run- do not walk- to the WhatTheCraft Forums…

and vote for your favorite entry to the January ’08 WhatTheCraft.com contest!

 

 

Featured Indie Designer – Denise5151

This week spotlights the unique designs by Denise of Denise5151!

Your Name: Denise Anderson
Age: 42
Hometown: Bay Area-Fremont, CA
Current Location: Lincoln, CA

How did your interest in fashion begin? Well, like most women I’ve always loved clothes. As a young girl I often had ideas of what I thought would look good on me or what I would like to find while shopping. When my ideas weren’t what I was finding in the stores, I would get motivated to attempt to make it myself. My mother taught me to sew early on and because she worked and didn’t have the time, she would buy patterns and have me make clothes for my little sister. Additionally, I took a sewing class in Junior High School that helped fine tune my basic skills. I’ve always loved having the ability to modify and/or create my own clothes. Read more

January 2008 WhatTheCraft Contest

To ring in the new year, the theme for the first of the 2008 WhatTheCraft Contests is “‘In with the New”.

That means: try something new! If there’s a craft that you’ve always wanted to learn or a technique you’ve been dying to try, do it now!
Do something you’ve never done before, or something you’re new at. Just learned how to knit? Enter your first scarf! Always wanted to try stenciling? Show us your new skill!

You will have from January 10th-17th to submit your entry. Voting will start on the 20th and go until the 27th. 

If you are interested in entering, or would like more information, please visit the WhatTheCraft forums!

Featured Indie Designer – Spicy Toast

Our newest interview is with a designer who gives her unique & feminine clothing a vintage twist. Meet Erika of Spicy Toast!!

Your Name: Erika Tryon
Age: 26
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Current Location: San Diego, CA

How did your interest in fashion begin? Oh gee, I was a wee little girly when I realized my love for clothing and fashion. I still remember from when I was 5, my favourite one piece shorts jumper! Sky blue and white striped stretch knit with a zipper up the center and flutter sleeve. I also remember quite vividly when my father washed the car with it!!!
What motivated you to start selling your designs and what were your expectations when you started? I’ve always been complimented on my fashion sense. People seemed amazed by outfits i’d just put together from thrift store bargains, etc. ever since I can remember. So, I thought, I am sure if I designed my own clothes, people would buy them! I thought, lets give it a try, i’ve got nothing to lose!
Do you have any formal training in fashion, art or design? No, no formal training, it just flows through my bloodline!
Is Spicy Toast your primary job? Yes indeedy!
How many people are behind the scenes at Spicy Toast? Just Me! Read more

State of the Crafty Union

Yesterday I had an excellent view out my craft room window:

Then I got some awesome fabric today, and that always makes for a good day.

My kitchen/dining room is Day of the Dead themed, thus all of the DotD fabric.
For my dining room chair cushions:

Read more