Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Gladys Makes Things

Gladys Makes Things. Lots of things. Like meticulously hand-embroidered t-shirts and sweatshirts. She makes “Assume a New Identity” kits and archival-quality, hand-bound flip books as well.

But, her name isn’t Gladys. It’s Meg.

Check out all the wonderful things Gladys, er, um, Meg, makes this Sunday. Booth #67. Keep reading for her answers to our vendor questions.

1. How long have you been making things?
Oh, gosh. I’ve been embroidering shirts for about three years now, but I’ve been making stuff for as long as I can remember. The first time I sold crafts was in middle school when I hocked friendship bracelets at my mom’s table at a craft fair.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
My earliest crafting memory might be when I collaged a book about myself under the guidance of my friend’s mom. I believe the text said something like this: “My name is Meg. I’m three. I like dogs.”

3. Why do you make things?
My generic answer is that I’m fidgety. I can’t sit still for long, and I really like having something to do with my hands while watching TV. I also love knowing that if I want something to exist, I can just make it exist. Whenever I come up with a new shirt design, it’s usually because I want that shirt myself.

4. What sort of things do you make?
Mostly I embroider shirts, but I also do a lot of collaging, knitting, and so forth.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
Somewhat inexplicably, one of my shirts was featured in Philadelphia Style magazine this spring. Seeing as that’s a legitimate, glossy fashion mag, I continue to find this amusing.

6. Inspirations?
Humor!

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
A good pair of scissors.

8. Describe your work area.
Because I mostly do embroidery, I can take it anywhere! I’m going to send you a picture of me embroidering outside. See? ANYWHERE!

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
I have a jade plant in my window that I occasionally remember to water. Based on my inability to keep that fed, I haven’t gotten a pet yet. I do dream of having a kitty though. I also have a boyfriend, who thankfully feeds himself.

10. Favorite color or pattern?
I find myself drawn to crafting with bright blue, even though I don’t wear it much.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
No! It’s my first time, and I’m really excited!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
My three favorite purchases at the last event I did were a big flower choker from the Candy Thief, a little bird wall hanging from Dead Bird, and a hilarious shirt of a man looking into a microwave from Family Dinner for One.

13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Cook!