The Blog
Interview with a Crafter – Natalie Marigolds loft
In the hot seat this Sunday is Natalie of Marigolds loft 
• Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and what drew you to your chosen craft?
My name is Natalie, the owner of Marigolds’ Loft (www.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com)
I am a South African mom and live in Switzerland with hubby and my two teenage daughters.
I used to be a card reader (as in fortune teller LOL) and as such I used to swap readings with many other amazing people at the Esoteric Fayres I used to work at. They all used to tell me that I needed to become creative to find fulfilment in my life and I never really knew where I should start….I didn’t think I was creative at all!
Then, whilst living in South Africa again, I met Linda from Natural Suburbia at our local Homeschooling group. Our daughters hit it off, and we too become great friends. She was always knitting and convinced me to give it a shot. I started with loads and loads of scarves as Christmas gifts and fell in love with the craft. Since then it has evolved and become so much more than a hobby, it has become a lifestyle, a way to centre myself, my meditative spot.
• Who taught you how to do your craft, and how long have you been creating?
My mother originally taught me how to knit. She used to knit extremely tight, so I ended up with many a callus and squeaky tight knits! I have now been knitting again for about 2 years.
• Who are you most inspired by and why?
I don’t think there is one person that inspires me right now, more a collection of very talented people. I love how the internet has allowed me to connect and be awe-struck by the talented folk who are out there, they motivate me to be better at my crafts to reach out and create new boundaries for myself.
• Where do you seek inspiration from?
I think more than anything, I get inspiration from the seasons, and that in my knitting or crafting projects.
• What are you focused on right now?
Christmas I guess. Our winter is definitely here so thick jerseys, gloves, and scarves are on the menu knitting wise.
Crafting-wise: my festive seasonal creations are done, and I am now looking into the future….so what will I have in my home for spring? I know that is quite a while away, but I offer a lot of craft tutorials on my blog, so I need to be a little in advance of the seasons
• What’s the one actual or technical tool you couldn’t work without?
My KnitPros for knitting, and my Gonis products for Crafting
• What’s your go to pattern that you love to make?
I find myself making a lot of my mittens, if I don’t have any other ideas these are always good as I can whip up a pair in 2 days
• Have you got any technique phobias?
Yes, Magic Loop, I still haven’t managed to get this right!
• Is there a craft/art medium you haven’t tired but want too? And why?
I want to learn how to spin, really badly, and am on the look out for a second hand Spinning wheel. I have tried my hand at a hand spindle, but would like to try the wheel. I would also like to weave my own cloth.
• What does the handmade movement mean to you?
The handmade movement means, outstanding quality, purely because the items have been made with love and passion, which you can see and feel!
• Anything else you would like to share?
This has been fun, thanks Daniella, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part.
x
Natalie
Thanks Natalie, I really enjoyed reading your questions, what a wonderful inspirational lady you are! x
Natalie’s answers are un edited by me, so all thoughts and opinion’s are of her own! please don’t use her pictures without contacting her for permission first!.
If you would like to take part in “interview with a crafter” please contact me with your answers to the above questions and photos you would like to share with us.
Hi Danielle,
I wanted to thank you kindly again for this wonderful opportunity! It brightened my day
x