Charlotte Liddle began her career in crafts when she started out with a summer job at Coats Crafts UK in 2005. She had just completed her textile degree at the University of Huddersfield.
While she was working at Coats, she brought in her portfolio to show the marketing team and her talent was quickly spotted. Before long, she was asked to write her first book Stitch and Sparkle. “I jumped at the chance,” says Charlotte.
Her interest in craft and design was apparent from a young age... “I always loved making things. I went dancing for many years throughout my childhood and would doodle designs for sparkly costumes in the hope that one day I would be good enough to make them.”
Charlotte’s dreams have been realised. Not only has Charlotte already written two books, Stitch and Sparkle and Stitch Divas , but she is now teaching and inspiring others how to design and create...
Currently Charlotte teaches at an adult education class in Middlesborough, and lectures on the Art and Design course at Middlesborough College. In addition, she leads workshops at the renowned Liberty’s store in London.
Charlotte also complements these activities with her own website, plus lots of freelance work in the crafts industry. “I regularly design projects for SEW magazine and other textile publications,” explains Charlotte. She has also had projects featured on the Coats Crafts UK website, such as this free peg doll pattern and zip corsage ballet pumps.
This spring Charlotte worked alongside Sally McCollin on Coats Crafts’ Customisation Station at the Sewing for Pleasure Show in Birmingham. She demonstrated how, with fabrics and haberdashery, you could adapt plain t-shirts or tired old clothes by adding a splash of colour with corsages, applique flowers and fabulous zip brooches. Charlotte helped visitors learn how to make a simple corsage using fabric and felt. There was a constant stream of eager participants for this free make and take session, and many people went home having learnt a new skill with a pretty fabric flower to boot.
And, as if this didn’t keep her busy enough, Charlotte now has her own range of kits which sell through Liberty’s and John Lewis, and on her own website Charlotte Liddle. “I enjoy being busy and having lots of projects on the go – that way I never get bored!” smiles Charlotte. Kits Charlotte has designed include Make your own Peg Dolly, Fun Flower Corsages and packs of pretty fabric buttons.
Charlotte has a very fluid approach to design. “I just go with the flow. I tend to start out with a vague idea in my head and then I see how it develops. I get inspired by the fabrics I’m using,” she explains. “I love it when I find a stunning piece of fabric and then get all excited about what I can make with it. I adore the current trend for floral, and love girly colours!”
“I love applique, beading and embellishment. At the moment I am very into vintage. I like the idea of ‘Make Do and Mend’ and recycling old fabrics,” says Charlotte. Part of this love of all things vintage has led Charlotte to set up a new business called The Vintage Party Company where she and her team will theme your special event with gorgeous vintage tea party style!