Conversations with Industry Experts and fellow Sewing and Embroidery Enthusiasts just like YOU!
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Today I'm happy to bring you snippets of a very enjoyable conversation I had with my friend Molly Madison, designer of the Artisan Apron pattern featured in a past issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine.
It was so much fun making this apron! I thought you would enjoy meeting the designer, peeking into her creative world, and learning a bit more about the pattern.
It was so much fun making this apron! I thought you would enjoy meeting the designer, peeking into her creative world, and learning a bit more about the pattern.
Molly and I met last year during a series of In-The-Hoop Machine Embroidery events with mutual friend Reen Wilcoxson, owner of Embroidery Garden. Reen was the star instructor and Angela Wolf and I were privileged to play a part in these hands-on embroidery extravaganzas. Molly was on stage too, assisting Reen and quietly demonstrating steps for Brother multi-needle machines as participants stitched an array of beautiful projects.
These events were presented by Allbrands.com and held in various cities such as sunny San Antonio. Allbrands CEO, Blaine Austin brought us together as a group and almost instantly we all felt like we had known each other for years! An exciting adventure for each of us, we found time to mix work with play. Here we are enjoying the chance to have a photo op at the Alamo before heading to a group dinner.
From left, Angela, myself, Reen, Molly, & mutual friend Leigh Ann Babin at the Alamo.
Artisan Apron sightings were common in San Antonio and other events. Would you believe these two lovely ladies had never met before this event in Baton Rouge? They came from different parts of the country and both wore aprons from the same fabric!!!
Caroline (left) and Carrie (right) wearing Artisan Aprons in Baton Rouge LA.
Molly's apron was new to me but not to Caroline and Carrie! They already knew that Molly's wonderful apron pattern was fun to make, fun to wear, and the perfect "fashion item" for creative individuals.
Won't you all join me as we talk to Molly and take a peek into her creative and artistic world?
Won't you all join me as we talk to Molly and take a peek into her creative and artistic world?
Hi Molly! I’m glad we could spend a little time chatting today. It’s always fun to talk to a fellow sewing friend! I'm quite sure there are MollyMade fans reading this right now!
I'm curious, when and how did you learn to sew?
I'm curious, when and how did you learn to sew?
I was 9 years old and took a sewing class in 4H. A neighbor had several girls over to her house and taught us how to sew. I thoroughly enjoyed that! The next opportunity to sew was in junior high home Ec class. I made a top that I never did wear, but I didn’t give up. I kept sewing and in high school I even made senior garters to sell. Made a couple of my own prom dresses too! When my first son was born I made many comfy baby items using mostly knits. I have sewn for others as well, making a couple (not too elaborate) wedding dresses and a prom dress for a niece. I learned mostly by trial and error and by reading instructions.
How about now, what are some of your favorite ways to learn new skills?
I like taking classes. There is so much to be learned from others. I recently took a class with Angela Wolf to learn more about sewing with knits. When I help Reen at her classes, I always learn new things from the attendees.
Sewing enthusiasts are so willing to share their success stories and their mistakes with others, aren't they?!? I know we saw and heard a lot of inspiring stories at our events together.
So, what is the most challenging thing you have ever sewn?
So, what is the most challenging thing you have ever sewn?
Let me think a second. Well, years ago, I made a prom dress for my niece. It was fitted and had a custom drape in the front.
Pretty prom dress from the 90's This dress was super challenging, but it did turn out beautiful.
Ha! I have to say that job helped me determine that couture sewing for others is not how I want to spend my sewing time.
Ha! I have to say that job helped me determine that couture sewing for others is not how I want to spend my sewing time.
The dress is a work of art Molly! True, many of us learn what we do like by learning what we don't like!
I know machine embroidery is one of your current specialties, when were you first "bitten" by the embroidery bug?
I know machine embroidery is one of your current specialties, when were you first "bitten" by the embroidery bug?
In 2008, I bought my first embroidery machine. I was excited to learn all I could about this new machine and signed up for an embroidery convention immediately. I met Reen Wilcoxson at this event. When I think back, it may have been her first event setting up a booth. I still remember standing at the booth and just not wanting to leave. I was simply mesmerized by all the things she was doing with machine embroidery! That was the beginning of a close friendship with Reen.
When and how did your passion for sewing/embroidery turn into a business?
I started doing local craft shows over 20 years ago. Craft shows were a hobby at first and then became a small business. With the addition of embroidery machines, I am able to do so much more and now I've added customized items for sale. However, my free time is limited and sporadic. Currently, I'm using my experience and creative energy to focus on creating sewing patterns and digitizing embroidery designs for other enthusiasts to enjoy. I have an Etsy shop for all of my items and the apron pattern is also sold there.
You have some really unique items in your shop Molly! I visited recently and saw your digital cutting files, beautiful cut cork fabric panels, lots of custom key tags, and many more beautiful things!
Here are few photos:
I'm sure we have some creative sewing entrepreneurs listening in. What are some of the best ways you have found to get your custom items noticed?
People like to see options. Samples are the best way to get an item noticed. My apron pattern is so versatile and a great way to convey that is to make many samples. I have made the apron for craft show vendors, teachers, basket weavers, and cooks. When I work with Reen at a show we have patterns available and samples to show.
Let's talk more about the apron! Tell us how came you up with this practical and pretty pattern.
Holly and Molly My apron pattern was actually a request from a fellow craft show vendor. She told me what she wanted to see in an apron for wearing to the craft shows. I searched everywhere and couldn’t find what I wanted, so I designed my own.
I know you have two different options for purchasing this in your Etsy shop, either a digital download or a complete pattern package with all the necessary hardware included. Sewing shops can carry the pattern as well and I know some stores have made great classes using your pattern. Below is a photo from the pattern package and a close up of the pockets.
I had so much fun making your Artisan apron and I know many others who feel the same way. It is such a unique pattern!
I’m wondering if you made many different variations before you brought it to market. In other words, was there much trial and error in getting the pattern set for printing and selling?
I’m wondering if you made many different variations before you brought it to market. In other words, was there much trial and error in getting the pattern set for printing and selling?
Yes, there was trial and error in getting it just right. Very much so! I made a list of all the attributes the apron would include. I drew pictures of the apron so as to visualize what it might look like in the end. Then, I cut fabric to approximate sizes and did the sewing. Then there was measuring and pattern piece making. I had to make it so that other people could re-create what I had done, with detailed instructions and photos. There were many versions that didn’t make the cut :)
If someone is making your apron for the first time what would you say are the most important things to think about before starting.
Read through the instructions. ONE step at a time! Start at the beginning and just concentrate on the task at hand. Join the Facebook Group and ask questions if you need to. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MollyMadeApronSewAlong/
Your apron is so cute with the mix of fabrics. Can you give us some tips for selecting fabrics?
I suggest you have three or four coordinating fabrics at your disposal. Before I cut out an apron, I lay the fabric out to see what it might look like. I always start with the main apron pattern piece and cut that fabric first. Lay it out on the cutting table and before cutting other pieces, try them on in the area where they will eventually be sewn.
That's exactly what I did when I made mine. I knew I wanted lots of embroidery so I used a large area of solid fabric. With all of your separate pieces there is a lot of opportunity for pattern play with mix and match fabrics.
I'd like to mention that there's a really cute half apron version too! Here's a montage of apron photos showing how other sewing enthusiasts used different fabric options.
I'd like to mention that there's a really cute half apron version too! Here's a montage of apron photos showing how other sewing enthusiasts used different fabric options.
These aprons are perfect for gifts too! Many of our fellow machine embroidery enthusiasts love making gifts for others. Do you have any favorite projects that you use over and over again for gift giving?
I do love "gifting" personalized items! I feel that giving an item with a person’s name on it portrays the sentiment I am after. I want them to know I took the time to make them something really special. Ever since I learned about the cutwork feature on my PR1000e, I have been digitizing and gifting name key fobs. These are useful, personalized, and perfectly cut out with the special needles on this machine.
Tell us about your personal sewing time and space. Do you have a room or a particular place that is dedicated to sewing? What are some of your favorite "sewing for fun" projects?
I live for fun sewing! I like to sew with knit fabric on the serger, but have so much to learn. I like to sew items that will be useful, like bags, totes, zipper cases for organizing, & key fobs.
I actually have a huge room dedicated to sewing. It is still a work in progress, but I love spending time in there. The room was originally a garage, made into a master bedroom, now transformed into a sewing room. The ceiling is very high and there are windows. Always room for improvement, I need more lighting, and the walls could maybe be painted a happier color. The good part is that all my supplies and equipment are contained in one room and I can close the door when I’m done! The photo shows one wall decoration and by the way the scissors are real . . . I got them at a garage sale :)
I actually have a huge room dedicated to sewing. It is still a work in progress, but I love spending time in there. The room was originally a garage, made into a master bedroom, now transformed into a sewing room. The ceiling is very high and there are windows. Always room for improvement, I need more lighting, and the walls could maybe be painted a happier color. The good part is that all my supplies and equipment are contained in one room and I can close the door when I’m done! The photo shows one wall decoration and by the way the scissors are real . . . I got them at a garage sale :)
What are some of your favorite hobbies or creative endeavors when you're not stitching?
Ahhh, I always have my fingers into something!!! Other hobbies include chalk painting furniture and wood items; cutting signs, vinyl, fabric, cork fabric, etc., with my digital cutting machine.
I also like weaving baskets, chair caning, and oh yes . . . raising chickens for their eggs. You asked for some photos so here goes!
I also like weaving baskets, chair caning, and oh yes . . . raising chickens for their eggs. You asked for some photos so here goes!
Of course family means the world to me! My husband and the rest of my family are very supportive of my creative endeavors :)
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us Molly!
Do you have any parting words or a special sewing motto you'd like to share?
Do you have any parting words or a special sewing motto you'd like to share?
Make time for sewing. It’s time well spent!
Well said! It's been great fun talking to you!
Below is the address for Molly's Etsy shop where you'll find the Artisan Apron pattern and more of her custom crafted items for sale. www.etsy.com/shop/MollyMadeEmb
Note: Sewing shops can contact Molly for wholesale apron pattern information here:
mollyann.madison@gmail.com
mollyann.madison@gmail.com
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