Seems like I've known Melissa for years now. And I've never met her personally. Again. Twitter. And we might know each other from Etsy or blogs or somewhere before that too. At any rate, I adore her. I adore her work. It's not just the cuteness factor... which clearly it exudes. Melissa's stitching always looks so perfect. And so do her felt cuts. Melissa probably would attribute it to the awesome materials she uses... but I have a feeling she's also a perfectionist. Call me crazy. Melissa's finished goods can be found in her Etsy shop. And you can read more about her on her blog. Today, she has generously offered us an adorable pattern which you can find at the end of this post.

Have fun getting to know her. I had a blast reading her answers to my questions.

 

Bari: How long have you been stitching and how did you learn?

Melissa: My mom bought me a 1954 Kenmore sewing machine at a yard sale when I was little, and I've been using it ever since! I'm not very good at construction sewing, but I really found my passion about three years ago when I picked up a few sheets of craft felt and some cotton floss to experiment. I still haven't learned to reallyembroider yet! Someday I'd like to learn the fancy floral stitches, but until then I'm working on perfecting the simple ones.

Bari: Where is your favorite spot to stitch?

Melissa: I'd prefer to never leave my comfy bed, snuggled up to stitch with a pot of tea, a plate of cookies, and an audio book! But in reality, I'm usually getting orders done on the sofa with my four-year-old and a Disney movie.

Bari: Can you tell us a bit about how you got started selling your stitcheries on Etsy?

Melissa: A few years ago, I made a few flower-shaped felt hair clips for my daughter, and we got compliments wherever she wore them. I wanted to supplement my husbands income, so I thought I might be able to sell the hair clips online. After a few sales I was bored with the hair clips and began adding other items like coffee cup cozies, tissue holders, and felt jewelry.

Bari: I know you also work a full time job and are raising a child in addition to your Etsy shop. Can you tell us about how you balance it all?

Melissa: I don't! Returning to work full-time was never part of the plan, and I ache for a change in circumstances that will allow me to put the time and love into my Etsy shop that I'd like to. Since going back to work last year, I've shifted my product structure from one-of-a-kind pieces to items that I can remake to save time on photography and listing, which breaks my heart but keeps my head above water! Lunch breaks at work are spent editing photos, updating listings, and keeping my blog alive. Occasionally I'll find myself with an evening alone and I'm able to spend the time creating something new. By no means would I call it balanced, but I just do what I can to keep the shop going until we find a solution.

Bari: Do you have any favorite embroidery stitches?

Melissa: The truth is, I don't really know any fancy embroidery stitches! I love the plain running/straight stitch- It's so relaxing to make miles of careful, even stitches. I like to make a game of it, challenging myself to perfect the spacing and length as long as I can without tearing any back out. The only other stitches I know and use are the back stitch, lazy daisy, and chain stitch. French knots are something I just learned recently and have yet to perfect!

Bari: Do you have any favorite embroidery materials?

Melissa: When I first started embroidering, I used the cheap acrylic felt from the craft store. It's no wonder I never bothered to learn any fancy stitches, because this acrylic "felt" would not have done them justice. I was not proud of my finished products because of the quality. I tried several different kinds of  felt blends, and eventually found Felt On The Fly. You guys have to try this felt! It's 100% merino wool, andsooo luxurious! The amount of teeny tiny stitches you can get into this stuff is incredible. And the colors! I would never use anything else.

DMC is the favorite for floss, of course, but I'm learning to spin my own yarn so that I can use handspun and hand-dyed embroidery thread. I just love the idea of a completely handmade product, all the way down to the raw materials!

Bari: What advice can you give to new stitchers?

Melissa: Don't skimp on good materials! Your finished product will only be as good as the quality of your materials, and your time and talents are far too valuable to be wasted on cheap ones.

Ok, now. Don't faint. Squeal!!!

 

Melissa has put together this divine little tissue cover pattern for us! AND... Melissa's felt supplier, Felt on the Fly has put together a little kit so you can make it... just. like. this. 

You can download it here:

Download Matryoshka Embroidered Tissue Cozy