With crochet as her superpower, Mel can make just about anything…
What’s the story behind your name?
I chose Made by Mel because it does what it says on the tin. Everything I sell is made by me….Mel. Like a lot of crafty and creative people I suffer from multiple crafting disorder, so I wanted a name that would allow me the flexibility to follow different creative pursuits as my business grows and develops.
Who runs your business? Do you have time to do any other jobs or is this full time?
I run the business on my own. I did have a ‘day job’ but I made the scary decision to leave that in January this year so I could concentrate on building my business. While it was a big step losing the security of a regular income what I have gained in my own wellbeing is priceless.
What do you make?
Often people think crochet is the same as knitting so to show there is a difference I make and sell not your average quirky crochet. I make a wide variety of products ranging from un-killable cactus, easy to look after fish and octopus, peas in a pod, fruit and veg, shawls, wrist warmers. I also make ethical items like cotton face scrubbies which are cotton wool pad replacement. Because I meet a lot of people who already crochet and knit I decided to make and sell accessories such as stitch markers, my own yarn cakes, crochet tape measures and magnetic needle minders and crafty badges and keyrings.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from a lot of places including Instagram and Facebook. I adore Ravelry and don’t ask me about my Pinterest boards I have lost days scrolling these sites! Also I really enjoy bouncing around ideas with other people – the more wacky the better in my book because that’s the wonderful thing about crochet, it is such a versatile medium. When people ask me what do I make I simply reply I can make pretty much anything, crochet is my superpower what’s yours?
Where can people find you?
I can be found at all the regular Worker Bee Markets (of course) in Reddish, Bramhall and Marple Bridge. I also do Rawtenstall Market every month. I can be found on Instagram and Facebook but if I’m honest Instagram is my preferred social medium.
Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to start their own creative small business?
Very simply go for it because if you don’t try you’ll never know. On my journey over this past two years I have met some amazing and inspirational people, not just through their creativity but for their kindness and support. I really have made some very true friends through doing markets and there is a wealth of knowledge and support out there. Yes there are highs and lows put that’s part of the journey.
What have you been upto during the pandemic?
During the pandemic I think like a lot of makers and people, initially I didn’t think it would last so long but as time went on personally it was learning to adapt to what was going on. I am very lucky in the respect that I make such a wide variety of things it was a good time to try new ideas and work on new products (as well as declutter the house, do the garden up, bake and face my nemesis the sewing machine! ). The main new products have been around the rainbow theme so I’ve been making hanging rainbows, rainbow blankets and not forgetting cat butt coasters. I also invested in some new equipment at the start of 2020 to allow me to design and print mugs, coasters, keyrings and tote bags so I have designed and developed a range of fun crochet, knitting and crafting items. I have also used this time to have little revamp of my logo and social media pages too. With a bit of perseverance and YouTube I eventually got to grips with my sewing machine and diversified into making reusable face coverings.
What have you missed about Worker Bee Markets?
Everything!!!!!! I have missed the banter with Clare, Charlotte, fellow traders and the amazing customers. I have missed watching the weather all week to see if it’s going to rain or be sunny on market day. I have really missed having a good belly laugh with people and hugging people too (and I’m not usually a hugger!) Looking to the future I don’t think any of us will underestimate the power of good belly laugh and hug! But I will admit I haven’t missed gazebo wrestling.
Have you found new places and ways to sell your products whilst there have been no markets?
Thankfully people really seemed to have embraced buying on line and so a lot of my sales have come though social media and of course the online markets Worker Bee kindly arranged on the run up to Christmas.
Worker Bee Markets 