Featured Etsian ~ Patty of The Plaid Cupcake

Grey Chevron Luggage tag

I met Patty through a group I'm in called the "Clubhouse". It's a group of networkers with the common theme that we are all pursuing our dream career. She sells handmade, sewn accessories to "sweeten your life" in her Etsy store The Plaid Cupcake (click me). She has some really great stuff including luggage tags and coffee cozy sleeves (I think I will just HAVE to get one of these!) Anyway here's a little Q & A so you can get the chance to meet Ms. Patty and see the great stuff she does!

How long have you been sewing?
I’ve only been sewing about two years, but I’ve always been crafty. Before sewing I used to make jewelry as well as knit, crochet, and needlepoint. The only craft I’ve ever tried that I DIDN’T like was scrapbooking, I just don’t think I have the patience for it!


So since you are a knitter I HAVE to ask! What is the latest thing off your needles?
I save most of my knitting and crocheting for the holiday season! The last thing I did was a “red sox” knit cap for my 7 year-old nephew.


What got you interested in sewing in the first place?
I was actually at a local craft store that sold both beads and fabric. I popped in for some beads for a necklace but then fell in love with the fabric they were selling instead. I looked up some tutorials online and made my first project – a reversible tote bag. I was hooked from there!


What made you decide to open your store?
There were only so many coffee cozies and luggage tags that I could off load on my friends and family, so I thought a shop would be a fun way to share my creativity with the world.


Where does your inspiration come from?
I get inspired just by being around other creative people, both online and in person. I have a fabulous community of ladies online that I check-in with regularly, and two fabulous chicas that I work with every Wednesday at a nearby coffee shop. Together we keep each other on task!


I have 2 dogs and they run the house! Do you have any pets?
So funny you asked this – my husband and I just adopted two rescue bunnies. Their names are Cinnamon and Chili and we’re absolutely in love with them! I’m trying to teach them how to cut out patterns and iron but so far they seem to just prefer hopping around, eating hay, and keeping me company.

Cinamon & Chili eatin breakfast

What's your story?
I grew up in Upstate New York (near the Adirondacks) and went to school in Boston where I majored in Business. I met my husband while in College and he turned me into a Celtics and Patriots fan. My family are all rabid Red Sox fans, too! From there I moved down to the NJ/NY area and worked in Manhattan in fundraising. 


Who has been your biggest supporter and what about it is most important to you?
My husband is definitely my biggest cheer leader – he puts up with having pin cushions and scraps of fabric all around the house. My whole family is also fantastic and always spreading the word about The Plaid Cupcake – without all of them it would be a whole lot harder to keep myself going.

What is the most favorite thing in your store?
ACK! That’s like asking someone to choose their favorite child! My favorite fabric right now is the chevron that comes in gray, pink, orange, and turquoise.

Coffee Cozy Sleeve

What do you enjoy creating the most?
I love making custom orders or items that I know are a present for someone. I love picturing their face when they open up the item and the love they’ll hopefully have for it afterwards.

What do you like to do when you aren't working for your store?

I’m a sucker for reality TV shows (So You Think You Can Dance is my current fave.) I also enjoy running, trying out new recipes, and the occasional yoga.

*** So you think you can dance is my all time favorite show too!!! I've been watching it since it began. I've even sucked my husband into watching it. LOL

Do you run your store full time or do you have another job to fund "the dream"

I’m a part-time freelance grant writer in addition to running my shop and creative biz. For the time being, it’s what brings in the “bacon” but I’m hoping that will slowly change.

  I heard recently that you have started working on having your items in boutiques! Exciting and congrats! What can you tell us about that? 

Yes! It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. It’s been a slow process for sure. For the time being I’m only in one local shop, but I’ve been getting a bunch of interest from other small shops. I’m hopeful that part of my biz will pick up over the Summer. My thought with it is that I’ll get out of it as much as I put into it – so I really need to focus on contacting more shops and just getting my stuff out there! I recently launched a mission to get 100 No’s on my blog: http://plaidcupcake.com/2012/05/31/100-nos/

What has been the most exciting/memorable experience with your shop?

My first sale! It was a card wallet made out of NYC subway map fabric. It literally made my heart skip a beat and make me think “hey! People like my stuff! Cool!”

Do you have any new/fun things coming in the near future that you can give readers a sneak peek about?

Yes! I’m going to be selling new ruffled wristlets and am considering custom made laptop cases. I’m always up for new ideas and custom orders if people send them my way!

That's all for the interview! Thanks again to Patty for letting me quiz her and sharing with us! You can find her and her goodies @:

Website: http://plaidcupcake.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/plaidcupcake

Twitter: @plaidcupcake

Etsy: etsy.com/shop/plaidcupcakedesigns

Treasury Tuesday ~ Hair it is

It's officially summer and it is hot hot hot outside. If you are like me and have long hair, most of this season is spent pulling it up, back, and away from your face and neck. This inspired this treasury. Here's an array of hand made hair accessories to make putting your hair up trendy!


Treasury: Hair It Is (CLICK ME)

A New Leaf & A New Look

I've been doing a lot of self reflection and thought about what I want Innov8ive Knits to offer. The responses I have been getting from the wedding veil line in addition to the comments I've received at my latest show has lead me in a direction I think I have been wanting to go all along. 


This new direction is leaving some of the current products behind to make space for things that are unique, organic, and require a higher skill level than most of the things currently offered (such as the wedding veil). Some of the things that you can look forward to in the near future are:

• more wedding veils
• other wedding accessories
• organic face cloth/wash cloth sets w/ hand made organic soaps
• norwegian socks & stockings
• accessories full of color work & cables

To go along with the new direction of knitted & crochet goods, I wanted to update the "face" if you will of Innov8ive Knits and update the website so here it is! I think this look reflects myself and the product line well - crisp & clean, trendy, and natural. 

Since most of the items coming to the store will require more advanced techniques and time, a lot of my items will become made to order instead of ready to ship like it has been in the past. I was hesitant to come to this decision because I took a lot of pride in being able to ship something immediately to a customer. The decision was ultimately made because I wanted to get the chance to offer customization that wouldn't be possible with a "ready to ship" listing. I also want to get the chance to make something specifically for you instead of just shipping it out to the customer as an afterthought. This way each and every detailed stitch will be made with you in mind - tweaking it just how you need it.

Don't worry, not all of the things in the store are going to disappear and if they are eventually removed, I am always willing to take custom orders to make sure to get you what you need. Keep an eye out for new listings and other updates! As I move further down the line of "out with the old and in with the new" some of the items will go on sale to get them moving. Stay posted for that too.

Here Comes The Bride-al Veil Line

Just over a year ago I was planing for my BIG special day. Just like every other girl, I dreamed of a day that was special and where everyone's eyes were on me. Part of having everyone's eyes on you is looking the part! As I was doing research for the perfect dress and veil I came across something I found absolutely stunning. A fellow knitter extraordinaire had hand lace knit her wedding veil. I immediately fell in love and became obsessed with having one of my own.

Although I did have the veil done in time for my wedding (which was my biggest fear) after knitting and blocking, it was a shade darker than my dress and I was unable to use it. No worries I took use of the "something borrowed" and borrowed one that a bridesmaid used in her wedding. 

This veil was dreamt up before Innov8ive Knits was born but not long after it was established, I knew that I wanted to be able to share the beauty of a hand knitted lace veil with the world. I wanted to be able to provide a special, unique part of an unforgettable day that people couldn't take their eyes off of (THE BRIDE).

With that being said I introduce the newest line of Innov8ive Knits - Hand Knit Lace Wedding Veils! This is the first veil being brought into the line of many to come. This particular one is made of a blend of merino wool and silk giving it strength, luxury, and a smidgen of shine.

One of the great things about a hand made line of veils is that now your wedding veil can be totally customizable. You want pearls along the edges? Done! You want it attached to the same hairpiece your mom wore at her wedding? Done and done! You want it down to the floor or above your waist? I can do that too! I am so proud of this line and even more excited to finally show it off to you. You can find the listing in my store HERE

This one is a little silly. We had so much fun at this shoot!

Treasury Tuesday ~ Blue & Green Beauty Machine

I really enjoy the way blue and green look together. The cool colors are nice to look at in the heat of the summer. This is a great collection of art, glass, and jewelry in blue & green.


Treasury: Blue & Green Beauty Machine (click me)

Jouna Can't Keep Her Hands Off Of Food!

It's incredible how the web and common interests can breed amazing friendships, even from oceans away. I met my friend Jouna through an Etsy forum. With no hesitation she jumped into my life and a friendship was born immediately. She has given me advice, listened to me complain and rejoice over being an Etsy shop owner and life in general while we E-mail and IM well after midnight (I just let my inner nerd slip out, please excuse!) She even made the jewelry that I gifted to my bridesmaids to wear at my wedding! She's done me the favor of being a special guest writer. Enjoy!

Hello! My name is Jonua Besnard, and just like the film, I am an American living in Paris.  I am really honored to be guest blogging for Tiffany, as she is a creative gal who is very successful in her craft. 


I run an online boutique called J. Rachel Besnard Designs, where I design jewelry from various metals and stones, but I am not here to talk about that.  Recently I started a new line called Sugar Me Jewelry, and that is what I am going to focus on in this post.  Sugar Me Jewelry is scented mini food that you wear!  All of the pieces are handcrafted from polymer clay.  I spend much time looking around at Patisseries, and through cooking magazines for inspiration, and try to capture all of the little textures and indentations in the food. 

At first jewelry was going to the only thing I focused on, but already I have worked out a deal with a boutique where I will be making miniature food on the 1:12 and 1:6 scale for dollhouses.  I am very excited to get started on this venture.   Before making mini foods, I did not realize there were so many avid collectors out there.  Being a miniaturist is addictive, whether you make food, furniture, dishes, or just collect them!

This is my fav! It even SMELLS like coffee - Tiffany

Not expecting this line to take off as fast as it did, the website is not up yet.  It should be up in late July.  Anyone who is interested in purchasing any of my pieces or just browsing through my photos can reach me on my facebook page and follow me at Pinterest.  For custom requests you can email me at jrachelbesnard@gmail.com

Just stop by and say Tiffany sent you!