When Blue Met Green Baby Booties
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5237815
I love Amy Herbst's charming baby booties and other felted and fleece goods from Herbst Handmade. The colors and designs are cute enough that I wish she made them in my size, too, but they're just perfect for little feet. Her work is chic and elegant, which I don't often associate with either felt or baby gear. Make sure to check out her Etsy shop, too; I don't have a child, but I'm awfully tempted by her argyle glasses case...
Arwen: How did you first get involved with crafting?
Amy: I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I think it has something to do with my Southern roots. My mom, aunts and grandmothers are (or were, in some cases) all talented crafters. I remember my mom making the most amazing clothes for me when I was a little girl--I'm talking hand-smocking, ric-rac trim, custom embroidery, the works! As a result, I definitely picked up the crafting bug at a young age.
Arwen: Why felt? Do you make your own felt?
Amy: There is just something about felt that I love and, honestly, I am still learning about it as a crafting medium. I currently use a mix of 100% wool and wool blend felt fabrics in my crafts. I don't make my own felt but it's definitely something that I am interested in learning more about.
Arwen: What got you interested in making booties? How do you come up with the designs?
Amy: Well, I am a new mom and when my son was just a month or two old I saw these two adorable little feet that needed a pair of adorable little booties! I made the first pair for him and got so many compliments that I thought it might be fun to make more. I make them completely by hand so they are pretty time-consuming, but at the same time I can't NOT make them ... if that makes any sense. It's funny, the designs often come to me when I am doing something particularly uncreative like folding laundry or brushing my teeth. lol! I keep a sketchbook nearby most of the time and I am forever jotting down ideas.
Arwen: What inspires you?
Amy: I am probably most inspired by other crafters and artists. There are some unbelievably talented folks out there.
Arwen: What are your favorite crafting books/magazines/websites?
Amy: I have a vintage copy of the "McCall's Needlework Treasury" (copyright 1963) that I absolutely love. The cover boasts "379 Stitches and Needlework Techniques". Whoa! They weren't kidding! I've had it for years and every time I open it up I find something new. Online, I am a big fan of knitty.com and, of course, Etsy.
