About the maker

I have always been an islander, having lived most of my childhood on Fair Isle and my adulthood on Stronsay. I will also confess to being a bit of a daydreamer! When I left school I knew I wanted to have my own creative business one day but I had no idea what it would be or when it would ‘materialise’.

Throw in a teenage holiday romance 800 miles from home, a fortune teller (yes that is all true) and some broken bones and that’s pretty much how Airy Fairy came to be.

My first business was a joint venture with a friend. We made embossed greetings cards, selling them through local shops and craft fairs.  It was great fun and we kept it up for a few years until our children came along. And yes we are still friends!

A riding accident several years later led me to sewing and a new passion was discovered!  I love to design and create special personalised cushions and quilts for children.  I also love to visit fabric shops but my fabric buying addiction got completely out of hand!  I could no longer make things as quickly as I gathered fabric.

Visiting these shops inspired me to open a tiny fabric shop of my own and in doing so I added something new to the island.  I think Stronsay may have the smallest and most northerly dedicated patchwork fabric shop in the UK!

Visitors are welcome to browse my studio/shop which is situated in our home on the farm.  Due to other commitments, visiting will be by appointment only for the time being.

I look forward to meeting new folk and always love to chat about all things sewing!