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Transcript:

Caroline: We are recording today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, including Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, and K’ómoks first nations.

Helen: Hello and welcome to Love To Sew. I’m Helen, the designer behind Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co.

Caroline: And I’m Caroline, the owner of Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns.

Helen: We’re two sewing buds who love to sew and it’s literally all we wanna talk about.

Caroline: In this episode, we interview Nerrisa Pratt, sewist and crafter extraordinaire. We ask her about all of her crafty activities, her job at Liberty, her 2026 no-spend year, and so much more.

Helen: If you love to sew, this is your show. Hello, Nerrisa. Thank you so much for coming on the show today.

Nerrisa: Thank you for having me.

Helen: We are so excited to chat with you about all the amazing crafting and sewing that you do, but can you please introduce yourself to our listeners first?

Nerrisa: Yes I can. I’m Nerrisa. Hi, longtime listener, first time caller. I have been making all of my life. So whenever anybody asks me to kind of introduce myself or kind of describe what I do, the doing that I do is just making cool stuff. And I love talking to people about it and building community around that. So I guess I’m gonna be quite vague in my introduction ’cause you’re gonna ask me lots of questions and we’re gonna get down to the nitty gritty of it. But yeah, I just bloody love making, that’s who I am.

Helen: Oh, incredible. Well, you’re definitely on the right show, and can you tell our listeners where you’re from, as well?

Nerrisa: Yes. So I am in the UK. I’m just outside of London.

Caroline: Okay, let’s get into it. ‘Cause we wanna know all about your crafting. But can we just kick it off with you telling us a little bit about how and when you learned to sew and craft?

Nerrisa: This is the most Nerrisa thing. When I was 10, I started textiles at the GCSE level and I came home one day, not at all dramatically, and went to my mum: “Mum, I’ve decided what I wanna do when I’m older.” And my mum was like, “Okay, great. Tell us.” And I was like, “I want to be a fashion designer by day and a lawyer by night.” And my mum was like, “Okay, maybe no more Ally McBeal for you.” And so she was like, “Well, I can get you a sewing machine, but the lawyer thing you’re gonna have to figure out when you’re older.” Now, plot twist, everybody: I have absolutely nothing to do with law. I follow them. That’s about it. And my mum and dad got me a sewing machine when I was 11 years old and I have been sewing ever since. So I started out with some, like, very janky, like, charity shop upcycles, which kind of has come full circle. And I shot up to the height of six foot one at about 11. And then I realized that it was quite hard to buy clothing and it’s kind of just been me ever since. So, yeah it’s always been in my life. My mum’s an artist and is very, very creative. So whenever we were quote-unquote “bored” she’d be like, well, find something creative to do, ’cause there’s absolutely no excuse to be bored. So I’m very grateful to my mother for that. So yeah, that’s kind of my, like, origin story, I guess. Sad I didn’t get to become a lawyer ’cause probably I would be earning a lot more money. But I’m happy to be creative.

Helen: And you are so creative. We love following you online because you just experiment with all of these different things and you share about it, and you share about it in a way that makes it feel very approachable and not so scary. It’s just like, let’s just give it a go and see what happens.

Caroline: Mm-hmm.

Nerrisa: That’s very kind and I’m so glad that comes across because, to be honest, I just actually have no clue what I’m doing and I’m definitely not very good at acting. So I just feel like social media is, like, a funny thing. I, I’m sure you guys have a lot of thoughts on this, but you know, it’s so fake. It really is, right? And I just feel like I am kind of human labrador-y as a personality type. And I just feel like I’m really enthusiastic about things. I want to give them a go, but sometimes I get them wrong and there’s no way to kind of connect to people better than when you talk about when things do go wrong or like that you figured something out and you can just really share that joy. And I get such a buzz off of doing that. That’s my dopamine kind of after the craft is done. So I’ve just, yeah, I feel like I’ve just really found my groove with this kind of content piece. And I really enjoy making the content to share with my internet friends as much as I do making the actual product itself. It’s kind of like this one’s for, this one’s for us, you know?

Caroline: Yeah, it’s so true, and I feel like it’s sort of driven into us, like, you have to niche down, niche down, niche down, but you have so many different types of crafts that you do. You’re not just in the sewing world. You crochet, you do leatherwork, you do beading, needlework, home reno, painting. So can you give us, like, what are your top five crafty activities?

Nerrisa: Well, firstly, hearing that list back makes me feel slightly attacked, I will say. A top five is quite tough. Because it does change. I, I would say, why don’t we do like my top five that have kind of stuck around? I think because there are definitely, like, fleeting things where I’m like, I’ll try this once, and then I do it and I love the outcome, but I’m like, I’m never doing that again.

Helen: Yeah, What are your, like, go-to, I wanna do something crafty today…

Nerrisa: Dressmaking will always have my heart. Anything that involves a sewing machine. I have a brain that really enjoys kind of piecing patterns together, both literally and physically. Like, I think there’s something about starting from “A,” following the instructions perfectly and getting to “B” that just really scratches, like, an itch in my brain. I think that’s kind of why a lot of my crafts, most of them, tend to be successful. So I would say definitely sewing is, is number one. 100%. Knitting and crochet, I think they definitely have, like, second and third spot, but I’m, I’m not gonna rank them because I definitely go through phases with them. Crochet is good for, like, a quick hit, but knitting’s really, like, satisfying if you complete it. Four and five, I don’t know. I would say I love anything with leather. I’ve got like a weird, like, leather kink. Like, I really love it as a material. I think it feels so luxury and so premium. You know, it’s a byproduct. So I feel like it leans into that kind of sustainable crafting area, but also it feels like you’ve got something, like, so premium when you finish. Number five is just like everything else, like, honourable mention, I guess.

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: That’s cheating!

Nerrisa: Whatever came up on Pinterest that day, I’d say. Maybe I actually do. You know what? I’d say upcycling. I, I’ve really kind of fallen quite hard for upcycling, really only in the last kind of year or so. So they’re probably not ranked in that particular order, but those are the ones that, like, they’re always on the roster, you know?

Helen: Yeah. Oh, those, that’s a great list. And we’re definitely gonna get into your upcycling a little bit later. You did mention that you’ve tried some crafts that you’ve only tried once, and then you’re like, I’m good. What were some of those niche or unusual crafts that you’ve tried?

Nerrisa: Oh, good question. I’m trying to think now. Hmm. I have to scroll through my Instagram. Let me look. I’ve dabbled a lot. I’ve done a lot of things like candle making and, you know, things that come in kits. Kits often tend to be things that I’ll only tackle once because I’m like, I, I don’t think I wanna, like, necessarily go and buy all the materials for this and do it again, but it was nice for, like, a little tester. I think I got a little bit kitted out during the pandemic, like I’m sure lots of us did. I was like, I’ve got nothing to do. Let me try this. I tried the, like, felting thing where everyone crocheted it and then tumble dried it. That did not go well. Won’t be doing that again.

Helen: I don’t even know what you’re talking about.

Nerrisa: You saw people were like, they were like knitting or crocheting slippers so that they were massive and then you put them in the tumble dryer, and it has to be a hundred percent wool, and then they shrink down to the right size. But I did it with, like, a snood and, yeah, it, it didn’t go over my big head. So, not for me. But yeah, I kind of, I, I feel like I’ll give anything a go once. Whether I’ll give it a go twice…it might just take a bit longer to come back round. There’s some where it definitely, like, isn’t constant, but then when I do it again, I’m like, oh, I actually love this. Like, rug tufting was one, I did rug tufting maybe like five or six years ago, randomly somewhere. And then I just never thought to go back to it again. And then I got very kindly invited by, like, a small business to do it, and I was like, how do I buy a rug tufting gun now? Conveniently, I’m not allowed to spend any money this year. Otherwise, my studio right now would now be a rug tufting studio.

Caroline: You, you started a rug tufting business, and…

Nerrisa: I’ve written a rug book. I’ve got an account. Like, you know, when you set up the Instagram, it’s serious. So, yeah. But yeah, I don’t like to restrict myself on crafting because it’s our hobby, right? So if I can afford it and if I can figure out how to do it, and I genuinely enjoy doing it, why put restrictions on myself or, like, stop myself from, like, giving it a go? I might get it wrong. That’s cool. And actually, what normally happens if I do get it wrong is I either figure out something else along the way or I learn something and I just, I really love learning through my craft. So, yeah. God, That was so aspirational.

Helen: It was.

Nerrisa: I might put it on a t-shirt.

Caroline: Yeah. Okay. But I wanna know, like, as somebody with so many different crafty hobbies, how do you decide what you’re gonna tackle next? Do you have a list going? Do you ever get project paralysis where you’re, like, kind of like being pulled in a million different directions? Like how, what, how does that go for you?

Nerrisa: Yeah, no, I really do. So it’s kind of changed a little bit. I’ve got a craft room in my house, so every now and then my husband, I’ll be like, oh, I’m just gonna go, like, just potter. I’m gonna go do some bits. I dunno what, but I just, I wanna be creative. And then, like, he’ll come up the stairs and I’m, like, in my spinny chair, just, like, spinning. And he’ll be like, just do something. Just do one, like, little, small thing. ‘Cause he knows I’ve overwhelmed myself because I do live in, like, a small branch of, like, Hobbycraft. So there are a lot of options. But I do think that has kind of changed slightly because, obviously, not to show people how the sausage is made, but you know, when you’re creating content, you, you want hits, right? So I’m kind of trying to balance this thing of, make something, make something that you will use and that you will enjoy, because I don’t wanna create waste just to create a reel, but at the same time, it’s got to be entertaining and you are, you know, I’m not gonna hide it. I want to go viral, I want, like, more followers, you know, I want all of those things. So there is a bit of a balance and, but actually, for me, having that as, like, a reason to create has actually been quite motivating. So I would say, in the last year, specifically, I’ve actually really enjoyed the challenge of like, oh my God, I’ve just seen this on the runway. How quickly can I recreate this? And then I, like, lock in and now I’ve got a Doen jacket, you know, so, I guess I do, and I don’t, it depends what it is. I, I work on, like, secret projects that I’m like, I’ve got this idea and I’m just gonna not say anything and then I’m gonna do it. Or sometimes I see stuff, I’ll share it to stories and immediately be like, do you guys want me to recreate this? Like, I’m already halfway through it by this point, but…

Helen: I’ve already started.

Nerrisa: I think the paralysis is less now, I would say, but I definitely do go through it every now and then.

Helen: That’s really interesting. It feels like a bit of a double-edged sword because, like you said, it can be really motivating to want to share, and obviously you get a lot of joy from sharing with your audience, and that’s amazing. But also that feeling of like, I have to create something for social media or like, what can I make today that will get views or that, like, does that ever make you feel kind of hesitant or do you ever just wish you could keep it a secret and just craft for the joy of crafting?

Nerrisa: I actually do, like, sometimes, I think particularly like when I’m busy in my day job, because I create all this stuff, like, I’m like a little craft goblin. So like, I get home from work and I’m like, what should I make this evening? Or like on the weekends or like I do stuff on the train and to work, like, I am always making, my hands are always doing something and sometimes I think I kind of just am a bit exhausted and I want this just for me. But there is something really weird now about sewing or making, and I’m like, oh, where’s my phone? Or where’s my tripod? Which is unhealthy. ‘Cause it feels like I’ve taken something that’s probably quite sweet and cute and I’m like, where’s the money? You know? So, I dunno, like I just, I need to get a better balance, I think.

Helen: Yeah, it is about balance, for sure. And not every piece of content you’re creating is about money, obviously. It’s also just about sharing and about community, and I find that when I’m creating videos, too, it’s like the video itself becomes a creative project.

Nerrisa: Exactly. I actually genuinely love editing. Like, I find it really fun. And my husband thinks it’s funny ’cause, like, I’ll be on the sofa and I’m like, editing something and I’m like, haha, I’m so funny. And he’s like, oh, okay. If you like it, I love it. Like, you know. So, yeah, I, I genuinely enjoy the process. You know, I do my, like, Nerrisa’s Handmade Christmas. And that is, like, a lot of work. But there’s something, again, I think it’s, that goes back to that kind of problem-solving or, like, puzzle piecing where it’s like, if I do X, Y, and Z, I’ll get to this, like, final result and it will be perfect. And I am a perfectionist, so I love doing this, but I’m self-taught. And you know, I look back at videos when I first started posting on TikTok years ago, and I’m like, ooh. It’s, like, got that RuPaul’s Drag Race season one filter on it. And I’m like, oh Lord. But like, now I feel like I’m, you know, I’m getting better. So, it’s also like, you know, we’re not saving lives here. It’s actually just not that deep.

Helen: Yeah, it’s fun to look back too and see where you started.

Nerrisa: Yeah, it’s growth. It, it, it’s all growth. And as much as my skills come a long way, that’s another skill that I have that, you know, I probably take for granted. ‘Cause I think, oh, you know, everyone’s got a phone now so everyone can edit, but actually not everyone can. So, you know, I should give myself some grace in that. I’ve learned all of this myself and I’ve made a success of it. So, you know, pat on the back to me.

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: Totally. Okay. So as a perfectionist, since you mentioned that, how do you feel about projects when they don’t work out or when it doesn’t come together? Because you do still share those ones, which I appreciate.

Nerrisa: I think it’s kind of similar. Like, I don’t tend to get frustrated because, at the end of the day, like, that’s not what is paying my mortgage, you know? It is a hobby and I think it’s really important to remember that, at the end of the day, whilst obviously the goal would be that every single thing I make is like the most perfect thing ever, the reality is that every maker doesn’t get things right. You know, the most talented artists in the world, they go through phases where they can’t paint or, like, it’s just not working out for them and it’s just, again, it helps you to develop that creative process. And I also genuinely kind of secretly like it when things don’t work out, because then I can ask my audience and genuinely engage them in a conversation. And I think that’s how a lot of, like, positive things have come round. Because, when I shared the top that I made that ended up becoming my sewing pattern, that was purely like, oh, do you guys like it? I never in my life thought, oh, this will be a sewing pattern, but it just went crazy. And I was like, okay, we’ve gotta give the people what they want. So, someone once told me, give in to peer pressure, it’s how you make friends. And now I’ve got a few hundred friends. I’ve caught the same pattern. You know, so, but yeah, I just think it just doesn’t matter. And I think if we held ourselves back every time we couldn’t figure something out or didn’t get something right, we would get nowhere. And then we take the joy out of something that’s such a beautiful thing to be able to do, like make things with your hands.

Caroline: Wow, that’s such a great, healthy way to look at it and it speaks to…

Nerrisa: I know, my therapist is sat somewhere, like, “Nerrisa. You’ve come a long way.”

Helen: You’ve come a long way.

Caroline: It’s true. And it’s so relatable for you to share that kind of content. So I know, I know, I’m sure your audience really appreciates that.

Nerrisa: That makes me happy. I’m glad.

Caroline: We love how you get on board with, like, new ideas, crafty trends, viral things on the internet. Recently, you added beads to flip flops and a blazer. So I wonder if you ever feel nervous about trying a technique that you’ve never, ever done before? ‘Cause you really seem to have, like, that “just try it” attitude.

Nerrisa: No, I don’t have that. I don’t have that fear. Because I think, for me, like, that’s how my brain works. So I love a forensic craft. There’s something about getting my laptop out, putting it on full zoom and being like, ah, that’s how they did it. My husband says I suffer from “I can make that.” And I, it’s, it’s a true condition that I do suffer from. He actually hates going, like, we rarely go to, like, retail stores, but if we do, he’s like, don’t say it. Don’t say it. Please don’t say it. Or he’s like, please stop taking pictures of the clothes. Like…

Helen: Oh my gosh.

Nerrisa: I’m such an embarrassing wife. But yeah, I just think, what’s the worst that can happen? Either you could show up with, like, you could have a beautiful piece and you’ve given it a go, or you probably learn something. Like the beaded top that I did when I was on holiday that I actually, that wasn’t quite right, like, the way it went. ‘Cause I was like…it was quite hard to film like in a hotel room, you know, whatever. And actually, I messed that up because I didn’t have any of my, obviously, normal craft materials with me. So I actually drew the line that I was going to follow with a biro, which you can’t really see in the video, but I was like, actually, if worse comes to worst, I’ll just put more beads over it. So again, it’s like, yeah, okay, it went wrong, but the final result came out well, and then I know for next time, plus also there’s a fix for that when I get home. So I just think that’s how my brain is wired, which, you know, is kind of a superpower, really. To look at something and be like, hmm, how do you work? I quite like that. You know those people who can, like, look at a car engine and then they’re like, I think they’re called mechanics, and they can just be like, oh, it’s this, this, this, and this? I just think it’s the craft equivalent of that, maybe?

Helen: Yeah, it’s true. I mean, as humans, I think we are so curious and everyone kind of has different things that they’re drawn to with their curiosity. So I love that yours is crafting. And I feel like we’re all kindred spirits here.

Nerrisa: Yeah. Arguably not going to save my life, but, or help my car run. But it’s, it has come in handy for like, it’s cheaper than therapy. I always say so, yeah.

Helen: So, last question about all of your crafting activities. Is there anything on your list that you’ve never done that you’re really excited about trying one day?

Nerrisa: Yeah, I mean, there’s loads. I genuinely am not joking when I say I’m addicted to Pinterest. I’m gonna be so real with you when I say that I’m scrolling as we’re talking.

Helen: Stop.

Nerrisa: Because I get, like, nervous hands and I’m like, I need to do something. So like, so just having, like, beautiful things going past my eyes is, like, really therapeutic for me. But I, I would say I easily spend like two to three hours a day on Pinterest. And I have, like, loads of secret boards that only become, like, public when I’ve actually made it. But you know that film A Clockwork Orange, like where his eyes are, like, held open and he’s just, like, looking at all of that propaganda stuff? That’s me, but with ideas. Like, all day, every day. And they’re just going in, in, in, in, in. And then suddenly, like, I’ll see something in my craft room and I’ll be like, you! And then I’ll just do it. I completely forgot what your question was.

Helen: Is there a craft you wanna try that you’ve seen out there?

Nerrisa: Yes, all of, all of them. So yeah, I think it’s more, like, my crafts are in, like, a few different kind of pillars, a bit. You know, like you mentioned at the beginning, there’s, like, the home stuff. I definitely want to tackle more, like, handmade things for around my home. Now my renovation is, I’d say it’s pretty much as complete as it’s gonna be for my bank balance. I wanna, like, add a lot of handmade finishing touches and, like, you know, I wanna make a Roman blind. I’ve never done that before. And then there’s, like, clothing things, where I’m about to start a series where I, I’m gonna try and, like, re-find my personal style through upcycling, thrifting, and makes. I’m gonna call it House of Nerrisa, which I feel like is really fun. Exclusive! But yeah, I feel like I’m just always trying to become a better maker and whatever vibe I’m feeling at the time will kind of find its way into what the next craft I’m going to try is, if that makes sense.

Helen: I love that. You’re going with the flow.

Nerrisa: Yeah, exactly. TBC.

Helen: I have a lot of crafty things on my list that I’m like, one day I’m gonna get really into stained glass, and then I’ll be a famous stained glass artist and I’ll have a stained glass studio and…like, I literally have dreams like that.

Nerrisa: I always tell people I was literally born to retire because there’s not enough hours in the day, for my liking, for all of my extracurricular activities.

Helen: I know, right?

Caroline: Oh my gosh. The injustice of having to work a nine to five. Right?

Nerrisa: I know. My own habit now, pulling itself up and saying, hey, you did this.

Caroline: Okay. So we’ve talked a lot about your hobbies. I wanna learn a little bit more about your career and kind of how you went from, you know, sewing at 11 to having this presence in the online crafting world and being an entrepreneur in the online crafting world. Can we talk a little bit about how you kind of got started there?

Nerrisa: Yeah, for sure. So, after I decided I wasn’t going to be a lawyer, I studied textiles at school. I kind of always did creative stuff at school. And my, my mum always encouraged me outside of school to do creative things, as well, like, through her or with her. So I would say I’m probably self-taught in, in the truest form of that because I just kind of figured out as I went along. And then when I finished secondary school, GCSEs that I got and did well in, were like, you know, creative subjects or languages. I still can’t really speak one, so I dunno how I did that, and then textiles. So I’m based in Hampshire, Surrey. And I went to University for Creative Arts. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, so my mom said to me, as long as you get your A-levels so that you’ve got something to fall back on, if you do decide you don’t want to be creative, I will support you in whatever you want to do. So I quickly did A-levels, I did, like, art and English, you know, again, kind of English language, so quite creative subjects, still. And then I went to UCA and I did this foundation degree. And it was a year long. It cost 300 pounds. And you got, I don’t even know what the qualification was, it was probably like a B. Tech. or something. And it was, basically, almost like a gap year, but you studied in it, so you did a few different pathways. So you did,like, photography, graphic design, fashion design, randomly 3D design, but we ended up doing millinery, and then you kind of just tried all these different pathways and then specialized in one to do, like, a final project and then a final show.

I loved the fashion bit and it was, funnily enough, it was like a lot of upcycling, which was, like, not really a thing then. ‘Cause I’m not that young, but it was not, like, a, a thing then. And, my tutor said to me, and I should have seen this as an insult, but actually I, it, it shaped who I’ve become. She said to me, you talk a lot. And she was like, I know you love fashion, but have you ever thought about fashion PR? And I was like, what’s PR? And she kind of talked me through it and what it was. And I always thought, like, PR was literally like Patsy and Eddie from Ab Fab. And I was like, oh, so I’ll just, like, drink champagne and, like, just call everyone darling a lot, which you know, fine. And she was like, they basically said to me, UCA has a few campuses, and they were like, if you internally progress your degree instead of picking any other options, if you just internally progress to one of our other campuses, you’ll have a guaranteed spot. Now I’m not one to look a guaranteed university placement in the face. And also, especially since it’s something I wanted, like, I was interested in. So, I decided to study fashion marketing. It, it was called fashion promotion then, it’s called something different now. But it was basically the course I’d just done, but it really just focused on fashion. So I, I, I basically studied fashion marketing and PR, which was super interesting.

We had a lot of people in from the industry. One of our tutors wrote for, like, Vogue India. We had, like, stylists would come in and it was just super cool. They would encourage you to go and work in the industry and you’d be, like, actively told, like, if you wanna skip a lecture ’cause you’ve got an internship, you should absolutely do that. Like, get real-life experience. And that just changed everything for me, because I thought, I’ve got three years on the university’s dime. I don’t know exactly where I want to end up. I’ve been told PR could be interesting, but I love this. I’d always loved, like, magazines and things like that. And I, I, I knew I wanted to end up somewhere in the industry and I just, any internship that would take me, I took it and I just tried everything.And by the end of the three years, I knew that marketing was where I wanted to be.

So I graduated. I actually got picked to go to graduate fashion week. I showed my work and then I didn’t get a job for like six months and I was like, oh God, what have I done? And then I went for an interview at this random little marketing agency in Maidenhead. It was pouring down with rain. I got lost. I was two hours late for my interview. And I walked in and I absolutely aced the interview and I didn’t even get back to the car. And they called me and they offered me the job. And my boss is one of my best friends now. And she actually always says to me, I decided I wanted a PR boy, and then you came in and ruined it. And now, so, she always jokes, she was like, we needed, like, some testosterone in our team, and then you ruined it because you came in and you charmed me. So yeah, so I started out and my first ever client was IKEA, which is super cool. So my fun fact for, like, icebreakers is that I once slept in an IKEA store.

Helen: To, like, get the vibe?

Nerrisa: Yeah, I was supposed to be there, to be clear. I should probably, probably say that for legal reasons. No, it was like, back in the day we did this thing called the IKEA retreat. And it was basically at five stores in the UK, five of our biggest stores. And we invited press and journalists and, like, radio people, all of that. And at, at the time, influencers weren’t really a thing, but we kind of invited, like, best customers and we literally held a retreat in the store overnight. So yeah, I slept on the shop floor of IKEA Glasgow.

Helen: Wait, they wouldn’t let you sleep in the show bed?

Nerrisa: Yeah, like, in the show bed, yeah, like, on the shop floor.

Caroline: Was everybody else also sleeping, like, in the same room?

Nerrisa: Well, my other fun fact is you can’t turn the lights off in an IKEA store.

Caroline: Oh my gosh!

Nerrisa: Ask me how I know.

Helen: That’s so funny.

Nerrisa: Yeah, so I kind of just worked on some wicked stuff at my agency. You know, I did an IKEA houseboat. It was just me, like, in a fever dream, sailing up and down the Thames when we opened IKEA Redding, with an ABBA band just playing, like, for eight hours a day. And I’ve just done some really cool stuff. And then I was headhunted by Debenhams, which is like a, used to be a department store here in the UK, but it does exist now, but it’s been bought by, like, a fast fashion brand. It was awful. Like, I hated working there. It was a really toxic work environment. Honestly not sad it went…

Caroline: Okay.

Nerrisa: You would have thought that everybody who worked there, like, worked for Gucci ’cause everybody was acting like it was, like, super amazing. And actually, my other fun fact is when I worked there, Patrick Grant had his fashion collection. So I used to work with Patrick Grant.

Caroline: Oh, we love Patrick.

Helen: That’s amazing.

Nerrisa: I’m sure he doesn’t remember me, but I was like a, I was like a PR junior and he, yeah, he used to come to all our press days, so I’d, like, bring him water. But he was very nice.

Helen: Oh my gosh. You know what? Knowing Patrick, not that I know him very well, but he does seem very nice and he might remember you. I wouldn’t be surprised.

Caroline: Yeah.

Nerrisa: He’s pretty chill. Like, yeah. And he had, like, a very like Patrick Grant collection for Debenhams. So yeah, I worked with some, like, cool designers, you know. And then they were in trouble quite quickly after I started. But I didn’t like it. And they basically said, we are gonna make some people redundant. We’re being super honest. And I was like, hey, make me redundant. I didn’t know what I was gonna do. But I knew that they would give me some money and basically me and my husband went on a holiday and I basically was like, I’m not going back. I really don’t like it there. It was really bad for my mental health. I’m just not a fashion girly. I think maybe I need the comfort of, like, an agency where it’s, like, less toxic. And my husband was like, well, unfortunately you married for love, not money, so we’re gonna have to figure this out. Because you need a job. But I will do everything in my power, you know, to help me. And that, that holiday kind of changed my life because, by the time I got home, I had enough freelance work to last me for a year. So I literally went in… it was like a movie montage. I was like, Hey, it’s me. Do you remember me? Like, calling people, just calling in favours. Like, buy, buy, buy. Sell, sell, sell. And by the time I came back, I was able to go in and be like, yep, make it happen. I’ve got work. And I went freelance and the rest was kind of history. So I always say that, when I walked out of Debenhams, like, I handed my notice in and I was like, I’m going and I’d also like to take that fee that you offered me. I walked out of the building and you know, like, in films where, like, cool guys don’t look back at explosions? Like, that’s how it felt. I felt like I was in, like, a rap video or something. Like, yeah!

So I left, went freelance immediately. And this was kind of around the time, like, I remember at Debenhams where people were like, there’s these people on the internet that are, like, of influence. Maybe we should start working with them. And actually, funnily enough, I interviewed for a job at the time and they were like, no one’s ever done this before, but your job would be to, like, basically take people from the internet to, like, festivals and parties and stuff. So I interviewed for this job. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I’m, I’m really just, like, in my house a lot. And I dunno what I was thinking, ’cause me at a festival is hilarious. But yeah, I remember influencers becoming a thing. So when I decided what I was gonna do and go freelance, quite quickly, I, I was taking on like a lot of work and I realized my niche was crafters. Like, no one knows crafters and running a business like I do. ‘Cause I’ve, I’ve seen it from both sides. So I decided, I’m gonna start an agency. And I did, and I ran it with one of my best friends, Holly, shout out Holly, who funnily enough now acts as my manager. So we always find a way to work together. So she helps me with all my, like, content stuff. She’s my, like, human aid. Like, she just keeps me alive, basically. She’s like, did you drink water today?

So yeah, so I basically went freelance and kind of just experimented with lots of different things and, kind of similar to my crafting, I actually am just really not afraid to mess something up. I would rather give it a go and be like, hey, that didn’t work, than be like, oh, I, I should try it. Like I’d rather give it a go and go get it wrong, like, every single time. So, yeah, there’s been a few businesses. I’m proud of all of them. They all did what they needed to do and they all got me to where I am. So, you know, I’m ready to stand by my decisions. You can quiz me.

Helen: Well, this isn’t an interrogation, but we did wanna talk to you a bit about bargello, because you got really into bargello there.

Nerrisa: Yeah. That was hyperfixation of the year, for real.

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: So tell us about your journey with bargello and tell us what bargello is in, case our listeners don’t know.

Nerrisa: Yeah, so it’s a vintage form of needlepoint. I always say, like with cross stitch, you do an X; with bargello, you do a line. So it’s, it’s kind of a similar vibe. It’s this kind of slow crafting. But for me, I’d kind of always done it. I did it at school and then my mom kind of encouraged us to do it during, like, summer holidays and things. And then when the pandemic hit, I was like, well, I don’t really wanna sew like 50 pairs of jogging bottoms, so what could I do that’s like a productive hobby that keeps my hands busy, but also stops me from crying because I can’t leave my house? And basically, I was looking for, like, cross stitch and stuff, but I found that they were all quite twee, which is fine. Like, I think if you love florals and things, then that’s great. It’s just not my particular style. I love a geometric, unapologetic, like, very bold print. And that’s exactly, like, I came back round to it. So yeah, I got quite locked into that one.

Helen: In the best possible way.

Nerrisa: I am realizing that now. Yeah.

Helen: And you created a beautiful book called Bargello: 17 Modern Needlepoint Projects for You and Your Home. And they really are gorgeous projects. So if anyone’s interested in learning, Nerrisa has a book for us all, which is amazing.

Nerrisa: Well, Nerrisa doesn’t have a book anymore because, actually, the publisher just put it out of print without telling me.

Caroline: Oh, no!

Nerrisa: But you know what, like, I think that the book industry is, like, not a great place for crafters.

Helen: Yeah.

Nerrisa: And that’s a whole other, maybe that’s part two.

Caroline: Yeah.

Nerrisa: You don’t have to, you don’t have to ask.

Caroline: The book tell-all.

Nerrisa: But yeah. Yeah. I’m like, “In My Words, Nerrisa.” But no, I wrote the book super quickly. I think they’d had the idea for writing a bargello book for a long time. And then when I started, you know, posting about it, they were like, this is amazing. Like, someone who, you know, I literally copyright for a living, but also craft. I think I was a safe pair of hands and I learned so much and it was, it was also amazing community building because the amount of fellow authors who gave their time or advice or knowledge and were so kind when they didn’t owe me anything. Particularly Tabara, who runs La Basketry if, you know, her beautiful brand. Like, she gave me so much insight into what, like, writing a book was. And that was just incredibly generous of her. And I’m really proud of what I did. And I think, actually, I have the rights back to the book, so one day I do think I might republish it as like a coffee table book or something. But yeah, I feel like I kind of love the idea of like, you know how like when people get out of a bad record deal and then they, like, re-release? I’m gonna be, that’s gonna be me.

Helen: You are gonna be the Taylor Swift of bargello.

Caroline: Nerrisa’s version.

Nerrisa: No comment on that. ‘Cause I dunno if I wanna be the Taylor Swift of anything, but listeners, please don’t come for me. I’ll be the Beyoncé of bargello. I’ll take that. But yeah, I’m super proud of what I did, considering, you know, while everyone was, like, hoarding toilet roll and going to the beach illegally, I’m, like, at home sweating and writing a book. I produced that book in like six months because they had a really tight deadline. I was teaching online workshops at the same time to, like, just spread the word, ’cause no one had heard of what bargello was. And yeah, I’m really, really proud of what I did for that craft because I genuinely, you know, there’s that beautiful brand, Hello Bargello, which I know is based in New York. But really, before that, I kind of hadn’t seen a lot popping up. And, you know, lots of small businesses have popped up or have included it in kits and things now, or there’s other books. And it’s really beautiful. Like, I feel like the craft got the revival that it deserved because it, it truly is gorgeous.

Helen: Yeah, it really is beautiful. I would love to give it a try. It’s one of the crafts I haven’t had a chance to dabble in yet. But I’m very inspired by all of your makes. And you also sold kits, and you were doing a lot of stuff around bargello at the time, and then you’d made the decision to close that business. So tell us a bit about that.

Nerrisa: Yeah, I think there’s something really important, as a person, for you to just be so honest with yourself. And I don’t necessarily think that we always give ourselves the grace to do that. And I think there was a point where I was really burnt out. I was running that business alongside my agency and freelancing and trying to create content. And I think I just ruined it for myself, actually, if I’m being totally honest. I just was so burnt out from it and I wasn’t having fun anymore. The costs of everything were rising, you know, you couldn’t ship anything internationally anymore. And I actually just sat down with myself and I was like, why am I doing this to myself? The point of running a small business is for you to have this joy and ideally to make some money. And I wasn’t even doing that anymore. And so I just thought, I don’t really owe anyone anything to kind of keep this going, but I’m also doing a disservice to myself by keeping it going, ’cause I’m not having fun anymore. And I just remember back to the beginning, you know, when I was doing it from my spare room, it genuinely filled me with joy. I joke, but it really did get me through the pandemic. It was just such a focus for me. And I put blood, sweat, and tears into it, but I just got to the point where I was like, I would rather end it now, on my terms, than run it into the ground, start getting customers complaining or having a bad experience. And I would rather be like, what an amazing five years. Look at all of the incredible things we’ve done, and we did it together. And it’s not like goodbye forever. You know, I might do a bargello project here and there. But it just needed to be done. And I’m so proud of myself for recognizing that, but also for doing it. And, and people were so, so kind and, like, so generous with their feedback on it and how much they’d enjoyed it and how much they changed it. And yeah, like, I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe slightly; I would’ve closed it like six months earlier. But apart from that, I wouldn’t change a thing, honestly.

Helen: Yeah, I mean, it seemed like it was a huge success, even though you made a decision to close it. That doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s a bad thing, right? Our lives go in chapters. There are time periods where we do certain things, and then it’s time to move on, and that’s totally fine.

Nerrisa: Yeah, and I think I, you know, I closed Untitled Project in a similar amount of time because I was like, do you know what? I think I just want to go and get like a nine-to-five again and not be the key decision maker on everything. It’s quite exhausting. And then I got a job and I literally was like, I’m not gonna make any decisions. I’m gonna give it six months, see how this job works out, and if I hate it, plot twist, I don’t, and if in six months I don’t like it, I’ll make the decision. And I did. And it was honestly the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Once I was in it, it just happened and it was done. So, yeah.

Caroline: Wow.

Nerrisa: Bye bye bargello, for now.

Caroline: Well, good for you. And you teased a little bit about this job, so I feel like we should talk about it because…

Nerrisa: Queen of the segue.

Caroline: Incredible segue. You now work for Liberty, which is an absolute dream. I mean, I guess you could tell us if it’s a dream, but from the outside looking in, it looks incredible.

Nerrisa: It’s awful. No, I’m joking!

Caroline: Tell us about that.

Nerrisa: Yeah, I kind of, I would say I girl bossed quite close to the sun for that one. It’s actually another, like, kind of funny story, and I tell this because I think, actually, I’m really bloody good at my job. Like, I’m very, very good at what I do. And there was sort of, I, I have, I dunno about you guys, but I have this weird thing. I really hate it when people tell people they’re lucky ’cause they got somewhere, like, ‘cause for me, there was no luck involved. Like, everything I’ve done is because I’ve worked really, really hard on it. And this was one of those occasions. I was kind of putting myself out there. You know, I’ve always worked in marketing and my lovely colleague Sophie, who I still work with now, reached out to me because of the Patchwork Collective that was happening last year. So our big patchwork house that we did that I know any crafter who’s listening to this probably knows about. ‘Cause it was like, the come-to-Jesus moment where it was like, wow, this is what craft can do. And they wanted to have someone come in to Liberty and teach staff how to do patchworking by hand so that they could also be included in the patchwork house. Because the house is now in our archives, which is actually a real place, like, there’s literally a team of archive people, archivists? Archivists? I don’t know what’s the word for that.

Helen: I don’t, either. “Archivist” sounds cool, though.

Nerrisa: That’s absolutely what the word is, archivists. I’m coining that, so if that isn’t real, that’s my word now. Okay. But yes, there’s a team of those guys who, you know, document everything from our 151-year-old history and that is now in there. But yeah, they, they wanted, you know, staff to have the opportunity to be a part of that. So I went in to teach some craft workshops and I did them around, you know, people’s different shifts. So there was a bit of a gap in between. And at this point, I’d closed Untitled Project, and I actually have never shared this publicly before, but I actually had another job in the meantime, which was not the right fit for me. But I was doing it ’cause I was like, you know, I need to earn a wage and I’ve made this decision to go back. So I was kind of trying to find a way out, but that way out had to be into another job. So I was, like, teaching, then going to my laptop and, like, doing my CV. And then I just got talking to Sophie, who I didn’t really know then. And she was like, so what do you…I was like, oh, is there somewhere I can go sit? ‘Cause actually I’m just doing some CV stuff. And she was like, oh, what do you actually do? I thought you crafted for a living? And I was like, no, no, my background is in marketing. And she was like, dude, we’re literally hiring for a marketing person. Like, did you know that? And I was like, I, I did not. And she was like, tell me what you do. So I told her and she was like, no, you have to apply for this job. Like, you have to. So she said to me, send me your CV and I’ll recommend you, like, right now.

So I sent on my CV. I went off to teach the second workshop, and I came back and she was like, I’ve done it. I’ve forwarded it to HR. Like, they’re quite slow, but we’ll circle back. And, you know, you do that kind of thing and you, like you said, you know, it’s Liberty. Come on. Like I, I was thinking, I’ll never hear from this woman again. And then a week later I got an email saying like, you know, you’ve been recommended. We’d love to chat to you. Had a phone interview. I kid you not, within a week of interviewing with my now boss, I’d started. They were like, when are you available? I was like, I’ll come now. And they were like, we need three days to set up your laptop, so could you, like, chill out? And yeah, I’ve been there ever since. So we, everyone who I work with, it was actually my first day, it was so lovely, because I’d also been going to Liberty kind of as, like, a content creator. Like, when we did our Bridgerton collaboration, before I started that, I got invited, me and Lovely, my friend Lauren, who was on Sewing Bee, like, we got invited as, like, a day out and, and we went there. So I, I kind of knew, like, lots of people and I literally was walking in and, like, a team member was like, oh my God, it’s so great, like, welcome home. And they were, like, hugging me and I was thinking, this is not real. Like, this is either cult, a cult or, or this is not real. And I’m here to say, it very much is a cult, but in the best way possible. Like, everyone’s super creative. Everyone’s just great. I feel like I’ve met some of, like, what will be lifelong friends. I can’t go in-store because, obviously, I need to keep my eyes closed at all times. But yeah, it’s just, I, I honestly, like, I can’t complain. When people are like, you work at Liberty? That must be amazing. I’m like, yeah, it’s kind of more amazing than you, than you know.

Helen: You don’t even know. Oh my gosh, that’s so fun. So what kind of things do you do for them? Like, what does your job entail?

Nerrisa: So, I’m a marketing project planner, so I basically get paid to boss people around, which is completely amazing. They have to listen to me, as well. So I forward plan a lot of things, so I dunno if you guys will have seen but, like, we just doubled our fabric department for the first time in, like, maybe 50 years. And that project I’ve worked really closely on the entire time. So we, we sort of said we were gonna start this in January and, obviously, it’s only just launched in July, so that’s quite a short lead time for us. But my, also, this is very cool, but my number one project is our beauty advent calendar.

Helen: Oh!

Caroline: How fun.

Nerrisa: Yeah, yeah, so I’m sort of looking at my empty one right now because it’s on my windowsill. But yeah, I, I basically project manage the beauty advent calendar, which is pretty cool. So, yeah, it’s actually not, I think lots of people think I do loads with fabrics. The fabrics expansion is, like, kind of a bit of an anomaly, but I tend to work on all of what we call our sub-campaigns. So the Valentine’s campaign, like, where you’ll see beautiful imagery. I work with brands, you know, things like that. And, and our team is amazing. We’re, we’re a lot smaller than I think people think we are. But yeah, the team are just wicked. Everyone’s a good bunch.

Caroline: Oh my gosh, it sounds incredible. And I imagine it was a bit of an adjustment, maybe not, but going from entrepreneur, working for yourself, to working for somebody else, how has that been for you? Are there any negatives at all to it?

Nerrisa: I would say it was a lot easier to adjust than I thought it was going to be. There were some weird little things, though. Like, I think my manager gets tired of me, like, constantly telling her where I am. So she’ll be like, you don’t have to tell us everything. Like, it’s okay. Like, I’m like, I’m just gonna do this and this is how I’m managing my time. And she’s like, it’s cool. We trust you. Like you, you don’t have to tell us. And also, taking annual leave is so weird to me. I think this year, going on holiday, it’s the first time that I’ve actually completely switched off because I’m just not used to taking a break. So there’s been a few things like that. Obviously, my bank account just, like, magically tops itself up at the end of each month, which is delightful. That’s definitely a positive. But it, overall, I mean, we’re partially remote. So I do three days in the office, two days from home. And that’s, like, a really nice balance. You know, it gets me out of the house. I was starting to become a bit of a hermit before. So, yeah, I don’t really have any negatives, to be honest. It’s all worked out how it was supposed to for me, I think.

Helen: Yeah, it really sounds like it. And we’re so happy for you. It sounds like an absolute dream. Okay, we have to switch gears here, because we really need to talk about your sewing pattern that you released. We mentioned it earlier. You created this really cool top and shared it with your followers and everyone just basically lost their minds and we’re so excited about it. So you released it as a pattern. So tell us about the Rissy Tie Top.

Nerrisa: Yeah. So it was kind of crazy. I kept seeing lots of amazing makers doing this square top and I think, again, I was like, you know, I work in luxury fashion, so, you know, I see things ahead of when they’re coming out. I was like, I’ve seen, like, loads of things that look like this for, in, like, contemporary and designer fashion that are coming up. And I feel like I love this and that’s great, but it, for me, it also felt like it was kind of like I was seeing it on a lot of, like, straight-sized people and I was thinking, I don’t know if that would suit my body type. I’m quite tall, have a long body and long legs, so I’m just like, I’m proportionally tall, but I’m tall, but I’m also busty. And I was like, I, I, I don’t know if that will work for me. So. I sort of thought, how can I make this look contemporary, but also look flattering on my body type? And also, when I was making it, I wasn’t thinking about anybody else because I thought, oh, I’ll just make this because I like the idea of it. And then we’ll see what happens. But yeah, I posted it and it literally, I, sometimes, you know, when you post something, you’re like, oh, this is gonna go viral. ‘Cause the second I posted it, there were comments. It was like, release the pattern, release the pattern. And it just, I got to the point where I was like, I can’t reply to the comments. I think there’s like over a thousand comments of people being like, release the pattern. I’m like, okay, please.

Caroline: Sometimes people are intense like that.

Nerrisa: I’m just a girl! So yeah, I released the pattern. ‘Cause again, give in to peer pressure; it’s how you make friends. So yeah, I worked my ass off to release this pattern. And I have to shout out as well, because number one, I wanted to make sure that if I was going to release something, it was size inclusive. So it was really, really important. Like, I’ve always, especially in the sewing world, like, there’s a lot of pattern brands where, just by being tall, I feel like I’m not included. ‘Cause I have to add like 20 inches to the bottom of something. Shout out Helen’s Closet, ’cause that’s never been a thing for me. I’m an OG fan. But yeah, I think I’ve always had to, like, really scale patterns up a lot and I just didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to do that. So I basically drafted this system, which was like a, a load of numbers that, if you write them down correctly and then use my formulas, you draft your own pattern. So there’s no pattern pieces because, honestly, like, I don’t think you really need pattern pieces for a square. And so it’s kind of a bit more sustainable in that sense, as well. And at the point of recording, I’ve sold, like, over 300 copies of it, which, considering I was not even expecting to do this, I thought, like, oh, 20 people will buy it after all this work. So I’m just genuinely so happy. And again, it’s one of those things, like, I gave it a go. If I never release another pattern again and I can be like, hey, I tried that and I’m really, really happy with it. So yeah, I’m kind of chuffed.

Caroline: It’s so cool. We both were talking before getting on with you that we really wanna make this pattern. It’s so cute!

Nerrisa: Well, I’ll send a copy your way, ladies. It’s on me.

Caroline: No, I love that it’s drafted to the maker’s measurements. I think that just opens things up a lot. And I love the style. It’s very on-trend. It’s very cute. I have so many fabrics in mind for it.

Helen: I was gonna say, it’s, like, perfect with all of Caroline’s, like, handwoven cottons and block prints. It’s just, yeah, it would be so…

Caroline: It looks so good in a plaid or, like, a gingham, but also the brown version that you made is so cute.

Nerrisa: Yeah. Out of a duvet cover, which is, yeah, like, I just had, yeah, it’s House of IKEA. Yeah, I’ve got, like, lots of other versions planned and I’m currently without a sewing machine ’cause it’s being fixed, which is sad times. But I’m thinking I’ve got a couple of versions. I wanna make a Liberty patchwork one, which I think will be super cool. I also wanna make a denim one so I can wear it as, like, a vest. ‘Cause, obviously, I’m in the UK so we’ve got at best two more weeks of summer and then it’s gonna rain for a year. So I’m thinking about layering. And I also wanna hack it into a dress as well, so I’ve got, yeah.

Caroline: I was saying that I’ve got a dress hack in my brain that I need to make happen.

Nerrisa: I’m ready. I’m slightly nervous because I feel like if I do hack it and then it’s really successful, everyone’s gonna be like, drop the tutorial.

Helen: I’m gonna tell you right now, that’s a hundred percent what’s gonna happen. You should just prepare for that.

Nerrisa: The time has gone. So, yeah. But I think I just feel like it feels super versatile. I love, I had an incredible group of, like, friends who tested it for me, who are sewers that I, I trust implicitly and I think that was really, really useful. The amazing Sarah Ballies, I dunno if you know her, but she tested it for me and she is a gorgeous, full-figured lady and she basically helped me make sure that it looked beautiful on her, as well. And I honestly couldn’t be more grateful to her because she noticed things that I, I wouldn’t have noticed. So it feels like it was like a real, again, like, community building piece and I just love it so much.

Helen: Oh, well, congrats on the success of the pattern. I hope our listeners go and check it out and, I mean, we’d love to see more patterns from you in the future, but no pressure.

Nerrisa: Okay. So yeah, I feel like, do you know what, that’s, when you say about things I wanna try, I have been saying this for years, so I’m gonna say it publicly and then maybe this will shame me into doing it. I need to learn how to draft patterns. Like, I need to learn how to do it. I’ve been let down, like, quite a few times. Like, I’ve started a course and then the pandemic happened and then I, like, did a different course somewhere that I won’t name, but should be, should have been much better at teaching people than it was. And I literally went once and I was like, this is terrible. And then I actually, they gave me a refund ’cause they acknowledged that it was terrible, you know? So every time I try to learn it just doesn’t happen. But I’ve got access to the, is it Patterns Unpicked? It’s like a gorgeous online pattern drafting course. And it’s been super useful for base knowledge, but I’m just such an in-person learner, so I feel like I’ve got the base, but now I just need to go to, like, pattern school. But yeah, I’m working on it, but if there’s any talented pattern designers that are out there that wanna help me, then, you know, get in touch. My Craigslist ad.

Helen: I love it. Okay. We have been talking for a while. We’re almost out of time, but there is something that we have to discuss, which is your 2026 no-spend year. It’s been so fun following along with you on this. So tell our listeners all about it.

Nerrisa: So at the beginning of the year, I’m not a New Year’s resolutions person, but I am, and I’ll always do something, like, kind of flippant, I guess. And this year I was like, what do I want to, like, learn in my practice? You know, last year it was to learn to knit. The year before it was to learn to crochet. And I was like, I don’t really necessarily want to learn something, but I want to have less stuff. And I realized that I could probably get quite far without having to spend any money. So, you know, a random musing to the camera later, and I’m now quite a long way into not having spent any money on crafts in 2026. Which kind of feels crazy to say, but I did it. So I set rules because I think it’s always really handy, and so many people related, like, when I posted, and followed along, or are doing their own versions of it, or have tweaked it and created their own rules for themselves based on what they needed to do.

But I needed structure in order to make sure that I had something to measure it against, but also, you know, to have something to look back at. And it just came from, I sort of walk in this room and I’m like, there’s just so many things in here. And, you know, going back to your overwhelm question, I think that was probably the only thing that was overwhelming me, was just how much stuff there was that, I, I don’t want children, but if I had them, like, my children’s children’s children would have like 50 craft projects a day to do for the rest of their lives. So I just thought, how do I get around this? And yeah, the no-spend craft year has kind of done it. And I feel like I’ve really learned a lot about myself, that I definitely have some very bad habits that I’ve squashed. I definitely look at things quite differently and I have a new appreciation for the things that I have curated.

So it’s been really eye-opening and also people have responded to it a lot more than I thought they were going to. Like, you know, sometimes you post something on social media and you’re like, everyone will hear about this, and then no one hears about it. I feel like this is something that people are like, even at work, we’ll be talking about a new fabric collection that’s coming out and someone’s like, Nerrisa, you’re on a spending ban. And I’m like, how do you know about that? So yeah, it’s like, it’s kind of spread like wildfire. Even brands that I’ve been working with have been like, hey, can we talk about your no-spend craft year and how we can, like, factor that into content? And I’m like, wow. So yeah, it’s been kind of a game-changer. Would I do it again? I don’t know. But I also don’t know whether I would need to do it again because of the habits that I’ve built, if that makes sense.

Caroline: That’s so great.

Helen: Yeah, so are you talking about, like, shopping habits, what your habits are around purchasing craft items?

Nerrisa: 100%. I, unfortunately, but not for them, live, I would say, no less than a five minute drive from, like, a huge craft shop, shout out Hobbycraft. And I would just go in there for fun. To the point where the people at the till would be like, whatcha making now? And I’m like, you should not know me. So yeah, I, I think I was just buying things and then also I was getting annoyed with myself. ‘Cause I’d make things, I’d be like, what am I gonna do with this now? Where I am investing less money, but more time and creativity into solving, like, you know, what are you gonna be, you know, looking at this like, roll of leather. And I’m like, actually I’ve had this roll of, I’ve, I’ve actually, I’m literally looking at it now. I’ve got this actual Versace printed leather hide that I bought probably about five years ago, and it’s just been, it’s on the roll. And I’m like, that’s such a special piece of craft material that I’m not getting to because I’ve put so many other things in front of it. Like, why am I, what am I saving these special materials for? If I bought them, I should be making them. So I think this no-spend is just, it’s unlocked a lot of things. I actually need to sit down, you know, and just sit with it for a bit and kind of figure out all the things I have learned and, and maybe document it somewhere. Because yeah, it’s kind of been life-changing. I think my husband’s happy.

Helen: Well, one of our questions literally is: are you a changed woman?

Nerrisa: Spiritually? Yes. Yeah. I, I genuinely think I am. I think I have a lot more appreciation. I actually do feel guilt now when I’m like, I don’t need that. Which I didn’t before. I think I was, like, looking for the dopamine hit of purchasing, you know, that old adage of like, you know, shopping for fabrics and, like, crafting with them are two different things. And I actually think, because my skills have changed, my style has changed. You know, my fabric stash is down to, like, I probably have like 15 pieces of fabric, and this is like compared to, I think, at my peak, I maybe had close to a hundred pieces of fabric. And I reckon I could probably go through it again and sell half of that and, and, and not, like, even think about it. The only things I’ve kept are, like, things I know that are, like, ex-designer or deadstock that are really special to me. So I feel like I am putting less of my personality into, like, what I’ve spent all my money on and actually being more focused.

And when I had a, because I had a big vintage clear-out of all my materials just before I went to Copenhagen, actually. ‘Cause I, I have, one of my plot holes is, if I make money, I’m allowed to invest that into, like, pieces to fill in the gaps. Because you know what it’s like with spending. You buy a piece of fabric and then you’re like, cool, now what am I actually gonna make with this? I need buttons. I need other notions. I mean, so I was allowed to go and do that in Copenhagen. And even that, I made just over a thousand pounds on the amount of craft stuff I had in here, which is insane. And when I went to Copenhagen, I think I spent less than 300 because I couldn’t bring myself to fill that space back up again. And me last year, I would’ve doubled that. I would’ve put, I would’ve matched my own vintage fund, you know? Even now, like, it’s my birthday in a few weeks’ time and me and my friend are thinking about just going to Paris for the day on the Eurostar. I was like, I’m actually just gonna say to my, ’cause my mom’s always like, what do you want for your birthday? And I’m just gonna say to her, give me some birthday money. And I will, if I don’t spend it that day, then I don’t spend it. And that’s that. So it’s a really different attitude for me. It’s, it’s kind of weird. But yeah, I, I, I really recommend it. It’s unlocked a lot for me. And, you know, I think the content that people will, by the time this comes out, be seeing, but also that I’m planning on posting for the rest of the year at least will show that person that I think even just cutting out spending for six months has helped.

Caroline: It is so cool. I did a no-buy year in 2025. And I mean, I’m a bit of an exception ’cause I own a fabric store, so like I, you know, I have access to fabrics, but it was more for life, just in general, of trying to spend less. And it really did change my outlook on spending and on just, like, using what I have as much as possible and realizing that, like, not spending money, it’s not necessarily limiting. Like, it forces you to be creative with the things that are available to you. And I thought that that was really liberating and really, like, fun, too, and fun to be able to just, like, kind of pull from my stash, from my wardrobe and not think so much about what’s the next new thing that I need and more so how can I use what I already have? Like, it was really life-changing for me, too, and I found it really inspiring following along this year with you because it doesn’t feel like you’re limited. Like, you have this great stash that you’re pulling from and you’re able to say like, oh, I wanna dupe this Miu Miu bag. Hey, I have literally everything I need to do that. I don’t need to buy anything.

Nerrisa: Yeah, I dunno if that’s actually a good thing, but…

Caroline: But it’s really great that you are able to use what you have to do those things, you know? And I think a lot of people who’ve been crafting for years can relate to this feeling of, like, feeling maybe a little weighed down by all of your craft supplies. So taking a beat to just really dive into your stash, I think that’s really healthy and, and really good for, like, your creative kind of practice, you know?

Nerrisa: I mean, speaking of the Miu Miu bag, you know, that was a funny one because I had everything but I didn’t have a handle. So actually, what I ended up doing was making a handle. So it’s even teaching me new skills. ‘Cause I don’t know how to make a bag handle, like, but I made, arguably, a fantastic bag handle because…

Caroline: Yeah, you fooled me. I was like, what? How does she know how to make this beautiful bag handle?

Nerrisa: I mean, shout out to Amanda from I Can Make Shoes/I Can Make Bags because, obviously, I have access to her online courses, of course. And she has like a lesson in, like, those kind of basics in there and then I was able to kind of adapt it and tweak it. But I think last year I would’ve just bought the handle for like 30 pounds. But actually, I literally had everything I needed and now I’ve used a little bit of stash and, at work, people are like, I can’t believe you made that. And they, like, stroke it and stuff. They’re like, but where did you get the handle from? And I’m like, yeah, I made that too.

Caroline: No biggie.

[00:58:33] Helen: Oh my gosh.

Nerrisa: Yeah. Just, you know, what am I like, you know? So yeah, it’s, it’s been really rewarding. It’s made my brain work in a different way that I am really enjoying. It’s unlocked, like, a level of creativity that it’s like a higher plane, you know? And yeah, I’ve got some really cool projects coming up, like, to see me out of 2026 using my craft stash. Like, I do Nerrisa’s Handmade Christmas every year. And it’s back for, like, its third year this year. And actually, this year it’s going to be how to make Christmas gifts for free, wink, because it’s going to be how to make Christmas gifts that are things that I reckon most crafters already have out of their stash. So I think what I’m gonna do is, like, total up how much my Christmas gifts in, like, full cost me, because I think, obviously, if we’ve already spent it, we’re gonna write that off because we spent it years ago. But the girl maths says that it’s free. So yeah, I, and I wouldn’t have thought of that before. So yeah, it’s, it’s just really fun and I, like I said, I genuinely would recommend doing it. I think I’ve got some thoughts on how I’m going to take this. I’m not gonna do no-spend next year. I’ve already decided that, but I am going to do, like, low- to no-buy with these new kind of boundaries in place.

Caroline: Amazing. Yeah, we um, hope our listeners are inspired by this and they should definitely follow along and see how you wrap this year up.

Nerrisa: Or they’re looking at their fabrics like, yeah, right.

Helen: You don’t have to…you know, it’s one of those things where you’ll know if it’s the right time to do something like that.

Nerrisa: They’re like, I’m gonna buy something out of spite now. Don’t tell me what to do.

Helen: All right. I have to ask about your amazing outfits that you made for Beyoncé concerts that you went to. Can you tell our listeners a bit about these outfits that you made?

Nerrisa: Yes. So I’m a huge Beyoncé fan, to be clear. No Beyoncé slander will be heard here. So I got tickets for the original Renaissance tour a week before, because they sold out. And then I was like, I’m just gonna keep an eye on like StubHub and then I’ll, I’ll get them. And I got them. And I just, I don’t know why, I think it was, like, peak, it was that summer where Taylor Swift was touring, Beyoncé was touring, and, like, Harry Styles, I think, as well. And everyone was, like, making stuff. And I was like, hell yeah. Like, I can make stuff. But obviously, I’m me. So I was like, like, I’m not gonna make like a cute t-shirt. I was like, I think I could make an outfit, like, that she’s worn. But what I didn’t realize when I first started is that she was, like, changing her outfits every tour night. So she wore this beautiful, like, custom Loewe cross hands bodysuit. And I, again, did some forensic crafting and I basically recreated it, but it blew up. It actually blew up to the, I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this, like, on anything, but it blew up to the point where, I kid you not, girls, at the concert, people were coming up to me and asking for photos because they’d been watching me make it.

Caroline: That’s so cool.

Helen: Oh my gosh. Wow.

Nerrisa: I have never felt more like Beyoncé in my life. When Beyoncé came out in the outfit, there was a gorgeous French woman next to me who had traveled over from Paris and she looked at Beyoncé, looked at me, and smiled, then did a double take. And then was like, how? And then spent the whole of that song like asking me questions about the outfit. And I was like, hey girl, I’d love to talk to you about this, but I’d really love to watch this. Yeah, it was, it was huge. Like, it was probably one of the biggest things. Like, in fact, I went to Somerset House to look at an exhibition and a girl was following me around and I thought she was, like, following me around ’cause she thought I’d stolen something. And what she was actually trying to do was see my face to see if it was me, the girl who had made the Beyoncé outfit. And she was like, I just wanted to check it was you before. I said, I can’t believe it. It’s still, to this day, people come up to me. It’s crazy. It’s like that and painting my stairs black. Those are the two most famous things I’ve ever done. So yeah, when I got tickets for Cowboy Carter, I was like, well, you know, the bar has been set. I’ve got to, I’ve got to do this. So I basically took it to the next level and I was like, how do I make every single thing? So yeah, in the post, I did everything, bar my underwear, that I am wearing. I made myself, like, the hat, the shoes, the jacket out of an old leather sofa. It was quite the undertaking. But I did get the tickets a few months before, this time, so it was a little bit easier. But actually, funnily enough, I’m going to see Jay-Z in a couple of weeks’ time on Beyoncé’s birthday. ‘Cause I’m convinced Beyoncé’s coming out and I actually might wear my Cowboy Carter mini dress, but with, like, a Yankees baseball cap that I might customize. So yeah, I was like, I’m gonna wear my Beyoncé outfit to the Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z tour.

Helen: Oh my gosh.

Nerrisa: So yeah, I just need Act III now, ’cause obviously I’ve got to finish it up.

Helen: So excited for Act III. I don’t even have words. I cannot. wait.

Nerrisa: For my outfit or for the Act III itself? Because I just wanna clarify.

Helen: I’m excited for both, Nerrisa, but…

Nerrisa: I am gonna need you to say which you are more excited about, and I’m gonna need you to say it on public record. Okay?

Helen: I am also a huge Beyoncé fan, so I loved following along with you making these outfits. And the Cowboy Carter one’s my favourite. It’s just incredible.

Nerrisa: I think Renaissance walked so Cowboy Carter could run.

Helen: Yes, yes.

Nerrisa: But yeah, it’s kind of become my thing now. ‘Cause me and my sister went to see My Chemical Romance, because I’m definitely a woman of many halves. Me and my sister went to see My Chemical Romance last month and I was like, well, again, like, I feel like a traitor if I don’t make my outfit. So even that I made and I feel like it’s, like, kind of become my thing now. So concerts are quite expensive for me now because I have to, like, spend a lot of time and money on, like, outfits. But yeah, it’s so worth it and it’s, so, yeah. I mean the, the first one was literally featured in Vogue, so yeah.

Helen: Oh my gosh. Congratulations. That is amazing.

Nerrisa: Thank you. Yeah, there was a long time where I was, like, considering just wearing a t-shirt all the time that said “As Seen in Vogue.” I’d be, like, getting a coffee and someone would be like, can I take your name? I’d be like, it’s As Seen in Vogue. They’re like, yeah, no, I didn’t, I didn’t ask you, actually, and, like, what’s your order?

Helen: It truly doesn’t get better than that. That’s absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing.

Nerrisa: In my mind, Beyoncé knows who I am and that’s all that matters, so yeah.

Helen: Yes. You know what? She probably has seen it, right?

Nerrisa: I mean, she has a burner account. Like she, she knows, she knows who I am.

Helen: I wonder if she does any crafting.

Nerrisa: Beyoncé, she paints, she’s, she paints, that’s, like, what her hobby…yeah. She does really beautiful paintings, actually. She’s neurodiverse, I suspect, because Beyoncé is amazing at everything. She would be like a craft perfectionist. So if she started it, if she started sewing, I’d have to retire because I’d know I could never get as good as that. She’s lucky I’m not a great singer, honestly, is what I would say. So we’ll just stay in our lanes, Beyoncé, if you’re listening.

Helen: Stay in our lanes.

Nerrisa: Yeah, let me have this and I’ll let you have the multi-Grammy-award-winning career. Okay? Seem fair?

Helen: Seems fair to me. Oh my gosh. It’s been so fun chatting with you, Nerrisa. Thank you so much for coming on the show today. Can you tell our listeners where they can find you online?

Nerrisa: You can find me on Instagram. I am @nerrisapratt. Funnily enough, not a lot of Nerrisas. So I definitely always get the username I want. And you can find me on TikTok as @nerrisaexplainsitall, ’cause I am a true nineties child, so I had to do that little pun. Those two are probably the best places. Anything I’m doing, I’ll kind of share there and on stories. So yeah.

Caroline: Amazing. Thank you so much. It was so fun chatting with you.

Nerrisa: Absolute pleasure to speak to some fellow Beyoncé and craft lovers. If you tell me that you are also crazy cat ladies, then I’m never leaving.

Helen: Oh my gosh. We’re dog people. Oh no!

Nerrisa: Oh. Got to go now. Bye.

Helen: That’s it for today’s episode of Love to Sew. You can find me, Helen, at Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co. and Caroline at Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns. We’re recording in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

Caroline: You can support Love to Sew and get access to bonus content by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. You even get access to the back catalog of bonus episodes. That’s over 100 hours of Love to Sew. Go to patreon.com/lovetosew or check out our podcast page on Apple Podcasts for more info.

Helen: Head to lovetosewpodcast.com to find our show notes. They’re filled with links and pictures from this episode. And if you’d like to get in touch with us, you can leave us a message at 1-844-SEW-WHAT. That’s 1-844-739-9428. Or send us an email at hello@lovetosewpodcast.com.

Caroline: Thanks to our amazing podcast team. Lisa Ruiz is our creative assistant and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin is our editor. And thank you for listening. We’ll talk to you next week.

Helen: Bye-bye!

Caroline: Bye!

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