Bitterne Parker

Bitterne Parker: Claire Fritz-Domeney

Claire Fritz-Domeney
Claire Fritz-Domeney was born in Southampton in 1973. She studied art and design for several years in London, and after lots of adventures eventually settled in Bitterne Park in about 2003. She’s now a surface pattern designer, working freelance for a New York agent, as well as selling her own range of cards and stationery in local shops including The Songbird at Bitterne Park Triangle, where she also runs craft/sewing workshops from time to time.

The Qs & the As

What’s your link with Bitterne Park?  

I’ve lived in Bitterne Park for several years now and have two children at the Primary School.

What’s your earliest memory of the area?

It was mainly older style properties. My husband and I like older things with a bit of character and a story to tell. We also loved Riverside Park.

How could the area be better?

I would really like there to be more control over what businesses open in the Triangle; it could be a really great place for individual small businesses.

I would also love there to be a dog exercise area in the park. As much as we love the park, we don’t use it as much as we used to due to the amount of dog foul and we have had many picnics ruined by dogs. I understand they need to use the park as much as us, but maybe having their own area would be beneficial to all.

‘I must admit I don’t venture into Southampton so much these days: I find it too depressing’

What’s good – or not so good – about the wider city?

I must admit I don’t venture into Southampton so much these days: I find it too depressing. We love the New Forest, Winchester, and places like Hamble. and Itchen Valley Country Park is a favourite with my little girls.

What’s your passion in life?

I LOVE anything creative, I am passionate about colours and patterns, and love nothing more than a new bit of stationery. I also love sewing and making clothes for my children and me.

How do you put bread on your table?

My husband puts the bread on the table and I contribute towards to fun stuff!

What has your career taught you?

Never give up! I had a massive break from arty stuff after graduating and only went back to it after having my children. Now I’m more successful than I ever was back then.

 

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What really gets your goat?

Inconsiderate people.

How do you relax?

Sewing, watching a good British drama on TV and reading.

What are you drinking?

I’m not much of a drinker, so chocolate milk.

What do you listen to?

A massive variety of stuff: James Bay, The 1975, Hozier, The Lumineers, Walking On Cars, Coldplay and some older stuff like Kula Shaker.

Can you recommend a really good read?

I never really remember books that I

have read, but this one always stays with me as its one of the only books that has made me really cry. A lot: Goodnight Beautiful by Dorothy Koomson.

What’s a great day out?

Anywhere along the Jurassic Coast. Places like Lulworth Cove are stunning, especially on a sunny day when the sea is crystal clear. The scenery all along that coast is breathtaking. We really love Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis.

What’s on your ‘bucket list’?

I don’t have a list as such but there are lots of places I would like to visit. Firstly I’d like to return to New Zealand with my children. We went there for our honeymoon and it was the most amazing place, so I’m sure they would love it too. I have never been to New York so would love to go there; also I would love to drive the west coast of America. Creatively, I want to see my design work available on rolls of fabric and being used by others in sewing projects. I would also be very keen to see my illustrations on book covers – that would be amazing!

Finally, what would be another great question for other Bitterne Parkers?

What your favourite restaurant?

Thanks so much for taking part.

Claire's Facebook page is here.

Tune in next time when another Bitterne Parker answers our searching questions.

Read about other Bitterne Parkers

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