The Inspiring Story Behind FatPoppyCat and the Joy of Textile Crafting with Rachel Balding
Today on the launch of my Blog and Podcast Series “Threads of Inspiration”, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with the fabulous Rachel Balding, the creative mind behind FatPoppyCat. Rachel’s story is as colourful as her fabrics and as rich as the textures she works with. We talk about her journey into the world of crafting, textiles, and, of course, that quirky and memorable business name: FatPoppy Cat! Isn’t it just fabulous!
The Origins of Poppy Cat: A Name with Personality
We all love a good origin story, and Rachel’s is a flipping great one! When asked how she came up with the name “FatPoppyCat,” Rachel shared such a great and personal anecdote. It all started with her cat, who she described as “a very, very large grey cat”—massive, but not technically fat, as her vet kindly noted. At a time when she was going through a divorce and needed her own email address, the only name that came to mind was her cat’s nickname: “FatPoppyCat”.
What started as a quick fix turned into a brand name she vowed to use if she ever launched a business—and the rest, as they say, is history. “It makes people chuckle,” Rachel says, “because we’re not meant to say the word ‘fat,’ but it’s memorable.” And isn’t that what every brand wants—a name that sparks emotion and sticks with people?
Growing Up in a Creative Household
Rachel’s passion for crafting and textiles was nurtured from a young age. She grew up in a household where creativity flowed freely. Her dad, a graphic designer before the digital era, worked with tangible tools like paper and ink, while her mother was both an artist and a knitter. Rachel fondly remembers how her grandparents made their own clothes, embodying the DIY spirit long before it became trendy.
It’s no surprise that these influences shaped Rachel’s love for making things. From a young age, she was surrounded by fabrics, knitting wool, and all sorts of crafty materials. One of her earliest memories is making papier-mâché snowmen that her parents still proudly display every Christmas.
“I think being around it all the time makes you want to make things,” she recalls, reflecting on how her family’s “maker” mindset set the foundation for her own creative pursuits.
The Spark of Creative Independence
What really kicked off Rachel’s crafting journey was the encouragement she received as a child. One of her mother’s friends, a skilled seamstress, made incredible dresses; she also made cushions for Liberty’s. Rachel was captivated by the array of fabrics and the idea that you could turn creativity into a living. She learned how to knit from her grandmother, and by age 11, she was already selling her handmade Christmas dolls and other knits at local fairs.
It wasn’t about the money back then, but the realisation that her creative efforts could actually make a difference. “I could make something, and people would buy it,” Rachel said, reflecting on that “aha” moment when she realised her creative hobby could also be a business.
And now, as a seasoned maker, Rachel’s creative process is all about inspiration. “I believe everyone has some form of creativity in them,” she says. "Maybe you're great at putting colours together, or you’re into knitting, sewing, or even assembling kits for others to use. Creativity comes in so many forms; it’s just about finding what resonates with you."
Her projects are ever-evolving, with favourites shifting depending on what’s currently on the table. “Whatever’s coming next is usually my favourite,” Rachel adds with a grin. “I love working with colours, especially ones that clash yet complement each other. It’s the excitement of creating something new that keeps me going.”
The Myth of Needing Formal Training
Rachel is living proof that you don’t need formal training to become a successful fibre artist. In fact, she didn’t have any professional qualifications in textiles when she started. She did, however, take some evening classes on reading patterns and mastering her sewing machine, which she found incredibly helpful. But for the most part, Rachel is self-taught—an inspiring reminder that passion and curiosity can be your best teachers.
For those who feel they need to check off a list of qualifications before starting their own creative journey, Rachel has some reassuring advice: **“Just start.”** There are countless one-day workshops, evening classes, and even free YouTube tutorials that can help you get your feet wet. “Sometimes, you won’t even know what you like until you try it,” she points out.
Embrace the Creative Mess
If you’re a fibre artist or crafter, chances are you know the feeling of being overwhelmed by your ever-growing stash of materials. Rachel and I laughed about the “secret deliveries” we sometimes sneak into the house to avoid explaining the expanding collection of fabrics, yarns, and tools to our partners. We are hoping they don’t read this! If they do know that you are not alone in this!
But here’s the thing: creativity can be messy, and that’s okay. Rachel confessed that her own workspace can often look chaotic—boxes and boxes of materials piled up, projects in various stages scattered about. And let’s be honest, we all know those perfectly curated, tidy craft rooms and tables on Social Media can be a bit suspicious. Real crafting is about trial, error, and having fun, not keeping everything pristine and perfect!
If you are feeling intimidated about starting a new craft
Rachel suggests that many crafts are perfect for those with limited time or experience because they can be picked up and put down whenever you have a spare moment. For example, crochet, knitting, or patchwork (especially traditional methods) are great starting points. She spoke about the benefits of buying kits that include everything you need, so you don’t have to worry about gathering numerous supplies. I so wish I had done that when I started- I have enough wool tops to go around the world!
I added a useful tip for beginners: Keep your craft supplies accessible! Set up a simple bag or traywith just the things you need. Having your materials ready to go makes it easier to squeeze in a few creative minutes each day. Perfect too if you don't have the luxury of a craft space. Both of us agree that the key to creativity is just to start—don't overthink it, and don't let the fear of imperfection hold you back.
Rachel also emphasises that inspiration can come from anywhere, from a morning walk to a bright-coloured sari seen in a shop window. Keeping your eyes open to the beauty around you and not being afraid to try something new is vital. Pinterest, local charity shops, or even your garden can all serve as sources of creative spark.
One message we both shared was making things purely for the joy of creating. Rachel mentioned that we often feel pressured to turn a hobby into a business, but it's equally fulfilling to create something for ourselves or as a gift. I echo this, enjoying the process is so important. Creativity should be a fun, personal journey—just have a go!
Sustainable Crafting and Fighting Fabric Waste
Beyond the love of textiles, Rachel is deeply committed to sustainability. Coming from a family that recycled before it became mainstream, this consciousness stayed with her. Today, she’s passionate about reducing fabric waste—especially after discovering just how much material is thrown away by bespoke sofa and curtain manufacturers.
“Working in the industry, I realised the amount of fabric waste was shocking,” Rachel explains. “All this brand-new fabric, cut and discarded, sometimes without even being touched. It all goes straight to landfill. I started asking if I could take it home, and that’s where my journey into sustainable crafting began.”
Rachel now saves high-quality fabric remnants that would otherwise be discarded and transforms them into stunning pieces. She encourages other crafters to take a similar approach, whether by asking local businesses for fabric scraps or organising fabric swap days within crafting communities. “The worst they can say is no,” she says, “but often, they’re happy to let you take it off their hands or sell it at a low cost.”
Taking the Leap into Self-Employment
Rachel’s journey into self-employment wasn’t a sudden decision, but a gradual process over time. She acknowledges that many crafters grapple with the uncertainty of leaving a stable job to pursue their creative passions. For Rachel, the turning point came when she was working part-time in a sofa and curtain company, while also taking on extra work and selling her crafts at events. “I wasn’t fully committed to my business at first, but it grew over time. I started getting more orders and bigger events,” she explains.
Rachel recalls how the company she worked for was struggling, and she was waiting for the inevitable closure, hoping for a payout. At the same time, she landed a significant order for 100 handmade penguins for the Falkland Islands. “I asked my boss for unpaid leave to complete the order, and he was more than happy to let me go. One week turned into another, and I realised I didn’t need the part-time job anymore.”
But it wasn’t until her partner gave her the final push that she made the leap. “He said, ‘Just do it. If it doesn’t work out, you can always get another part-time job.’ And that was it! Something clicked. I handed in my notice, and a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Rachel’s advice to anyone on the fence about self-employment is simple: “If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Be brave. You can always find a way to make it work, and if it doesn’t, you can go back to a part-time job to tide you over.”
You Don’t Have to Be “Professional” to Share Your Passion
One of the biggest takeaways from my chat with Rachel is the idea that you don’t need to be a professional to share your passion with the world. If you love crafting and want to inspire others, just do it. Start small, whether it’s posting a tutorial on YouTube or selling your creations at a local market. This was something I could relate to. I began by sharing videos on You Tube, which then grew into workshops and digital classes.
“Everyone has creativity inside them,” she says, encouraging anyone who feels that pull toward making things to follow their instincts.
Becoming Visible- Country Life Magazine
One of the standout moments for FatPoppyCat is its feature in Country Life Magazine, a prestigious milestone for any brand. The feature, which showcased a charming blue tit bird, was a proud achievement and a testament to the hard work behind the scenes. If you missed it, head over to the FatPoppyCat Facebook page to see the full piece – it’s definitely worth checking out. For those curious about how opportunities like this come about, it’s not just luck, but a combination of strategy, persistence, and a keen eye for PR.
Rachel shared her journey of learning to handle her own PR through a course she discovered on Instagram. Rather than hiring an agency, she invested in a course that gave her the tools to pitch her products directly to magazines. Armed with contacts and pitching know-how, Rachel began sending out emails to editors, sometimes receiving no reply, but never giving up. Her persistence paid off, landing her features not only in *Country Life*, but also in the *Financial Times* and multiple Christmas gift guides. Her experience is a valuable lesson in the power of research, consistency, and building relationships within the industry. You can hear this in more detail with plenty of tips in my Podcast, Threads of Inspiration.
The joy of customer interaction
Rachel reflects on her communication with customers. "That interaction with customers, it's where some of the best ideas come from, and honestly, I kind of love that bit too."
There’s one memorable commission that sticks out for Rachel. It was during the period when she was on the brink of giving up mosaics. As she recalls, this happened around the Christmas season of 2019, just before the world turned upside down in 2020. Mosaics had been her primary focus, but they weren’t selling as well as her fabric work, and she was considering stopping entirely.
Then, a woman reached out with a request that changed everything. This customer wanted a mosaic for her workshop, not just a simple house number, but her business name and a small bird—a specific challenge Rachel had never taken on before. She decided to give it a try, and the end result surprised even herself.
"It came out absolutely fantastic. I amazed myself," Rachel says, looking back on the piece that reignited her passion for mosaics. It was a turning point that led to more commissions and gave her the confidence to continue her mosaic work. From that one piece, more requests followed people started asking for house numbers with detailed designs like robins, owls, and even custom pet portraits.
"If she hadn’t given me that opportunity to make something bigger and more challenging, I probably wouldn’t be doing mosaics now." That one commission helped push Rachel’s work in a direction she hadn't anticipated, allowing her to truly embrace her creativity and push her artistic boundaries.
This moment ties back into the idea that just when you're on the verge of giving up, something can come along to shift your path.
"I’m so glad I did carry on. It can be stressful during the process, especially with large projects, but once they’re done, you look at it and think—wow, that was worth it." Rachel adds that it’s always special when people notice her mosaics on homes, with neighbours and passersby pointing them out or even stopping to admire them. There’s something magical about transforming ordinary spaces into something unique and beautiful.
It's these kinds of stories that show the power of perseverance, creativity, and community in the world of crafting. So, keep going!
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Creative Spark
Rachel’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and embracing your unique path in the fibre and textile world. From the memorable name of FatPoppyCat to her early days of crafting as a child, Rachel shows us that creativity is something that lives in all of us—and that with a little courage, we can turn it into something truly magical.
So, if you’ve been thinking about starting your own creative journey but feel held back, take Rachel’s advice and **just start.** You never know where your love for fibres, fabrics, and all things crafty might take you!
Everyone has the potential to create, and that journey often starts with just a bit of bravery. “Whether it's needle felting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, or putting together a project from an inspiration pack, there’s creativity in all of us.
Be brave, take that first step, and who knows where it might lead?
Threads of Inspiration Podcast can be listened to from this link
You can learn more about Rachel Here
You can follow Rachel Here
