Not everything on etsy is made by someone else. Eileen Patterson's shop,
GoofingOff, gives everyone a chance to find great vintage sewing patterns in one place along with fabrics (especially Judaic ones), and sewing machine accessories. She has plans to branch out into vintage sewing machines soon.
Originally joining etsy to sell handmade jewelry, she found great success when she opened
GoofingOff, her second shop, soon after. Although she still makes jewelry (mostly for friends and family), her original shop,
Miss Eileen, is now a vintage shop specializing in Pyrex, Fire-King, and other vintage glassware.
Her interest in sewing began when she took sewing classes in junior high school. However, she admits she is really self taught. When she speaks of sewing, she says, "When I sew I like the challenge of using scraps of fabrics from leftover projects, remnants of new fabrics, and castoff clothing from consignment shops. I enjoy bringing new life to these materials. Sometimes a dress becomes a tote, a pair of worn out jeans becomes pot holders, or a scrap of fleece becomes a hat. I love a challenge."
Eileen was one of the first original members answering the call to form
Etsychai, the Jewish Street Team on etsy. Of Etsychai, she says, "
EtsyChai is my link to the artistic Jewish community. Belonging to
EtsyChai allows me to express and share my creativity and exciting finds with others."
In her "other life", Eileen practices
tikkun olam (literally, repairing the world) as a critical care nurse in the VA system. She tells us, "Nursing is doing a
mitzvah (good deed) every day and getting paid for it.....Working critical care is helping a person and their family get through a very difficult time of life.....I am very lucky to be able to do what I do."
With all that she does, she makes her crafting work time non-negotiable. Fortunately, her husband is also a crafter, working with metal and fiberglass; so he provides a fortunate mix of help and understanding.
Inspiration for Eileen comes from history books and
Haggadahs (the book read at the Passover ritual meal). She also loves old movies since they help her learn about the fashions of the day. Something that comes in useful when she goes out looking for vintage patterns. But, when all else fails, she goes for a walk in the woods to enjoy G-d's creations.
When asked if she has any advice for other etsy sellers, she said, "If you have an idea, try it. Be courageous in your art and craft. Believe in yourself. If the idea doesn't work though, move on and try something else. Promote. Don't be shy about your work. Some of my best customers and friends who like my work or come up with ideas and challenges for me. Be open to new ideas. The little old lady at the yard sale supported her family by selling handmade doll pillows and pin cushions at the flea market. I might not use her designs, but I love her attitude and work ethic."
As for photos, she suggests good lighting with a white background and white backdrop that reflects enough light to make a flash unnecessary.
You can also find Eileen on her
blog, where she searches for new shops and shops with fewer than 500 sales to feature. She's also on
Artfire, Facebook and Twitter.
-- Post by April Grunspan of
AgruArts
