Thursday, July 30, 2009

Jenny Hart's revolutionary embroidery!

Interview with artist and author Jenny Hart . Come to Jenny's book signing this weekend at our summer show!











UCU-How did you get involved with embroidery?


JH-I became addicted to embroidery in the summer of 2000 after years of admiring it, but never daring to give it a try. I thought I didn't have the patience for it, didn't know anyone who could teach me, I found books on the subject too difficult to learn from, and I wasn't in to geese in bonnets and the dominating motifs for embroidery. My mother was recovering from breast cancer, and while I was staying with her, I asked her to show me how to get started. Because this was such a stressful time in my life, its soothing aspects became immediately apparent and I became obsessivly addicted to it, and continued embroidering for 3-4 hours every day for the next five years. I adopted it as the principle medium for my artwork www.jennyhart.net and in 2001 I launched my own design company, Sublime Stitching, to introduce updated, contemporary design for embroidery and easy-to-understand instructions to inspire a new generations of stitchers to bring embroidery back.









UCU- Did you realize at the time you were reinventing and popularizing stitching and embroidery design? Was this idea thought out on purpose?

JH-Oh yes, that was my lofty goal! But I didn't have any idea how successful it would be. That was the entire mission of : Sublime Stitching to re-popularize this once-dying handcraft with never-before seen themes for needlework patterns (pinups, robots, gothic, dia de los muertos -you absolutely could not get patterns like this anywhere, which seems almost unimaginable now) and re-invent resources for it, where before there were none: all-in-one starter kits, instructions that didn't assume you knew the basics of sewing or stitching and encouraging people to have fun with it instead of expecting perfection from the very start. I receive countless emails from stitchers who said they used to be too scared to try. And, so was I! So, Sublime Stitching is really the company I wished existed when I was first interested in embroidery and wanted to see something new with it, but couldn't find it anywhere. It was nothing but bunnies and teddy bears as far as the eye could see.







UCU-What inspired you to write books about your craft?

JH-I was extremely fortunate to have publisher Chronicle Books recognize my work with embroidery a little over a year after I launched Sublime Stitching and they asked me to design a kit for them with patterns, instructions and projects (the Stitch-It Kit). It was so popular, it led to multiple other titles! I have a new book, called Embroidered Effects coming out at the end of the summer. Working with them has been a really great experience and allowed more people to learn about my company, Sublime Stitching.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Crystalyn Kae Accessories!

Interview with Crystalyn Kae. Check out Crystalyn Kae's fabulous handbags this weekend at our summer show!


Also, check out the preview for the upcoming Robin Williams movie featuring two of Crystalyns bags!









UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

CK-I learned how to sew when I was very young, and made my first bag when I was 12. I earned my degree in Apparel Design & Textiles and worked in the industry for a few years. I started my own business in 2001 with a booth at the Pike Place Market, and began to sell my bags to stores around the country, and on my website: www.crystalynkae.com I think what makes my bags different, is that I put such an importance on functionality and durability first. Then I try to translate that into a bag that is modern, distinctive and a bit sexy.








UCU-Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

CK-Lots of sewing! I do my best to have a very broad selection of my core designs, and a few sneak peeks at new bags that I am working on. I really enjoy the personal interaction with customers and helping women choose the perfect bag that they'll want to use everyday.







UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

CK-I will be bringing a few sneak peeks of a few fall bags that I am working on, as well as new twists on my classic laptop totes, messenger bags and embellished hobos in a variety of new materials.










UCU-Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

CK-I am most excited to see:

*Dotted Line Jewels - Annie makes the most amazing dramatic
earrings that literally 'make' your outfit and a bubbling
enthusiasm for what she does

* Sydney Designs - I have been a fan of Kristen's vintage wallpaper
designs for ages and I admire how prolific she is. Nearly every
room in my house has a piece of her work in it!

* Glam Garb by Gunlis - I love Gunlis' collection of hand-dyed
slips and camisoles. She has a fantastic talent to help you choose
for the piece that will flatter your body and skin color. Plus, I
am delighted that my booth will be next to Gunlis: she is truly a
joy to be around!

Thea Starr Designs!

Interview with artist and UCU vendor Thea Starr. Check out Thea's designs this Saturday and Sunday at our summer show!









UCU-How did you get started with your craft?

TS-I originally only made handbags & baby blankets. About a decade ago I was looking for something special for my hair for my wedding and I rediscovered tsumami kanzashi. I couldn't afford to get a big fancy one from Japan but I was lucky enough to find an old damaged one at Salvation Army and tore it apart and learned to make them on my own.














UCU-Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

TS-Live on very little sleep ^_^














UCU-Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

TS-Yes! I'll have vintage chopstick holders made from vintage kimono, new stuff for my "$1 bucket o' love" and an array of kanzashi of course.









4) Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

TS-Always! Devout Dolls, Don't Quilt Your Day Job, Estrella Soap, Kim Sun Designs, Maluhia, Made By Moxie, Mud Flap Grrl Designs, Sam Trout, Schmancy, Texture Clothing & Ugly Baby Shower Art. AND I am super excited to see author Jennifer Worick

Jenny Hart Class @ Stitches this Saturday!



It's just one more event this weekend you don't want to miss!

August 1st, 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Saturday)

Embroidery Workshop with Jenny Hart
Jenny Hart will offer her unique tips and techniques for working in hand embroidery! This class is perfect for complete beginners to anyone looking for new angles with stitches. Jenny shares her methods for working in embroidery, transfer techniques, multiple creative stitches and more. Get a sneak peek at her new book, and see some of her own works in embroidery up close and personal. Fabric, floss, embroidery hoop, Sublime Stitching pattern pack and needles are included.

One 2-½ - hour session. Fee: $50

Sign up at Stitches (in person or call 206-709-0707 with your credit card information).

After Show Crafting - Embroidery Workshop w/Jenny Hart at Stitches

Jenny Hart will offer her unique tips and techniques for working in hand embroidery on August 1st from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at Stitches - 711 E. Pike Street! This class is perfect for complete beginners to anyone looking for new angles with stitches. Jenny shares her methods for working in embroidery, transfer techniques, multiple creative stitches and more. Get a sneak peek at her new book, and see some of her own works in embroidery up close and personal. Fabric, floss, embroidery hoop, Sublime Stitching pattern pack and needles are included. One 2-½ - hour session. Fee: $50. Sign up at Stitches (in person or call 206-709-0707 with your credit card information).

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Congratulations to Trixie Bakes

If you get on Daily Candy you really feel like you made it. And you should, Daily Candy is awesome! So we wanted to say congratulations to one of our summer vendors, Trixie Bakes for getting on there! Yahoooooooo

Monday, July 20, 2009

Strange Child

Interview with Brendan from Strange Child. Strange Child will be a vendor at our summer show August 1st and 2nd!






UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

SC-I started screenprinting when I was in my late teens just out of my house doing punk band designs with friends. Later on in life, I got way more of the idea of wearing your own art on shirts instead. I started sculpting and painting vinyl toys as an experiment for a gallery show in Denver, The Summer of Munny show, and after that got completely hooked on creating my characters into movable toys. Now I try to juggle it all.....











UCU- Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?


SC-Production production production, try to have multiple size of every single shirt design and and multiple paintings and toys for people to pick from. Also, it's nice to plan ahead as to how your going to consolidate all your goods into the space you are given.









UCU-Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?


SC-I have a couple new seattle themed shirts designs and some brand new custom toys. Also lots of new screenprinted panel paintings.








UCU-Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

SC-I am kinda new to the north northwest so I am not familiar with that many people on the floor. I'm sure there will be lots of great art there to see.

Selena Eon Designs!

Interview with Selena Eon, check out Selena's eclectic designs at our summer show August 1st and 2nd!












UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

SE-My mother is a custom clothier and designer. I grew up around sewing machines. I didn’t like the clothes I found in stores, and they weren’t usually the right fit either. So it was only a matter of time! My skills grew while I was in medical school as I sewed to engage different parts of my brain and for relaxation. I am a technique-geek- always trying out new ideas, methods and experimenting, while striving to be ecologically conscious. I’m a physician for my day job, but am so drawn to clothing and accessories that you’ll find me reading sewing textbooks at bedtime every night.










UCU-Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

SE-Not really. I tend to sew when I have a fun idea or new technique I want to try out, or have happened upon some materials that call to me. So, I do what I do, compile new pieces, keep calm and carry on.














UCU-Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

SE-I’m excited about the wristlets and clutches made from interior design leather sample rectangles that were going to be thrown away. Many have classic vintage salvaged zippers and vintage fabric linings. Each bag is one of a kind and reasonably priced. I also have new loopy neck accessories upcycled from cotton jersey tees- they are very stylish, comfortable and unique on both genders. Honestly, I am very excited about many things I’ve been making lately.









4) Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

SE-I appreciate all the vendors and look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Japanese Kanzashi!

Interview with Diane Gilleland author of Kanzashi in Bloom. Come to Diane's book signing at our summer show!












UCU-You seem to enjoy many varieties of craft. Do you enjoy one art form over the other?

Diane-Nope - I'm a total crafty omnivore. I'll try making anything once. I like exploring as many techniques as possible, because it's so much fun then to combine them in new ways.

The one craft I seem to be genetically incapable of, though, is knitting. I get everything so tight, I can't even manouver my needles.














UCU-What got you interested in Japanese art?

Diane-I've always loved the simplicity of Asian design in general, and of course I'm totally in love with Japanese craft books. It's wonderful how many creative directions Japanese craft takes, and how pristine and beautiful the work is. I also love how the books are shorter and smaller in scope, but there are so many of them!















UCU-Why do you think Kanzashi above other art forms inspired you to write a book?

Diane-Well, oddly, I wanted to write a book for a long time, but because I'm such a crafty dilettante, I had a hard time figuring out what I could write a whole book about. The Kanzashi book actually wasn't my idea. I used to send out an email newsletter, and in one issue I included a picture of a Kanzashi I made. This newsletter, as it turned out, reached Kate McKean, a literary agent. She emailed me and asked, "What about a book on Kanzashi?" And I thought, "D'oh! Of course!" It's a lovely craft, and perfect for a book-length focus.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Fox and Clover handmade jewelry!

Interview with Sabrina from Fox and Clover . Come check out more Fox and Clover designs at our show August 1st and 2nd!








UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

F&C-I was living in Paris with my French boyfriend (now husband) in 2005. I didn't have a work visa so I couldn't work. I decided to take a craft class to fill my time. I found a recreational class on stained glass and suddenly realized I was really attracted to working with glass. The class turned out to be full, however. Disappointed, I turned to the internet. There I discovered a full year-long apprentice-style school program in traditional stained glass in Paris. I ended up doing this program. Part of what I learned during this year was traditional kiln-fired glass painting, which you can see in the faces and ornamentation on medieval stained glass windows. It is this glass-painting technique that I currently apply to my work. I paint onto glass and fire it in the kiln. It is actually an old medieval skill that I learned in Paris.












UCU- Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

F&C-I just make as much stuff as I can, and try to create an attractive way to display it.











UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

F&C-Absolutely! In addition to new jewelry & dishware designs, I'm launching a line of recycled wood fine art panel paintings. They will have motifs and imagery similar to my glass work, but more elaborate.








UCU-Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

F&C-I'm new to Seattle so the vendors and their works will all be new and inspiring. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Unleash your inner bohemian!

Interview with Tina, creator of Glamspoon. Come see these chic designs at our Summer Show!






UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

Tina-I've been sewing and crafting all my life, but my business venture started in 2005. I had a lot of items in my closet that I never wore but couldn't part with. I started altering them, and then found myself just cutting them up and making entirely new pieces from the materials. I then started trolling thrift stores and estate sales for recycled and vintage fabrics I could use to create my line of skirts and dresses.










UCU- Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

Tina- I try to make sure I have a variety of sizes for every item, as well as some smaller gift like items. Mostly though, just sew, sew, sew!









UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

Tina-My 2009 hot seller is the refashioned cotton country dress. I start with halter tops and short sleeve blouses and add layers of cotton to create a dress out of mix and match pieces, then dip it in a dye bath to give an cohesiveness to the individual prints. you can dress 'em up or dress 'em down!









UCU- Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

Tina-I love all the vendors who sell at UCU, and this time I'm setting aside time to shop myself!

Eco-Friendly Clothing by Kimmi Designs!

Interview with Kimmi from Kimmi Designs, check out more of her designs at our Summer Show!




UCU-How did you get started with your craft?

K- I started sewing as a kid, my grandmother taught me to sew and encouraged me to work on my own projects. My aunt then showed me how to copy patterns and manipulate them to get the results I wanted. After graduating high school, I attended design school in Houston, TX and furthered my skills and background knowledge of fashion history and extensive fabric knowledge. I'm addicted to fabrics and have Way to much of it!









UCU-Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

K-To plan for a show of this size, I look at what sold well for me last time, especially the price points and work on seasonal items to fit the bill. I show test items to friends, get feedback, make sure my fits on new patterns/ideas fit Really well. I then try to get as much product made as possible for the show.










UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

K-I'm working on a line of beautiful lace dresses, all made of recycled fabrics, that I'll be showcasing at the show. Also some new top designs.










UCU-Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

K-There's so many I'm looking forward to seeing! First is DeVout Dolls, absolutely love her work! Revival Inks, another favorite and Ugly Baby.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Author Signings

I am getting the author signing schedule together for this summer's first Urban Craft Uprising show. Our lineup of authors is rockin'. Check it out!

Saturday:
12:00-1:00: Tonia Davenport will be signing her book, Plexi Class: Cutting-Edge Projects In Plastic



1:00-2:00: Susan Beal will be signing her books, Bead Simple: Essential Techniques for Making Jewelry Just the Way You Want It and Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects for Necklaces, Bracelets, Embellishments, Housewares & More



2:00-3:00: Diane Gilleland will be signing her new book, Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give. Check out her new ebook Weaving Un-loomed. It looks amazing.



3:00-4:00: Jenny Hart will be signing her books, Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To and Stitch-It Kit

Sunday we have:



12:00-1:00: Jenny Hart will be signing her books, Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To and Stitch-It Kit



1:00-2:00: Brookelynn Morris and Nikola Davidson will be signing their new book, Feltique: Techniques and Projects for Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Fulling, and Working with Commercial Felt



2:00-3:00: Jennifer Worwick will be signing her new book, Backcountry Betty Crafting With Style: 50 Nature-Inspired Projects



3:00-4:00: Tonia Davenport will be signing her book, Plexi Class: Cutting-Edge Projects In Plastic

You don't want to miss this! As soon as I get the demo schedule finalized I'll put that up too.

There is a possibility that Matthew Porter will have his latest book, Flowers.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Decorate yourself with some soulful Lunaversoul!

Interview with Camisha, owner of Lunaversoul! Check out more of Lunaversoul's eye catching pieces August 1st and 2nd at our show!



UCU-How did you get started with your craft?

C-It began as a past time at first, I always wanted accesories to not only be original but to also give my style some extra flare, so I purchased various materials and began to brain storm & work until I came up with a unique braclet. So unique that someone actually wanted to buy it right off my wrist. So I began to experiment with other pieces and materials which eventually inspired the birth of Lunaversoul










UCU- Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

C-I want to make sure I have a mixture of pieces for both new comers and existing customers who are already familiar with my work. So I want to display new items and also show case some crowd favorites,by doing this I hope it will encourage the buyer the to mix and match to their liking.










UCU-Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

C-I am introducing my new line named Galactic Soul which will showcase great necklace and bracelet sets like the Neptune and Cosmic Girl. Pieces also featured are my BB Queen earrings and Andromeda necklace.













UCU- Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

C-I am anxious to see what Sprout Jewelry & Estrella Soap will be contributing to the show.










View other beautiful designs at the Lunaversoul website

Glam Garb by Gunlis!

Interview with Gunlis from Glam Garb. Come check out more from Glam Garb at our summer show!




UCU- How did you get started with your craft?

GG-I have always had a love for my mothers Vintage Slips, and reviving garments for me is not only a craft, it also promotes a lifestyle that will sustain our planet.












UCU- Are there specific ways you plan ahead for a show of this size?

GG-I alway try to promote UCU during my other Summer events and my customers always apprecieate UCU designers who are good at their craft.












UCU- Are there any new items we will see at this summer’s show?

GG-My hand-dyed Crinoline Skirts, I mix colors in order to create new palettes that are unique and every garment becomes one of a kind.









UCU- Any vendors you look forward to seeing?

GG-Erin Macleod Designs, Allison Kline Mishmash, Estrella Soaps, Amphora Candles, Me Me Cosmetics ... the list is long!









Love Glam Garb's look? Check out more designs here