Interview with an author.

As we reach the end of a busy year here at Beercott HQ, we thought it would be good to give you more of a background into our fabulous authors. So, in our first interview we find out more about what drives the fantastic Kerry Lucas.

Q. 2017 has been a busy year for us, but what has it been like for you?

2017 was a very busy year. I produced my first knitting book ‘A Year in Woolly Wonders’ which was great fun but hard work. I loved researching the creatures, but writing the patterns took longer than I expected. This was then followed by a second short book of Christmas characters entitled ‘A Woollyful Christmas’. I also made a start on my third book, ‘A Woolly Springtime Spectacular’, which I hope to finish in time for Easter 2018.

Q. Where did it all start?

I learnt how to knit from my grandmother who taught me lots of crafts and baking on my holidays in Shropshire. Living abroad as a child I would look forward to travelling back to see my grandparents.

Q. What inspires you to create your patterns?

I find a lot of my inspiration in the British countryside and woodland, the changing seasons and flora and fauna. I love using scraps of material and yarn to create something quirky and unique.

Q. Are there any downsides to your crafting?

I am unfortunately addicted to yarn buying and visit a local supplier of alpaca wool at the weekends near my home in Warwickshire. My purse is always a lot lighter when I leave! I also love buying wool from indie dyers such as Nicola at the Craft Studio in Hunningham.

Q. What do you enjoy most about creating your patterns?

I love the feeling you get when you stitch a creation together and it appears in 3D from a flat piece of knitting. I do sometimes get frustrated though with threading in all the loose ends.

Q. You also have a blog – how did this come about?

I started my blog as Crafty Kestrel (blog.craftykestrel.co.uk) as a diary of my crafting journey and I have been amazed that people have been reading it from all over the world. I have embraced social media to showcase my knitting to a larger audience and love Instagram and Facebook. I have met so many lovely fellow crafters through these medias. I also have an etsy shop where I sell my creations www.etsy.com/uk/shop/craftykestreluk

Q. How would you sum up 2017?

I really cannot believe that an ordinary mum and teaching assistant is now in print, it is amazing.