Behind the Brand

This is me at my university degree display, Purl and Play.

Hi! I'm Sophie, the creator of More Thank Making. In this blog post, I hope to share more about me, so you can understand who, what and why More Than Making exists.

So, who am I?

I am, at heart, a maker. Since I was little, I have always loved creating. I used to attend every creative after-school club that existed, spent my summer crafting wherever we were. I did a design and technology GCSE and A-level, then chose to pursue a textile design degree. I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, but thought I would at least choose a subject that interested me.

I originally joined the University of Huddersfield, where I fell in love with knit as a specialism. It fascinated me that I could transform cones of yarn into intricate pieces that had value. Part way through my second year I interrupted my studies, then transferred to Birmingham City University which is local to me. I completed my second and third year there, and am now graduating this summer! Alongside my studies, I also tutor Mathematics (which is surprisingly very helpful in a design based degree).

What is More Than Making?

At the moment, it isn't much. It's an idea, a passion I want to pursue.

When I moved back to Birmingham at 16 I realised there were barely any creative spaces. The only creative outlets I had was my D&T a level, and my crafting hobbies. Fast forward to writing my dissertation, I chose to research creative subjects within education. As a creative, the data was heartbreaking. I know how transformative the arts are for individuals and wider communities. These subjects aren't prioritised, and seem to hold a lower value than 'core' subjects in the governments eyes. I knew I wanted to make a difference.

The goal is for More Than Making to create a community of fellow makers. It isn't exclusive. It's for any age, ability, craft, interest, level of experience. The point is to provide somewhere to come and explore making in all forms. Whether you have a dedicated craft room with all the tools, or haven't picked up a paintbrush since you were in school, More Than Making is for everybody.

Why the name 'More Than Making'?

More Than Making is what it says on the tin. I recognise that making and creativity is not just a hobby or a way to kill time. It holds heritage, identity, mindfulness, expression, and so much more. It isnt about the making or the end result, it is about everything else that is intertwined. I want More Than Making to be a space that encourages active participation in creative outlets because of these other things.

Making things has a lot of value to me personally. It is something I feel confident and capable of doing. I know I can make mistakes and improve over time. I know when I finish something that I made that with my own hands (maybe with help from a machine). It connects me with my family and friends. I am a knitter, crocheter, sewist, baker, designer, artist, writer. I am a maker. Although it crops up in all aspects of my life, I do so much more than making.

If you would like to follow the development of More Than Making, please follow me on my social media. Instagram. Tiktok. I also have a Ravelry page if you would like to see my personal knit/crochet projects