One Yard Wonders- Interview with Made by Rae

Our guest interview this week girls—- Rae.  That’s right Made by Rae..Rae!! Aren’t you so excited for this one! All the interviews have been so fun! I love to find out all the goods and then go meet them again on their own blog, don’t you?  So make sure the kids are being good, you have a little snack and read a bit….

So how did you get your crafty start?   I have always been part of a crafty family — my mom sews, my dad is a great artist (he used to sketch but now does woodcarving/crafting/carpentry and violin making), and my two sisters also knit and embroider. Drawing and sewing and crafting have always been a part of our upbringing.

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your craft/sewing/business?     For now I’d like to just keep it simple, writing the occasional pattern and blogging are really fun. I would love to be more involved with the sewing and crafting “work” I do someday, maybe design a fabric line or do paper patterns.

What or who inspires you?  I’m so inspired by Anna Maria Horner. She has 6 kids and still manages to throw out a couple fabric lines and a book every year. I don’t know how she does it. I’m also inspired by Heather Ross. Her fabric designs are really just breathtaking and so unique. Every time I see a new line from either of these talented ladies I get really excited.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing?    Playing with my kids.

How much time do you spend on your craft?     Not much right now; maybe a couple hours a day if I’m really lucky and not too tired at the end of the day.

What’s your favorite color?    Aqua

What sewing machine do you use?      Bernina Activa 220

Do you also cook?      Nope. I’m so incredibly fortunate to have Mr Rae. He does most of the cooking and all of the grocery shopping. Every once in awhile I’ll go to Trader Joe’s or make a lasagna.

What do you hate to do?      Rip seams.

How do you keep your life balanced between family and work, especially if you work at home?     I don’t really try to balance it. I feel like my number one job right now is being a mom. And if I happen to have extra time to work, that’s wonderful. But when I find myself holding the baby in one arm and checking my email with the other, I know it’s time to step back.I started an Etsy with handmade sewn things that was more work than I bargained for so I had to stop. The pattern business really just happened by accident. I put a few free patterns on my blog and got so many emails from people saying, “Are you crazy? Why aren’t you selling your patterns?” That gave me the confidence to step out and give it a try, so I started selling those on my Etsy instead. Now I have instant download set up for pattern sales, which is so much easier on me and nicer for my customers. Too many to count. As I scan this room I can think of at least 20 off the top of my head that have been started but not finished. I’m really bad about that.

Do you ever feel like you are in a rut or get burned out?  Not right now (although in the past I have)…right now I just wish I had more time so I could make all of the ideas in my head happen!!! I feel like my head is so full of stuff I want to do it’s going to explode.

What else would you like people to know about you?   Professionally I still identify myself very strongly as a physics teacher. I taught science and math for 7 years and I’m really proud of that accomplishment (I’m pretty sure AP Physics is one of the hardest classes to teach). I just finished my Master’s this summer so that if I want to go back when my kids are a little older, I’ll still have that option. I also think the discipline of thinking like an educator has really been a benefit to me in my crafty life.

Blog:  Made By Rae

She is totally a girl after my own heart…..she dibbles and dabbles in all sewing!! I don’t do knitting, but can crochet so that counts. hee hee.  Throw in some clothing, quilts, bags, patterns. Oh, yea!!!

Thanks Rae for taking the time to answer a few questions and letting us get to know you a bit better.  Go on over and follow her blog—she has a goodie.

Hi there! Are you new to Patchwork Posse?  If so, WELCOME!! I'm Becky and I'm so excited you have stopped in. You can subscribe to receive updates via Email-- get a free pattern when you sign up! A great way to interact with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google +. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.