{feature & giveaway :Common Threads}

Happy Monday everyone!

I have been so busy lately getting new things in my shop & trying out my very first craft fair but now I'm back in action & would love to introduce you to the lovely girls of Common Threads.

Please meet Mandi, Jessi & Cassie!

How did Common Threads come to be?
(Mandi)
Jessi and Cassie have been friends for years and are old rommies and Jessi and I are sister-in-laws so we are all pretty close. This year Jessi and Cassie came up with some business plans while Jessi and I where both on maternity leaves that involved starting a blog based mostly on sewing, knitting, crochet and crafting. Cassie does some amazing amigurumi animals and knitwear, while Jessi and I tend to focus more on sewing and other crafts. We also just had our very first table at a festival this month and we are hoping to have a few more of those this summer.

What inspires you the most?
(Cassie)
I find the process of creating to be the most inspiring. I'll look at something and imediatley think "that would be fun to make"...it's probably why I do so many "one of's" I get so easily bored that I need to make something new and different everytime and learn new techniques.

*(Mandi)
We are inspired by a lot of other crafters that are online, the amount of talent that is out there and being blogged about is so great! Jessi and I both have kids so we make things for them but we also love sewing for ourselves and our homes. I also love any type of fashion upcycling or garment restyles!

Where can we find more of you?
We have an Etsy shop that we are just starting to fill, right now we are stocking a lot of childrens items but we are hopefully going to be branching out into more accessories and handmade goods soon.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/commonthreads123

We also have a facebook page where we keep our readers updated on new posts and giveaways.
http://www.facebook.com/CommonThreadsKingston

What is your secret obsession?
(Mandi)
My secret obsession is actually blogging these days! I love creating things but I now also really enjoy being able to share what we are up to and what have been making. It's great to get feedback from others and discover all of the neat blogs that are out there!

(Jessi)
I am all about blanket stitches now that I know how to do them! I am really trying to make my own unique patterns or thinking of ways to take an existing pattern and make it my own.

(Cassie)
I yearn for a Blythe doll. I go through tons and tons of photos of customized Blythe dolls on flickr and dream of when I'll have one of my very own...if only for the dress up factor! I can't wait to crochet and knit clothing for her!

What has been your biggest crafting disaster?
(Cassie)
I have an entire bag of craft fails....knit projects that reach that 2/3's point and then never get any further. A half knit dog sweater, one mitten, a sweater I never properly blocked, a purse that became way too detailed and never got finished ...and then there was the newsboy hat I tried to knit for Scott. It was alll sorts of droopy and misshapen..before I learned the importance of checking your guage!!

(Jessi)
I think the Harry Potter cloak I made my daughter, I used a choir robe pattern and didn't take into account the gather it called for in the collar (which I was taking out) it left the whole thing way to big and I did a horrible job trying to fix it.

(Mandi)
I have honestly had a few that I should keep better documentation of! Most recently it was a dress for a wedding that started to go all wrong right from the beginning but I just loved the fabric and wanted to save it! I ended up with a very burnt arm that is absolutely going to scar and nothing that is remotely wearable!! I just try and look at it as a learning experience for next time!



The girls are also giving away this adorable necklace!

To enter:

*Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item in Common Threads is along with your email address to be contacted at if you win.

For extra entries:

*Become a follower of my blog & leave a comment saying so
*Become a follower on Twitter & tweet about the giveaway & leave a comment saying so
*Blog about this giveaway with the picture from above & leave a comment saying so

Do all the above & that gives you 4 chances to win! =)

(Giveaway ends Sunday, August 22)

Remember, if you would like to be featured on my blog, please email me at oneartsymama(at)yahoo(dot)com