Tell us a little about how your business came to life.
Having a background in Commercial Industrial Property Management hardly
allows the creative juices to flow, so I jumped at the opportunity to work on a creative project while being at home with my two daughters . Poss Bloss was born when my eldest started school and I was becoming annoyed at her uniform being ruined by paint seeping through her fabric art smock.
After brainstorming with a girlfriend who mentioned her son disliked wearing an all pvc smock, I got to work on a design which included comfortable fabric sleeves but the practically of a clear pvc front that could just to wiped down after use and which also had a soft bias neckline.
Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?
I sure do! It was at the Berwick Craft Market and I was sharing a stall with my sister in law and her friend. The item the lady purchased was an apron and I was so excited and nervous that I gave her too much change back!!! The three of us laughed for the rest of the day.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
It’s a little long winded but basically it’s from the children’s tale ‘the wide mouthed frog’. In it, the possums eat blossom. When I called either of my two girls ‘poss’ they would reply, ‘I’m not possum, I don’t eat blossom’. I had wanted Possum Blossom but it seemed like such a mouth full so I shortened it to Poss Bloss!
Where does most of your creating take place? Show us … if you want.
For the last 5 years it has been at the kitchen table. So it has been a little trying at times, having to pack everything up, (mid seam) every time I need to serve a meal. Every spare corner of the dining room is filled with fabric, pvc rolls and mdf templates. We are in midst of an extension so I can’t wait to move into my new studio.
What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!
The Poss Bloss range all started with the Pink Painted Smock with gingham sleeves. This smock has now evolved into a simpler smock with vinyl laser cut stickers instead of the hand painted flowers but it continues to remind me of where Poss Bloss originated from and how far it’s come. (current design is included in the group shot of children)
What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?
Michelle from Kids with Crayons reproduced two drawings that my girls had done into wonderful framed masterpieces. They hang on their walls and I just love them. Michelle did an amazing job.
What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?
It’s without a doubt is my lime green felt pincushion (which I made myself), it’s really big and holds a huge volume of pins which is perfect for while I’m sewing.
