Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

How long has The Make Arcade been in business? I started the company more than four years ago, in September 2013. What inspired you to set up on your own? I had gone back to work after maternity leave following the birth of my second son and needed to find something that would offer a bit more flexibility around family. It so happened that at the same time a modern craft revolution was happening and I wanted to be part of it! I started teaching workshops and parties alongside my part-time job and then quit to work solely on The Make Arcade in September 2014. Tell us a little about your designs and how they are made. It all starts with a few rough sketches. Then I work on the idea in felt or put it into a design program to create a cross stitch pattern. I then create a few test pieces before working on instructions and packaging for the boxed kit. Manufacture is done in limited batches. As a small studio we make up all the components and then make box kits to order. Your kits are really fun and contemporary – where do you get your inspiration? We’re a small business and we design and manufacture everything in house. This means we can react quickly to trends, so when an idea is sparked we can jump straight on it. Designs come from all over the place. Pinterest and Instagram are obvious favourites but I also love stationery, as well as music and film references. We chat to Ruth Oliver, the creative force behind contemporary sewing brand, The Make Arcade, about cross stitch, Netflix and the new craft revolution arcade games 64 craft focus