For about 5 years, Amanda has been sewing travel colouring wallets, notebook covers, bags, zippered pouches, and knitting needle cases. She started sewing as a child. "My mom always had a hard time finding clothes for me because I was so small so she made a lot of my clothes as a child. When I was in high school I started helping my mom make my formal dresses then I ended up just doing them myself with her help. I have been sewing up different things since then."
Amanda has a lot of fun making custom things such as purses, blankets, and dresses in her craft room, a previously small bedroom in her house. In that room, she does her favourite thing which is watch real life crime TV while sewing. Although sewing in general is fairly easy for her, the most difficult part of the process is when she is developing a new product. "When I first try something out I am usually not happy with how it turned and then have to change it. I find the process of sewing and resewing something difficult because I hate to waste material. I also sometimes have to really think about how to sew something properly to maximize fabric usage and to make sure it is durable." Her favourite pieces that she's created have been her children's colouring wallets. "This product is extremely handy to have in your purse or the car for your little ones. It comes with colouring tools, paper and of course some stickers. Everything is ready to go just stick it in your purse and go."
Amanda has a lot of fun making custom things such as purses, blankets, and dresses in her craft room, a previously small bedroom in her house. In that room, she does her favourite thing which is watch real life crime TV while sewing. Although sewing in general is fairly easy for her, the most difficult part of the process is when she is developing a new product. "When I first try something out I am usually not happy with how it turned and then have to change it. I find the process of sewing and resewing something difficult because I hate to waste material. I also sometimes have to really think about how to sew something properly to maximize fabric usage and to make sure it is durable." Her favourite pieces that she's created have been her children's colouring wallets. "This product is extremely handy to have in your purse or the car for your little ones. It comes with colouring tools, paper and of course some stickers. Everything is ready to go just stick it in your purse and go."
Over time, she has developed her own patterns and has learned to make the most out of her fabric. She has also learned how to sew her items faster so that she can make the most out of her time. And, because she has an unpredictable job as a supply teacher, she often has random days off during which she does the most sewing. She also gets summers off and tries to stock up during that time for the busy Christmas season. Amanda gets her inspiration from the fabric itself. She roams around the fabric store with no real purpose and when something catches her eye, she is inspired to make something out of it. She is also encouraged to create more when she hears praise from customers. And, when she sees her products in use, it greatly motivates her to make more. Indeed, the thing she likes most about her work is that she can make things people can use. "Simple as that."
Amanda also loves hearing from repeat customers. "A lady once told me that I was one of the only reasons she came to a particular craft show. That really made me feel great. I also get great reviews on my Etsy store that really keeps me going." Amanda tries her hardest to keep supply costs low. She often buys fabric on sale or on clearance. Doing this helps her appeal to a broader range of people. She feels strongly that everyone should be able to afford handmade items, so it is her "mission to make things for everyone to afford."
Currently, she is working on building stock for 30 Craft Market's June 28 show at Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park (Peterborough, Ontario), and would like everyone to know that "crafting is the best way to relieve stress, show your creativity and a great way to live your life. Support hand made!"
Outside of 30 Craft Market, you can buy her work at etsy.com/lemonseed and facebook.com/lemonseedcrafts
Currently, she is working on building stock for 30 Craft Market's June 28 show at Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park (Peterborough, Ontario), and would like everyone to know that "crafting is the best way to relieve stress, show your creativity and a great way to live your life. Support hand made!"
Outside of 30 Craft Market, you can buy her work at etsy.com/lemonseed and facebook.com/lemonseedcrafts