Etsy :: The Storque :: Spotlight :: Featured Buyer: The Breeders' Kelley Deal

Featured Buyer: The Breeders' Kelley Deal


Story by missbatch Published on December 31, 2008 in Spotlight	Photo by benzpics63 on Flickr

You may know this week's Featured Buyer, Kelley Deal, rocks... but did you know she also knits and crochets? It's true! (Her new book, Bags that Rock, has 20 great purse patterns to prove it!)

This long time musician and fan of all things handmade took a break from touring the world with the Breeders in support of their latest album, Mountain Battles, to search Etsy using some of her favorite words as inspiration. Check out her finds below.

My mom and dad are from West Virginia. There is a rich tradition of needlework and handcrafting there. I can remember my grandmother, hands gnarled with arthritis, crocheting intricate lace using a tiny hook and what was basically thread! My mother taught me how to crochet when I was little and she and I continue to share a love of handwork. We have made quilts together and even roped my sister, Kim, into the process. Kim hand-quilts so beautifully and perfectly I had to encourage her to "make it look more hand done" or people would think it was machine quilted.

I found it impossible to just start at the Etsy home page and pick a dozen or so items. Hours would go by as I just got lost browsing and ambling from one unique piece of art to the next. I had to shake off the "Etsy art fog" and focus my search. What I did was to enter specific keywords about stuff I liked. Like...Ohio, crossword puzzles, yarn, beads and so on. That really helped me narrow down my list.

Smokestack Ohio Tee by ChopChop

I was born and raised in Ohio. Do you know hard it is to find an "OHIO" shirt that is not some variation of red, gray and white? I gotta get this.

Crossword Puzzle Glass Image Pendant by JoanJewels

I am addicted to crossword puzzles...this is adorable.

My Baby Crossword Puzzles by CubistLiterature

When I searched using the keyword 'crossword' this came up. I have no idea why it came up, but I kept going back to it. It's just really funny: this nice muted polo with these scary, alien bunnies. Very strange. I must have it.

Felt Beads Assortment With Polka Dots by kjoosupplies

These are exquisite! Look at the color palette. I could just frame this picture and hang it as art.

Mastiff Stitch Markers (set of 5) by weeones

An item that unites my love of knitting and of bull mastiffs? Please. My dog's name is Carter and he's a good boy.

Hand knitted Super Wash Merino Wool Socks Handspun Blue Yellow by cherryblossoms

Good lookin' socks! I haven't made a pair yet, but when I do, I want them to look just like these.

The Breeders Concert Poster by vrsdesign

Great job! Uh, you need to send me one....

Hand Spun BFL Wool..Tencel.. Merino- 4.5 oz - 2 Ply - Serendipity by Epicurus

Oh my. Look at the colors. I don't know anything about spinning or rovings or whatever. Is the whole process just a big experiment? How does someone plan for yarn to look like these? Maybe it's best just left as a mystery.

Haphazard 1 - One of a Kind Mini Quilt by summersville

This is really lovely fabric put together so randomly and yet so right.

Art Nouveau Inspired Felt Flowers Brooch, Wintery Skies by designedbyjane

All of this artist's work is exquisite: such attention to detail and such neat work.

Graffilthy Hoops by dmdmetal

Oh my god: These are so cool. I know this guy. He's a graffiti writer and he is so talented. His shop is called dmdmetal. Hi Wand - everyone in Ohio says "Hi!" Let's see, there's the 'A', then the 'B'....

For more on Kelley and her new book, check out kelleydeal.net. For more Breeder's updates, visit breedersdigest.net. Thanks to Kelley for taking the time to visit and happy New Year to all!

Looking for past Featured Buyers? Check out our archive!

Tags	author, Bags that Rock, book review, Featured Buyer, Guest Curator, Kelley Deal, knitting, music, musician, rock n roll, shopping, The Breeders, yarn

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101 comments Login to add your own!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.

Vanessa

The Breeders was one of my first concerts when I was in high school! Kelley, you rock!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.

norajane

wow!!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:13 p.m.

SpeakForYourself

Cool!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.

wiredoriginals

Man, if Kelley OR her sister Kim bought anything from me, I think I'd have a happy heart attack!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:23 p.m.

LaveMeSoapCo

lol!
my dad is from hogs run, wva and i am from canton ohio. those places sure do 'breed' awesome folks!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.

snowdropsense

I love The Breeders!!
Nice to see you here, Kelley!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.

BluCille

Neat stuff.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:44 p.m.

SillyDolphinsJewelry

OK, I'm dying to know what the graffitti rings say...

Love the crossword pendant.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:44 p.m.

KrazyFashion

Coolness.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.

glamasaurus

Love the breeders and it is almost impossible to find Ohio shirts that arent buckeyes colors.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:51 p.m.

kmwatkins

I love the Breeders! Rock!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.

DownToTheWireDesigns

I love the Breeders! I just saw them last month in Seattle-- the best show of the year! I am not at all surprised that Kelley can knit after seeing her play guitar live!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.

santokivintage

AHHH! Kim Deal is the best the best the best! I saw the Breeders and the Amps, too. Yay!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:03 p.m.

mmmfiber

Whoa! Color me impressed!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.

AdornMeNow

Kelly, you are an Artist through and through!! Such an influence

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:06 p.m.

LazyTcrochet

Love Epicurus yarns...gorgeous! Fun picks.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.

allthenumbers

I am speechless! I love the Breeders - so cool you are on Etsy!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:37 p.m.

annamatrona

wow, i love you even more now, kelley!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.

faeriesfolly

Awesome picks from an amazing chick!
Go, go West Virginia! ;) Learn something new every day.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:46 p.m.

RaeGun

love the weird slug, alien bunny guys too cute

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

LaCometaLab

Wow, I totally LOVE The Bredeers!!! So cool to see Kelley around :) She should open a shop here!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.

moonstr

love love love The Breeders!!!!
Kim your the best!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.

moonstr

oooops I mean Kelley!!!
i feel so lame now
dam my excitement and caffiene intake

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:12 p.m.

strawberryluna

Awesome! I heart The Breeders from way back on day one. Nice to see you here Kelley. Super picks, I love the range of items and styles.

Happy new year!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:17 p.m.

metalicious

Kelley ROCKS!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:31 p.m.

lsad

My friend met her at a concert, this is so cool I love them!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:46 p.m.

poppyandclover

I really like that Ohio smokestack tee. The Breeders (and the Pixies) make me think of fun times...Thanks Kelley!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.

LeArmoire

Awesome! I love the Breeders! Really cool stuff you picked too. :)

Dec. 31, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.

SteppingStones

Yay Breeders!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 5:55 p.m.

KnitzAndFeltz

From one fiber artist to another... You ROCK Kelley!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 5:56 p.m.

AlyTheRed

I love your bag book!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:11 p.m.

deleteyourself

Love the Breeders!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.

timesandchimes

Well she has fun and spunky taste!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:35 p.m.

JeweledAmbrosia

She has some great style sense, love her notes about each of her finds!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 6:39 p.m.

raisinlike

This is sooo cool, and I love the fact Kelley knits too!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:05 p.m.

snappyshop

I love the Breeders, The Aamps and of course the Pixies!! Kelley Deal is super cool!!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:34 p.m.

PeppermintDaydreams

fancy! i love the ohio shirt.

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.

Schmutzerland

Yay! I am so excited for this features buyer! I LOVE the Breeders! Ahhh I'm so pumped!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 7:53 p.m.

KhaosCat

ahhhhooooohhhh ohhhhhh ahhhhhohhhhhh ooooo do you chocho something something......Love it!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:15 p.m.

flashframe

Awesome! I just saw Kelly & Kim play a show in Los Angeles last month and they were amazing! This is a great feature to show another side to her. Thanks!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:23 p.m.

SarahsPapierGarden

Glad to see you mention OHIO !

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:32 p.m.

pinkshowercurtain

cool!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.

paperdollsforboys

I never noticed the "featured buyer" before. It's really fun to read what keywords someone uses. Now I'm off to work on my knit t-shirt that has OHIO written in a crossword puzzle, just for you! Still trying to work in the scary alien bunnies...

Dec. 31, 2008 at 10:39 p.m.

wickedchilddesigns

It's cool to see a well known musician on Etsy that knits. Helps make it sound more hip to be a crafter/artist on Etsy. Her bag book looks awesome too !!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 11:03 p.m.

SpaceCaseGrace

Watching The Breeders at Lollapalooza in Chicago '94, my senior year of high school, was one of the best moments of my LIFE! Rock on Kelley, you're even cooler than I could have imagined! ~;)

Dec. 31, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.

johnclark

neat! I'm a fan!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 12:03 a.m.

JetWhitePonytail

love it love it

Jan. 1, 2009 at 3:34 a.m.

pinknylon

oh, that's awesome! i'm a huge fan of the breeders.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 8:07 a.m.

RocketScienceShop

Awesome picks! So happy that you're on etsy!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 8:18 a.m.

ThreadAndPetal

Fantastic! I am a huge Pixies fan.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:04 a.m.

plusonedesign

Wow! I'm too excited to think of something intelligent to say!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:44 a.m.

KMStitchery

KellEy Deal you RULE! :)

Jan. 1, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.

crochettreasures

Kelly your stuff is so neat looking and you are so talented that you can do this kind of stuff.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 11:34 a.m.

girlindustries

Great picks. Just goes to show, you never know who's on Etsy!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 12:18 p.m.

miccicohan

Rock'n Knittin!!! Can't wait to hear the latest from the Breeders!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 12:28 p.m.

jodieflowers

She has great taste!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 1:04 p.m.

aliherrmann

It's hard not to love yarns and see the patterns one can knit up!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.

redyellowandblueink

When I saw Kim's face flash over the storque article floating by my jaw dropped. Nice to learn about her handmade background-really cool. Especially the quilting-as my mom taught me to quilt.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 2:44 p.m.

makemesmile

They're so cool.
Needless to say I got to get me that book!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.

DeborahVoizin

Kelley,
You have put together
a fun and interesting collection!
I can't wait to take a peek inside your book!
Deborah

Jan. 1, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.

fivedot

YAY OHIO!
great compilation, kelley!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.

worksofwhimsy

Excellent choices. You have a great eye.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 3:33 p.m.

laralewis

i know what kelley speaks of when she refers to the "etsy art fog." i think i'm in one right now, actually....

Jan. 1, 2009 at 4:07 p.m.

BrazanDesign

What an awesome new years surprise! Thanks!!!
By the way, you totally rock...

Jan. 1, 2009 at 5:44 p.m.

LegendaryTigerHero

Does anybody sell cannonballs? *drum roll*

Jan. 1, 2009 at 7 p.m.

ConstantGalore

sweeeeet

Jan. 1, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.

WickedFascinations

very cool!!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.

samsstuff

Love The Breeders, love The Pixies & love the picks (especially the concert poster & the hand spun wool). Very cool indeed! I'll have to check out the book. Thanks Kelley.
Shelley (also with an ey)

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:10 p.m.

whiletheyplay

Cool! :)

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:22 p.m.

MarshaNealStudio

After catching my breath, and slowing the happy excited feet down a bit (WOW - Kelley Deal!!!) - excellent collection to look at! Thanks for that eye candy and the ear candy as well - Keep rocking!!!!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:31 p.m.

livefunky

Yay! Love The Breeders and all things Deal! Great finds, Kelley.

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:37 p.m.

5erg

Awesome!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 9:46 p.m.

aromaticbodyoils

Totally rocks!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 10:48 p.m.

CrystalsAndStones

So very talented! LOVE women that can rock!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 2:37 a.m.

aslibinal

nice

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:41 a.m.

expressyourself

Lovely!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.

GothBarbie

ITS GLORIOUS!!! GLORIOUS!!!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 11:37 a.m.

VedaArts

the miniquilt made in summersville england and handscreened is very cool indeed. such work!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.

ciaraobscura

Kelley Deal on Etsy?! This is a good day, my friends... a good day.

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.

nanouke

How exciting to see Kelley on Etsy!!
And finding she's a fellow knitter? That made my day too :)

Jan. 2, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.

Thepaperboat

The Breeders on Etsy!!! I saw them live in 1994 at the Pink Pop in the Netherlands and fell in love with them! And she is a crafter, too! Perfection...

Jan. 2, 2009 at 5:43 p.m.

rebeccakategeikowski

I once slept in a train station all night after a Breeders concert over 10 years ago! Etsy is cool!!!!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.

janedeaux

Last Splash helped get me through my early 20's

Jan. 2, 2009 at 11:30 p.m.

gymbohannah

Crazy- you never know what you may find here on Etsy. NEVER EVER thought I would see something about Kelley from The Breeders. Especially finding out the she knits. Too cool. NEVER EVER THOUGHT knitting could be cool. You really made an impression in my life with your music, and once again her on Etsy with your knitting stories. I'm speechless. YOU freakin rock!
GYMBOHANNAH on ETSY

Jan. 3, 2009 at 1:38 a.m.