CRAFTER MADELEINE SARGENT

Sometimes learning about new inspiring people and amazing design is like a game of Chinese whispers. I discovered Madeleine Sargent and her gorgeous business Made By Mosey through a friend of a friend of a work colleague. And so began my love affair with the cloud mobile.

Which five words best describe you? Patient, jolly, loyal, neat, busy.

What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first proper job was at a fruit and veg store called Supa Fresh! Apart from learning how to test a rock melon for ripeness, I think the best lesson my then 15-year-old self learnt was the value of hard work. I have never been afraid of working hard since. Years of study, retail, more study, husband and babies has finally led me to starting my own little business doing something that was always a hobby. I worried initially that all the sewing would turn into a chore but I still love every needle I thread.

What’s your proudest achievement? Personally, my children (they are the best!) and artistically, I feel sure that it is just around the corner!

What’s been your best decision? Getting behind my sewing machine after having our first child, Otto. I suffered from very bad post-natal depression and sewing (among other things) really helped me work through it. Poor Otto, though, he ended up with many peculiar handmade toys whereas now, five years later, our daughter, Coco sleeps beneath lovebirds and cuddles toy clouds.

Who inspires you? My husband, Andy, times a million. He is not only my love, he is the kindest, coolest, most encouraging man I know. He is also a super talented artist himself and his input with Mosey has been invaluable. I am also hugely inspired by nature. I spend a lot of time outdoors and there are always marvellous new things to observe.

What are you passionate about? I am incredibly passionate about family, and friends who have become like family. Also recycling everything! A huge part of my work is being able to turn old things into new things.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Kindness begets kindness. Being kind, just kind, is highly underrated.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Roald Dahl.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? I want to see all of my ideas leap from my sketchbook into real life and definitely a queen size Hankey Blankey.

What are you reading? Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which is my book club’s "book of the month" and Frankie magazine always. I love reading about crafty people who are doing their thing.

images courtesy of made by mosey