In November 2010, I first connected with Anna Hewitt designer and founder of Seedling Design. After introducing her to Crafted Spaces and our profiles, we started down our journey of multiple emails and eventually a telephone interview. I was pleased to interview her for this Crafted Spaces Profile, and I hope that you will find it insightful.
Anna indicates that she studied Art at collage and throughout the years have sewn and expressed herself creatively. Originally from Maine, Anna and her husband recently moved to Minnesota; and amidst the many changes she decided to further explore her creativity. During the summer of 2010 Seedling Design showed its' initial sprout. This budding new business venture touches on the old fashion art of appliqué. Anna indicates that she loves the shapes and loves working with fabric.
Anna's designs are influenced by her work in community gardens and her commitment to conserving resources as part of daily life. She reuses materials and uses organic cotton where possible. Her market bags are also in support of the growing trend towards using reusable bags for shopping. Anna is continuing to develop her products and when asked what are her major influences; she credits the fabric and indicating that it shapes her work. Each piece essentially evolves out of the colours and patterns of the fabrics she finds.
"I also feel strongly that whatever I make should have a positive impact on people, the earth and our environment. Whenever possible I use repurposed or organic fabric and I strive to make things that can help you lesson your impact on the environment."
Anna identifies that working by herself has been her primary challenge. She has felt "isolated" and "uncertain" about how her work is being received. Like many others who first start off with a desire to work and live creatively, Anna currently works part-time and will like to make Seedling Design a primary business. However, as she develops her creative business venture, she tries to approach things in an organized way, keeping records and moving in the direction of a formal business plan. Her advice to others is to, "do something creative, creating is really important."
Anna currently sells her work on Etsy, but has indicated that "it can be difficult to standout." She has however, been "pleasantly surprised" with the response. She has also sold her work at craft fairs and hope to be in stores this spring. Her designs are practical and have a rustic, homely charm.
Anna also has a blog called The Road to the Farm where she shares her journey; and where since January 2011, she has also introduced interviews with other artist. Seedling Design can also be found on Facebook and have been featured on several Etsy Treasuries. However, when searching for her Etsy shop, please note that there is a Seedling Designs that has jewellery on the same site.
When I think of appliqué, I am filled with fond childhood memories of my great-grand-mothers aprons and table runners. This wonderful art form has been done for centuries; skilfully sewing one or more pieces of fabric onto a larger background to create a landscape of colour and shapes. It is employed by many quilters and perhaps even your mom. If you will like to explore more about appliques, perhaps the following books are a great place to start; Sew Liberated by Meg Mcelwee and Applique: Craft Workshop Series by Petra Boase, both of which have great projects and illustrates various techniques.
*All images contained in this post are courtesy of Anna Hewitt.
Wonderful review! I love the items...so cute!
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