FEATURED ETSY SHOP - STITCHES OF THE PAST

Ruffle Blouse (custom sleeve size).

I'm happy to welcome, Brooke and her Etsy shop STITCHES OF THE PAST as a "featured" artist out here on DZFANTASY. Brooke is a young seamstress who enjoys creating styles from the past....Regency, Civil War and Turn of the Century. Be sure to pay a vist to STITCHES OF THE PAST. First, let's learn a bit more about Brooke and how she got started on her sewing venture.

Ladies' Regency inspired hat.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My Mom sewed, so she taught me how to do modern sewing when I was around 4. I started sewing 'real' historical clothes about a year ago. I got started when my cousin made a "Civil War" dress. I really liked it. After a few months, I decided I wanted my own 1860's wardrobe. I started with making a chemise and a pair of drawers (I drafted the pattern for both). I also made some petticoats for my self. My cousin made my first dress, since I was still quite inexperienced. I was 11 at the time. I went to my first re-enactment a couple weeks later. Looking back I'm quite shocked at how farby I was. LOL. I didn't have a real hoop and my dress was WAY to long for my age. I've since fixed those things. Around 6 months ago, I made my little sister a full outfit including her hoop and I made my 2 year old brother a full outfit. I've also helped my older sister with some things. Me and my two sister's decided we wanted to match at a Renaissance Faire. We all made red and white dresses. From there I've just been sewing anything I can get my hands! I've recently been sewing for Originals By Kay, and then I started my Etsy shop. I hope to start marketing to theatre and movie productions. I've liked to sew all my life, but when I started making historical clothes that's when I found my passion for sewing.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I decided to sew because that’s what I’m best at and enjoy doing the most.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Probably making the item.

Newborn Baby Civil War Dress

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Peppers. I would choose that because there can be so many different kinds just like my craft.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Some kind of hand work. Probably knitting or crochet.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I don’t really have a message I'm trying to convey.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

It may take awhile to get started, but NEVER give up.

What a delightful young seamstress!! Thanks, Brooke, for taking the time to share your creativity and thoughts with everyone! One can even tell from the photos of your work that your creations are very well made. Best of luck to you!

BYHAND.ME