Maker Spotlight: One Little Pixel

Nicola from One Little Pixel is our maker this month, she's been given the task of answering our totally non-biased questions!

When did you start your craft?
Fabrics and fibres have always been in my life, even as a child, as my dad worked in textile manufacturing, so our house was always full of bits and pieces from the industry. I studied Environmental Art at Glasgow School of Art way back in the early 90s, and a winding journey of materials and approaches, and a Multiple Sclerosis relapse in 2021, led me to my love of the slow art of felting.

What do you like best about it?
I love how therapeutic this practise is for me. When my hands are feeling stiff, or my vision is an issue, I can still shape the wool with a needle. When pins and needles (ironic) start to creep up my arms, then warm water and wet felting can help to ease those symptoms.

Do you have a favourite thing to make?
I love making birds and hares, especially if I can manage to create a small sense of tension in the pose that can portray the idea that they are about to move.

Why is crafting important to you?
Crafting has helped me to manage my Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed 20 years ago, and I am certain my condition would be very different if I didn't allow myself the time and space to craft.

What are your preferred products to use?

I am a fan of carded Corriedale to build shape, and the range of natural colours is perfect for my animals. It has to be superfine Merino for the thinnest and most lifelike bird feathers. However, I think I have samples and stock of most fibres sold by World of Wool. I just love buying new blends and textures to experiment with.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to take up your craft?
You can learn so much from a well-designed kit. Find a kit of something you would like to make and follow the instructions - I know it sounds obvious, but we learn so much from others. I would also say invest in good quality needles - learn what the different sizes and shapes of needle can achieve and find you favourites. I do most of my sculpting with a 38G triangle and rarely use anything else.

What's your favourite thing about World of Wool?
The whole World of Wool experience is amazing - the support from the team when I need a question answered, the amazing range of fibres and colours and the prices are unbeatable.  I am so Scottish - love a "Woolly Wednesday" bargain!

You can find Nicola's creations on her website, Facebook and Instagram.