Featured Shop - SmallThreads

Mandy Smith of Small Threads creates amazingly cute appliqued & hand stitched designs for kids on undies, tanks, onesies, dresses and more. Here's what Mandy had to say about her shop:

1) Tell us about your product and where you get your inspiration.
I make unique children's clothing. Each design is one of a kind, I do not keep patterns. This is not just applique, I mix vintage and modern fabrics to make funky characters and then I hand-stitch each piece. I put my heart, soul, and hands into each design that I create. The process is quite complex. I imagine a character, write a story, choose a clothing style, freehand draw the design, machine stitch the design to the clothing, and then HAND STITCH the design. I am inspired by dreams, my two boys, their toys, their stories, walks to the park, adventures by the sea, you name it, I am inspired by it. I keep a little sketchbook and draw my ideas wherever I go.

2) How did you get involved with etsy?
A friend of mine showed me Etsy, we decided to stitch together, which became Small Threads. I have a website, that is almost permanently under construction, but I am in no hurry as I love my Etsy customers. It is such a great place to shop and sell. I love to see pieces at craft shows, that I recognize from Etsy, and take a chance to meet the maker, it's like a secret community of extra rad people.

3) Do you sell your work in any bay area stores?
I sell to a shop in Palo Alto, called Coupa Cosas "objects of desire". Other than that, I like to do local shows and sell directly to my customers. I do sell at a few boutiques in other states, to increase my exposure. I am always considering the idea of getting into a bay area boutique, but I haven't chosen which would best fit my style.

4) When you're not creating what are you doing?
When I am not creating, I am a full time mother of two boys ages 3 and 5. They always take priority and so I find myself pulling all-nighters, trying to stay on top of my orders, I love it though. I need creative expression time. I absolutely love to stitch, I love to create, I love to photograph, sell and hear feedback about my products. I feel like I am a very lucky lady who gets her cake and gets to eat it too!