My name is Debra Kobasa.  I am an all-round crafter based in the North East of England, with a special interest in designing and making unique, hand-crafted jewellery and hand-knitted textiles.

After a long and rewarding career in academic librarianship, I am now fortunate to spend my time designing, knitting, painting and making jewellery at home.  Some of my work can be viewed on my Pinterest pages.

I was bitten by the glass bug after attending some inspirational courses at the amazing National Glass Centre in Sunderland, and I now take great pleasure in producing one-of-a-kind fused glass jewellery pieces in my mini microwave kilns.  I sell my jewellery at local arts and crafts fairs and via my Etsy shop.

I have been knitting since I was six years old.  My first projects were essentially made from knitted squares (a lot of pencil cases and weird stuffed toys!) but I was instantly gripped by an infectious sense of accomplishment.  I am now proud to say that I am City & Guilds trained, having completed the Level 3 certificate in Hand Knit Textiles.  I was honoured to receive the C&G Medal for Excellence and the annual Haberdashers’ Livery Company prize for excellence in 2016 in recognition of my coursework.  I am also a member of the Knitting & Crochet Guild.  I am now enjoying developing my own original designs, which have featured in Knit Now magazine and are available to purchase from my Ravelry pattern store.

Making things has always been an important part of my life – there is very little to rival the tremendous satisfaction that can be gained from producing something tangibly beautiful with your own hands.  In future I hope to be more involved in tutoring and mentoring, so that I can help others to fulfil their potential.