Friday, May 27, 2011

Feature Friday~ Manzanita

Hello friends and happy Friday! For today's feature i am happy to introduce my sweet friend, Rebecca of Manzanita. Rebecca's shop features hand crocheted items inspired by days gone by- cocktail hats,brooches,bows, and even neck ties. In heather shades, her pieces appeal to the Audrey Hepburns of our times- classic accessories with a touch of exaggeration. I am so pleased to share this interview with,


What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?


It is always so hard to talk about yourself, isn’t it? Well after getting some feedback from my dear friends I have decided on these…

Intuitive, evolving, crafty, courageous, and surprising




When did you learn to knit and crochet and who taught you?



I first learned to knit actually when I was very young. My grandmother taught me and I would just make piles of squares for her. When I was in middle school one of my best friends taught me to crochet and I have been doing it ever since I think learning how to knit first has really influenced my crochet style. I like to say I crochet like a knitter. I am a huge fan of the ridge stitch.





Tell us a little bit about your Etsy shop, Manzanita



Manzanita is where I sell my creations. Since the beginning it has been focused completely on fiber arts but I plan to branch out and do fabric art, watercolor, and paper art. I have so many ideas and so much inspiration all the time but never seem to have the time to bring them all to fruition. Crocheting is what I have focused on most in the last few years as far as a creative outlet and I completely adore it. It is relaxing and rewarding. When I “perfect” a design for a flower or bow I feel like I just climbed a mountain. I run to my fiancĂ© and I’m like “baby look it is perfect!” He knows that means that something is done (for now).




What inspires your pieces?



So much. I really like looking through fashion blogs and magazines and finding beautiful accessories that are made with different media, like fabric, and then I like to turn it into something made of yarn. Over-sized bows have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and I love to crochet them and am always designing new ways to do so. I think my bow has changed and evolved more than anything else I make. 

I also really love the look of the early 1900’s. I get a lot of inspiration from the women of that time. The flat hats with big flowers on the side, the cocktail hats, the brooches, the colors: reds, browns, mauve, and grays.




and finally, what personal crochet project are you currently working on?



I am always working on so many things. Right now the items I am most excited about working on are my cocktail hats I have been designing. It is always a struggle to find something that is unique to you when there are so many lovely crafters out there, and even harder to be inspired by them and still be able to make something only yours. I feel like I have achieved that with my cocktail hats and can't wait to see how people receive them. I am also trying to focus on working with the presentation of Manzanita right now, which is where I think I am lacking. I have been in contact with some really cool photographers here in Boulder and I am really impatient to get some photo shoots done so that the shop looks a bit more professional.

Thank you Rebecca fro taking the time to answer all my questions! 

I hope y'all enjoyed getting to know the woman behind Manzanita :) The items i've featured are just a sneak peek at what her shop holds, so go ahead and check out her shop to drool over her new cocktail hats and to debate over which color flower brooch to get. i know you will!

3 comments:

  1. Her work is really pretty. I love the texture and look of that gray brooch.

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  2. how cute, I especially like the granny square garland and the flower brooches.

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  3. I love the flower brooches! Her work is lovely. :)

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