Meet Dina from Candyfleece

Dina from Candyfleece has always been creative – as a child she remembers getting frustrated when her nursery school teacher couldn’t help her crochet. With a lifetime spent honing her craft skills, it’s not surprising that her pieces are so beautifully made and sought after around the world as heirlooms to give and treasure. Just one of her creatures can take days to make. Dina talks to fellow Folksy seller Jackie from Forever Foxed about the inspiration behind her animals, the origins of her brilliant brand name (sweet like Candyfloss but with added fluff and fur), and her advice for anyone thinking about starting their own creative business…

To celebrate being our featured maker Dina is offering 20% off all her creations until 30th November 2018. Just use the code 20HUGS when you check out. Click here to shop Candyfleece on Folksy >

The word ‘Candyfloss’ seemed to epitomise the essence of my art of being nice and fluffy, but it didn’t feel quite right, so I swapped the ‘floss’ for ‘fleece’ – as a reference to the furriness of my little animals.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do…
I’m Dina, I live in Sittingbourne in Kent with my husband and our six-year-old daughter and a three-month-old kitten named Biscuit. I’m a former teacher and I’ve always been creative. In fact, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been busy making things that bring joy to me, my family and others.

Christmas Cat Angel Ornament by Candyfleece – available here

It thrills me that my rats have topped a cake at someone’s wedding in New York and posed on the desk of a children’s book writer in Paris

Candyfleece started back in 2006, when I crocheted a creature intended to look like my late collie dog Jimmy, but which ended up looking more like a rat. Everyone seemed to fall in love with it though, so I made more, reviewing my designs, testing miles of different yarns and fibres, and swapping out the crochet hook for knitting needles. My product line now features a variety of woolly animals that make quirky lovable gifts and whimsical yet elegant home decor. It thrills me to learn that my rats have topped a cake at someone’s wedding in New York and posed on the desk of a children’s book writer in Paris, creating truly happy moments that last (my tag line).

Christmas Rabbit Knitted Doll by Candyfleece – see more heirloom dolls by Candyfleece here

It takes hours to make a simple design and days for a more sophisticated one, as I create each piece one at a time all by myself, from start to finish.

How did you choose the name Candyfleece for your business?
Back in 2011 I toyed with a few names and noticed that all of them were related to pastries or desserts in one way or another. I guess I always wanted my business name to sound ‘sweet’. ‘Candyfloss’ seemed to epitomise the essence of my art of being nice and fluffy, but it didn’t feel quite right or relevant enough. So I swapped the ‘floss’ for ‘fleece’ – as a reference to the furriness of my little animals.

Why knitting? How did you learn?
I love knitting for the warmth of the wool as it’s worked and the feel of the finished piece. Knitting is just such a satisfying process and highly addictive too! I learned to knit and crochet at a very early age from my mum. I remember taking a ball of yarn and a crochet hook to my preschool class and getting very frustrated when my nursery teacher couldn’t help me with my project. I simply assumed that if my mum could do it, any other adult would be able to.

I remember taking a ball of yarn and a crochet hook to my preschool class and getting very frustrated when my nursery teacher couldn’t help me with my project.

What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from nature and the changes in the seasons, and from observing people around me. Even seemingly insignificant things can spark ideas. Life’s little pleasures, like flowers and cakes, summery frocks and autumn leaves, can enthuse me into creating for weeks on end.

Christmas Rabbit Knitted Doll by Candyfleece – available on Folksy here

Even seemingly insignificant things can spark ideas. Life’s little pleasures, like flowers and cakes, summery frocks and autumn leaves, can enthuse me into creating for weeks on end.

How do you decide the theme for each of your collections?
I usually keep my collections seasonal, so I pick two or three season-related themes, then let my fans vote on what they want to see most of, and take it from there.

Christmas Mouse Angel Ornament by Candyfleece – available here

Candyfleece started back in 2006, when I crocheted a creature intended to look like my late collie dog Jimmy, but which ended up looking more like a rat.

Your work is very detailed. How long does it take to create each piece?
It takes hours for a simple design and days for a more sophisticated one, as I create each piece one at a time all by myself from start to finish.

Tell us about a typical working day…
I always strive to be as efficient as possible and normally work during my daughter’s school hours between 9am and 3pm. During busy holiday times I get to do more work in the evenings and a few hours over the weekends too. I just can’t sit with my hands folded knowing there’s a queue of orders to process.

Hedgehog with an Apple by Candyfleece – available here

My advice to someone thinking about starting their own business? Just start! You never know where it may take you but if you don’t start you won’t find out either, so be brave!

Where do you work? Tell us about your workspace.
At home I’ve got a spare family room set up as my creative studio space, with a shelving unit taking up a whole wall on one side between two of my desks. Most of the work gets done at the desk by the window, as I prefer daylight for knitting and stitching.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places or simply doing lots of gardening any time of year. I also love cleaning, decluttering and decorating my home for seasons and holidays.

During busy times I work in the evenings and a few hours over the weekends too. I just can’t sit with my hands folded knowing there’s a queue of orders to process.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own creative business?
Just start! You never know where it may take you but if you don’t start you won’t find out either, so don’t delay – be brave!