Sunday, November 7, 2010

Craft Riot Vendor: Assorted Musings by Maggie



Maggie Murphy

meganmurphy13@gmail.com




Give a brief product description.
I make knit and crocheted fashion accessories. Hats, scarves, cowls, shawls, fingerless mittens, leg warmers, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, head/hair accessories, brooches, and baby accessories. My shop is called Assorted Musings because you never know what I'll make next!

How did you get started?
My Grandma and Aunt taught me to knit and crochet at a young age, but I really got into it about 5 years ago. I became so enthralled with it, that pretty soon all my friends, family, and I were bombarded with my creations! I couldn't stop making stuff, and I got lots of compliments on everything, so when I found Etsy I knew I had to open a shop and share my goodies with the rest of the world!

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get inspiration from current fashion trends, ideas for things I would love to have in my wardrobe, ideas from others, and often ideas from customers for custom orders. I'm constantly looking at things that are knit and crocheted and thinking: Hey, I can do that! I also get inspiration from the world around me. I like things that are not only fashionable, but functional and natural. I love making things that you can wear with anything, and that really flow with your daily life. I tend to be quite a busy person, so I know how important this is...


Describe your workspace/workroom.
It's really anywhere and everywhere. Mostly scattered about my home in various places, but I also love taking my work with me. I teach Kindergarten and recently brought a scarf to work on during the bus ride out to the Elgin Pumpkin Patch! I also love craft nights with friends, working while traveling, sitting poolside during the summer, picnicking in the grass, and wherever adventures take me. I make my pieces to be functional, sturdy, and washable, so this fits well with my type of work.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
My favorite thing to give so far was an old Celtic style Afghan. It took me a year to make it, and that wasn't because I put it down for long periods of time! It was a very intricate cabled pattern, so it just took a lot of patience. I love it so much not only because it is very, very beautiful, but because it took so long! That project taught me a lot of patience, and that it's the journey that matters just as much as the finished product.
I also love it because I gave it to my Father, stepmother, little sister and little brother in Australia. I love the idea of the whole family cuddling under it, it makes me feel like I am giving them the biggest long-distance hug. :-)

No comments:

Post a Comment