Today’s Featured Mom has taken her love of simple things to a soft, familiar place. Allisa, the mom behind quiltish, sews because she loves to – and it shows.
H: How long have you been doing what you do?
A: I’ve been creating forever. As a first grader, I was queen of the popsicle dollhouse furniture and the easy bake oven. I moved on to wood engraving, jewelry making, woodworking, painting, and eventually what I love most, sewing
H: What do you like to create?
A: I design women’s handbags & accessories and have added baby bibs, burp cloths, blankets, and onesies to my line. Often, I have the urge to quilt, one of my first sewing passions, and include them in my line. With each item I strive to combine color and design to make something useful and fresh. While my patterns are simple, I believe it’s the focus I place on quality that makes them unique.
H: How did you get started?
My line, “quiltish,” began through the encouragement of two amazing friends who trusted m
e enough to teach them to quilt. During one of our stitching parties they urged me create a bag that we could use out and about. I took it as a dare, went home, gave my hand a making my own pattern, and whipped something up. I took it to the school where we taught the following day. By the end of the school day I had orders for three more. And so it began.
H: Are you finding success?
A: Success? Motherhood gives that word a whole new meaning. Waking up each morning to see Jack’s face is probably the most successful I will ever feel. But I do find joy in the process of choosing colors, combing for new fabric, dreaming up new designs, and assembling them all together with as much care as when I make something for one of my own friends, family members…or baby. Each time I hear praise for my quiltish line I know I’m on the right track. I do hope that enough people enjoy my quiltish items so that I can continue to stay home with Jack in the coming years.
H: Were you creative before you had children?
A: Yes, I’ve always loved making things…but being a mother somehow brings it out even more.
H: Have your methods changed?
A: As far as the technical aspect of pattern making & sewing I still do everything the same. It’s the when & how that’s changed!
H: How do you find time to stay creative?
A: Ummm, I just hope that Jack takes his naps.
H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?
A: He’s still a little guy, just 7 months old, but he seems to love fabric stores- but I think maybe it’s all the attention he gets from the other frenzied women shoppers.
H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)
A: I’ve learned to stay true to myself & my designs. Being a mother is the biggest confidence boost and I no longer worry what others think. I just create & hope someone loves it enough to purchase…..if not, Jack could always use another bib & I love toting around my own handbags.
You can find Allisa’s work at www.quiltish.com and she also blogs at www.quiltish.blogspot.com. Visit her and show some love. If you buy anything from her shop, use the code “Maternal Spark” in the notes to seller feild and enjoy free shipping (in North America) until Dec 5th.
Like this post? Subscribe and never miss a spark!
Just visiting.
Quilts are comforting.
what lovely things