2008 Crafty Bastards Vendor Spotlight: Sweet Pepita
Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.
Sweet Pepita uses organic and recycled fabrics to piece together funky clothes for the hippest babies around. The 100% organic rib knit cotton makes for bright and beautiful clothes that are super soft to the touch. Websites: Sweet Pepita Blog, Sweet Pepita Etsy Shop.
1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?
cool, green baby
2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?
Last month, I designed these sweet recycled fabric dresses and they’ve been a huge hit at recent shows, so I’m super busy stocking up on a bunch of different sizes and colors. They are so beautiful and colorful and so much fun to make. I’m really loving this pre-show rush!
3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?
I don’t know if it’s widespread just yet (I started my business in August 2007), but it’s very recognizable. A friend told me recently that she saw a toddler in Brooklyn walking around in one of my tees. My work is different because it’s completely handmade. I sew everything myself from recycled fabric and organic cotton. The combination of the two materials is irresistible!
4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?
The hard work came naturally- I’ve always had to work hard just to get by. Geez, I think at one point in college I had 3 jobs and a full course load. So, now I’ve got 2 jobs and a toddler, which makes for some pretty crazy days.
I only recently developed the confidence to keep at it, though. I’m lucky. I have some amazing support from friends I’ve made through the Baltimore Etsy Street Team.
5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?
Thrift stores and friends’ closets
6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?
Absolutely! Sweet Pepita is all about offering hip environmentally and socially conscious clothing. It’s why I started and why I’m gonna keep at it. I could not feel good about what I do if it weren’t.
Everything I make is constructed either entirely from organic cotton, or from a combination of organic cotton and recycled fabric. Organic cotton is more expensive than its conventionally grown counterpart to buy and use, but it’s worth it.
7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Will you have any DIY kits available for sale at Crafty this year? Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?
Oh my goodness! DIY Kits are a great idea! Hmmmm. I’ll have to think about that! The tips that help me the most are:
1. Network! I would not be here without the support I get from my friends and fellow crafters. It is good to be a part of a community.
2. Be scientific. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t, make charts and your very own reference materials.
3. Practice. A lot.
