Maker Spotlight: Mr and Mrs B
Read all about the ultimate crafting couple!
It's finally time to sit down with one of my favourite crafters on Instagram, Peter Bartlett. Peter runs @Peterb195 with his wife Sue, both of whom knit, crochet, and occasionally cross-stitch the most wonderful makes from their Sussex Coast bungalow. Peter and Sue have been kind enough to share their story with us, so grab yourself a cuppa and read all about this crafting couple!
Peter and Sue met while undergoing nurse training in the Royal Navy. They had both had their own experiences with crafting, with Peter’s mum teaching him to knit when he was young and Sue learning to knit and sew at primary school. ‘My mum showed me how to use an electric sewing machine when I was about 11,’ Sue told me. ‘From senior school to my early 20’s I made a large proportion of my clothes, including a wool flannel midi coat - it was probably my best sewing make ever.’ Peter reconnected with crafts in his late twenties, using knitting as a form of rehabilitation from a serious illness.
Married life saw Peter and Sue continuing their crafting journeys together. Peter enjoyed knitting cardigans, sweaters and all kinds of clothing for their young daughters, and Sue turned her sewing skills to soft furnishings. ‘Knitting was always around though, particularly as the children came along and also to assist Peter!’
Mr and Mrs B, as they often referred to by crafting friends on Instagram, truly are the definition of a crafting couple. Crochet is something that they decided to learn together, though they have many more crafts in their skill set. ‘I have always been interested in crafts,’ Peter told me. ‘I’ve learned wood turning, pyrography, cross-stitch, long stitch embroidery, knitting and crochet.’
I wanted to know whether having a partner who crafts with you makes a difference on your motivation and creativity. ‘Definitely,’ was the answer. ‘Having each other to bounce ideas, colour choices and suggestions off is always helpful.’ Peter and Sue have also worked on many projects together: ‘I knitted the squares for a Martin Storey KAL blanket, Sue joined them together and I added a crochet border.’ Sounds like the crafting dream team to me!
A scroll through Peter and Sue’s Instagram account will show you a range of vibrant makes, and I couldn’t help but wonder about their yarn stash. Mine takes up a good portion of the house, and that’s just for one person. ‘Our yarn stash is measured by rooms! We share the vast majority of it, but we do have a few items bought at shows that we have earmarked for our own ideas or projects.’
Going to craft events and shows is something Peter and Sue have enjoyed throughout their retirement. Pre-Covid, they visited Wonderwool, Woolfest, Yarnfest, Stitching and Knitting shows at Harrogate and Olympia, and the Hobbycraft show in Birmingham.
‘We enjoy workshops and had a fabulous Arena knitting holiday to Norway hosted by Jane Crowfoot.’ Sharing their favourite pastimes has led to plenty of fun adventures for Mr and Mrs B, as well as wonderful time spent together at home: ‘We’re usually crafting during the day and always in the evenings.’
Peter and Sue started @Peterb195 on a suggestion from their daughters to showcase their incredible work. Their eldest granddaughters got everything set up, and for the past few years they have shared their makes online for everyone to see. They’ve now posted over 300 times and racked up more than 1600 followers. ‘Our grandchildren can’t believe I have far more followers than they do,’ Peter said. What stands out most to me is their commitment to other crafters. Peter and Sue spend a lot of time supporting other makers by sharing their work and testing their patterns, and this positivity has made them pioneers in the crafting community. I wondered what they love most about being part of the online maker movement. ‘I do like the sense of belonging to a supportive community. There are several crafters willing to offer help if required and many have become friends too.’
As Mr and Mrs B are so involved in the craft community, I asked them to share a few of their favourite Instagram accounts that In the Wool readers might like: @craftycruella, @the_crofters, @laboursoflovecrochet, @yarnandrainbows @coastalcrochet, @littleduckcrocket, @emmaknitty, @the_woolnest - if you’re looking for online inspiration, definitely take a look at these accounts!
Speaking about their favourite projects to make, it seems there is not much that Mr and Mrs B can’t do. Peter enjoys all kinds of crochet blankets, shawls and accessories, as well as knitting items for pre-school aged children after having lots of practice with their own children and grandchildren. Sue loves to knit, and is currently working on a 6th mystery blanket designed by Debbie Abrahams. ‘Sweaters and cardigans are a favourite too. If the pattern is good, Sue will give it a go!’
I asked both Peter and Sue to share their crafting goals for 2022, and it sounds like they will be busy creating all year long. ‘I’ve joined the ‘Lovely Lines 2022 Filet CAL’ designed and hosted by @mayhemandmajesty,’ Peter told me. ‘I would like to try mosaic crochet and Tunisian crochet (which was on my list for 2021 too). I’ll also continue pattern testing when the opportunity arises.’ Sue also has several goals set for this year: ‘I hope to finish a crochet wrap I started 3.5 years ago and the ‘Love is Enough CAL’ by Jane Crowfoot. I’d like to knit some socks and generally work through the stash a bit more! And maybe teach myself brioche knitting.’
I can’t wait to see all the amazing projects that Mr and Mrs B create this year. Make sure you follow @peterb195 on Instagram as this crafting couple is always sharing wonderful photos of their latest makes. Thank you so much to Peter and Sue for sharing your story with us, I had so much fun learning all about your experiences and your dedication to crafting really is inspiring. I’m sure that our subscribers are picking up their hooks and needles right now…
Lovely to read all about your work! My baby blanket you made for Finnley is still going strong … and he will be 3 years old in a few days! I still wrap him up in it and hold it close to our hearts xx
Such a fabulous article about a truly creative, kind and supportive couple!! 💙💙