A. I started making art really young, as I grew up in a small arts community filled with galleries and artists. It was perfectly normal to pursue the arts as a way of like. I learned to sew when I was 10 and did loads of other arts activities, like ballet, oil painting, and ceramics as I grew up. I received a BFA in studio art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in Film, Video, and New Media. I made art, sewed my own wardrobe, and worked in arts administration until one day when I participated in the second Renegade Craft Fair. I sold clothing I made and it was a hit. From there it all just snowballed- I started writing for magazines, wrote my first book for Random House, started teaching sewing, and then launched my line of sewing patterns. I'm still writing, teaching, and designing today!
Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?
A. My patterns are inspired by a host of things, but mostly from observing people, films, and vintage materials like yearbooks and sewing patterns. I want the women who sew my patterns to feel beautiful and unfussy. I prefer a quiet life and never want the need to be clothed to be a burden; rather it should be a joy.
Q. How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
A. I got here after years and years of stubborn hard work! There is no way to work for yourself with our working really hard at it.
Q. Tell us about a few favorites of your: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?
A. Since I almost always teach on Saturdays, my weekends are usually Sunday and Monday. A favorite Sunday activity is the simple pleasure of having a long leisurely breakfast and reading the Sunday papers with my boyfriend. A favorite food is hummus! It's a weakness for sure. My favorite "colors" are green and blue, but my real favorite is gray, if that can be considered a color. And my favorite animals are my kitties, Sally and Pinta.
Q. What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A. I love it when my students come into class- innocently learning to sew so they can make clothes for their kids or something for their home- then slowly become aware of what a revolutionary act this truly is. They don't come to class with the intention of rethinking how things are made and how they consume mass-produced products, but most eventually start to think about the cost of materials and labor really quickly into learning things for themselves. It's empowering in a way that they didn't expect, and to witness that transformation is incredible.
Q. What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?
A. Honesty. The work must read true and like it's coming from their own voice.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
A. I'm excited to seeing all the work come in and then to see the finished show!
Q. Where can we find our more about you?
Learn about all of the Pasadena, Jackalope jurors here!
A. I moved to LA from Brooklyn in 2013 to open Los Angeles County Store. I was inspired by the makers I met in NYC while hawking my baubles under the Wabisabi Brooklyn brand.
A. I continue to be inspired by the creativity, hard work, and determination of the local artists and artisans whose work I represent in the shop.
A. I performed a magic trick: I turned my Brooklyn house into a Los Angeles Shop. Also, equal parts hustle, chutzpah, and the encouragement and support of others.
Weekend activity: Napping. Food: Bread. Color: Periwinkle. Animal: French Bulldog puppies make any day better. But any dog or kitty pretty much.
A. It restores my faith in humanity and connects me to some of the best people I’ve ever met.
Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?A. Nothing matters more than the work itself. Is it original? Is it well-made? Do I want it or know someone who wants it?
A. Seeing all the amazing stuff people make!
L.A. County Store on Instagram!
Check out all of our Pasadena jurors here!