Zaaberry

Zaaberry is a wonderful childrens clothing shop just starting out on Etsy!! Ruby lives in Belchertown, MA. Real life keeps Ruby quite busy, but she loves to do custom orders. I wish my boys were still little! This kimono set is just too cute!! Please check out the rest of the items in Ruby's shop - there is an etsy mini at the bottom of the interview with more items from her shop.

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

My husband came up with my shop name, and he got it from our 2 and half year old daughter. Last summer, when she was about 18 months old, she loved picking raspberries from our garden, but she would call them zaaberries (zah-berries). Since my sewing is mostly for and inspired by my kids, I wanted a shop name that was unique, but reflected their influence. Zaaberry just seemed like the perfect name.


#2. When did you start crafting?

I started crafting as a little girl sewing and knitting clothes for my Barbie dolls. My mother is an avid sewer and she taught me when I was pretty young. I really hit my stride after my daughter was born and I started making fun stuff for her. And now, my new mission is to create great boy clothes. I have an 8 month old son and find it nearly impossible to find boy clothes that don't scream BOY.


#3. Are there other crafts you would like to try?

I've done a lot of crafting. In college I learned to do stained glass and make silver jewelry and I've done a lot of knitting in the past. But I find I do best when I focus. So right now I'm really focused on sewing and designing, so no, for the time being there isn't any other craft I'm dying to try.



#4. What or who inspires you?

All my inspiration comes from my kids and fellow crafters.

#5. Do you have a day job?

I do have a day job. I have a degree in Biochemistry and work part time in a university research lab that studies environmental pollutants that interfere with our bodies normal hormonal regulation. Part of what I enjoy about making clothes for my kids is that some kids clothing, specifically kids pajamas, can be treated with chemicals that may interfere with development.


#6. Which is you favorite item and why?

The baby boy kimono and pant set was the most fun to make. As much I as I want to make stylish boy clothes, it can often be hard to even find fabric for boy clothes that isn't totally blue. So it was fun to try something a little different and be happy with the results.

Kayas Kloset

Kaya's Kloset has been on Etsy since June of 2007. Johanna resides in Boston. If you would like to see more of her slippers have more fabrics to choose from - please check out her WEBSITE. Johanna is offering my readers a wonderful opportunity to purchase a pair (or more) of her amazing slippers at a reduced price - $2 off the new organic shoes PLUS free shipping! Use the code ORG1 in the "comments to seller" during checkout. This offer is valid through 4/30/09.

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

My daughter's name is Kaya. She is the inspiration for the shop. I started making shoes for her when she was an infant and couldn't keep anything on her feet. She's 2 now and she wears them in the house as her slippers. As she (and her friends) get bigger, so does the Kaya's Kloset size range!

#2. When did you start crafting?

I've always been surrounded by crafts. My mom is a graphic designer with a passion for crafting. She always made my clothes and toys when I was little. She made gifts for everyone, had her own craft business for a while. I worked craft fairs with her when I was younger, and now she's helped me with some too! It all comes full circle.

#3. What or who inspires you?

I was initially inspired by my daughter's cold feet, but now there is a spark in me that keeps it going, and, of course, the wonderful fabric designers.I have an environmentalist side to me too, and that is what inspired the new organic cotton line. They are made from unbleached organic cotton fabric and reclaimed corduroy soles. They each have hand painted designs derived from original art from Boston area artist Miranda Greenhalgh. You can see all of the current designs at http://kayaskloset.com/organic.html

#4. Do you have a day job?

My day job is taking care of my daughter Kaya and her two toddler friends. It's a great way to spend my days!

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

This answer will change depending on what is new and exciting to me at the moment, but right now it's the organic line. It's been in the works for a very long time now and thanks to a great collaboration with Miranda Greenhalgh, I think we've created an amazing new product!

AUDREY'S ACCOLADES:

What an amazing shop!! Johanna has the cutest slippers as you can see. They come in sizes from newborn to 5 year old size feet. There are so many colors to choose from! I love butterflies and these make me think abouts spring, so they are my favorite slippers.

These shoes are made of 100% new material. These are newborn size with a sole that is just under 3.75" long. They have white uppers with multi-colored butterflies and red corduroy soles. They would be perfect any little baby girl!