One stitch at a time for this crafter

As we go shopping in our small home towns or even bigger cities we shop local boutiques and we see speciality items, jewelry, blouses and handbags. For majority of these items the products were mostly imported to the USA. There is just something really, really special about hand crafted Made in the USA! Read how our vendor Amanda started her love of sewing and what you can shop for at the vendor market in October. Exciting!

1. How did you first become interested in crafting?

As a young girl my Grammy would incorporate a craft into every weekend we spent with her. She eventually taught me to sew simple quilt squares. Little did I know she was setting the foundation for a future obsessed! I appreciate her so much for instilling the love of crafting in me.

2. How many years have you been crafting?

I must have been 6-7 years old when Grammy started to teach me to sew. The deep dive down the rabbit hole began during Covid-19, though. My husband surprised me with a sewing machine and it took off from there.

3. How did you become a crafting dealer?

I had some great friends coax me into my first craft fair earlier this year and I was pleasantly surprised and humbled. It’s such a sweet feeling when someone purchases one of my projects! (Shoutout to Jack and Julie 🫶🏻)

4. What is your favorite top 5 items to make?

Favorite top five items to make:

1-Quilts. There is nothing better than seeing one finally completed and cuddling up under it. Even better, giving one as a gift and finding out it’s truly used and loved!

2-Tote bags. I love the practicality of them! Use them for groceries, the beach, or all my work gear! The acrylic base stabilizer is a game changer.

3-Patchwork bags. Whether they be toiletry bags, duffle bags, or totes, a patchwork catches the eye like no other! It’s like an eye-spy that I just love to stare at!

4-Duffle bags. Because I know they get used a lot. There is nothing better, as a quilter, than knowing the item you made is being used and loved!

5-Cat mats. Anytime I start a new quilt I do a small trial run. That piece ends up being my cat’s favorite piece to curl up on and they make great donation pieces!

5. What state (can list city if desire to but not required) that you currently live in? Also are there a lot of local crafters in your area?

I’m in East Tennessee. There are quite a few local crafters in the area and I tend to gravitate to them. We understand each other and the challenges we face. RIP: Joanne’s.

6. Do you use your crafting products?

I use my products daily! Whether it be one of the many quilts I’ve made, my latest tote bag, or a backpack I’ve made for work, I’m always using them. In the beginning I was a rather selfish quilter. I wanted to keep everything I made! When it started piling up I realized I needed to share and thankfully everyone has enjoyed receiving my products! I’m so thankful for the support!

7. What are the top 5 items that you are excited about bringing to The Bramble to sell?

Patchwork toiletry bags, bitsy bags, tote bags (2 styles), clutches, and some super cute small items like keychains and book marks!

8. Have you ever attended Unicoi County Apple Festival before? If so, what was your favorite part?

I attended the Apple Festival once years ago. I loved how it was such a great community turnout. It’s heartwarming to see such support and interest in local items and support for local artists and makers!

We can’t wait to see what all hand crafted products Amanda will have in her booth at The Blue Ridge China & Vintage Decor + Craft Market on Oct 2-4 in Erwin, TN, see you there!

Handmade bags by Amanda

Sneak peek of hand bags, totes, back packs.