I love discovering hidden and tucked away places. Small businesses that started off as a bit of a dream and turned into a reality. I love meeting the people behind them even more; they always have the most incredible stories.
One of those businesses (and people) is Christine from Tucked Away. I first found Christine on social media. She was asking for some help with Instagram. I’d never heard of Tucked Away before but for some reason her post came up on my feed and something told me I had to volunteer to help….and I’m so pleased I did because not only did it mean I found Christine (who is just one of the nicest human’s you’ll ever meet) but I’ve found her business Tucked Away, and all the amazing local artisan makers she stocks in it.
If you, like me, hadn’t heard of Tucked Away before, it’s the most beautifully curated home & lifestyle store, set in an old barn on the grounds of Christine’s home just outside of North Walsham.
Christine curates everything about Tucked Away. She hand selects every single item that you see on the shelves. Not just for the way the product looks but for the person behind the business that makes it too. Like me, she loves that human story and because of that, has built a community of wonderful stockists. And the things they make? They’re just exquisite. You’ll want to buy them all.
Christine opens the doors of Tucked away on the first weekend of every month, or by appointment. You NEED to visit on the next week it’s open. Before you do though, I thought I’d get Christine to tell us a bit more about her.
Even before you read my interview with her, I know you’re going to love her. Afterwards, I know you won’t be able to resist a visit to Tucked Away so you can meet her properly.
Before delving into the world of making, can you share a bit about your background and what you did professionally?
I was a young stay-at-home mum with four wonderful children. When they became older I trained to become a midwife. It was a fulfilling and caring profession, that offered different & exciting work everyday; just the right fit for me. It was really busy at times trying to get the work/life balance right.
What inspired the shift from being a midwife to becoming a maker, and what sparked your interest in crafting?
I was brought up in a crafting and sewing family. My grandma knitted, Mum & Aunties sewed and crocheted; it was normal life and I grew up among fabric and yarn. I sewed lots of my children’s clothes & all their am-dram costumes, plus curtains and cushions galore! There was always projects on the go. Handmade is at my very core; I always have projects on the go; crochet, knitting and sewing.
Could you tell us about the moment or experience that made you seriously consider pursuing making as a full-time endeavour?
I moved to Norfolk over ten years ago following early retirement for both my husband and I. The kids had flown the nest and we both knew it would be a busy retirement, full of projects. This was my moment to create a venture that had been on my mind and in my heart for years. We found an old cottage with a workshop for hubby, an old stable for my venture and a house that had a gorgeous homely feel. From the first viewing it felt like home and became ours on an old fashioned handshake.
What types of creations do you specialise in making, and what materials or techniques do you enjoy working with the most?
Sewing is my main love, followed by crochet and then knitting. A bit of old fashion embroidery with vintage thread is an extra love, adding it to my ‘makery’. I always have yarn and a crochet hook or knitting needles with me when I’m away from home.
I have always re-used old fabrics, long before it became trend. My old dresses became kids dresses and patchwork quilts, etc. My fabric stash is all vintage finds as well as inherited fabric from my Mum and her sisters.
I now have lovely customers/friends who bring me fabric because they know that it will be used and used well. Old pure wool blankets are a particular love and get made into all kinds of things. Old denim jeans are another love but also essential to re-use the fabric, as so much water is used in its original production.
At present I'm concentrating on making Japanese style artisans aprons. They're great for gardening, painting, cooking, studio work & everyday life. If I had the time, I’d make enough for me to wear a different colour every day of the week. I use colourful patterned vintage fabrics, re-used denim jeans as well as new good quality linen. I have made lots for fellow crafters and always finish off each apron with an individual hand stitched decoration.
Transitioning to your move to Norfolk, could you share the story behind this decision? What drew you to this region specifically?
Both sides of my family come from Norfolk and Suffolk and I often holidayed with my cousins up here. My grandfather was a steam drifter fisherman sailing out of Lowestoft for the silver darlings.
We raised our family in Hertfordshire due to our work commitments. Retiring in Norfolk felt like coming home for me and luckily my hubby loves Norfolk too.
Interestingly, my DNA profile indicates that genetically I’m from a very small area on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, with a tiny bit of Viking, so no wonder the pull was strong.
We found an adorable little cottage with a workshop for hubby and an old stable for me, just ready to convert into what became Tucked Away and everything just fell into place.
How has living in Norfolk influenced your creative journey and the evolution of your craft?
The calming influence of Norfolk has helped me to settle into my craft. Inspirations are all around me, in the countryside and the coast. The other crafters that I stock in Tucked Away all seem to have a Norfolk gentleness about their work and I've got some specific Norfolk artwork coming soon.
Talking of your boutique shop, Tucked Away, that also showcases other Norfolk artisans, what inspired you to establish this space, and how do you select the artisans and craftspeople to feature?
From the start I knew that I wanted to share this wonderful little space with other artisans. We could together offer an all-round selection of gorgeous things for home & garden. I had a very strong desire to offer an affordable space to crafters to display and sell their wares.
To create the right mix I approached a few crafters when I started up. But now they come to me and I am in the fortunate position to be able to choose the right fit and the right mixture for Tucked Away; sticking to the principles of Norfolk made, original, handmade, correctly priced, well made, locally sourced materials where possible.
Many of my exhibitors are unique to us, making Tucked Away such a joy to shop in. A few sell through other small Norfolk businesses, but their wares are so wonderful, and our customers love them so much, that they are a welcome part of the Tucked Away family.
I aim for a delightfully eclectic mix of things for the home & garden, and gifts for loved ones. It's a beautiful blend.
Can you describe the atmosphere and aesthetic of Tucked Away? How do you create an environment that celebrates the work of local makers?
The aesthetic of the little shop is so important to me. Consciously and subconsciously we all feel better for welcoming, calm & colour coordinated surroundings. After three years of tweaks I’d like to think that I’ve got it just right (helped by the old stable beams and quaint window of course).
The mix of beautiful things speak for themselves. Handmade soaps and candles add a beautiful fragrance as you open the door. There is always something new arriving, which triggers a move around and new ideas & colour themes, which I love.
Ambience is so important in our homes and I enjoy setting up the little shop to reflect how the arts and crafts will settle into our customers homes.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Tucked Away and the role it plays in spotlighting Norfolk's diverse and talented maker scene?
While retaining the monthly open weekends, I'm aiming to reach out to more customers. By our very nature, we are hidden down a narrow country lane off the beaten track. Which does make for a very peaceful aesthetic and appeal but it does mean it'd harder for us to be discovered.
Working with the wonderful Gabriella of Norfolk Uncovered is such an exciting way for more folks to find us.
Customers from further afield (Norfolk is such a huge county) can visit Tucked Away and combine it with a day out. We have delicious local coffee shops and beautiful county walks (the Weavers Way passes through our hamlet of Briggate).
Where's your favourite place in Norfolk and why? Can be a beach, town, cafe - literally wherever you love the most!
Sea Palling beach is my favourite place, especially on a warm still Summer evening. The sun setting and moon rising, swimming among the seals, with the terns diving along side. There really is nothing better.
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Check out @tuckedawaynorfolk on Instagram for their next opening dates. Or drop Christine a DM and just ask to pop in. She's always happy to open the doors or the shop for you to have a browse if she's around.