Meet the team: Mandy!

If you’ve ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes here at The Crafty Kit Company, in our series Meet the team we’re chatting to our lovely colleagues to learn more about the work they do. This week we spoke with our Assistant Production Supervisor and expert packer, Mandy! 

Have you always lived in Scotland?

I’m originally from West Yorkshire, and moved to East Linton with my husband in 2020, just before lockdown. My son and his family had already made the move to East Lothian eight years ago, and when we visited them we fell completely in love with Scotland, and knew we would be coming too, one day!

I absolutely love living in Scotland, and our life here, East Linton, and The Crafty Kit Company - I really do think we’re so lucky having all this on our doorstep! The scenery was beautiful in Yorkshire too, but the countryside wasn’t as immediately accessible as it is here. Since moving, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying being so close to my grandchildren, and being able to be on ‘granny duty’. The hardest part of moving up here was moving further away from my daughter in London, but I’m very pleased to say that she’s now moving up too - and I’ll have extra granny duties!

When did you join The Crafty Kit Company, and what do you do here?

Two years ago this month! Before moving to East Linton I had spent three years running my own dog walking business, and before that twenty years as a veterinary nurse. I was planning to re-establish my dog walking business here, but when I saw the job opening at The Crafty Kit Company I thought it looked like a lovely place to work, applied, and was thrilled to get it!

I started as a picker/packer, and was kept very busy sending our kits out all around the world - I love seeing where they end up! We also began offering Crafty Kit Club subscription boxes, which I would make up in our workshop. More recently, I have been assisting our production supervisor with ordering materials and supplies, stock taking, trade orders - a little bit of everything! 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the workshop?

Spending time with my family, reading, and singing in our local choir, which is so much fun. I love exploring the countryside with my dog, Dougie - who’s also enjoyed the move! We go for a long walk each morning, and I’ve been enjoying learning more about the beautiful birds and wildlife we spot along the way, and at our bird table in the garden.

Do you enjoy crafting?

I used to enjoy knitting years ago, and have recently rediscovered it, with the encouragement of my colleague Becky! I’m currently making a comforter for the arrival of our third grandchild. At Christmas I also joined in with one of Jo’s online tutorials, making our Needle Felt Nordic Gnomes, which have been a big hit with my grandchildren! I also enjoy baking, and making homemade doggy treats and bird treats with my grandsons.

Which is your favourite kit from The Crafty Kit Company?

I absolutely love the Otters in a Hoop - they look so cute, I just love their little faces! I’m yet to see the family of otters in the river here in East Linton, but hope to spot them on one of our walks. I’m also really looking forward to making our Needle Felt Blue Tit as my next project!

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