Stitching in miniature changed my life


[Based on an article in Quick & Easy Cross Stitch magazine, issue 82, Christmas 2001]

Janet couldn't find what she wanted in the shops, so she decided to design her own textiles for her treasured dolls house


Janet Granger loved her dolls house but where was the furniture? Designing her own stitched pieces opened up a whole new career


'Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of having my own dolls house. My sister had one and I was green with envy. I had to settle for my stitching instead - my nan taught me to embroider before I was four and by 12 years old, I was designing too.
'I grew up and left school without fulfilling my dream - I got a job as a librarian instead. When I discovered dolls houses had a huge adult following, I was thrilled and immediately bought one. I soon hit my main problem: finding rugs, carpets and things the right size rather than having to use offcuts from normal carpets. So, I started designing my own.
Janet met Chris through an advert in a local newspaper - they've been happily married since 1993


'As the scale is so small (cushions measure just 2.5cm square!), the design had to be very simple. I could use patterns but no detail. I loved the challenge. 'In 1993, I married Chris who I met through a newspaper advert. As we went to dolls house and stitching shows together, I realised what a market there could be for my kits. 'Desperate to leave the library, I did some research. I approached a few shops with my kits and waited tentatively. I was over the moon when they sold really well. For the next year, I started getting my business off the ground, designing tiny samplers, cushions, wallhangings, bellpulls, rugs and carpets.
'I worked 30 hours a week on top of my full-time job and made just £900 profit. Despite this, I plucked up the courage and resigned. It was the best decision I'd ever made. 'I love working in miniature. My inspiration comes from interior design books, magazines, colour combinations and stately homes. William Morris is my favourite source. Once I've decided on the pattern, it's down to work.
'I'm an erratic designer and stop and start all the time. I use 32HPI gauze, 28HPI evenweave or 22HPI canvas. There are limitations of course - the process can get very mathematical as I wonder, "What can I get into 20 squares?"

'My kits contain everything you need from start to finish. They're tapestry kits but once people realise it's similar to cross stitch, they're off. It's quicker, too. Some people just like stitching mini-kits, others own dolls houses and some stitch my designs as ornaments. The kits are quick, easy and can be done in an evening or two.

'Of course, I wouldn't be without Chris to help me. He learnt to stitch at a show when he confessed to boredom. I soon put a kit under his nose and taught him. Now he stitches better than me! Chris demonstrates at shows and lots of people come to watch him. He's my star attraction! And, of course, he's my computer expert, parcel-wrapper and credit-controller. We're a great team. 'It's so rewarding running our own business.

'We cater for such a specialist market and get plenty of feedback from happy customers. It's good to work from home, too. We live in the middle of the country, which means if the sun's shining we can just take off for a walk in the countryside. Both Chris and I are total workaholics. The job is so lovely - unstressful, creative and every day is different. Even on Christmas day we find it hard to switch off. ln fact, you can guarantee we're back in the office by the middle of the afternoon!'