Friday, February 22, 2008

Friday Features No. 2 -- Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage

Good morning and Happy Friday to you all! I'm very excited to announce that we have a winner from last Friday's giveaway (earrings from Veronica Willingham). The number that random.org gave us is #2, and the winner is Lisa K. of XSBaggage & Co. (AKA bagladiesinpa)!!! Congratulations Lisa!!!

Now on to our Friday Feature, featuring Karen of Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage (AKA misseskwittys). Have you SEEN her things??? I love her style...a little cottage, a little shabby, a little vintage. Let's hear from Karen, about who she is and what she loves to do.



TDB: How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Mrs. Kwitty: I discovered Etsy mid-April 2006 and fell in love!! I listed my first item about 3 days later. It was a big step for me because I was actually very new at the computer and had only been on the internet for about 3 months by then!

TDB: When did you start your craft?
Mrs. Kwitty: I've been crafty since birth. *grin* Well, maybe not THAT early! My Mom made the most amazing Barbie clothes and would let me help pick out the fabrics and what little bits of lace and buttons to use for each outfit, learning to stitch things by hand at a very young age. She sewed and crocheted and knit and painted and gardened and canned and all those wonderful home crafts and enjoyed teaching me as she went about her day. I asked for (and got) a REAL sewing machine for my 11th birthday.
Crafting and sewing are a part of who I am in the very center of my being. I started crafting as a business when my children were babies and I began to work craft fairs on the weekends while my husband could be home with the kids.


TDB:
What inspires you?
Mrs. Kwitty: Oh, so many things! I am inspired by vintage linens, the beautiful handwork and time that was spent making ordinary household items beautiful. I love all the fabrics from the 30's and 40's. The lovely colors and patterns from that era are inspiring. I am inspired by the women from that era who had the war hanging over their heads and life was tough, but they worked so hard to make their homes colorful and pretty in many little ways. Color is exciting to me! I love to mix colors and patterns in pretty ways.

TDB: If you could learn some new skills, what would they be?
Mrs. Kwitty: I would like to learn to knit socks. Oh, and I'd love to spend a day with someone who is really talented with mixed media collage and soak up some of the techniques used.


TDB: What are your favorite materials to work with?
Mrs. Kwitty: Well, if you could take a little peek down in my crazy, packed-to-the-brim craft room it would be very easy for you to figure that out! lol http://www.flickr.com/photos/misseskwittys/1078152889/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/misseskwittys/1077962835/in/photostream/ Old buttons, feedsack fabrics, rick rack, vintage embroidery patterns, linen, anything that brings you back in time.

TDB: Are you on any Etsy street teams?
Mrs. Kwitty: Yes!! I LOVE my street teams!!
1) Cottage Style Street Team (CSST)--vintage, shabby chic, cottage style--all that and such a wonderful and warm bunch of people! Love them!
2) Old World Shops (OWS)--traditional crafts in today's world. Very talented bunch of people who are keeping the past alive!
3) EtsyMoms--the greatest bunch of ladies, stay-at-home-moms (SAHM) and work-at-home-moms (WAHM)--just creating beautiful things while the kids are sleeping or at school! lol


TDB: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Mrs. Kwitty: I would love to take a trip to the Holy Land--see the places I have read about in the bible and walk in Jesus' footsteps. It would be good for the soul. Also, I'd love to go out to Arizona and see my Dad, I haven't seen him in 12 years and I miss him so. As soon as I make my first million on Etsy--I'm going! lol

TDB: What other things do you enjoy, besides crafting?

Mrs. Kwitty: Well, I enjoy my family. I have a wonderful hubby and 2 great kids and I enjoy being with them. I enjoy movies--old movies and new movies. I enjoy going treasure hunting--thrift shops, antique shops, second hand stores--you know, that sort of thing! I enjoy the rich online community--blogs, Etsy, Flickr--I've met so many great people this way!

You can find Mrs. Kwitty on Etsy or on her blog!

************************************************************


Mrs. Kwitty's Wonderful Giveaway:


Oh how I love the combination of sage and red! Mrs. Kwitty has generously offered up this set for our giveaway. The set consists of a fabric-covered 2008 datebook and matching keychain wallet, which retails at about $24.00.


The Not So Small Print: All you need to do to enter is leave one comment, along with a valid email address (we need to be able to get ahold of you if you win!). One entry per person please. Duplicate entries will be deleted. This giveaway is open worldwide. We will draw for a winner on Friday, February 29th.


Don't forget, the giveaway for the sweet Apple and Eve bunny is still open until Monday February 25th at midnight PST.

70 comments:

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

PS whimsypics@yahoo.com :) Sorry!

Anonymous said...

Awesome interview! Thanks for sharing. It's very inspiring. And you don't need a million to go to Arizona. Hop in a car and go! I did and it changed my life! Thanks for sharing you blog on "got a blog?" post!

Ren
raghousenternational.etsy.com

Unknown said...

I love Mrs. Kwitty! I have the matching cell phone holder and I must have this!! My fingers are crossed.

Pippin Designs said...

A great interviw with a fab crafty lady! I soooo love her goodies!

Rachel

rachellaurayoung@googlemail.com

Anonymous said...

Etsy is a better place for having Mrs. Kwitty as a member! Her work inspires me and so many others. Wonderful interview with a super talented artisan :)

jenniemorse@hotmail.com
sosorosey.etsy.com

Lisa Holman of XSBaggage and Co. said...

Angie, I'm so excited to have won those beautiful earrings from Jennifer! Thank you!

Great interview with Mrs. Kwitty's too! I have admired her work since first spotting her on Etsy. She is so talented and an inspiration.

Love your blog!

Lisa
xsbaggage@gmail.com
bagladiesinpa.etsy.com

Jezabels Jewels said...

awesome interview...i heart mrs. kwitty.

and suuuuper nifty giveaway...I wanna win! I wanna win! (i'm wearing my determined, ''m gonna win it' face) :P

xoxo, jen

Lallee said...

Mrs. Kwitty is an awesome crafter. She has so many gorgeous temptations in her shop. I really enjoyed reading the interview. Thank you for sharing!

Jody Sanders said...

Lovely, just lovely!

jdy2@aol.com !!!

Kim Bates said...

I have been admiring Mrs. Kwitty for a long time. Thanks for the great interview- it's so nice to know little details! She does such great work!
kimbates53@hotmail.com
(redthimble)

starrynightimpressions said...

love the color combo on the giveaway. And the inspiring interview. It's nice to know there was a total computer newbie at first and now look at her! It gives me hope.lol
deborah
jdwandro@att.net

(Angie) Norththreads: said...

Whoo hoo Karen, way to go, your awsome!! Please count me in!
~cheers~
Ang

Anonymous said...

great interview. Love your etsy shop! Leisl sparkly@q.com

Anonymous said...

Karen (Misseskwittys) is a wonderful inspiration to us on the etsy board too. She's always cheerfully willing to help with any questions and is a joy to have as "cyberspace" friend. Beautiful article and of course her work is so gorgeous, who wouldn't want to win! LOL!

Wendy @
wberryman@twmi.rr.com

Anonymous said...

MissesKwitty has the cutest things~I always enjoy viewing her latest creations.

Julie(~~)piecefulbits
skybluecrayons@yahoo.com

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great interview! Count me in for the giveaway.

ribbonrockstarhairbows@gmail.com

Linda

LeeAnn said...

Who couldn't love Mrs. Kwittys vintage items?! I love reading through these interviews.

said...

I love her stuff! I would love to win this!

BackwoodSophisticate said...

What a great interview!
backwoodsophisticate@verizon.net

Susan said...

oh, so lovely. Thanks for the chance to win this.

Anonymous said...

Great interview! I loved how you said, "crafty from birth"! My mother in law is that kind of person....I am just beginning /lol!

CRYSTAL72206@YAHOO.COM

Anonymous said...

hope I'm the lucky one.

ymesthermail@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Yay! She is one of my favorite Etsy sellers. I am a big fan and would love to win!

kwiatkev@msn.com

Anonymous said...

I just love her work! Thanks for featuring her on your blog!!

barkerbellheirlooms@hotmail.com

Lisa Cook said...

Who wouldn't LoVe this color combo! I am pleased to be on the Etsy Cottage Street Team with Karen!
Lisa

mainemadness said...

Gorgeous pieces! Awesome interview - I love getting to know someone this way. Thanks for sharing and my fingers are crossed to win!

Hugs, Casie
mainemadness@gwi.net

ricracsally said...

I just love Misseskwittys aesthetic, and she's such a sweetie! :)
Great feature--it's alwayss o much fun to read about the person behind the avatar!

Tiffani at RicRacSally
tiffia[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

how cute!

jill.perryman@gmail.com

Nancy said...

I love Miss Kwittys work. Please let me win that cute set! At least enter me in the drawing!

Kelly George said...

Great interview. :) I love Mrs. Kwitty's work. Go CSST!
My email is: thevintagebutterfly@yahoo.com.
Thanks!

Carrie said...

I'm so glad that you did this interview!! I think Mrs. Kwitty is the most absolute wonderful person I have met since finding Etsy! Hooray for her!!!

Marilyn said...

I am a big fan of Mrs. Kwitty. Great interview!

Home ec new Haven said...

I have been a big fan of Karen and her wonderful creations for some time now, it's nice to see her work being noticed!

Betty said...

I loved learning more about Mrs. Kwitty. She has the cutest things in her shop.

Anonymous said...

Love Her Shop...Great interview..Love This Blog...

Unknown said...

I have many of Mrs. Kwitty's items and I absoulutely LOVE THEM! One of her framed little songbirds is hanging in the entryway of my home. I sing, so every time I see that sweet little fabric collage and the musical notes floating of the sweet birdies beak, I SMILE! Also, Mrs. Kwitty is a kick to do business with! First class all the way!

Thanks for this Giveaway. PLEASE include li'l ol' me!

Blessings, KJ

Anonymous said...

WOW! resourceful tool for those on the go! This'd be great for any one who needs some organizing in their life!

Fitdeaf@aol.com

Thanks!
Shannon

Anonymous said...

Hi, I've some beautiful creations of Karen, that I discovered on etsy shop : she's very talented but also very generous and friendly. She's a great woman.
I'm glad to know her with this intervieuw thanks ! Veronique
verodum11@hotmail.com

Raven said...

Aww, her childhood watching & helping mum sew Barbie clothes reminded me of my younger days. I couldn't wait for my first sewing machine either!

xxx
Raven
http://ravenxxxx.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Fantastic feature and the fabric combo of that set is beautiful!

Team Zachary said...

Sage and Red are my fav combos too!!! So classy! What cute stuff Mrs. Kwitty :-)

Courtney

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

What a warm, retro feel Mrs. Kwittys' items leave! Thanks so much for the interview and fab photos!

Unknown said...

Sage and red do look nice. I wouldn't have thought of it.
Great blog.

Becky K. said...

I'd love to win.
Becky K. from Hospitality Lane
beckypfa@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love Mrs. Kwittys shop! Would love to win the giveaway!

{It's a family affair} said...

I LOVE her pretty little things...and of course would LOVE to win! Thansk for introducing her to all of us!! Jenny
jenny@doodledesignshop.com

Amanda said...

Oh I love MissesKwittys! I bought a little love bird from her, and she's adorable! I love her shop!!

My email: ulixis.crafts@gmail.com

Eva said...

i totally need this to keep organized! plus i'd be doing it in style :-)

ekrzemin@yahoo.com

Maude Lynn said...

So pretty!

kelli (at) pfrog (dot) net

blessings said...

Oooo... I can't wait to go check out all her stuff. Definitely, sign me up (please). Blessings... Polly

Anonymous said...

Oh, how FABULOUS! Lovely red & sage!

dbstout(at)juno(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Please enter my name!

Kim

a.lake51923(at)ns(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

Amber said...

Great interview. I love Mrs. Kwitty! Please enter me to win her very cool 2008 datebook.

hurdler4eva@gmail.com or Hurdler4eva on Etsy!

Uniquely Yours said...

This is a wonderful idea!! Thanks!

Stacey Moore said...

too cute!! we would love to win!! thanks

Kristin said...

Beautiful! Please count me in.

delandkristin@hotmail.com

Sharon said...

Please enter my name in the giveaway for Mrs. Kwittty! I love her beautiful work! :)

Amy said...

Karen (Mrs. Kwitty) has always wowed me with her amazing sewing talents and eye for combinations!!!!
Amy

Tarasview said...

I'd love to win this!

taradawnrobertson at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I found Mrs. Kwitty's shop before Christmas and fell in love! She makes wonderful quality pieces that are unique, romantic, and beautiful!
indy2all@yahoo.com

Tonje said...

I enjoyed reading the interview. count me in on the giveaway...

tsjoh (at) supanet.com

Shari Replogle said...

Did I get in just in the nick of time? Wonderful interview and very lovely set from Mrs. Kwitty.
~Shari

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

What a great interview. I am loving my visit to your blog...Mary

MadeByAmanda said...

Ooh, I love that red print. Please enter me!

butterflyblue77(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Oh that planner is just gorgeous!
I need to get one since I am just starting a new job.

Please convo me at etsy.

Anonymous said...

Love these! Wanna win them!!
Marti

LazyTcrochet said...

I'm glad I found this interview again. Rest in peace, MissesKwittys. I'll miss you, Karen.

Marilyn said...

So glad to have run across this interview with Karen. We love you and miss you, Karen. RIP.

Anonymous said...

I'm reading this interview for the first time, on mothers day 2018, it brings tears to my eyes,she was so humble and I am humbled to have been her husband for 21 years.GOD BLESS YOU HONEY, LOVE AND MISS YOU��. Thank you all for your beautiful sentiments and comments. She was a very talented and special woman.