fortheloveofpete's Profile

Bio

My name is Valerie and I have always loved barkcloth, and I have always been enamored with the past-- especially the 30's and the 40's. These were the inspirations behind my decision to open my shop. I chose the name For the Love of Pete because I wanted to pay tribute to my Uncle Pete. He was a Nebraska farm boy who joined the Navy and in his travels fell in love with Hawaii and also fell in love with a girl. Unfortunately he was caught in the storm of WWII, suffered many atrocities as a POW, and did not live to see what might have been. He is buried on the beautiful island of Oahu.

I have also started a little project called "Somebody's Sweetheart." You'll see that I have featured photographs of men and women who have served in the armed forces in the past, but for some reason their pictures have been given away by family members and ended up in various places. I don't know who they are, but by featuring them in my photos I'll try to make sure they aren't forgotten.

10% of all money from bags sold goes to the Paralyzed Veterans of America:
http://www.pva.org

I sew my bags on my heavy old black 1950 Singer. It is such a great machine and runs just as well today as when it was made almost 60 years ago. I find that kind of quality impressive and I am inspired to put my very best into each bag I make.

I always pack the bags I sell in boxes so they won't get all wrinkled and squished.

My workshop and home are smoke free, but our family does include a cute little mutt named Willow. She is most helpful by just keeping me company when I sew.

I am a proud member of the Eastern Washington Team. To see our work please search for easternwateam under the "handmade" heading.

I Twitter:
http://twitter.com/loveofpete

About my blog--
You'll find short little stories about all sorts of things-my dog, Halloween, an old pair of work boots...I have discovered that I love creative writing, and if I can add a little bit of wit and humor and happiness to your day, then I consider my blog a success.
If you would like to take a peek, you'll find it here...

http://www.for-the-love-of-pete.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for visiting my shop!

Female, Born on September 19

Favorite Materials

Barkcloth, vintage buttons, tropical and hawaiian fabric, webbing