When it came to designing a new range of fabrics, the dog-mad team at Pins and Ribbons found inspiration in their beloved pets. Lizzie Anderson meets owner Kerrie Murray and her four-legged muse Blue

ASIDE from her family, Pins and Ribbons founder Kerrie Murray loves two things: sewing and dogs. Her hand-made soft furnishings business, based in Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, stocks a range of colourful pooch products, ranging from dog beds and cushions, to leads and collars. At home, meanwhile, her pet Weimaraner, Blue, is very much part of the family. So when it came to designing her first range of exclusive Pins and Ribbons fabrics, the mother-of-two had the perfect opportunity to combine her two passions.

“I love dogs. We create a large range of dog products here and work with a lot of doggy-themed fabrics. When I got Blue, I searched everywhere for Weimaraner fabric, but couldn’t find any anywhere," says Kerrie, a former policewoman. “I’ve dreamed of creating my own fabric range for years but was so busy establishing the business I never seemed to find the time. Blue gave me the kick-start I needed to take the project forward and, more importantly; he was the inspiration for the first Pins and Ribbons fabric, My Boy Blue.”

Founded in 2006, Pins and Ribbons is an online company specialising in soft furnishings and home accessories hand-made in England by Kerrie and her band of sewers. Using only high-quality fabric brands, the team lovingly creates cushions, pin boards, beanbags, bunting, doorstops, sofa throws, lampshades and footstools for customers all over the world. They also produce aprons, tea towels and table linen for the kitchen; fabric gifts, such as make-up bags and covered notebooks; curtains and blinds; and wedding keepsakes. Fabric can also be bought by the metre or as bags of remnants for craft projects. Kerrie has also introduced courses to encourage others to take up sewing.

But it is the new Pins and Ribbons fabric range that has got tongues and tails wagging.

Available in linen in a range of colour ways, My Boy Blue features solid silhouettes of Blue taken from photographs to ensure the design is totally unique. Simple and stylish, it was created in collaboration with fabric designer Rosie Spencer of Tinned Bananas and can be bought by the metre. Kerrie’s team has already put the fabric to good use in everything from memo boards to lampshades.

The success of My Boy Blue prompted Kerrie to introduce more dog designs and she did not have to look far for inspiration. It seems every member of the Pins and Ribbons team is an animal lover and they were all more than happy to allow their pets to star in the business’ first fabric range. From Harris, a friendly Border terrier with a weakness for socks, to Curtis the greyhound, a gentle soul rescued from a life of neglect into a life of cuddles and walks. Also featured are Willow, a terrier cross with a fondness for scrambled eggs; Oscar, a black Labrador happiest when splashing in rivers, puddles and lakes; and George, a miniature smooth-haired Dachshund who loves to snuggle under a jumper. Cat lovers are also catered for with an exclusive design starring Pins and Ribbon’s feline friends Tia, Button and Ziva.

“We are close team but this has brought us even closer," says Kerrie. "We are all so excited about the fabric and there is a real buzz in the workshop. To make it even more personal, each member of staff has chosen a charity close to their hearts and we will donate 15 per cent of the recommended retail price from every product made up in their pet’s fabric to that charity. For My Boy Blue, I chose the Independent Weimaraner Rescue and Re-homing Service.”

As Kerrie flicks through the designs, surrounded by fabric and soft furnishings in her cosy shabby chic office, the contrast with her former career could not be greater. At just 19, she joined Durham Police and progressed through the ranks to inspector level. However, in her early thirties she was involved in a bad car crash and her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Things like that make you take stock of your life,” she explains. “My husband and I were both in the police and we were like ships that pass in the night. My two daughters were only small at the time and I wanted to do something that allowed me to be a full-time mum. I still wanted to work and bring in an income so I decided to try sewing. I have always sewn as a hobby and have created soft furnishing for our home but I had never sold things before. I think people thought I was crazy giving up a well-paid job, but life is too short.”

Kerrie launched Pins and Ribbons in 2007, just before the global recession, but the business flourished in spite of the economic climate.

“I think we survived because our products are hand-made in the UK and we offer a bespoke service," she says. "Our products are good quality and they last. I also have a great team and we all work hard and we all love what we do.”

For more information about Pins and Ribbons fabrics, products and courses visit pinsandribbons.co.uk