dear followers, I'd like to announce a special new blog series! woohoo! each week "sewing in the past" will be interviewing some special people. only each month, it will be a new kind of special people! this month we are interviewing some very successful, rockstar etsy sellers. so without further ado...let's welcome quitecrafty to the blog (the amazing lady who made my amazing red hat)!!! :)
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am a proud Air Force wife and we have two adorable rat terriers, Tinkerbell and Hercules. I currently live in North Carolina, which is so amazing because the beach is less than two hours away! I am in my late 20s and people are sometimes surprised to know that I crochet. I hear comments like, "You know how to crochet?! You're so young." My goal is to keep making stylish hats and accessories, so when someone thinks about crocheting, they will imagine modern and fun items.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I have to admit, I spend most of my free time crocheting. But I also love to exercise and play sports, and my dogs and I go on long walks every day. I also love to read, and as much as I hate to admit it, I watch WAY too much tv! During football season, you will find me checking my fantasy football scores, and crocheting while watching the games!
What first made you want to become a crafter?
I don't know if there was an "A HA!" moment. I do remember visiting my grandma frequently, and she was always working on a crochet project, which was fascinating to me. Being a little girl, I didn't understand how rewarding crocheting is. When I was about ten, my grandma taught me the basic stitches. When I was a teenager, my other grandma taught me how to make the kitchen towel toppers. After completing my first towel, I knew I wanted to keep crocheting, even if just for fun. I opened up my Etsy shop almost two years ago, and it's been such a blessing! I know this is something I will always do. Hearing from customers who love their items is the best feeling in the world.
Please describe your creative process.
Since I watch a lot of tv and movies, I look at the fashion and see what kind of hats and scarves the actors are wearing. I also love to browse the accessories aisles in Target and see what's popular. That gets me brainstorming, and I get out my hooks and yarn and start creating. I mainly focus on my customers. If they love a style, that's all that really matters.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I have two crocheted afghans, one from each grandmother. One was a "going to college" gift, and the other was a wedding gift. As far as non-handmade possession, after my grandma passed away I got two of her old crochet hooks. I use them as much as I can and think of her often. She's a big reason why I am so passionate about creating items.
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
For me personally, investing in two mannequin heads was the best business decision I ever made! If you make accessories, make sure you have a mannequin! They are wonderful models. :) Also, if possible, wear your products. People will compliment me on my hat or scarf, and it's so nice to hand them a business card. Along those same lines, DO a craft fair. I was so nervous when I did my first one, but it was a success and I met so many wonderful people.
And don't get discouraged. It took me quite a while to get to 100 sales on Etsy, but I never gave up.
How do you promote your work?
Mainly through my facebook page. www.facebook.com/quitecrafty
My facebook fans get a sneak peek and special discounts throughout the year. I appreciate their support and like to reward them. I also just started tweeting. I'm still testing the waters with that though! www.twitter.com/quitecrafty
In ten years, where would you like to be?
Still crocheting and working on Quitecrafty! Maybe having an actual brick and mortar store? Who knows! I am excited to see what the future holds. :)
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