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If you’ve stopped by the store recently, you may have noticed a few fun dresses and outfits by Blueberry Ridge Boutique on our wall. These are made by local mama Melody and are available exclusively in the store. She also has an Etsy shop for those of you who don’t live in the area. They would be darling Easter outfits or prefect for any Springtime events or photos you have coming up!
I am a complete novice sewer myself, so I’m always amazed by people who can whip up beautiful dresses from their homes. I asked Melody a few questions to get to know a little bit more about her clothing.
1. How long have you been sewing? How did you learn?
I’ve been sewing professionally for a couple years, for personal items a few years before that. I learned as a child, both in Home EC and at home (mom sewed special occasion dresses and costumes). I guess, though, I’m self taught.
2. What inspired you to start your own business?
I think my reason is pretty much the same as a lot of moms with businesses. I started for my love of design, color and textile, and my desire for my daughter to have the adorable outfits that I had seen in photographs (I also moonlight as a photographer, when I’m not a sewist, or full time mama). Once people started commenting on the things I made and how I should start an Etsy shop, I gave it a go! For me it’s about combining my favorite things. Balancing colors, pattern and scale and then finding the right dress/top/pant to pair them with is something I enjoy. Being able to create something that is both pleasing to the eye and reflects the character of the sweet little person wearing it is SO rewarding! I love to see them in action too, I appreciate client photos so much!
3. What’s your least favorite thing about sewing? What’s the best part?
My least favorite part? I don’t think I’d be very true to myself if I did something I didn’t enjoy. The hardest thing for me is not buying up delicious fabric every time I see it! It’s kind of hard to keep a handle on that! The best part? See above
4. Your dresses are so adorable… Do you do clothes for boys?
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoy them! Right now, I don’t sew for boys (though I do have one!). I have found a few adorable fabrics that catch my eye and are simple, modern and appealing for boys (character prints are not my thing, nor is cutesy), but haven’t really been moved by anything pattern-wise (style/cut) that isn’t already sold in a million other etsy shops. Once inspiration strikes though, watch out!
5. What advice to you have for novice sewers who want to design their own clothes?
I have given my fair share of advice over text in the last year or two! My advice? Ask a friend who knows! Oh, and PIN, lots of pins! And go slow. Iron! And don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out right the first time (or do a little dance if it does!). Like I tell my daughter, sometimes doing a new thing is hard!
Hmm maybe that’s where I go wrong; I sometimes get impatient and skip those “little” things like pins and ironing! I will keep trying and maybe I’ll make something for my new baby. Something easy. Not a dress just yet.
So how much do you love these outfits? I love the little details like rick-rack, pleating and bows. They make everything look so ‘finished.’ I also love how the designs are so unique and completely different from the stuff you usually see in stores. I’m pondering if Baby Girl needs one for Summer of 2014 when she should be chasing after her big brother. A sundress with matching pantaloons might just work!
I hope you are able to stop by and check them out!
