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The first felt pattern I ever drafted was from the scraps of another project. Small though they were, I wanted to see potential in something that was otherwise forgotten. I figured they could be turned into something cute, something lovable. I made a lion. A creature who is courageous and strong. This little lion made its way to a friend of mine, as a gift to her newly born son. And that's how my little shop began, looking at scraps and seeing a lion.
I made (among others) sheep who were peaceful, prancing calfs who are playful, bold orca, brave sea turtles, a grumpy manatee that has a soft spot, a giraffe who was gentle and a shrimp who has love in his heart. Animals have so much to teach us about the positive aspects of anyone's nature. I make animals because they inspire my optimism.
After a short while making animals, it occured to me that there might be other people out there who would enjoy making these animals more than buying one. There might be sewers who want to put their own personality and good intentions into their creations with whatever scraps they have on hand.
I make illustrated tutorials that go step-by-step to help sewers of all skill levels make something special. When I'm putting my patterns out there for other crafters and sewers, it's very important to me that I'm making the best pattern I can make. I try several iterations to get it as close as I can to my vision. I also try to write my directions as clear as possible and provide detailed images of exactly what I'm explaining. My hope is that if you're new to sewing you will feel at ease with any pattern I make. Then after I finish the tutorial, I test the pattern again to make certain that it will come out as expected. I want any sewer to be in love with their creation!
I think when someone makes something by hand, whatever it is, that creation takes on a personality of its own. We can never perfectly cut, stitch or decorate something that's handmade and so these small imperfections create a profound uniqueness. Your octopus or sheep or puffer-fish won't be like anyone else's because you made it. It will embody a hope you have for its destination too. Courage, peacefulness or braveness that you can give to your loved ones. That's beautiful and I'm so lucky I get to be a part of that!
