Open Studio Tour: SnitchesGetStitches

FrucciDesign

Story by FrucciDesign

Published on Oct 06, 2009 in Read

Photo by SnitchesGetStitches

In this Open Studio Tour series, we snoop around Etsians’ creative spaces to find out the story behind the drawing table. We want to know all about our artists, and in the process, perhaps get a bit of inspiration for our own workrooms!

For this month’s open studio, we visited SnitchesGetStitches. Melissa is obsessed with color, horror, and the bizarre and she says that she must have been the Bride of Frankenstein in a past life…so let’s explore  her spooky studio!

What’s your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Melissa Allen and I’m a craft addict. 90% of the time, I’m a seamstress specializing in bags, pouches, and hair accessories. In addition, I’m 2% knitter, 2% painter, 2% resin artist, and 4% every other craft you can think of. In my Etsy shop, you will find items hot off my sewing machine. My husband is an artist and he often has prints of his original paintings available as well.

What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on some new patterns for the upcoming holiday season. I want to vamp up my current designs and try new techniques. I always draw up my own patterns, so that is #1 on my list right now. I am also working on some pouches with my scrap fabric. I’m trying out new sizes and even working on new inventory of keychain pouches.

When did you decide you needed to get a studio?
I learned to sew about four years ago with the help of my mother-in-law and husband. (How awesome is that?) I started with an $80 Kenmore sewing machine and a card table in the living room. Within two months, the fabric stacks had become unbearable and I knew that something had to be done. Up to this point, I was sewing for fun. I enjoyed what I was doing so much and I knew I could only carry so many bags (and trust me, I have A LOT). A friend introduced me to Etsy, and I decided at that point I needed a studio… a place for me, my sewing machine, and my supplies. Shortly after, I had my own space and SnitchesGetStitches was born!

Tell us a bit about the process of setting it up.
Since I live in a house with my husband and two cats (MeowMeow and Pumpkin), finding a place to start a studio was easy. We live in a small two bedroom house, but it is the perfect size for the four of us. We have this TINY room at the back of our house that was used for storage. I wiped that area out, painted it with the most awesome green I could find, and moved in.

Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
Not at all. With the help of local thrift stores and Ikea, I was able to create the studio of my dreams with a tiny budget. I have two tables that cost $50 together. An old metal cabinet from my husband’s grandmother works perfectly for my supplies (and doubles as the ideal place to display business cards from all of my favorite Etsy sellers). Shelves were $5 each from Ikea and the color selection is amazing. Large totes that are stored beneath my tables serve as extra storage for finished items and extra fabric. The curtains were handmade. I purchased a used Kenmore Serger for $90. The total cost to start my studio was around $200. Spray paint is my friend! Old frames to display art can be changed to any color your heart desires. I always have a stash of spray paint in my studio. I use thin plastic table liners ($1) to cover my damaged table tops for aesthetic purposes (oops — that rotary cutter should have had a mat under it!). Saving money in the start of my studio gave me more money to spend on supplies. I have a nasty fabric obsession!

As for all of the random décor, I have been adding to my collection over the past few years. A majority of these goods come from Etsy. The money for this does not come out of my crafter budget, so all is well. Being surrounded by handmade goods in my studio keeps me inspired to continue doing what I do!

How big is your studio?
I just measured it.  9 feet x 7.5 feet.

Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
Last Christmas, my husband and mother-in-law gifted me with a Bernina. While I still have (and use) my little Kenmore, there are qualities about the Bernina that definitely make my life easier. I have taken a mastery class for my new machine and I loved every minute of it. One little note: no one EVER touches my serrated shears. FOR FABRIC ONLY! The Bernina beats out the shears as favorite tool, but I could not live without them.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
I cannot read patterns (or maybe I just lack the patience). While I have dozens of patterns stashed away in my studio, I never use them. I have always created my own patterns with construction paper and tape. I use construction paper because I’m rough on patterns and use them many times… I can tear through the thin tracing paper within one use. 

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
Whether I’m sewing or just playing around, I spend about 20 hours in my studio per week. I work a full-time job (plus some), so I have to limit the time in my studio in order to maintain my social life and sleep schedule. I wish I could spend every waking moment inside my room sewing and crafting… maybe one day!

Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
While I don’t mind if people come in and use my studio, I do appreciate the fact that it is solely mine. Everything I have is within arm’s reach and I can find anything in an instant. I think sharing my studio with someone could disrupt my flow. We don’t want a cranky Melissa. I’m very methodical.

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
I do not NEED anything, but I’m always looking to add to the art and décor. I would love to have more pieces from pinkytoast, boopsiedaisy, and stoopidgerl.

If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
Definitely playroom. Without the playroom aspect, I would have no studio. Being in a happy space is a must. If I enjoy being in my room, I’m going to enjoy my work!

And last but not least, how often do you clean it?
Wow. I’m a crazy house cleaner. I clean every time I enter the room. Everything has a place. I even have most of my containers with drawers labeled. My fabric is always folded and coordinated by style… not color. To someone that isn’t familiar with my room, it can appear to be a madhouse. To me, it is a colorful and wacky haven in which I enjoy every moment that I spend.

Anything else you’d like to add?
The color of my studio was inspired by a pair of electric green Doc Martens that I have had for quite some time. I was married on Halloween in 2004 with a complete DIY wedding. I frequently change my hair color and my personality is very addictive (or so I’m told). I love toys and refuse to think that I am getting older. At 28, I still feel like I’m 7-years-old when I enter my studio.

Thank you, Melissa. Until the next studio snoop, ciao!

If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below or add photos to the Open Studio Flickr group,  and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!

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