Kerry Henry started embroidering as a hobby as a new mother and has turned her love and craft into a business, Cutessentials. I am always inspired by Kerry’s beautiful and creative designs and am grateful to call her a friend and champion of Embroider Buddy®. Kerry recently founded a FB group for embroiderers in the UK who love embroidering with Embroider Buddy®. I recently caught up with Kerry to talk about Embroider Buddy® and her love for what she does.
Donna: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kerry: I’m a mum of three living in the UK. My children are my main priority and it was after I had my first child that I started embroidering.
Donna: How did you discover Embroider Buddy® embroiderable products? How large is your collection?
Kerry: I first discovered Embroider Buddy several years ago but unfortunately at that stage they did not supply to the UK. I was so anxious to purchase them that I arranged for my cousin in the US to purchase them on my behalf and send them to me. Now they are easily accessible through www.gandb.eu and as a result I now stock all the range and sell the products on to embroidery hobbyists here in the UK to encourage them to become a household name here in the UK as well as in America, Canada and Australia.
Donna: When did you learn to embroider and what inspires your designs?
Kerry: I am a self taught embroiderer and even after 11 years, I still consider myself to be learning. When I was a student my highest grade was in art and fashion textiles. I think this has helped when preparing designs for the Embroidery Buddy with colour schemes, layouts etc.
Donna: What is your favourite Embroider Buddy® stuffed animal, and why?
Kerry: I can’t believe you’re making me choose a favourite!!! Up until recently I absolutely adored my Sweetie Piggy who sits on my bed. But I think she may have to make way for my namesake coming soon – Kerry the Kangaroo LOL
Donna: What excites you most about the future of Embroider Buddy®?
Kerry: Embroidery Buddy® stuffed animals are making their way to the top of the field in this particular area. They are hugely popular amongst those that have single needle machines as they are so easy to do on their machines. The single needle machines are the more affordable machines for hobbyists and this makes them ideal for those special birth/christening/birthday/Christmas/any other holiday/occasion you can think of for them to provide a unique gift.
Donna: What stuffed animal would you like to see added to the collection?
Kerry: I’d love to see a cat, an owl and a unicorn as those are the ones I’m asked for regularly.
Donna: Which of your Embroider Buddy® creations makes you smile most? Why?
My Heart Warrior Buddy creations really make me smile as I know that they’re going to go make a sick child very happy.
Donna: What is one thing about you that would surprise most people?
Don’t know whether I should answer this as I might incriminate myself! I think probably my willingness to help out others even though they’re my competition!!
Donna: Thanks so much for taking the time for this interview, Kerry and more importantly, thank you for being such a good friend of Embroider Buddy®.
Very nice interview and Kerry certainly has shared the same fond feelings I have for the Embroider Buddy line.
Thanks very much, Pat! I truly appreciate your kind words,
Donna