Us Brit’s are known for our cuppa’s
and our brew’s. I love nothing more than taking ten minutes out of my day to happily sip on a hot cup of tea showcased with a perfect dunking biccie! Dundee-born cushion designer and lover of all things tea and biscuit-related Nikki McWilliams has gone
one step further in creating her very own biscuit inspired products.
Selling in Selfridges, featuring in
Vogue, there’s nothing her tasty cushions can’t do!
I catch up with Nikki and we talk pregnancy cravings, a future in clothing design and how her penchant for sewing started. Now, where did I put my custard creams?...
At which point in your life did you get into sewing and what
made you want to develop this interest?
I can't remember when I started sewing- but I think it was as
soon as I was old enough to be trusted with a needle and thread! My mum is a
super talented seamstress and used to run her own business making baby-wear so
I'd see her make things all the time and wanted to join in. I liked helping!
It is clear to see from your designs that you love British
culture. What do you love most about it?
For me it's all about familiarity and nostalgia. Certain
things- foods, toys, brands and smells all trigger memories for us so it's easy
to be transported back to simpler times! Tea, and the ritual of drinking
cups of tea has been a constant symbol of calm in my life. This is why I feel most
comfortable when I'm using it as inspiration!
Why biscuits?
I love them. My mum told me that when she was pregnant
with me, she'd crave an entire packet of Chocolate Digestives everyday. I
think I must have loved biscuits before I even knew what they were!
How would you describe your style in three words?
Bright, fun and familiar.
Where and how do you find your inspiration?
Almost anywhere! Inspiration can come (and go!) in a flash so I
always try to carry a sketchbook to doodle down ideas when they come!
Give us a day in the life of Nikki McWilliams...
Every now and again I write A Day In The Life post over at my blog - my last post was here and the rest are here. These posts vary quite a bit but so does my daily routine!
You make each cushion yourself, I imagine they take time, how long do you spend on each one?
Each cushion involves different amounts of work, so it can vary! We've been super busy this year- and I'm lucky enough to have the help of a small team. We take the time to make sure every cushion's perfect before it goes off to its new home!
You sell iPhone cases, cushions, prints and brooches...What
other products would you like to make in the future?
We trialled some T-shirts earlier this year and they got a great
response...I'd love to make clothes one day!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hopefully making my cushions every day, being happy, and living
with cats.
QUICKFIRE!
Your favourite food?
All Greek food is delicious.
Place to go to unwind?
Anywhere hot and sunny!
Pick one celebrity you would most like to meet?
Ooh, that's a tough one! Do Charles
and Ray Eames count as celebrities?
