Spotlight on the Seller ......Rowan Tree Designs

Rowan Tree Designs is the trading name of Sonia Curry, a York based dressmaker who creates stylish one-off capes and cloaks in addition to bespoke orders.

My capes and wraps are designed to keep you warm by also being stylish and easy to wear.

Often made from super soft fleece (a customer favourite it seems) or a high quality wool blend I make a variety of one-off colour combinations as they take my fancy.

In addition I make a small range of shrugs and other items of clothing.

Commissions are welcome, whether it’s a different colour combination to what’s available in the shop, a different size or a completely different design!

seller in the spotlight ...Bobbinaround

Bobbinaround is based in Leeds in my home studio. I take inspiration from nature, whether it’s textures, shapes or colour, incorporating my love for textiles. Fabrication has given me a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work in the centre of Leeds.

A large range of textile materials are used in my work, but I like to specialise in the use of wool, whether it’s using the fibres to create felt or traditional wool suiting fabrics to produce home furnishings.

I enjoy experimenting with the materials of my craft when producing a hand felted product. Often wool fibres and are wet felted and stitched, and then felted again to achieve the desired effect.

In my studio, I create collections of scarves, cushions, throws and wall art, all reflecting the versatility of wool fabrics and felt.

If you don't see quite what you want, then I am always delighted to take on and also deliver a variety of textiles workshops locally. Charlotte regularly runs felting workshops for Fabrication, keep an eye on our website for details

Spotlight on the seller...Sustainable Thoughts

At the heart of my business is my love for the environment and the natural beauty that exists in the world. I am however, greatly concerned by the global issues that threaten to upset the delicate balance.

It is for this reason – sustainability of resources - that I choose to use pebbles and mixed media to create outdoor paving slabs, which are fun and also complement and beautify outdoor spaces. Where possible, I reuse old crockery and ceramics - because where will it ALL go? Your loft? Charity shops? Landfill?

I derive great satisfaction from creating something unique whilst working with unloved treasures, ranging from grandma’s old china to tired tables ready for the tip and ‘combtrasting’, (new combining & contrasting), it with new tesserae to make a design work. It inspires me to see these precious pieces transformed - with a new lease on life and saved from landfill !!! Instead, these carefully crafted pieces will bring joy and mindfulness of living the three R’s.

When I am not doing mosaics, I love making new paper from bits of paper from the recycling box !

It is fun and really therapeutic making different types of paper using different techniques with a mould and deckle. Paper quilling is another one of passions and I derive hours of great satisfaction from twirling strips of paper and creating exquisite effects with the coils of paper.

I am a qualified teacher and community artist so if you would like to do a taster session in mosaics, papermaking or paper quilling for individuals or groups please feel free to contact me. Wendy is running a number of classes for us this summer so please see the website for more details

spotlight on the seller.. Mirror Mirror

Mandy Maynard is a designer and artist with over 20 years’ experience in graphic design and fine art printmaking. Having recently set up her own studio, complete with a state-of-the art laser etcher, she has been busy designing and making etched mirror and glass homewares.

The hero designs are stunning lightboxes which are truly unique and innovative. These illuminated artworks provide a vibrant vocal point for any room in the house, particularly welcoming in hallways and living rooms, and are a refreshing change to static framed artworks.

Mandy also makes coasters and candle plates which feature whimsical lace doily motifs, enjoying the interplay between soft vintage lace and the hard clean mirror surface. Commissions are frequently taken, and a number of children’s lightbox designs have been created, as they work very well as night lights or nursing lights. Also recently work has started on etching glass splashbacks for kitchens, which look stunning when illuminated from behind.

Each design starts life in a sketchbook bursting with ideas and then it is drawn up by Mandy using professional graphic software, and etched on the laser. Top quality materials are used.

They use LED light sources which last for thousands of hours, are the most energy efficient lights available.

Spotlight on The Seller... CERAMICS AND HOMEWARE by MARGARET L GLACKIN

Originally from Ireland, I am a Leeds based ceramic artist and woodworker.

All my products are individually designed and the glazes are my unique recipes, representing Yorkshire and the coastline of County Antrim. I also produce various interior items made from reclaimed and other sustainably sourced wood. These include serving boards, log carriers, and other furniture.

Yarn Bowls: The Yarn Bowl allows the wool to be dispensed in a controlled manner so preventing it from rolling around and becoming entangled. It allows the knitter to observe the quality and beauty of the wool as it unravels. The solid body of the Yarn Bowl complements the softness of the wool. While remaining essentially functional, the Yarn Bowl can also be enjoyed as a piece of art work.

The Yarn Bowls inevitably evoke a smile and a conversation, usually stimulating memories of a knitter friend or family member (which I love as an observer of social interaction).

The glazes used are all my own recipes and inspired by the Yorkshire Moors and coastline. Latterly I have developed a “heritage” range of glazes, inspired by my childhood memories of the Antrim Coast. Domestic Ware: I make utilitarian domestic ware including furniture, dinner and tea services, drinking vessels. I also offer a bespoke service if you are looking for a particular piece of furniture or a ceramic item, made to measure.

My work is driven by a principle of challenging cheap imports and raising the profile of home-grown, well-designed handmade ceramics and woodwork.

Sculptural Work: My sculptural work is heavily influenced by my previous employment working with the homeless, my interest in politics and the built environment. Such topics are displayed in my pieces where the themes of longing for safe space can be seen. I also aim to challenge the perception of neglect and disregarded people and objects.

Spotlight on the Seller.. Paws Story

Hello, My name is Natalia Firsova. I make crochet items for the home. I was 7 when my mother taught me how to crochet. This craft has been passed on in my family from mothers to daughters and I am proud to share it with you.

Everybody is after something big but I know that little things matter. They let your imagination fly. Little things have big power. They inspire to create. To think. To dream.

I love bold colours and natural materials. I am using high quality cotton in my works. I like to play with colours and colour combinations.

There is a little thing for everyone. I hope you’ll find one too, to brighten up your home or as a gift to your loved ones, or even yourselves!

Can’t find right colour or looking for different size? I can help! Please feel free to ask

spotlight on the seller Yorkshire Blankets

Eco Friendly Blankets direct from the weavers, using end of line redundant yarns. Blankets are woven here in Yorkshire, from 80% Wool and 20% other fibres.

From the Blankets we handmake Cushions in various sizes, Draught Excluders and Yummy Yorkshire Lavender Hearts so nothing is wasted!

Our Blankets can be worn as simple capes with a pin or brooch. They are great for home decoration, be that over your favourite arm chair as a throw or over your bed. Perfect to keep in the car for impromptu picnics or to protect the car seats for pets. Use them in the garden too!

The constantly changing fibres gives our Blankets a wide variety of colours and textures. Yorkshire Blankets are based in Barnsley and we would like to thank all customers new and old for your support.