Makers Dozen - Q & A with Sue Bradley

Welcome to the Makers Dozen. We ask a Guild member a dozen quickfire questions about their life as a maker.

Today we talk to textile artist Sue Bradley.

Sue specialises in knitted textiles, co-ordinating print collections and designs for fashion and interiors. She has a long and very successful career in Fashion and Textiles, producing and selling her own work since she left the Royal College of Art in 1982.

Which three words best describe your work?

Creative, colourful, unique

How long have you been a maker?

45 years

What is the best part of your process? 

I love the first stages of designing and sampling for a new piece of work, selecting a colour range and researching new materials.

What is the hardest part of your process?

Deciding which ideas to develop into a finished piece as there are so many directions I could take. My work takes a long time to make, so I need to get it right!

Do you have a favourite book about your craft?

One of my favourite books is a book someone gave me in 1980 called ‘Wild Knitting’ which is full of whacky knitting patterns for things like crown jewels; and a knitted armadillo wrap – very inspiring!

What are you reading?

Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy

What is your favourite film?

I Swear

What do you listen to in your studio?

Radio 2 and loud music if I am on my knitting machine – and a podcast or radio 4 if I am hand knitting or embroidering.
 
What one thing would improve your life as a maker?

Free yarn!

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it will not get you anywhere.

What is the question you are asked the most?

How long did that take to make?

Life as a maker can be challenging, what keeps you going?

My creativity keeps me going – I always have hundreds of ideas and a passion for making.

Thank you, Sue!

You'll find more about Sue's work here