Elemental Stitches

Artist Interview With Laura Barrella From Ginger Louise Clothing

As promised, Laura Barrella from Ginger Louise Clothing has answered a few questions about her process.  I hope you enjoy!

1. Your Name? Laura Barrella

2. Your websites?

www.gingerlouiseclothing.etsy.com

www.gingerlouisepatterns.etsy.com

www.gingerlouiseclothing.blogspot.com

3. Where do you live? NYC 

 

4. How did you learn to sew? I begged my mother to teach me to sew when I was 7, now looking back, that is when she seemed the happiest! I was also offered a store in 1990, I was a doll maker at the time and knew I needed to sell something other then dolls, so I taught myself how to make children's clothes.

5. What made you jump into pattern design? I always loved pattern making, and doing sewing tutorials will let me design even more because I won't have to make 100 of the same item:)

6. What inspires you when designing children's clothes? everything, life, the streets of NY, once I get started it just keeps inspiring itself, oh and also beautiful fabrics, its an obsession! 

7. I love the colors and pattern combination you use on the clothes you sell in your shop. Is there any advice you can give to sewers who are trying to coordinate fabric for their projects? Design from your heart, so that customers can spot your style, stand out from the crowd.

8. Do you have any tips on sewing clothes for girls? For me, it was always comfort and intention. Somehow the clothing is always more special when I am designing for a specific child. They can almost "feel the love" sorry, corny but true! And kids like comfortable clothes. 

 

9. What has been the most rewarding part of being part of the crafting community? I knew nothing about this community until 2 years ago.. Being in this business for 20 years, I never met anyone else that sewed, actually I have 1 friend that sews for her girls. I was shocked that there are so many woman in the USA that sew. I have met the nicest, sweetest woman online. And I love all the support that everyone has for each other. I love it!

10. Are there any upcoming patterns? Tons, some knits and hoodies and costumes. I am also going to set something up for pattern requests.

If you are feeling inspired follow Laura's blog and she will send you a free copy of her skirt tutorial!  Or check out Laura's Etsy Shops to find all of the items I have shown here or click on their picture.

Artist Interview With Alexandra AkA BatGirl93

Hi Everyone!  You are probably wondering who that cute guy in the picture is...  The Spring quarter has started this week and I was happy to see a friend and fellow etsy store owner in my first class.  Her name is Alex and she makes awesome bat coffee cup cozies that each have their own personality!  I wanted to tell more people about her adorable bats so I interviewed her.  Here is what she has to say.

Hi Alex!  Tell us a bit about yourself.

"My name is Alexandra Aiken.  I am from Oakland, but currently live in Santa Cruz.  I am going to the University of California, Santa Cruz for an Anthropology major and History of Art and Visual Culture minor.  I LOVE bats!  I volunteer at the Oakland Zoo with the Flying Foxes, and I also attended a training seminar on bat rehabilitation in Mineral Wells, Texas.  I love all bats, they captured my heart when I was a young girl when an educational group came with live bats to teach us about their benefits to the environment.  Apart from creating art, I am constantly reading and writing papers for my classes and watching new movies and old favorites."

What or who made you want to become an artist and who inspires you to create?

"My mom, she is my role model, important influence and friend.  She taught me everything I know about art, recently she taught me to sew and is always helping me with helpful criticisms, new ideas, creating difficult items and is always there to support me.  She is the most creative person in my life, she really inspires me :)  I also love to create things, and since I love bats I decided to combine my passions."

What inspires a new bat?

"In terms of my creative process, I usually stumble across new fabric which inspires me to create something new and different.  Most of the time I'm pretty inspired and motivated, but sometimes the spark isn't there and I know it's not a day to create LoL!"

Where can people find your work?

You can find my work on http://batgirl93.etsy.com and also http://fruitbatfrenzy.etsy.com which has beautiful raindrop and animal photography. Not much is listed yet, but I'm working on it!

Thanks so much Alex!