Marnie creates items that are both beautiful and extremely useful (eyeglass cases or wallets, anyone?) out of wool that she's reclaimed and felted herself. She's answered some questions to give us an in depth look at who she is and what she does.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m currently a SAHM, but used to teach mathematics at the local high school. I met my husband on an archaeological field school (aka – ‘learn how to dig’) while at college. He is an archaeologist. Yes, I live in Indiana and thus, I’m married to Indiana Jones.
When did you first begin creating?
I’ve always been ‘crafty’. For my bedroom as a kid, my dorm room at college, at home, for my classroom...
What led you to open a shop for your art/craft?
Long story short – holding a load of wool sweaters, struggling to keep my 1st felted wool purse I made on my arm, and wearing a sweater I made from 4 other discarded sweaters while standing in line at Goodwill, a woman figured out that I must be purchasing these things to make stuff. (What tipped her off, I wonder? Ha-ha) She asked if I would be willing to sell some items in her shop. And I was off and sewing!
What is a typical work day like for you?
Get the kid to school, come back to the house and tidy up the least I can without still being disgusted, check email / do the social media thing, run errands, sew. Or…now that weather is nice, I try to get out and tend to my gardens. Some days I have more time to sew than others.
How do you juggle the many tasks of running a creative business?
Fortunately, hubby likes to do the website stuff. I can’t stand it. Second, I’m not looking to make a million dollars, so I just do what I can when I can and have to be happy with that. I feel that I could do better and more…but at what cost? Something would suffer. The house already does! (Ha!)
What is your favorite item that you’ve created, ever?
A funky scrap patchwork pillow from wool sweaters.
What is your favorite item in your shop, now?
Honestly, I think my polka dotted book mark because it is so simple and an excellent way to use up my scraps.
Is there anything that you would like to learn or do to expand on or improve what you create now?
I just purchased a serge or over lock machine. I haven’t a clue how to use it. Egad.
What advice would you share with other artists/crafters who sell their items?
When the thread keeps breaking, you snap a needle, you sewed it the wrong way…all in the same day…take a break. The universe is trying to tell you to recharge.
Aside from creating, what do you enjoy doing?
Gardening. Reading. Playing with herbs for home remedies.
If you could do anything at all, what would it be? Why?
This is going to sound so mundane. I would hire a personal chef and maid. I detest grocery shopping, planning meals, and cleaning the house.
Where would you travel if time and money were no object? Why?
Ireland. Germany. Scotland. Britain. I am fascinated with the Medieval Ages. I would like to visit old castles, ruins, and villages that are standing after 700 years. The lush green of Ireland with all the stone walls, little cottages just soothes my soul when I look at the pictures. I love folklore and mystique. I want to see a fairy! So, I better go to Ireland.
Where can we find you online?
On Twitter: @ReWoolables
On Facebook: facebook.com/ReWoolables
My website which is just a “here I am” kinda thing right now…ReWoolables.com
I am soon to launch a blog on that site!
And on Etsy – Etsy.com/ReWoolables.
Thank you, Marnie, for being our very first featured artist!