What was your first introduction to sewing and crafting?
I have a very crafty family and we were always making things as children. I remember my nan teaching me to hand stitch a hemmed handkerchief when I was around four years old. It was for a local craft competition in our village, which I won. That’s probably when I got bitten by the bug! Mum taught me to use her sewing machine to make clothes when I was around ten. I began customising my school uniform and have been making clothes ever since.
What do you love most about your work?
I love the problem solving aspect of it as much as the calm it induces when I start stitching. I get so excited when I come up with a new design. When it's something more technical like my 3D hare or reindeer ornaments, I really enjoy the challenge of designing all the separate template pieces in a way that makes it easy for others to construct. I always try to create colourful, uplifting and joyful designs that cheer people up and give them a sense of achievement when they are making them.
Link to Huxley the hare
SewYeah
Published: 18.12.2024
Images: Ekornes AS
People: Christine Leech
With all these extra hours spent at home, it’s an excellent time to take up a craft and reap all the rewards that come from making things with your hands. To inspire us we spoke with Christine Leech, a creative with a flair for crafting some homespun hygge. Here she shares how her embroidery and craft skills can bestow some meditative “me time” as well as the pleasure and benefits that comes with building a community around your craft.
The days are short and the weather is chilly-what’s the scene like in your home?
I tend to end up with a little nest on the sofa, with a big blanket surrounded by trays filled with the different embroidery projects I have on the go. The fairy lights have been on since the clocks went back and there’s probably a candle or two flickering away. Although I have to have a bright light to help me see my embroidery, which slightly ruins the cosiness! Slowly the house is filling up with Christmas projects that I am preparing for markets and making as gifts.
You run a sewing social club. Can you tell us a bit about sharing your hobby with others?
During lockdown I started an online embroidery community, where every Friday I would run a ‘Live Make-Along’ where my followers and I could all get together virtually to connect, chat and do a bit of stitching too. I started designing projects that people could purchase as digital downloads and I loved seeing all the different ways people would interpret my designs and the various colour palettes they chose. I am currently launching the Sewyeah Social Club Subscription Service, where each month members will receive a new embroidery pattern to make and we will get together via Zoom for a virtual club night. I think it’s going to be so much fun.
LINK: https://www.sewyeahsocialclub.com/subscription-service
I tend to end up with a little nest on the sofa, with a big blanket surrounded by trays filled with the different embroidery projects I have on the go. The fairy lights have been on since the clocks went back and there’s probably a candle or two flickering away. Although I have to have a bright light to help me see my embroidery, which slightly ruins the cosiness! Slowly the house is filling up with Christmas projects that I am preparing for markets and making as gifts.
You run a sewing social club. Can you tell us a bit about sharing your hobby with others?
During lockdown I started an online embroidery community, where every Friday I would run a ‘Live Make-Along’ where my followers and I could all get together virtually to connect, chat and do a bit of stitching too. I started designing projects that people could purchase as digital downloads and I loved seeing all the different ways people would interpret my designs and the various colour palettes they chose. I am currently launching the Sewyeah Social Club Subscription Service, where each month members will receive a new embroidery pattern to make and we will get together via Zoom for a virtual club night. I think it’s going to be so much fun.
LINK: https://www.sewyeahsocialclub.com/subscription-service
Magazine arcticles
These might also interest you
The Magazine
To make the world's best recliners, we build upon decades of material knowledge, generations of craftmanship and Nordic design. On the way, we have attracted creative people with new ideas and perspectives. When these forces meet, interesting stories arise. You only get to see our finished products. With the magazine, we would like to change that.
The Pleasures and Benefits of resting to recharge your mind
In today’s fast-paced society, where many of us are constantly on the go, and feel the cumulative toll of constant alerts vying for attention, psychologist Tomas Myklebust offers a refreshing reminder: rest is not an indulgence—it’s a necessity.
Read the article
The great Norwegian furniture rush
A Norwegian saying claims that you can create gold from stone. One proof of this is the booming furniture village of Sykkylven.
Read the article
A desire for something real
The new Stressless® colour palette reflects our need for reconnecting with the natural world.
Read the article
Feel free to feel blue
Bring the magical hour inside, and immerse yourself in its soothing colours for as long as you desire.
Read the article
Set the table for an unforgettable evening
The stylist's best tips for decorating your party table are surprisingly simple.
Learn more
A timeless classic in a new outfit
Stressless® Reno never goes out of style, and truly shines in this new attire.
Find out more
Boost your mood with warm colors
Feeling a bit chilly, both inside and out? Warm up with earthy colors!
Meet Janne Muri, Project Manager CMF
Colours to embrace and uplift 2023
Across all sectors and markets, consumers will be yearning for colour that brings calm and joy.
Here are the key colours for 2023.
Looking into the crystal ball of colours
When you invest in quality furniture, you probably want to make sure the colour doesn’t go out of style in a few years.
– Every year, Janne and Berit have to predict the future. How do they do it?
Curves are in our nature
For decades, scientists have been intrigued by the fact that humans seem to have an aesthetic preference for curves over straight lines.
Why is this? Is it a learnt preference, or is it evolution?
The future looks wooly
Wool is a natural material that is durable and long-lasting, which makes it a great choice for furniture upholstery.
When we went searching for a partner to deliver the finest wool fabrics available, we didn’t have to travel far.
The importance of me-time
Taking breaks during the day is essential for maintaining your physical and mental health.
We asked a psychiatrist for her best advice on winding down.
Like a warm embrace
The Stressless® Reno has been among the company’s top sellers for close to three decades.
What’s the secret behind its success?