Tell us a story...

Heather & Zelda's Cosy Curios

Hi my name is Claire and I am the creator of H&Z

I am a proud Lancashire lass. I live in a town called Leyland with my husband and our little sweety, Heather.

I adore the seasons. My favourite being the 'ber' months. Hello, pumpkin spice and gingerbread lattes.

I have always loved being creative. Growing up, I mainly loved drawing and painting, spending days watercolour painting with my grandma whilst watching Frank Clarke and Bob Ross.

Later in life I found my obsession for crochet and knitting. I truly love the granny hobbies and not ashamed to shout that out!

I talk for a living in my 'real life' job, teaching the nurses of the future. Naturally, I am a very chatty person and I do love to make a difference. I love getting to know you and creating special pieces to treasure forever.

How Heather & Zelda's Cosy Curios was born...

Poppy's! Yes, poppy's. I was training to be a nurse and decided to start crocheting. It was near Remembrance Day so a Poppy was my first ever project. It lasted a few weeks and then I did not pick up a hook for another 8 years!

Fast forward to when I was pregnant -I struggled, I was off work for my entire third trimester due to mobility issues. Having gone from a completely independent woman to housebound, I needed something to occupy my days and mind! I am still not sure what gave me the bug again, but I picked up a hook and yarn and started making things for Heather's pending arrival. Postpartum, I struggled further and crochet was part of my therapy and healing journey.

I taught myself from youtube videos and eventually was able to start reading patterns. I had no idea about the technicalities of yarns and hook sizes back then.

What do you create?

I use crochet for the appliques. I call my technique freestyle, that is because I do not use patterns. I usually develop a sketch and work off that. I then use embroidery and sewing techniques to attach them to the knitwear and create magical detailing.

For my collections - Some of my knits are made by myself by using either crochet or knitting techniques, sometimes I will use my knitting machine.

I do source knits from other knitters and charity shops, like St Catherine's Hospice. I think its always fab to support small business and good causes.

As for the send in service, I ask for you to source the knitwear. I am happy to be sent any knitwear with a tight tension.