Every now and then you come across a blogger who seems so genuinely wonderful that you think ‘I wish X lived right next door to me’. Kate from Fox’s Lane is such a blogger for me and not just because being Kate’s neighbour would mean I was living next door to an organic farm in Daylesford. No, not just because of that.
Kate is a warm, loving person with a blog that’s super-fun. She has three girls and a hunky Farmer Bren to call her own. She’s sooooo creative and crafty that my head spins. Read a little more about her and you’ll get it.
What is your creative space all about?
My creative space documents what I am making at any given time. I get distracted easily and I feel like my creative space portrays this.
I am a crafter who likes to try a bit of everything, sometimes separately and then at other times all together at once. I knit, I crochet, I sew, I design, I draw and I print. I do not do ceramics because I cannot stand the feel of the clay on my hands and I don’t patchwork but I am thinking about it.
[Kate is also an awesome photographer, as evidenced by her blogs!]
How did you learn to do what you do?
I grew up in a house full of academics so I feel like I must be mainly self taught. I believe that if you love what you do, then the learning how to do it is mostly fun. The most exciting crafty projects for me are ones that challenge me along the way – projects that require new knowledge and skills. I ask Mr Google or that lovely knitting helper lady on YouTube, I look up books or I just try it out and make it up as I go along.
I love learning new knitting stitches and trying to work out how to make a sewing pattern just right. I love looking at how other people make things and then figuring out the best way for me.
These days I am a bit too impatient to be taught stuff, but if it works with what I am trying to do then I’ll muddle along until I get it right.
Can you recommend some sites that might have tutorials or inspiration for us to learn your favourite craft too?
I learnt to crochet from Lucy at Attic 24.
I was totally inspired to knit after seeing some of the gorgeous patterns Georgie was designing at Tikki.
And I recently made a purse from one of Nikki’s fab patterns at You Sew Girl!
How does creativity fit into your everyday life?
I do not make time for creativity, creativity demands my time. I have so many more important, pressing things to do, but creativity creeps in and makes itself at home. It makes me prioritise it and makes me feed my kids rice and vegies too often for dinner.
Creativity is like an itch for me. I feel restless and irritable if I am not making something. I make wherever I am, whenever I can.
I always carry a few projects in the making for a crafty opportunity on the go, and I love that time of day when the girls are in bed and the dinner dishes are done when I can snuggle up on the couch with my Farmer Boy and knit a few rows.
Where do you do your work?
I do have a couple of desks in our office/sewing room for my sewing machines and sewing stuff but the truth is I have projects dotted all around the house. Little nests of craftiness waiting to be picked up and played with.
A cut out dress on the ironing board, a half hooked granny square near the kettle, a wrist warmer on the needles on the couch.
I cannot pack anything away because I know that something new and exciting will inspire me and the packed away project will remain unfinished forever.
What sparks your creativity the most?
My girlies, a pattern, warm air, a song, a picture, a dream, the cold, nature, an idea, a smell, love, a feeling, sunlight, happiness, time, craft supplies and vintage, floral manchester… life.
I think that’s who I am. My craft defines me. I don’t want to create, I have to.
I urge you to visit Kate’s blog and her online shop to see what all the fuss is about. You will be so glad to get to know this spirited soul a bit more. Thanks for being part of things, Kate.
Frog, Goose and Bear says
Kate’s is one of my favorite blogs. Her honesty, her creativity and her love for her family is inspiring. Lovely interview.
Tammi says
Another fantastic interview!! I am so inspired by many blogs including Kate’s and yes I too would love to live next to someone so creative 🙂
TammyJ says
Oh I love Kate and her farm and her craft! I feel I have seen her grow so much over the last couple of years! So happy to see her here on your blog too : )
therhythmmethod says
I totally get what Kate is saying about her creative ‘itch’. I feel the same about writing. Its so refreshing to read about someone scratching their itch and tuning into their creative self and using that to live a full life. So inspiring. Thanks for sharing, Kate and Maxabella.
life and the little things... says
I think I discovered Kate’s blog via yours – thank you for that! She’s one of those clever crafty people that I wish I could be…still waiting for my crafty mojo to reappear. Love her shop, but unfortunately I can’t squeeze my big girl into her gorgeous little dresses…but I have plans for my new baby niece & The Blue Dress. Alison x
Michelle @ The Crafty Little Fox says
Her blog is fun Maxabella! I like when she described what it was that inspired her. I would love to live on an organic farm but for now I think that I will have to settle for my veggie patch in the backyard 🙂
Mama Mogantosh says
I LOVE Kate. Great interview. Those pics make me want to breed more girls and take them out for coffee. x
Tas says
I look forward to reading Kate’s blog posts. They are funny, inspiring and often make me think. She’s a love!
Kate says
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep that’s me and my gang on your blog!! How fun. Just imagine if we really did live next door to each other, then I’d really never get anything done. Oh the mischief we’d make.
Thank you so much for your lovely words Miss Bron and all you other kind commenters above, you’ve totally made my day. XX
PlanningQueen says
What a stunning blog – thanks for the introduction Maxabella!
Jane says
Excellent choice, Bron. Kate is the real deal. A legend. J x
Posie Patchwork says
OH yes, so much going on at Kate’s place with all those girls. Have to say, all that organic vegetable goodness – you’d hope some grew over your fence too?? Love Posie
m.e (Cathie) says
Kate is an abundance of fabulousness in a small package.
LOVE her ♥
Kymmie says
I’m so glad you have started this new clever clogs section. I get to discover so many more amazing bloggers! And yes, she makes me want to do all of those things (we’re making plans…)! xx
melissa says
Oh – one of my favourite bloggers! I agree that Kate would make a fantastic neighbour – she’d be making me laugh all the time.
Mama of 2 boys says
Another fab interview Maxabella AND thank you kindly for bringing my attention to another inspiring, gorgeous blog to follow :o)
Cate says
Isn’t she just divine!! (and so clever!!)
xxxCate
Naturally Carol says
I so agree with her comment that if a project gets packed away it doesn’t get finished…I keep mine out so I can see them and when the mood takes me I can just pick it up from where I left off anytime..so they get done!
anushka says
super cool chic. thanks for sharing! i love crafty people! : )
Advice From A Caterpillar says
GRRRREAT post!!! So interesting about creativity! Love these photos too…filled with so much fun and love!
xoAdvice From a Caterpillar Store
http://www.AdviceABCD@blogspot.com
Advice From A Caterpillar says
PS. WE ARE totally followin you!!!
jane@flightplatformliving says
love it, speeding over there right now to check it all out! x
Life In A Pink Fibro says
Fanastic! Love the images.
Heather says
Loving this series!! It makes me want to dust the cobwebs off the sewing machine! xxx
Jodie says
No it is not just you, I totally understand the urgent desire to move to a pretty country town, grow organic vegies and make wonderful stuff! Lovely post about a lovely lady.
cityhippyfarmgirl says
Yup! Kate’s blog rocks.
And moving to a country town, grow organic veges and make lots of stuff? Yes please.
mel @ loved says
Lovely interview, thanks for sharing! I love Kate’s blog. I love that it is so real & just.. life. A gorgeous & inspiring lady x
Angela Steyn says
I hadn’t met Kate before so thank you so much for sharing her with us… I agree, it would be lovely to live next door to her!
Angela x
Miss Muggins says
Great post. Kate is so inspirational and one great gal!
Deborah says
Yup. Almost makes me want to dust off the sewing machine and unearth knitting needles. Almost. x
Lizeylou says
Sorry Maxabella but you cant live next door to Kate because I am going to!! I totally love her … Ok then, maybe we could live on either side – how fun would that be!!
Brenda @ Mira Narnie says
Wonderful marvelous second serious of clever clogs!! Kate is a gem and her reason for crafting is so easy to understand!! I love all those gorgeous dresses she makes – how clever!!
Lovely Bron xxx
tea with lucy says
… isn’t she just the loveliest, a so clever to boot!