The Vintage Edition
I’m delighted to announce that you can now find The Vintage Edition of The Fashion Birdcage. Just click on the picture and you’ll find my interview with Amy Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing. There’s also a whole section dedicated to genuine vintage clothing and accessories and read my article entitled ‘Learning to be a Vintage Clothing Connoisseur‘.
I really hope you enjoy the read.
Spread the love for vintage!
Photograph courtesy of Listit Cafe.
It was only a few days ago that I discovered the wonderful Missy moo moo and sam website. My previous blog post was indeed dedicated to that very same site. Read it here. I had my eye on a couple of pieces and so these are my earliest Christmas purchases. A girl can’t help it!
I bought a gorgeous little cupcake apron for my daughter and the sweetest little PJ case for my friend’s daughter. Gail, the owner of Missy moo moo and sam, is not joking when she says that she uses only the best quality fabrics. I’m so delighted with my purchases and both are made to an exceptionally high standard. What you can’t see on the website are the yummy labelled tags and the fine stitching detail. Just divine!
In addition, I love it when my parcels arrive beautifully wrapped. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Here’s a selection of photos, including one of the wrapping! Thank you very much Gail for shipping these items so quickly and for providing an exceptional service. I’ll be back!
Darling Pyjama Case
Cupcake Apron (up to age 7)
Wrapped with yummy candy-coloured ribbon.
Quality fabrics and lovely labels!
I just love the personal touch provided at Missy moo moo and sam
Contact Gail for a custom made order or go directly to the website.
Don’t you just love it when you find a fabulous new website? Just thought I’d share my most recent fab find with you. It’s the wonderfully named Missy moo moo and sam (great name don’t you think)? This business is run by the industrious and multi-talented Gail who’s a Manchester gal, just like myself. I say industrious and multi-talented because Gail designs and makes all the wonderful items on her website. Gasp!!
You’ll find everything from cute school bags and vintage styled aprons to kitsch purses and funky make-up bags – all available at extremely reasonable prices! These make perfect gifts for friends and family and with Christmas not too far way, it would be rude not to! Almost forgot, Gail designs and makes Christmas sacks. Anyone with a little one, will know that you’ve just got to have one of those for Santa!
If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, contact Gail for a custom order. She’s a super-talented lady!
Here’s just a few of my favourite pieces from Missy moo moo and sam.
Cupcake Childs Apron (fits up to age 7)
Funky Make-Up Bag
Too cute! Personalised Bedroom Cushion
Pucci-esque Purse
You can view all Gail’s merchandise at www.missymoomooandsam.co.uk or purchase from Gail’s Etsy store by clicking here.
Don’t forget to contact Gail if you’ve got a specific design idea or question about the merchandise for sale. Just complete the contact form. Happy shopping!
If you’re interested in the history of fashion, I highly recommend this fabulous reference book by Caroline Rennolds Milbank, published by Harry N. Abrams. inc. New York Fashion, The Evolution of American Style has got to be one of the finest books around for defining the story of American fashion.
Fashion historian Caroline Milbank weaves social and cultural events with the changes taking place in fashion from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. The rise of designers, including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, is charted from near obscurity to their current celebrity status.
The price new is around £77.00 GBP which is quite a considerable amount until you realise just how much information is contained in this wonderful book. I was able to secure a ‘used’ copy for only £19.99 plus postage from www.usedbooksdirect.com (Leicester, UK) via Amazon.co.uk. What a bargain! I will devour the pages and enjoy this book for years to come!
Enjoy the pictures!
New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style by Caroline Rennolds
Two-piece evening dress, made in New York circa 1856-58
1950's short evening dress by Charles James
Twelve coats designed by Helen Cookman in the mid 1940's
Sportswear designed by Tom Brigance from his 1938 Palm Beach collection.
Six variations on the chemise theme, designed by Mme Eta, a New York wholesaler, in 1923.
This Chaise was a commission for Manchester photographer Jan Gamble (0161 448 8073). She supplied the faded khaki green velvet. Heather gave the stool a sexy, deep button and Jan chose white satin for the covering fabric.
It’s so nice to have friends and even nicer if they have a wonderful creative flare like my lovely friend Heather. Not content with being manager of one of the finest restaurants in Manchester, The Lime Tree, (a stones throw away from my own abode), Heather took herself off to Ceregidion in Wales to learn the fine art of traditional upholstery. Since then her creative talents have gone from strength to strength.
Heather has worked on projects for friends and family and has also made cushions, headboards and lots of upholstery projects for Staying Cool, a hip urban company responsible for servicing trendy apartments in Manchester, Birmingham and Barcelona.
Heather now has her very own website, Eclectic Chair and I’m so happy to share this news with you. Now everyone can purchase her fabulous soft furnishings and sample some of the amazing work she has created using vintage fabrics sourced from flea markets, junk shops and vintage fairs.
Here are some of my favourite pieces but get yourself along to Eclectic Chair and see for yourself. If you love furnishing your home with unique soft furnishings, you’d do well to have a friend like this . . . . . .
I wish Heather every success with her business venture. Three cheers for good friends!
Maud Cushion £18.00
This daybed had loads of potential but was in terrible condition. Staying Cool chose grey felt from Danish fabric house Kvadrat. The wood was stripped and varnished giving it a new lease of life.
This dining chair was a commission for Staying Cool. The woodwork was stripped and repainted with a Fired Earth red. The fabric chosen is a damask pattern, screen printed onto hessian by Timourous Beasties. Photo courtesy of Nick Smith www.nicksmithphotography.com
New online magazine, The Fashion Birdcage
I’m so delighted to report that the very first edition of The Fashion Birdcage was published yesterday. Entitled ‘The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum’ – it’s a ‘must-read’ for any fashionista. With over 250 pages, I’ve got a feeling the editor will be having a bit of a lie-down! There’s a lot to read . . . . .
The Fashion Birdcage is the brainchild of Enkha Balazik, editor of the wonderful fashion blog, Fashion Birdcage. This new online magazine format is full of amazing photography, editorials and of course yours truly!
Yes, you can find my introduction on page 10 and read my interview with the lovely Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing on pages 114-119.
Nicole’s book, Love Vintage, is due to be published this October so if you’ve ever wondered about vintage fabrics and the construction of vintage clothing, you’ve just got to get your name down at the publishers for a copy! Trust me, this book will be an excellent read and a wonderful resource for those with a love of vintage fashion. I’m counting the days before I can get my hands on a copy!
“Imagine holding a handbag that is as soft as a cashmere, embellished with vintage silks, laces and rare buttons. Whispers of times past converge with the present as you embrace its uniqueness.” This is just one of the tag lines that you’ll find at the gorgeous Rubyruby boutique. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind handbag or clutch, light installation or a lovely vintage ring or brooch, take a look at through the catalogue of loveliness available right now at Rubyruby boutique. It’s crammed full of unique goodies. This business is owned and created by the industrious and multi-talented Di and she’s given up her valuable time to answer some questions for Catwalk Threads.
Details of how you can contact Di for a bespoke service can be found at the end of this interview. Enjoy the read!
JUST FOR FUN:
What is your earliest fashion memory?
My earliest fashion memory would have to be a knitted sweater that I wore when I was about 3. It had the most adorable kittens at the top and at the bottom were their matching mittens, it was olive green and I adored it. It was one of many creations that my mum made for me over the years.
What is your most treasured possession?
A collection of poems that my husband has written for me over the past 18 years.
Favourite vintage era and why?
Edwardian Style
I love the turn of the century, the Edwardian period in particular, they used the most exquisite handmade lace and embroidery and each piece was an absolute joy to look at, even the housemaids attire was made up of tiny stitches and gorgeous lace. Women looked really feminine, although the corsets were a little restrictive, women looked so beautiful when they took them off and wore their magnificent undergarments.
Top three fashion icons.
Sadly there are not many living icons for me, only Vivienne Westwood alive today can be a fashion icon in my eyes, everyone else seems to wear clothes dictacted to them by their stylist! In days gone by Audrey Hepburn who looked heavenly in everything she wore, and Marilyn Monroe ditto.
Your perfect day would be . . . . . . . ?
Sitting on the beach near me, sewing box next to me, listening to the gentle waves, the sun would have to be shining of course!
How would your friends describe you?
Eclectic! I once got called adventurous for wearing a flower in my hair, and no it wasn’t a triffid, it was a sweet daisy.
ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
Did you work in the fashion/accessories business before setting up your own business, Rubyruby?
Handrolled Merino Felt Bag
No, although, I always had a strong sense of style and loved customising my own clothes. I worked at Laura Ashley in Manchester at the end of the 1980’s but was more a fan of their interiors rather than garments.
Was there a defining moment when you decided you wanted to work for yourself?
After I completed three City and Guilds certificates in Textile Decoration Skills, Textile Decoration Studies and Feltmaking I started to make the felt bags that form the core of my collection. It has steadily grown from there. Having a family, my business works around me, so I have never had to pay for childcare and I work from home so am there for my family.
I see you have a mrsite website. How did you come across mrsite? Any previous experience with web design?
Medusa Felt Light Installation
My husband had used MrSite to set up his own website and raved about how easy it was to do. I am mildly computer literate and decided to have a go, I bought it off ebay, and was absolutely breathtaken by how easy it was. I have recommended it to all my friends, you even get cashback if your friends put in the code you give them, it is really easy peasy and I think looks really professional. A friend of mine paid over £2,000 for a website for a shop that was always having glitches on and didn’t look half as good as mine. I paid £25 for my website!
Do you take your own photographs? If so, what camera do you use?
I do take my own photos, I use a lovely Canon EOS 400D, although I don’t know how to use all the settings, I seem to point and flash and it works ok.
What makes your business unique and sets it apart from the rest?
Felt Heart Choker Necklace
Because everything I do is not mass produced and every stitch is hand sewn, I never follow patterns. All my creations come from within and are a real journey often with me starting in one place and ending up somewhere completely different. I give all my bags a moniker, a title, not just a generic name like Elsie or Maud, but an element of inspiration regarding the early roots of the bag, the overwhelming feeling that you get when you gaze upon it. I love it! I love all the parts of the creative process.
I can see that an incredible amount of work goes into each unique handmade bag. How long does it take, on average, to make a bag from start to finish?
On average it takes about a week to complete a bag, an awful lot goes in, all my energy, creative ideas. However, I don’t just work on one at a time, I will often have four or five bags that I am working on concurrently.
Your work is really beautiful and eye-catching. Where do you get your design inspiration from? Are your designs seasonal? Do you take inspiration from the latest catwalk/runway shows?
I adore colour and devour books on the psychology of colour. I love to think that having a yellow bag for example will make you feel happy, and a red one will make you stand out and look attractive. Unless I am creating a bespoke bag where the client chooses her own colours, I like to play with the colours that I have. I stock a huge selection of merino and it depends on the day as to which colours I choose to work with. In relation to the catwalk, I read Vogue and Instyle to keep up to date with what’s happening on the catwalk, but i find that my customers are rarely swayed with what is in ‘vogue’ colour wise at the moment, they seem to go with their favourite colours. I don’t really work seasonally, I do take inspiration from what’s around me, however, I have just completed a collection of Ibiza felt bags, inspired by the beautiful island of Ibiza.
How do you go about promoting your business?
Upcycled Vintage Velvet Clutch
I join every craft related website there is. I have a shop on etsy, which is a fantastic website for handmade and vintage. That’s how a boutique in New York found me and now stock my handbags in New York. I also only ever use my own bags so that when people come up to me in the street to ask where I got my handbag from I can proudly produce a card from my bag and direct them to my website. I have sold bags to as far away as Australia like that. (The lady was on holiday from Australia when she saw me shopping in my local town, she came up to me and asked me about my bag. The next day she came back to my house to choose her own bag and took it back to Australia.)
Do you work on your own? If so, how do you find that?
I adore working on my own. I do a lot of my work in my bedroom, it overlooks the english channel through the trees and is opposite an allotment so i get lots of peace and quiet with birds twittering in the trees. I love watching old films, musicals etc when stitching, this is great as the feeling of the movie gets wrapped up in its creation and often the titles or monikers for the bags come from whatever films I’ve been watching during the creative process. Some of my favourites are, ‘Gentlemen prefer blondes’, ‘How to marry a millionaire’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘Sabrina’. They are fantastic for checking out the gorgeous designs of the era.
What would a typical day involve at Rubyruby?
Once I’ve got my three boys and husband out of the house, then I either start sewing on a particular bag, or will start hand rolling a new bag. I also teach feltmaking courses from my home, so I might be baking a cake before they arrive at 10 am to create their own piece of felt. People love the creative process of felt making, it is so theraputic, and you are literally creating your own fabric!
How do you go about sourcing your fabrics, buttons, beads and embellishments?
Charity shops are fantastic as are boot fairs, there is a lovely lady near me who sells vintage and antique lace and I buy most of my most rare pieces from her. Wherever I travel to I will always visit the towns charity and haberdashery shops and antique markets, the joy comes from not quite knowing what you will find.
Do you incorporate vintage/recycled fabrics, beads, buttons etc? Do you think people are far more interested in purchasing ‘recycled’ than ever before?
I love incorporating vintage and recycled materials, I honestly think it is the way forward. I detest the throw away society and always reuse clothes that have got past their prime. There is a tide turning against poorly manufactured mass produced garments, I have never been as busy with my business as I am now making one off individual products that recycle vintage luxury materials. I think a very useful course at college would be customising your own clothes from old ones. Look how popular Gok Wan is now!
How would you define the term ‘vintage’?
Debates rage as to when you can date something ‘vintage’. As a general rule it usually has to be before the 1970’s to count as vintage in my eyes, but I mostly deal in buttons and fabrics so some people could argue that the 1970’s is vintage.
Felt Bag from the new Spring Collection
What are your favourite three items for sale in your boutique right now?
I love my spring collection that have been made from entirely vintage materials. ‘Blissful kisses on a summers day’ is made from a vintage hand dyed tray cloth with a gorgeous blue bird taken from a baby bib pocket from France. I love the colours. I love ‘I could spend the day in Ladurees’ which is hand rolled merino and vintage materials, it is such a soft tactile bag that takes its inspiration from the gorgeous confectioners in London, Ladurees. My third choice would have to be my light installation, Medusa. This is an amazing light with 36 bendable velvet stems with merino felt flowers on the ends. The light cast through the felt looks amazing. I have three of these lights in my house, and never fail to get admiring comments about them from visitors. They are bespoke only and can be catered directly to the customers wishes.
Do you make custom orders?
Yes, most of my work last year came from bespoke requests. The client looks at the bag styles that I offer, or requests her own shape to her personal needs and then we discuss colour. Some clients like to supply their own vintage fabrics or buttons or brooches to incorporate and then it becomes an heirloom piece. A client last year had a silk charmeuse dressing gown in the most wonderful eau de nil colour, it had belonged to her grandmother and she wanted me to create a green and blue felt bag using this gown as the lining. I named it, ‘Il baci di nonna’ (A kiss from grandma) I had a piece left over and used it to line, ‘My head and heart race when you are near’ a vintage clutch bag on my website.
Has the current economic climate affected business?
Pink Daisies and Antique Lace Clutch
I have to say that I have never been busier! I started selling in a gallery in Rochester which has led to boutiques in Whitstable, New York, Ibiza and Hastings all wanting to sell my work. People really want to buy individual handmade quality products, now more than ever, and luckily people love what I do.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
I would love to break into the Japanese market, maybe opening up a shop there. I love the Japanese sense of style and know that they would sell extremely well there.
Do you have a blog?
Yes, my blog is rubyrubyhearts.blogspot.com and it’s called ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’.
Where can your merchandise be purchased from and how can customers contact you?
My products can be purchased from my websites www.myrubyruby.com and from www.rubyruby.etsy.com
Pearl and Hemingway, 13 Harbour St, Whitstable, Kent.
Pink Cloud, A Handmade Boutique, North St Main, Harriman, New York.
Nucleus Gallery, Chatham Dockyard, Kent.
Lottie Bogotti, San Carlos, Ibiza (end of May 2009).
If someone wishes to contact me they can drop me a line through either the contact page on my website or via email : di @myrubyruby.com.
Boho Market
It’s amazing how much we can achieve when we put our minds to it. Having a positive attitude along with the drive and determination to succeed helps us to achieve our goals. In addition, if you happen to have a wonderful talent it makes the task so much easier!
If you’re ever looking for inspiration, you need look no further than my next interviewee, Giovanna, a recently-graduated fashion design student from Peru. I’ve known her only a few short months, but in that time I’ve been completely ‘blown away’ by her creativity and her total dedication to her design studies – it really is something to behold - especially as Giovanna had to leave her home in Peru to study fashion design in America. I was so impressed with this young lady that I asked if she’d agree to an interview for Catwalk Threads. I think it’s important to highlight new talent and hopefully this interview will give prospective employers, or anyone eager to plan a career in fashion design, an insight into Giovanna’s talent, creativity and the commitment required in order to succeed!
So, if you happen to be on the look-out for a super-talented fashion designer with an eye for wonderful textiles and design, or if you’d like to contact Giovanna for a custom order, don’t delay! Please send your email to: giovanna.fashiondesign@gmail.com. You can also see more of Giovanna’s work and design inspirations from her marvellous blog, Boho Market at http://www.bohomarket.blogspot.com
JUST FOR FUN:
What is your earliest fashion memory?
I think when I was seven. I remember that I loved drawing and I used markers and color pencils for rendering my little fashion figures; but I felt a little frustrated because the color pencils didn’t give me the shine I wanted, so after thinking what to do with that I came up with a great idea. I decided to start collecting candy and chocolate wrappers!! The candy wrap paper was shiny and colorful. So first I drew the figure wearing the evening gown and then I pasted the paper over it, trying to reach the shape of the dress. After that discovery, I also used magazine pages, yarn, etc. I had so much fun doing it and loved the result!
What is your most treasured possession?
The love of my family and husband.
What kind of music are you listening to right now?
I love music from different parts of the world. Right now I’m listening: The Swell Season these guys were the main characters of the film ‘Once’ which is a modern musical.
What makes you happy?
I love watching a good movie with my husband. I’m also very happy when I’m surrounded by my family or when I’m designing or painting.
Top three films:
Ummm..very hard question..I have so many…let’s see..”Cinema Paradiso“, “La vita è bella” (Life is beautiful) and “Once“.
Top three fashion icons/designers?
Jackie Onassis
Fashion Icons: I think the classic Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O. and Sophia Loren. And top three designers, well, I have more than three, but I’d say: Valentino, Dianne Von Furstenberg and Alexander McQueen.
How would your friends describe you?
I think they’d say that I’m not perfect and I’ll never be, but I treat everyone the way I like to be treated. For me it’s very important to be nice and polite with people, even if you don’t know them, there’s no reason to make someone feel bad. I’m shy sometimes, especially when I have to give a public speech. I also forgive easily; I don’t like to be angry with anyone. I’m very perfectionist and give 110 % when I’m working on something.
Tell us a little about the place where you grew up.
Giovanna's home town, Lima
I grew up in Lima, Peru. I used to live in a quiet, cozy and lovely town. Everything was very close, the little shops, the farmer’s market, the bakery, school, the beach, etc. I loved that! Peru in general is very beautiful; its architecture and landscapes are always an inspiration for me. People in Peru are very down to earth, friendly and genuine. We always receive tourists with open arms. I think every person should visit Peru, especially Machu Picchu which is located in Cusco, a beautiful city in Peru, and it is also one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. That place is just breathtaking.
ABOUT YOUR DESIGN COURSE/COLLEGE:
When did you realise that you had creative talent and what made you decide on fashion?
Inspired by Candy: designs by Giovanna
I always knew inside me that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I remember when I was little, people used to ask me: what are you going to do when you grow up? I always said: A fashion designer. I remember people looking at me surprised. However, after I finished high school, I got a job in a preschool and I discovered that I loved teaching; I think that was always on my genes since my mom is a teacher as well as my older sister. So I decided to study to be a teacher first and put on hold my fashion design career.
Are you interested in all aspects of design and textiles or do you want to concentrate in one particular area?
I think it is very important for a designer to be versatile. I love to keep exploring all aspects of design, but for now I’m focused on women’s clothing trying to incorporate on my designs, beautiful and exotic elements from different countries. I also love to create new patterns inspired by nature.
What and where are you studying and how did you decide on which course to take?
I just graduated from “The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising” in California; my major was Fashion Design. I knew what I wanted to study before going there. I made some research before applying to that school and after the first interview and the tour I decided to study there.
How easy/difficult was it for you to start meeting people and making new friends in your new country? How long did it take for you to ‘settle in’?
Bohemian/Floral trend by Giovanna
It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but I have met wonderful people here. Los Angeles is a multicultural city, which is fascinating for me, but sometimes you have to be careful on how you say things and how you receive them because you can be misunderstood just because of the differences in each culture and also the language. Los Angeles is a very charming city, but honestly at the beginning I felt that the vibe of the city didn’t go very well with my life style, but I always try to find a positive side of everything. After a couple of weeks, my husband and I found some little places where we feel like home. For example, “Los Feliz” area in West Hollywood is just a little, cute and cozy town where my husband and I usually hang out. I think ‘settle in’ is an everyday process; now I feel more comfortable here than before, but I still miss home.
What advice would you give someone thinking of ‘spreading their wings’ and moving to another country to study fashion? Are there things you would do differently. Any pitfalls?
I absolutely believe in following your dreams and take the opportunities that life offers you. I think moving to another country makes you grow up so much because you’re by yourself and you have to make your own decisions. I’m lucky to have my husband’s support, which makes everything easier for me. I think it’s very important to take chances in life to follow your passion, if you really love what you do, do it. Time doesn’t go back and even if you don’t succeed, at least you fought for it and that’s much more than not even trying.
Manga Pencil Drawing by Giovanna
I also think that you have to have a plan before moving anywhere. I mean, a place to stay, a job or something. It is good to be adventurous sometimes, but in this case I don’t think that would work. If you don’t speak the language, study before moving, at least the basics. If you already know the language, you’re ahead of the game. Moving to a different country is not easy, especially at the beginning, but the satisfaction of doing what you love is bigger than your fears.
Do you have to work a job in order to get yourself through college/university?
I had a part time job in my first year here, but I quit after a year and a half because I had so much homework and no time for anything else. Right now, I’m a freelance fashion designer, but I’m also looking forward to work for an established clothing company. In addition to my freelance designs, I’m working on some accessories and jewelry which I’ll be selling at Etsy soon. I’m very inspired right now.
Where do you get your design inspiration from?
I get very inspired by many things, nature, fabrics, prints, textures, art, different countries, crafts, photography, etc.
The fashion world is so competitive. What makes your designs stand out from the rest?
Designs by Giovanna
I think my attention to detail, the interesting colors and textiles I choose and the way I combine them to make them look cohesive. I also love to create my own textiles. My goal is that the woman who wears my clothes feels fashionable, feminine, sexy and special. Every design is made with all my love and passion and with consciousness about the fit. I pay a lot of attention on enhancing the women’s beauty. I also love to incorporate artistic details on every design.
Of all of your designs, have you any favorites?
I designed a little Spring/Summer collection that I love.
What’s your fashion forecast for 2009? Any hints on what to look out for or what we’ll be finding in our high-street stores this year?
Green is the new black, but green in the sense of environmentally conscious fashion. I feel very happy about it because as a designer I think it’s very important to use more eco friendly fabrics. I hope we keep doing this not as a trend, but as a something permanent. I also think that patterns such geometric shapes and artistic prints might be on fashion. I think that intricate details as well as new shapes especially on trousers and skirts are going to be hot this 2009.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Doing what I love and having my own business, discovering and learning new things, having the opportunity to share what I’ve learned and help other people. I’d love to live with my family, my husband’s family all together.
One of my favourite things is to scour the internet for lovely things that don’t cost the earth. I’m always amazed at the amount of creativity and talent out there. In this current economic climate, most of us are looking for gifts for loved ones (and ourselves!) that are practical, cost effective and unique. It’s my goal to bring some of these sellers to your attention and one such business is Sew Butterfly, run by the creative and talented Stacy. She’s been making and creating from recycled fabrics from a very early age; certainly long before it became ‘trendy‘ to do so. Her creativity knows no bounds! One of her most recent projects was to make six outfits for a dance team. Stacy not only made the outfits from scratch but made the patterns too. It’s enough to bring me out in a cold sweat! In addition, Stacy also donates her time in the most charitable way by making quilts for African orphanages. I love this girl! Something tells me she’s got what it takes! Hope you enjoy reading about the lovely Stacy and her business Sew Butterfly!
If you’d like to contribute or make a donation towards Stacy’s sewing projects for African orphanages, please refer to the ‘Donations’ tab at http://www.sewbutterfly.com
JUST FOR FUN:
What is your earliest fashion memory?
At the age of 4. My grandmother crocheted dresses for my dolls (I was totally amazed by this) and I believe I was totally fashion conscious, then. Shortly thereafter, both, my grandmother and mom taught me to crochet and knit; soon after I was hand-sewing clothes for my dolls.
What is your most treasured possession?
1950's Montgomery Ward Sewing Machine
My 1950s Montgomery Ward’s Commercial sewing machine. Does straight stitching only, but is the best sewing machine I’ve ever had…and, it looks cool!
Your favourite vintage era and why?
Can I have 2 favourites? (laughing) 1940s. The clothing was impeccable! Detailed and well-crafted. People dressed properly for EVERY occasion from the kitchen to a night out on the town. Such an elegant era to me. Also, the 1960s and 70s. I loved the ‘hippie’ era. It was really colourful and showed creativity. Louise replies: Stacy, that’ll be three favourite vintage eras then! You just love your vintage! lol
Your perfect day would be . . . . . . . ?
Creating from sun-up to sundown with no interruptions!
How would your friends describe you?
(I actually asked them and this was their reply) Strong-willed; determined; good sense of humour; driven; outgoing; sometimes enthusiastic (lol); compassionate; loving. I didn’t hear ‘smart’. (lol)
ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
You’ve been crafting and making things from a very early age. Where did your interest come from and who taught you?
Berry Cute Bag
My inspiration came from my grandmother and mom. Mom made all of her own clothes through her high school years – she kept my sister and I busy with all sorts of crafts. My grandmother was always creating. Crocheting, painting, and re-purposing items found in second-hand stores, around the house and neighbourhoods.
At what point did you decide to make your ‘hobby’ into a business? Was there a defining moment?
In 2007, I had been ‘preparing’ for a business, but June 2008 was my defining moment. I had been laid-off and I still have small children at home. My husband supported and pushed me to ‘go for it’! And, I did. I opened an online shop. Then, purchased a domain name for a website.
How long have you been running your business? Is this your full-time occupation?
Donut Bag
For about a year, now. Yes, this is my full-time occupation.
Who takes all your photographs? What camera do you use?
I take my own photos. I use a Nikon Coolpix or I use my husband or daughter’s Nikon D40X.
What makes your business unique or sets it apart from the rest?
I recycle and re-purpose which makes my items unique.
How do you go about promoting your business?
Blogging, craft shows, passing out business cards in local shops, and networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Threadbanger, BurdaStyle, CraftStylish, Dare to be Glamorous, and Ultimate Connection for Small Business Owners, just to name a few .
Who designed your logo images?
My husband, Charles. Graphic designer. We met while working in a worldwide ad agency in Chicago. IM31 Studios; email: Charles@im31studios.com; website: http://www.im31studios.com; blog: http://im31studios.blogspot.com
You sell vintage clothing along with your recycled goodies. Without giving too much away! – how do you go about sourcing your vintage clothing?
Cobbler Apron
Resale shops and definitely, garage sales. Family and friends also donate items to me.
Do you think buying ‘vintage’ and ‘recycled’ has become more popular over the past 10 years? If so, why do you think that is?
It seems that everything always comes full circle. And, because of the economic difficulties people are recycling more than their garbage. This generation is more conscious of having their own style and not controlled by the latest trends and has made them a creative generation. See, full circle. Isn’t that what was happening in the 60s and 70s? (laughing)
How would you define the term ‘vintage’?
To me, ‘vintage’ is classic.
What item do you enjoy making the most?
I enjoy making all of my items. Well, I love making accessories (i.e. bags, purses, aprons, etc.)
Your work is really beautiful and exceptional quality. Do you design the merchandise yourself or do you take inspiration from old sewing patterns and the like? Where does your design inspiration come from?
English Garden Floral Tote Bag
I have millions (lol) of vintage patterns and they all have to be altered and redesigned. However, a lot of my designs come from variations of patterns. I also get inspiration from classic movies (old black and white). I will sketch an outfit or item I’ve seen, make the pattern pieces and find the ‘right’ fabric to sew. So, I’m always playing around with fabrics and ideas.
If you’re making an item from scratch, say a vintage-style apron or evening bag, how do you go about pricing it? What do you need to consider?
I have to take into account, material costs (i.e. fabrics, zippers, snaps, etc.) and my time. You have to ask yourself, ‘how much is my time worth?’ Starting out, I visited or contacted local seamstress and tailoring shops to have an idea on how to price. Also, check out some online shops and other people with same interest to see how they price items. Research, research and more research.
Has the current economic climate affected business? If so, what steps are you taking to counteract that?
Sure, it has affected business. Sometimes, I run sales on items; or have ‘buy one and get one half off’; and offer other specials.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
I plan to open a physical shop like the size of a strip mall. I have plans for local artists, as well. More will be revealed. ;D
Do you have a blog that people can subscribe to and receive regular updates?
Yes, I do http://sewbutterfly.blogspot.com and http://sewbutterfly.wordpress.com
Where can your merchandise be purchased from and how can customers contact you?
Around Town Purse
My items can be purchased from http://sewbutterfly64.etsy.com and http://sewbutterfly.shophandmade.com. I will soon open another shop on ArtFire. I also have a website http://www.sewbutterfly.com that will give you information on where to purchase; my blog; and info on my donation work.
As editor of Catwalk Threads, one of my aims is to bring you some of the best online retailers of vintage and recycled merchandise. I’m particularly keen to promote UK sellers and lucky for me I recently came across the wonderful Pipnstuff, owned and created by a delightful girl named Pip (what else)!
We actually met on Twitter and I felt an instant rapport with Pip. I love her recycling philosophy and was instantly drawn to her marvellous photography. Her merchandise (available from http://www.allthingsoriginal.com/sellers/pipnstuff/shop/) looks good enough to eat! It’s all made by her own fair hands using recycled buttons, beads and an array of pretty things collected over the years.
Vintage Peacock Earrings
Pip’s kindly agreed to an interview with Catwalk Threads so I’m not going to go into too much detail about her business right now. I just felt compelled to show-off my purchases which arrived this morning. These beautiful vintage earrings and hair clips (check-out the detailing), have been ‘ear-marked’ as a birthday gift for a dear friend of mine and the vintage cuff links have been purchased for my dad for Father’s Day.
Vintage Coral Hair Clips
Pip gift boxed every item using recycled materials. They were packaged so beautifully that I spent a few minutes just looking at the boxes! I can’t tell you how delighted I am. They’re all so pretty and I can see that Pip pays great attention to detail. She really does care about her customers and that is something to shout about as far as I’m concerned!
The perfect gift for Father's Day
All Pip’s merchandise can be purchased from a lovely website called All Things Original. It’s definitely worth a look and I guarantee you will not leave without buying something!
Keep an eye-out for my interview with Pip, coming very soon!
|
