I’m Emily, the crafter behind Gainer in Stitches. I crochet and sew baby items, such as
crib shoes, bibs, and burp cloths. As an archivist by day, I have always loved
history, antiques, and vintage patterns. I bring that classic feel to my
crafts, choosing interesting pattern and color combinations.
My grandma and mom taught me to sew and crochet when I was in
elementary school. Even though I only sewed square pieces of fabric and
crocheted long chains, I learned the satisfaction of creating something. Those
two special ladies who taught me the art of crafting are still crafting
themselves. It’s in the
genes! I just launched the
business about one year ago.
Colors and patterns inspire me to create. Usually, I see a color
of yarn or a fabric pattern before I know what I want to make with it. I have
stashes of yarn and fabric throughout my house, just in case! I’m also inspired
by functional items. I want to create things that will be used, used often, and
hold up well.
My grandma and mom are big influences in my crafting hobby. They
made crafting “cool”, and I find it enjoyable, relaxing, and satisfying. I
can’t imagine my life without crafting.
After a lot of practice making things for myself, I started making
gifts for family and friends. Their feedback and enthusiasm helped me discover
my talent and inspired me to keep crafting.
My creative process is very methodical. I like to create products in batches and work assembly-line
style. I spend time choosing colors and patterns, and then cut out all the
fabric at once. Next, I pin all the items, sew them, and then iron. Each piece
gets individual attention as I work through the process.
In the next 5 years, I want to expand my product offerings. I am
exploring new techniques and patterns. Currently, I make products for babies,
but I would like to make items for toddlers through adults.
The message behind my work is functional and beautiful! I strive to make baby items of
interesting colors and beautiful patterns that are also functional – items that
you would want to give as a special gift or use every day for your little ones.
Meet Heidi Dobran from Dress Up Designs...
I work full time, and I am a mom to an amazing one year old little girl, Gianna. I have been doing this for about a year now, and I officially started ‘Dress Up Designs’ about 4 months ago. This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I am very excited for the opportunity.
My daughter is my inspiration for everything that I do. Every little girl needs an outlet for dressing up, and I wanted to give that to her. Once she was born, I started making outfits for every holiday, special event and photo shoot. I decided to give tutu making a try after seeing a tutorial and from there, I couldn’t stop.I love to create after my daughter has gone to bed.
For my creative process, I usually don’t completely know what the end result will be until it’s right in front of me. I just think of a certain object or character that I want my creation to reflect, and go from there. I love to create something I know will make someone smile. In 5 years, I hope to be successful enough to do what I love with crafting and getting more time with my daughter.
The message behind my work is that life is serious enough, and everyone could use a little pretend!
Meet Kristy Behner from iHEARTees...
Hi! My name is Kristy Behner. I have a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Kent State. I currently work in
the bridal industry and as a freelance designer/crafter. I live in a little old
house in Akron with my husband, Matt; two dogs, Mabel and Leon; and our cat,
Norah. I am lucky enough to have a spare room dedicated to my craft that is an
animal free zone and always full of ongoing projects. I started selling on Etsy
last summer, but I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. This will be my second ever Avant-Garde event.
How I got into my craft… I was always
hands on as a kid whether it was helping my dad work on cars, or helping my mom
in the kitchen. I really credit my parents for letting me always be in their
business as to why I love to craft so much. I specifically got into sewing when
my mom taught me how to use her machine when I was 7 years old.
Quickly after my mother taught me to
use her sewing machine I started making clothes for my fashion dolls, myself
and family members. Soon I was creating my own designs using newspaper and
fabric from my mom’s fabric stash.
My creative process is best described
as ever-ending. I am a thinker. When an idea pops into my head I can’t stop
thinking about it until I know the best way to make it. And even then I will tweak
finished items based on customer feedback or adding a feature I think is
missing.
My goal is in 5 years I hope for iHEARTees to be
my main job, working three jobs doesn’t cut it!
The message behind my work is.. Form,
Function, and Fun, there is no reason all three can’t go together. You can purchase/view more of my work at
2012 Summit County Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, April 28, 2013, 11:00am-5:00pm
The Tangier
532 West Market St.
Akron, OH 44303
For more information, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator at info@avantgardeshows.com
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