From 20th January 2024 I will use only two natural products for my makes - 100 % wool and 100% cotton.

I use only heirloom quality 100 % wool felt made in Europe and supplied by two UK based companies.
The felt is soft,strong,non-flammable and naturally stain resistant: it doesn't lose shape or go bobbly and contains no nasty chemicals.

I use natural 100% British wool for stuffing my makes. It has been carefully washed and dried in the UK and has not been bleached or subjected to any chemical processes.
Natural wool’s advantages over synthetic alternatives are clear; it is hypoallergenic, odour resistant, and a natural fire retardant.

I sew with DMC or Anchor 100 % cotton threads , Liberty Print Tana Lawn for appliques work and I use Tana Lawn spaghetti cord or cotton sateen ribbon for my hangers.

Handmade Exclusively For You

When I was 10 I made a ball from felt hexagons to which I had appliqued and embroidered figures and patterns. It won me first prize in the local craft show and from then on I was hooked on making all things felt.
I choose the name Isla May because that’s the name of my grandmother who taught me embroidery. I began with simple stitches using Anchor thread and binca. I still use Anchor thread and just love the variety of their colours and shades.
When my daughter was born I made various decorations for her nursery including a felt mobile which is still treasured today. My daughter is now 33.
I make my range of felt decorations in my home craft room which the family call ‘The Egg’. I’ve got a large stash of fabulous coloured wool felt and a boxful of Liberty Tana Lawn prints which I guard like a dragon on its gold! I just love the bright colours of the prints and the jewel colours of the felt. Using 100% wool felt, I mostly make animals such as rabbits, bears, cats, Dala horses and elephants. I ‘clothe’ some in Liberty print and others I hand embroider patterns onto them.
I begin each ‘make’ by drawing out my own pattern. No kits – just what I picture inside my head. Next I decide on felt colour and root out threads that match or compliment, then I decide whether I’ll use Tana Lawn or not. The figure is then carefully cut out and slowly ‘brought into life’. Because I pay attention to detail and neatness, it can take a full day to complete one of the larger ‘makes’.
The Liberty Tana Lawn is made in Italy and is 100% cotton. Over the years I’ve managed to build up quite a collection of Betsy , Betsy Rose, Georgina and many other prints which are perfect of my products. I use Bondaweb to fuse the lawn onto the felt which makes the products easier to work with.
While I use sustainable wool and cotton products for all of my makes, however, I use a synthetic filler which is allergy free.
I carefully wrap each of my makes in tissue paper, add an Islamay sticker and card. Then it goes in a paper bag into the envelope. I send my ‘makes’ by Royal Mail Tracked large letter.

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