So She Sews

So She Sews is an amazing store that opened on Etsy in November 2006. Brooke lives in Atlanta Georgia. She also has a Blog where she posts about things that interest her . . . tutorials, crafting advice, love life, etc.

#1. How did you decide on your shop name?

The name just kind of came to me one day. I was actually mulling over a tongue twister in my head while I was driving in the car… “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.” I accidentally said “She sews sea shells…” I toyed with it for a few days with some variations and finally came up with SoSheSews. I thought it had a nice ring to it.

#2. When did you start crafting?

Basically, I’ve been “crafting” all my life. My mom taught me how to use the sewing machine when I was very young. I attended a Fine Arts Magnet School for middle school and high school, so arts and crafts have played a major role in my life. I officially decided I’d like to do it (as a business and as my dream) about four years ago. My best friend and I at the time would get together every Tuesday night and sew together. After a little while, we thought it might be fun to try to sell some of the things we were making. SoSheSews came out of that. So, it started as a joint-venture. But, when our schedules became too different to cohesively keep it “together”, she graciously allowed me to take over. It’s been my baby ever since.

#3. What or who inspires you?

Right now I’m really inspired by European style and street fashion. Specifically, some of the design-styles that are coming out of Norway and Finland. I absolutely adore hel-looks.com! I look to things like that for inspiration, then I add a dash of practicality, and infuse it with my desire to keep things eco-friendly. Also, I am constantly inspired by my frequent trips to the thrift store. I’ll find some vintage linens or a gaudy sweater and envision it reconstructed into something more fashionable, more practical.

#4. Do you have a day job?

Yes, I do. I work as an administrator/assistant in the health insurance industry. I like it because I work from home most of the time and I can multitask between that “day job” and my Etsy store. It’s nice to be able to call the shots on what I can do with my time. I’d like to make SoSheSews my full-time job within the next year or so, and I’m very grateful to have a day job that allows me to build by business up before I finally take the plunge into being completely self-sustaining.

#5. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

I would have to say my Textile Fleurs. I was just so proud of myself for coming up with the design idea. Plus, the resulting product struck me as much more stunning and functional that I thought it would be. Making pretty-smelling flowers also appeals to my really girlie side (which I secretly long to embrace).

Audrey's Accolades:

Brooke has a truly lovely shop. There is a wide variety of items, definitely something for everyone. Everything from dresses, to bracelets, hair clips, clutches & wallets, felted products and flowers that will never die! This wallets is so cute and made from recycled materials! My favorite item.

This adorable, practical wallet was made from a special fusing process using plastic bags. The plastic is sturdy and pliable- sure to stand the test of time! The process I use results in this wonderful eco-textile which both looks and feels like wrinkly plastic leather!