I've really been enjoying learning about my fellow Fabulous Artistic Moms. This week's feature is Amy a.k.a. NewEnglandQuilter. She and her little boy are gorgeous, aren't they?!!! Her shop on Etsy is fantastic too. I've really loved seeing all the new products available. The fabric blocks, crib rails, the memory matching games, baskets, etc. Amy is enthusiastic about her crafts and it really shows in her product line. She is also really loving motherhood...have you ever seen a happier child?
Okay...here is more information about Amy in her own words. I asked, she answered!
MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Amy: I have seen crafting since I was a little girl. After school, I would go to my grandmother’s house. She is the one who taught me how to crochet. My cousin lived across the street from my grandmother and would visit us after school. When we weren’t playing dress up or having adventures she taught me how to knit. I didn’t learn to use a sewing machine until I was in college. I wanted to make some holiday skirts for my sisters and scrunchies for myself. My mother taught me how to sew. I can thank the women in my family for teaching me the basics of crocheting, knitting, and sewing.
MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Amy: There are many things that inspire me. My son is one of my main sources of inspiration. He loved his inflatable beach ball so much that I decided to make him a fabric one. He is also my inspiration for the quilted crib rail guards in my shop – he likes to chew on those crib rails! When he started throwing everything in site, I decided that it was time to make some fabric blocks. They do not hurt as much when I get hit in the head.
Another thing that inspires me is looking at fabric. I bought some fabric to make some blocks and as I was pairing up the fabric squares, I thought that they would make a great memory matching game.
I am motivated to create something new to me. I love a challenge. Two of my biggest challenges this year were sewing curved crib rail guards and designing a pattern for pajamas and an outfit that would fit Webkinz Cats and Dogs.
MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Amy: I love playing with my one-year-old son and spending time with my husband. This fall I will be going back to teaching high school mathematics. I also love to cook and go for long walks.
MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Amy: I belong to Fabulous Artistic Moms and Etsy Moms.
MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Amy: I just came out with a new product this past week – the No Sew Fabric Crib Rail Guard Tutorial. In the near future, I will be listing all inclusive kits to go with the tutorial. I am also going to be making my son some fabric slippers and leather shoes. I may add these items to my shop – we’ll see! I have never worked with leather before and am excited about trying out a new textile. I am also working on my first rag rug for my Etsy shop as a custom order. Here is a photo of a mini rag rug I made for fun! I will be blogging about the process of making the rag rug if anyone is interested in that craft. NewEnglandQuilter Blog
MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people.
Amy: I have never been to a quilt show. My mother-in-law and I are going to attend one next month and I am very excited to go!
Check out Amy's Etsy Shop.... NewEnglandQuilter.
To see additional photos of Amy's work, please visit her on Flickr.
