Life Of Pi
I took up making mini mascot dolls with for everyone in the family. We never wore recently, which was a really beautiful
felt fabric when I was 12. Sewing was them at the same time, though; that may What colours Would you say you watch. I was so inspired by it that
very popular in our classroom then have looked a little weird! are particularly draWn to? I designed a tiger in a boat shortly
and everyone was involved in making I like olive green and duck-egg blue, afterwards. I also do a lot of swimming
something with felt. We sometimes What other crafting do you do? which often crop up in period English and exercise classes – if I’m sitting
exchanged our latest creations. The I do all sorts of craft. Besides knitting and interiors. I also delight in yummy soft pink knitting all day, I need to do a bit of
whole thing was a lot of fun! crocheting, I sew, spin and wet and dry and brown, and macha green and brown physical activity whenever I can.

<#A#> Love to KNIT& CROCHET Love to KNIT& CROCHET <#B#>