Etsy's Handmade Blog
Open Studio Tour: SnitchesGetStitches
Story by FrucciDesign, SnitchesGetStitches
Published on October 6, 2009 in This Handmade Life 		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!

Tags FrucciDesign, lifestyle, Open Studio Tours, sellers, SnitchesGetStitches, studio, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, working spaces, workroom
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130 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. poppyswickedgarden

What a super fun story and what a cutie Melissa is! I want to squeeze her! I think I need to make my studio brighter than my current orange to neon orange too! I bet I would produce more! Great story!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. EJPcreations

Great article! I love seeing where artist work!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. BabbidgePatch

thanks for sharing your story / workspace ~ it's fun to see what inspires other artists!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. beCoy

Studio tours, what a great idea! I love seeing other people's workspaces! I'm always on the lookout for great ideas for my own studio.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. RobWhite

Yay Melissa!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. LuttrellStudio

Whoa!!! That studio is amazing!!!! I am painting and redecorating mine right now to be a more personal. creative space!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

adorable!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. paramountvintage

whoa color! looks like the best studio!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. paramountvintage

ps. i adore the name of your store. very clever :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. pulpsushi

How fun! I would never leave this room. I like your style Melissa. :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. honeypopjewellery

Wow, what an amazing room!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. beachhouseblues

That's an electric space!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

You rock Melissa - awesome space!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. BlueTerracotta

What a great space!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. jodieflowers

pretty cool.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. simplyworn

Eye Candy......wow, a studio that fits the person.....
too cool...good for Melissa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. MissMinoes

Love it! It just oozes with inspiration =^x^=

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. SimplySassySupplies

Very cool..and what makes it better..is she's a NC girl!! GO NC!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Your studio is so much fun! Thanks for sharing with us!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. lizroca

What a fun space and entertaining interview!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. JeannineRobertsRoyce

She's calls it a playroom. Perfect!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. Pearlk2

nice

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. workingforpeanuts

That's quite an inspiring playroom!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

So awesome!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6 p.m. lovelygifts

Great story and nice studio!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. OpulentOddities

You are soooo cute! And you have awesome stuff! And you make awesome stuff! And I wish I had the gall to paint my walls lime green because it kicks ass!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. DaysLight

Amazing studio! And amazing style!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. LittleWhiteDresser

Great job!!! love the studio's colors ans feel :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. Stargazer02

cool!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. Faeriedtreasures

haha.. your studio is so awesome. I love all the bright! Colour inspires creativity!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. ArtDecoDame

love the studio so fun and vivid!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. topsyturvydesign

Bernina - the gift that keeps on giving! :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. MilkGlassVintage

How much fun is that studio??? I love the colors and the fun tchotchkes everywhere. And it's organized, too?! WOW!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. CosplayOtaku

Love your workspace!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. whimsicalpaperdot

Love your workroom, cool things !!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. 1AEON

pinkytoast is fabulous!
love it!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. warpedLaurie

You can tell you have fun doing your stuff,and you have the room to prove it.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. missmuffcake

I love this space! It makes me want to clean up mine!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. BeautifulSoaps

Very cool workspace Melissa! I too can get lost for hours looking at boopsiedaisy and stoopidgerl's artwork, here and on flickr. I'll have to check out pinkytoast next. Thanks for sharing a bit of your creative corner :-)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:26 p.m. breadandroses

Definitely a BRIGHT and happy studio space! Love the sneak peak.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. worksofwhimsy

I love these articles. It's so fun to see how people work.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

Melissa, I admire you for keeping a neat workspace.
I wish I could say that I clean mine every time I am in there! Nice article! :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. zombuki

OMG I see one of my postcards :D rock on!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. HeartExposure

Makes me wanna paint my studio!!! So cool!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. moonstr

cute cute cute!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. MinceCo

great set up

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. ManGiftVintage

NEATO!!!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. OhBoyCatToy

Cute!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. Inspirationsnat

I like your style melissa :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. Krystyna81

I adore your shop banner!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. CyanideStitches

Wow, that studio makes mine look like a prison cell...I need more colors!
Very, very cute studio! Melissa is awesome!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ConservationClothing

fun piece, cute items Melissa.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. rkdsign88

Your studio looks great!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. zombiequeensusan

Oh thank goodness...I beleived I was the only one in the world who could not read patterns and had to make their own.
Keep rockin it chick!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. DianeLDesigns

What a fun studio, interview and of course Melissa!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Love the studio, the story, the girl and the tattoos! Thanks for sharing this!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. QuiltFinger

Loved the peek inside this fun studio!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. jbeaudet

What a colorful fun studio!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. AlaskAnna

I have a confession to make.
I can't read patterns either. I confuse even the simplest of steps :) I just say it's because I'm left handed, lol.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. redpanda

Melissa is awesome! I saw her studio IRL last year and plus her cats are cool.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:36 p.m. designlab443

something to look at in every nook... but, you are missing a secret robot, I didn't see one.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:17 p.m. sunstoneboutique

great studio , great story too , i love your personality

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. apsaraboutique

Very kewl studio!
It reminds me of my old one, I had painted a similar green.
I love the bright colors.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. ModFarmgirl

Beautiful studio! LOVE the bright colors (I thrive on color too). SO organized (something I need to work on....) Thank you for letting us take a peak!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. mullishmuse

HOW FANTASTIC! i'm really inspired by the energy. i may rework my corner :) i like the colorful collections.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:12 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Love your studio, such happy eclectic colors~! Thanks for letting us peek.......

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. JaimeNicole

I love it! I'm inspired to clean mine out now : )

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. LaBellaAmour

love it!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:04 a.m. MyMoms

Definitely different and unique. Thanks for sharing!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:51 a.m. imnotyrbabe

How nice!! your studio so cute and fun..I alway wanna have my own studio but limit space.thank for sharing ^^

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:58 a.m. GlamRockEmporium

Awesome! You rock! Mine feels boring by comparison! I gotta go shake things up!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:35 a.m. kukkilintu

Wow,what a studio!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:08 a.m. lealerjcreates

thanks for sharing. Stay creative!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. Oriol

wow! what a powerful playroom!!!!!!
Really nice items in the shop!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 6:20 a.m. MemoryBoxes

Great studio.

I'd never get anything done if I worked there

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. Navare

Your studio is so inspiring and so very you! i can't wait to have my own studio at some point, instead of the dining room table.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. BugPop

Love it! x

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. cassidycay

Thanks for showing us around your shop! Love the paint colors!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. BlueCrushBeads

WOW the studio itself is a work of art. Love it:)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. bittersweetdesign

love your studio! I know what you mean about being 7 when you enter your studio - when I go into my work room or shop, I feel the same way.
Nice to 'meet' you!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. BululuGems

Cool studio.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. thestapeliacompany

I LOVE this article. So neat and quirky. And I love that shop. :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. monkeyandsquirrel

oh yaaaaaaaa! i was so excited when i woke up this morning and saw this. melissa and i are on the same etsy team. hornets nest represent!!!

congrats melissa!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. lavenderrabbit

What fun! I love the personality of the studio.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. PunkUpBettie

Melissa seems like my kind of people!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. VixVintage

You are a doll Melissa, I know that one day you will be in that workshop full time! Never grow up, it is the only way to grow older.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. knowingphotography

awesome studio!! great work :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. valentinadesign

*COOL* Studio!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. gothholiday

Love the vibe of your studio-- speaking of Bride of Frankenstein--

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

:)
Di

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. lovahandmade

Cute!!! I keep everyone's hands off my shears as well! ha!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. kirstenfrancis

Very cool. Proof that you can work (and play) in a very small place if you are ferociously organized (now, where is my labeler...?).

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. Bishopxx

Thanks for letting me peek into your world-you inspire me!

Oct. 7, 2009 at noon happygolicky

Awesome space- inspires me to want to get better organized! I might have a neat spot, too... under the beads, and findings, and tools, and stuff. Neat idea to focus on individuals studios. We all love to see how others work.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. happywhosits

Yay Melissa! Great article. Your studio fits you so well!

Eileen...

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. revelry

Wow, great article! And such an organized studio space. I wish you could come organize mine :)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. poppyfox

Aw looks like such a fun place to work in.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. mentalembellisher

I love to see how other artists work and where they spend their creative energy...this is just great! And I lurve your tattoos.....

Oct. 7, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. michon

wow, I see why you call it your playroom - what a fun space!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. SoStinkingSweet

What an awesome playroom! Thank you so much for sharing!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. anadiazarte

What a great place to work!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 2:49 a.m. AzitasSurprises

wow! i love your studio! i wish mine was as colorful and organized as yours. what a fun place to work!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 3:16 a.m. OopisNein

Thanks. That is an amazing workspace. It puts mine to shame.

Oct. 8, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. SaintBead

I spy My Little Pony dolls! :D

Oct. 8, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. vivikas

I love her space!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. bhangtiez

u'r space is so fun...thanks 4 sharing!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. BlackLotusDesign

I love that space! I share mine with four guys, definitely not a pretty workshop!

Oct. 9, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. BeadsnBanglesbyKim

Great article Melissa. Great to see you and your studio.

Oct. 9, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. outoftheblue

Oh my gosh...I had that exact balloon lamp in my room as a child. I have such fond memories of it!! :) What a fun place to create...super cute!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. DomesticDivasFancy

Wow! That looks very energizing. Thanks for sharing. My hubby is building my room right now and I was going to go for a very light color...but I really like this. It seems like it would give you a burst of energy...some days I need that!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:04 a.m. sugarraindrops

I love your studio, specially the green paint mixed with pink furniture! Everything around is eye candy to the max. :D
Keep up the great work.
~Laura

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. craftpile

awesome Melissa :)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. kalicat

amazing colors. I like how organised it looks
x
thanks for the great interview
Kalicat

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:56 p.m. thepoppytree

This is the best storque spotlight I've ever read or seen. Melissa, I love your style! =)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. boopsiedaisy

I'm MAD about Melissa! I can't remember the last time I came across a person so viciously & unbearably intriguing & cool! I am so inspired by her, every day, not just in the business sense but as a person and human being, too! Truly she is a remarkable girl and the world is in great shortage of people so totally wonderful! xox!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 2:18 a.m. Marleyjanedotcom

Melissa you rock out with your socks out. Thank you for keeping it interesting.

Oct. 13, 2009 at 10 a.m. quiltwork

What fun! I love it! I wish we can clone you :-)
Stop by to see if you want to add quiltworks stuff to your collection :-) I'd be honored!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. catmomster

Melissa you are a true inspiration. I LOVE crafts and have done them ALL my life - but now I am taking care of my elderly mom, 16 cats - 6 of which are special needs cats and on several medications per day, plus work full time. Oh and feeding and going to check on a mama dog and her 2 pups several times a day that are homeless but feral. So I no longer have time for crafts, or reading or the computer (mostly just at lunch)- my hobbies! I miss crafts so much. Your studio is INCREDIBLE. I want one just like it. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday so I love all that stuff you have too. I think your studio is amazing. What a FUN place. If more folks were like you - and would think they are really a kid, this world would be a much better place. Keep up being a kid - it means you are just that much more creative!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. catmomster

PS - is there anyway to "save" these pix of your studio and the synopsis. I would like to have this just go back and review from time to time. It is truly inspirational! Input, anyone?

Oct. 15, 2009 at 1:36 a.m. raghousenternational

very cool collection of things. I love the color on the walls as well. Nice and bright. Color is spectacular!

Ren
http://www.raghousenternational.etsy.com

Oct. 16, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. SouthwestCrafts

Great space! Now I want a studio! I work in my livingroom.

Oct. 18, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. FableBay

an amazing space! puts my own workspace to shame!:)

Oct. 19, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. OctoberMansion

Wonderful to find another lover of color!!

Oct. 20, 2009 at 12:17 a.m. BathtubBling

what a fun studio!! love all the bright colors and toys!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. Debdonnellydesigns

I can't stand it anymore. I need to get my space finished! What a fun and cheerful space!!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. vintagegirldezigns

I think having a studio that really inspires you really helps to get the creative juices flowing ~ nice job!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. PaperPetalCreations

This studio is amazing: fun-filled, colorful and yet so organzied. I can only dream of having something so beautiful one day. Thanks for the inspiration.

Oct. 23, 2009 at 5:49 a.m. MetroGypsy

How funky and fun! That green is radioactive creativity! :)

Oct. 24, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. snollygosters

What is that. Anyway, your studio is amazing, I loooooove your doll collection I can see how your so inspired! I am just by reading your interview! Thanks for that!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. snollygosters

OMG! is that a "My little pony" Mobile!!!!!!

Nov. 22, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. AmberStrachArt

The shop is adorable and in itself is inspiration. Great article!

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