Meet The Mafia – Rosie’s Retro Styling
This week we have a natter with one of our newer members, Rosie.
Why did you start in business/crafting?
I have been making things from when I was a child, starting off with jumpers for my brother’s Action Man and clothes for my dolls, and started selling things I made about 30 years ago when I was an undergraduate – so quite a long time, although never as a formal business. I started Rosie’s Retro Styling about two years ago as after many years of not crafting, the spirit moved me and I rediscovered the joys of making and selling.
How did you come up with your crafty name?
Rosie is my name of course and my business is about re-working vintage components, and it is also a nod to a fantastic and sadly missed shop in London that I used to frequent in the 1980s called Practical Styling.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
Half full most of the time.
What is your favourite thing that costs nothing?
My cat, the 10 year old handsome Jaspar, although there are obviously costs in food etc, but overall, relatively economical.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Amongst my various collections of fabrics, buttons, magazines, books etc but much of it just evolves as it goes along.
Top 5 desert-island essentials?
Partner, friends, books, friends, Jaspar.
What is the ugliest most pitiful thing you’ve ever made?
In the 1980s I used to knit jumpers to commission, and I am sure there were some bad items then, but luckily I can’t recall them all individually.
What have you made that you’re most proud of?
I do tapestry now and again, although it is not yet part of Rosie’s Retro Styling. About 15 years ago I managed to work out a very complex Kaffe Fassett flower tapestry design just by looking at (obviously for a long time) and then made it as a tapestry. It saved much money and still looks pretty, if a bit chintzy.
What’s so great about Glasgow?
The size and variety, architecture, the buzz, the people, its in Scotland !
Favourite biscuit?
Boasters.
What crafts do you still want to learn?
Lace-making would be good, although don’t think my eyesight could cope with it.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Reading the papers, pottering about, doing crafts, watching a film, eating nice food etc.
What do you do in your day-to-day life, other than being a mafioso?
I am a senior manager in the NHS in sexual health services.
What is your favourite crafting tool?
Knitting needles probably.
What are your plans for the future?
Seize the day and make the best of everything.
