I love to sew and make things but lets face it, after a while you can't keep all those things you make. In the past, I did a lot of embroidery, making art quilts and other pieces. I even had some publications and gallery shows, but the problem was that I didn't really want to part with them after all the hours I had spent on them. What to do? I decided I would devote myself to more practical pursuits and sew things I could sell.

Since I have daughters, I thought making girly things would be the best place to start. I started by making aprons and selling at local street fairs and craft shows with my friend Eda. From aprons I evolved to dresses. The clothing I make reflects my passion for upcycling. From patchwork quilts to quirky recycled art pieces I have always been fascinated by the creative reuse of materials. My clothing is made from "rescued" or "found" fabrics and some vintage items as well. I scour rummage sales, garage sales, thrift shops and sometimes even my own closet to find the fabrics I use. All items are washed. They are then cut apart to be used as the fabric for my creations. I combine fabrics from various items, coordinating prints and colors according to my style. The garments are cut from the patterns I created. I believe the things we wear should be meaningful and reflect our own style. My one of a kind designs give a new life to what was old and a distinctive look to the new items I create. Each piece is individually made, often with hand sewn details making it as unique as the child who wears it.

I have now started using vintage embroideries and other "rescued" or "found" fabrics for my aprons as well. Some of these new aprons rescue those hand crafted tea towels and dresser scarves from where so many of them end up: the obscurity of the back of the linen closet or worse, the dollar box at the thrift store. The “found” fabrics I use are those pieces of yardage that you see at garage and estate sales. Perhaps they were intended for projects that never materialized or they are the leftover bits from things accomplished. Either way, this type of fabric which usually is brand new often gets discarded and ends up in landfills.

I always wanted to have a store. Having a brick and mortar store is a big undertaking, one I was not willing or able to take as a stay at home Mom. So Eda and I started the collaborative Etsy shop www.Etsy.com/shop/TwoSweetMamas.

Working with a partner had many benefits but I decided it was time to move into my own shop now because I want to expand my vision for the future. I'm not sure exactly what direction I will be going, it is a work in progress after all. So I hope you will come back often to see how things develop.

Sign up for my mailing list for updates at http://eepurl.com/boS849

I also have another shop where I sell vintage millinery and sewing supplies at www.Etsy.com/shop/AngelPennies.

Have a fun day!
Cynthia