“The creator, the magpie, the mischief-maker.”
Who’s JJ Anyway?
Welcome to my world…
Here, fabric scraps whisper possibilities, and forgotten treasures beg for a second chance!
I’m JJ, a lifelong maker with a head full of ideas and a heart that refuses to throw anything away. Why would I, when every cast-off button, scrap of lace or half-unravelled jumper might just be waiting to shine in a brand-new role?
My love affair with creating began in childhood, under the watchful eye of my wonderful primary school sewing teacher and my endlessly talented nanna — queen of crochet and keeper of biscuits! They planted the seeds of craftiness in me, and I’ve been stitching, looping and tinkering ever since.
My work is rooted in a deep belief that beautiful things don’t need to come at the planet’s expense. Long before JJ’s Creations found its way online, my creative home was Curly Magpie and Friends, a treasure trove of vintage finds and local makers. As the resident upcycler, I spent over a decade transforming forgotten fabrics, yarns and materials into pieces full of new life and character.
It was there that I created countless one-off designs, worked closely with customers on commissions, and discovered the joy of helping people bring their ideas to life. The shop also became the birthplace of my crochet workshops — a space where creativity, community and confidence grew stitch by stitch.
Sustainability has always been at the heart of what I do. During my years in education, I championed ECO-thinking so passionately that our school was recognised with the East Midlands Sustainable Schools Teaching Award. It’s a moment I’m still incredibly proud of, and one that continues to fuel my mission today.
Now, JJ’s Creations continues that journey: giving materials a second story, celebrating individuality, and making pieces that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of soul.
My little studio in beautiful Derbyshire hums with upcycled wonders. Vintage linens become quirky keepsakes, well-worn garments are stitched into new favourites, and rescued yarns are transformed into treasures.
Each creation has its own personality. Sometimes I’m inspired by my surroundings, sometimes by a sudden obsession, and sometimes the material itself simply whispers, “What if…?”
That’s where the magic begins.
What you’ll find here aren’t just things. They’re one-of-a-kind creations, each with a past and the possibility of a whole new chapter. Every creation becomes a Wanderer when it leaves my hands, ready to become part of someone else’s story.
Maybe one will call out to you. And if you have a special fabric of your own, tucked away with memories stitched into it, let’s talk! I love helping people transform personal treasures into something new, meaningful and uniquely theirs.
So poke around, explore and see what sings to you. And remember, creativity is a wonderful way to give forgotten things another chance.
Made from stories. Carried into new ones.
Every scrap has a story, and I’m here to help it find its next chapter.
From forgotten fabrics to quirky finds, every creation is made with care, personality and a little dash of JJ magic — ready to find its forever home.
And, of course, there’s Ellewood…
No creation is complete without a paw of approval from my trusty little helper!
Every scrap has a story, and I’m here to give it a second life.
From forgotten fabrics to quirky finds, each creation is stitched with love, personality, and a little dash of mischief – just waiting for it’s forever home.
