Making embroidery easy
Crafting should be for everyone, no matter what your experience (or lack thereof!) might be. Sammy has created many Paraffle kits with absolute beginners in mind by writing clear instructions, creating tutorial videos, and explaining each step as clearly as possible.
Encouragement
We're here to help, and friendly about doing it! Our aim is to grow your confidence in crafting - so get in touch with us for any questions you have, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Sustainability
We only use recycled packaging, and wherever we can, we source organic, ethically produced materials. We're constantly researching new and more innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment while using the highest quality materials.
Social Responsibility
We work with a number of charities, and the proceeds of certain kits are donated to them. Since working with Cats Protection and their 'Craft for Cats' initiative, we have helped to raise over £50,000 for Cats Protection alone!
Sammy
Founder of Paraffle: Embroiderer, Doctor of Philosophy, dog lover, and extrovert with a tendency to overthink.
Ali
'Head Honcho': In charge of keeping Paraffle (and Sammy!) on the right track behind the scenes.
Sammy's Sewing
Having been taught some basic hand sewing by her mum, 7 year old Sammy told her parents that she was going to start a business called Sammy's Sewing.
They even helped her to write a price list for darning socks and sewing on buttons!
(We couldn't find a photo for this so here's her primary school teatowel self-portrait instead).
Textiles GSCE
Sammy spent a couple of years studying for her Textiles GCSE, and had the *worst* review from her textiles teacher during parents' evening. Thankfully, her parents found the whole thing quite funny.
For her GCSE project, Sammy made a 50's style boned cocktail dress with a net underskirt that she still has to this day (but can no longer fit into!).
On results day, Sammy opened her envelope with trepidation... she got an A*, the best grade possible. She later learnt she'd had one of the top five grades in the country!
Paisley Inspiration
India
Sammy was lucky enough to go on a school trip to India, where she first became inspired by paisley patterns. She loved India so much, she later spent a month travelling there with her friends.
PhD stress relief
After completing her undergraduate degree and living in Cambodia for a year, Sammy began a PhD in Religious Studies.
Whilst struggling with the pressures of the PhD, Sammy found comfort in the calming benefits of sewing. Building on her hand embroidery skills, she taught herself how to embroider. This gave her some much-needed space to relax and take time away from her studies.
Birthday present for mum
Productive Procrastination
Sammy began searching for an embroidery kit to stitch a piece for her mum's birthday. She couldn't find the right pattern, so she designed her own. Her mum loved it so much, Sammy decided make a kit and - encouraged by friends and family - started selling on Etsy.
As she began falling out of love with academia and PhD life, this proved to be a very productive way to procrastinate!
Martha Stewart Feature
After being contacted by the Martha Stewart blog (which Sammy couldn't quite believe was real), Martha Stewart ran an online feature in July on Sammy's paisley patterns!
A busy summer ensued... and she became very familiar with the staff working at her local Post Office (that would become a theme for the coming years!).
Paraffle Full Time
Sammy had her PhD viva in January 2020, finally handing in at the start of March 2020. Without knowing what the year ahead held, this proved to be pretty good timing!
With the world in lockdown due to Covid, everyone needed something to keep themselves busy - and Paraffle was well placed to help.
As it was so busy - and Sammy was in no way prepared (we're talking staying up until 4am to pack embroidery kits, and waking up at 6am to carry on) - Sammy enlisted her partner Ali to help.
Studio
Paraffle had grown into a full time business for Sammy and Ali, run from their tiny spare bedroom (and kitchen, and lounge...).
We moved the business into a studio, and got our home back!
Tron Kirk, Royal Mile
An incredible opportunity was offered to us - a permanent physical market stall in Edinburgh's Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile.
With the lockdown crafting boom subsiding, the timing was perfect - and we jumped at the chance!
The Tron Kirk has proved to be an invaluable space to meet customers, try out new products, and connect with other local makers and artists.
Today
Paraffle has now moved into a larger studio, and employs several people in Edinburgh.
We've donated thousands of pounds and helped raise over £50,000 for charities. We are now also stocked in lots of lovely shops all over the Scotland, UK, and much further afield!
I love running Paraffle - I feel very lucky that my passion is my job. It's not easy, but it's so rewarding - especially when customers get in touch to show me their latest stitching!
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Sammy Bishop