The Make Lounge

Jennifer Pirtle

Founder, Managing Director

In 2007, magazine journalist Jennifer Pirtle longed for a tactile experience after spending hours each day at her computer but had little recent experience with crafts. When she looked for a teacher, her enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration: most courses were several weeks long and required hundreds of pounds in fees. Worse still, their approach to crafting – and their venues – felt decidedly old-fashioned.

As she searched for an alternative, she met lots of people who felt the same way. Some wanted to make things but didn’t know how; others simply wanted something different to do on their own or with friends. For each of them, she created The Make Lounge, offering contemporary craft workshops with a stylish, social twist.

Emilie Ramskill

Assistant Manager

After 10 years working in the photography industry, Emilie returned to her textile arts roots and is now an invaluable part of The Make Lounge team. A self-professed ‘craftaholic,’ she has a new obsession each month (sewing is the current one, but knitting and crochet are firm favourites, too). Impeccably organised, she keeps things ship shape at The Make Lounge. She loves cake, but likes crisps more.

Nicola Furey

Workshop Assistant

With a strong background in fashion buying, Nicola is now talking time out and getting back to her textile design and craft roots. Knitting is her passion but she also loves life drawing classes, travelling and 1980s music! Nicola is currently excited about learning new crafting skills, with a lengthy wish list that includes candle making, stamping, paper crafts and cake decorating. First on her list? Trying to get to grips with one needle (rather than two) to master the art of crochet.

Emily Kerr

Workshop Assistant

With a background in charity marketing, Emily is currently studying and developing her practice in graphic design, printmaking and illustration. A self confessed ‘course junkie’, she has dabbled in an eclectic range of activities from puppetmaking to ukulele playing and burlesque life drawing.

Becky Wood

Workshop Assistant

With a degree in Contemporary Crafts, Becky loves all things crafty, but admits to being quite an impatient crafter, preferring techniques that create instant effects – like screen printing and needle felting. When she isn’t helping out at The Make Lounge, Becky works as a biscuit icer in South London, a new skill she loves sharing with her young goddaughter. This year Becky is determined to master knitting and crochet with a little help and a lot of patience from her friends!