Early December, Megan, an Etsy shop owner, contacted me. Her shop, Trendy lil’ Stitchery, sells colorful, spunky American Girl clothing. I thought it would be fun to spotlight her here on Confessions of a Doll Collectors Daughter! Just like the Collector Spotlight posts, I asked Megan to answer a few questions about her shop and the hobby.
Trendy Lil’ Stitchery
Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I recently graduated from James Madison University with a BFA in Graphic Design. All of my passions lie in the arts. I have been a dancer since I was 5 and I currently teach ballet and tap. I also love to draw, which is how I got into Graphic Design. And finally, my love for sewing, which is how Trendy lil’ Stitchery began!
Q: What made you decide to open Trendy lil’ Stitchery?
A: I started Trendy lil’ Stitchery for many different reasons. I had some American Girl Dolls when I was younger and loved everything about them. My grandma made clothes for them and eventually I tried making some as well – it’s funny looking at them now… I thought they were so good at the time…. I have also enjoyed sewing for a long time and eventually started making doll clothes (on a much higher level/quality than my previous go around!) a few years ago for a close friend’s four daughters. I rediscovered the love and joy I found in making them. And from there Trendy lil’ Stitchery was born!
Q: How do your outfits stand apart from the rest?
A: When it comes to doll clothes, I think of the two extremes. On one hand you have the outdated, frilly, handmade clothes that are probably reasonably priced. On the other hand, you have the super adorable but horribly expensive American Girl Doll clothes and accessories. I wanted to combine the best of both worlds and provide parents with the option to buy good quality, fashionable doll clothes without breaking the bank.
Trendy Lil’ Stitchery
Q: Where did you learn your craft?
A: I learned to sew from my grandma. She started by teaching me how to sew buttons onto fabric when I was 4 years old. I could have sewn buttons for days; I thought it was so neat. As I got older she taught me how to use a sewing machine – that’s around the time I began attempting to make my own doll clothes. Now, every time I visit my grandparents, my grandma and I always work on a sewing project, whether it’s doll clothes, fabric children’s books, etc.
Q: How would you describe your Etsy shop?
A: I like to think that my Etsy shop has some style! With my art background, I design all of the graphic elements for my shop. I also take my own pictures in my backyard (it still makes me laugh when I think about what my neighbors must think when they see me setting up a photo shoot for my dolls!) I like to find inspiration in today’s clothing; dolls have to keep up with the latest trends too, of course!
Q: Is there a certain reason you chose to design for 18-inch dolls?
A: The main reason I design for 18-inch dolls is because I grew up with American Girl Dolls and they seem to be a pretty popular sized doll. I specifically design for American Girl Dolls. Since I own three, they have become my models!
Q: What American Girl dolls do you own?
A: I have Samantha, Kit, and a “My American Girl” doll that I named Lindsey. Samantha was my first doll and I got her because she looked like me with her brown eyes and brown hair. Next I got Kit (based on talking to girls who come up to my booths at craft shows, she seems to be a popular one!) I loved her short blonde hair and freckles – at that age I would have done anything to have freckles of my own. Finally, I got Lindsey. I picked her out for her curly and unique colored hair and green eyes. Those dolls were my life when I was younger, and I guess in a way, they have become my life again!
Trendy Lil’ Sitchery
Q: Do you collect dolls?
A: I still have my three American Girl Dolls from when I was younger, but I do not actively collect them anymore. However, I do collect Wizard of Oz dolls (or Wizard of Oz anything really). I fell in love with the movie when I was younger and I have been collecting ever since!
Q: Do you take commissions?
A: I do! I just recently completed my first custom order, a horseback riding outfit. I am more than happy to shoot some emails back and forth with a customer to figure out exactly what it is they want. Custom orders begin at $35; the price is subject to change depending on the outfit wanted.
Q: Where can people find you on the Internet?
A: I sell my items on etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/trendylilstitchery. I am also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/trendylilstitchery) and instagram (trendylilstitchery). And finally, you can reach me by email (how I handle custom orders) at trendylilstitchery(at)yahoo(dot)com.
The Contest!!!! Now that you’ve learned a bit about Trendy lil’ Stitchery, here’s your chance to win an exclusive outfit! The winner will receive this adorable apron and oven mitt set! I love the colors and patterns in this set and I’m sure you will, too! On top of that, it’s reversible, so it’s kind of like two outfits in one!
Win this cute set! (Reversible Apron and Oven Mitt)
THE CONTEST (Reversible Apron and Oven Mitt)
Here it is, modeled by Kit! (Doll not included in giveaway.)
Win this cute set! (How cute is Kit in this!)
Win this cute set! (The oven mitt looks great!)
US only for this giveaway. (Sorry, international readers!) Entering is easy! Follow Trendy lil’ Stitchery on facebook, Instagram or Etsy, then fill out the google form below! Follow Trendy lil’ Stitchery on all three sites and earn a total of three entries! Earn one last entry if you tell me your favorite design currently on Megan’s etsy page! There’s a spot on the google form for your answer. You have until January 25th, 2015 to enter. Good luck!!!!
I’d like to give Megan a huge thank you for answering my questions and offering this giveaway! What do you think of Trendy Lil’ Stitchery? Do you have a favorite piece? Share your thoughts below!
Tagged: american girl, contest, etsy, spotlight
