Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Annabel Wrigley to our site. Annabel teaches girls how to sew from a sun-drenched, cheerful studio in Virginia, where she takes the intimidation out of sewing with her fresh and pretty projects (not to mention her fresh and pretty self). It was a joy to film with her on location, and we can’t wait to unveil all of her sewing projects.
Congratulations on your new classes, Annabel! We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Creativebug family. Can you tell us how it all began?
I started sewing after my son Oliver was born almost 14 years ago. I had seen a really cute baby hat that was crazy expensive and with me being the thrifty gal I am, decided that I needed to learn how to make it myself. With the help of my mother-in-law, I learned how to sew my own baby hat. This led to making them for friends and then eventually staring my own business designing and making baby products. This was the start of my sewing love.
You grew up in Australia. Are there any striking differences in the crafting world between Australia and the US?I don’t think there are too many striking differences. Both countries are full of amazingly talented crafters and sewists.
What inspired you to start teaching kids how to sew?Probably my biggest inspiration was having a daughter. She used to watch me sewing and was desperate to be let loose to create her own sewn works of art. Once she had mastered the machine, there was no stopping her. I realized that there really was a need to teach kids to sew, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. It is so much fun!
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced teaching young people to sew? And the most rewarding?The biggest challenges have to be coming up with fresh and new ideas on a weekly basis. Most of my students have been with me for several years and that can prove tough coming up with innovative and on trend projects. Most rewarding is watching the progression of fearful, timid sewing novice to confident, creative and capable sewing legend. It is such a pleasure to watch!
Do you have any advice for people who want to make sewing a bigger part of their life?Don’t be afraid to take the leap. Reach out to friends and family, start teaching children in the neighborhood. It will certainly grow from there.
What’s next? Are there any new goals for you on the horizon?I am having a well-earned summer break then will be back to teaching in the fall. I am looking forward to teaching a couple of workshops later this year and early next year, and I have my second book coming out next spring, yippee!
Creativebug 
