Introducing the team.....first up Michelle Rowlson

Hochanda doesn't just give you talented and inspirational guests in front of the camera, but we also have a team behind the camera's, who are creative and amazing - and not just in their day to day jobs. We will be introducing you to some of our guests throughout the lifetime of this blog, but I thought it was really important to get you familiar with some of the people you don't normally hear anything about.

The first lady I wanted you to "meet", had to be the lovely Michelle.  She is such a nice person, and has been a buyer for many years now.  She worked at Ideal World/Create and Craft, before joining the Hochanda team.  She is already respected and loved within the industry, but wait until you see what else she can do.  She's not just a brilliant senior buyer!

Hi Michelle,

 
Tell us a little bit about what you do at Hochanda I am the Senior Buyer which means I get to meet all the lovely craft suppliers and buy products that go to air.  We work as a team, discuss concepts and build shows. Hochanda is all inclusive and whilst I tend to major in paper craft I embrace all crafts whatever it is. Do you enjoy working in the craft industry I love working in the Craft industry. It is so friendly and at Hochanda I am also meeting small, but very creative companies, which keeps the industry so exciting and innovative. Everyone is so passionate and enthusiastic that it makes my job a pleasure.  I also enjoy meeting the public who do not hold back. They are not afraid of telling me where I have gone wrong, but at the same time they tell me where I am going right, which is really rewarding. 

Do you do any crafts in your spare time

Yes, I have always dabbled in knitting but recently I have learnt how to crochet. I am like a kid in a sweet shop when I go into a wool shop. I love yarns, textures and what they make. 

So you obviously love textiles, was this something you studied 

 My passion for textiles was first seeded by my Grandma and Mother who taught me to knit and sew. My strengths at school were always in art and design. I was not particularly academic so this lead me onto doing Textile Design at Leeds University. The course covered knit, weave and print but in my final years I majored in knit and weave, creating co-ordinating knitted and woven fabrics.

I love your knitted blanket, how long would something like this take you
The blankets are a labour of love. The last one I made took me over 12 months as each square is unique. I get inspiration from magazines, books and old knitting patterns which I adapt. This blanket has been in the making 6 months. Now that all the squares are knitted and joined together, I will decorate it with buttons, beads, crocheted flowers and ribbon and then it needs backing. It is for one of my friends special birthday present, I just hope she does not read the blog otherwise it will spoil the surprise.

(SPOILER ALERT - MICHELLE'S FRIEND LOOK AWAY NOW.....Everyone else, carry on please)

From watching and buying crafts, is there any crafts you want to have a go at?

I am excited and inspired by many crafts but my heart remains in textiles. I would love to make rag rugs and I could really get into quilting given the time.  There is one craft that I love and I cannot resist from buying finished items and that it pottery. I would love to learn how to throw a pot but that remains a dream maybe when I retired I will put down my wool and pick up some clay.

Thank you so much, Michelle, it's wonderful seeing your fantastic work. ,Maybe we can twist your arm and get you demonstrating one of these days :) xxx

Tune in to Hochanda every day 24/7 for lots of fun and crafty demonstrations! Watch our programmes live > Hochanda.com

You can also tune into Hochanda on Freeview channel 39, Sky channel 663 or Freesat 817.