Jess Brown Design

Deep in the throbbing heart of Spitalfields, London is a wonderful shop, a veritable Cabinet of Curiosities. Caravan is a home-loving bird's dream with an eclectic mix of finds that only a stylist could have accumulated for our delight.

'rag dolls: hand made & one of a kind. All made of cotton muslin and tea dyed. Each doll is crafted using found, recycled, and antique fabrics and wools.'

This week I spotted these beautifully made 'fairies' of Jess Brown from California which I thought I'd share with you. On her eponymous blog, she even shows us her studio, and as you know from earlier posts, I love peeping into peoples' work spaces.

"I am an American happily living in Norway with my Norwegian husband and two young children. Staying at home with my children allows me to share in everything they do and gives me some time to enjoy all the crafts I love. Whenever I can I am busily knitting, sewing, crocheting, embroidering, beading, or making cards."

What a lovely way to introduce yourself and your work. I discovered Ravenhill quite by chance. So much by chance that I can't even remember but ever after I recalled the lovely colours of her fabrics and the attention to detail. It all came flooding back when I was oo-ing and ah-ing over a friends Babushka cakes which showed the same delicacy of touch but could disappear in a 'pop' in your mouth. Then I thought of Ravenhill's more permanent ladies.

The dolls are actually Matryoshka dolls and each comes with her own Fru (Mrs) name. They are made in colours clear and luscious with wonderful touches of embroidery. I'm so impressed by the work and attention which shows some real loving care. True collectors items.

There are many ways of seeing and participating in her work through Etsy and her shop, Ravenhill, her blog, and just delight in her photos on Flikr.

Another name for the list

I'm so excited with my new projects to do with sewing lessons. The schools may ignore it but there are lots of people who want to gain the skill. I'm glad I did all those years ago. It's never ceased to inspire me.

Anyway, while working out a class plan I came across an Etsy seller who has some very helpful pdf patterns. As you may know from my crochet blog, chaincreative, I am a passionate fan of Etsy. It's the only gathering of talent I've found of it's kind. There's is something for everyone. It's not 'curated' as such so there's a wide sweep of talent but talent there is, and heaps of it.

Keyka Lou has a lovely collection of projects in the sweetest prints which are so 'now'. She writes in profile of her love for sewing which rang alot of bells for Sewing Bee. Read in profile of her mother's influence. That's the only way I learnt and now my daughter has become even more talented. It just keeps giving!

Anyway, I'm going to hope that Keyka would answer a few questions for us.

Keyka also curates a lovely blog so there's even more chance to get to know her. An additional bonus is the occasional series of 'how to' posts.

She's a find!