Today’s features artist is Kelley of Klymyshyn Design. I am lucky enough to own a couple of things made by Kelly, a pair of adorable baby suspenders and the cutest little red newborn hat ever. But, as cute as they are, I have to say that I think Kelly’s true talent is in her ability to design and write patterns, so that other people can knit and crochet beautiful items too.

As a maker myself, I appreciate the work that goes into handmade items, but I’m also a little bit in awe of people who can write clothing patterns, and Kelly has had lots of clothing and accessory patterns published in magazines and by yarn companies. In case you don’t know, writing clothing patterns means lots of math to figure out how to make the garment look right in a bunch of different sizes — as if hand knitting/crocheting a prototype in one size wasn’t enough work!

Anyway – here’s a preview of her etsy shop:

And now on to the interview!

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name, Klymyshyn Design, is my husband’s true Ukranian name which was brought to America by my DH’s grandparents. My FIL was an officer in the U.S. Airforce and consequently shortened it to Klem. My DH’s grandparents had only one son, who had two sons – neither of whom had any boy children to carry on the name…so I’m carrying on the Klymyshyn name the best way I know how!

Tell me a little about your medium and the materials you use in your work.

I make anything I desire which usually has something to do with fabric, yarn, or thread involving a sewing machine, knitting needles and crochet hooks but truly feel that creativity should never be limited by use of materials and tools.

Tell me a little bit about how you work and the process involved in creating your pieces.

I am a stickler for “test driving” a product to make sure it wears well and fits well. I also use live fit models (usually my children) as well as the universal standards for size. My decision to go forward with an idea depends on: how it enhances the human form, a necessity to make a common item more useful – ie: “I Can Dress Myself” is geared to 2 and three year old girls who have a penchant to “do it myself”…my toddler boots are geared especially for babies who are beginning to stand and walk – they are lightweight, will not blister feet, and have a flexible sole. (this shoe was conceived 2 years ago and has taken much to develop)

Do you have any advice for people wanting to start a craft business?

My advice to others breaking out into business is to pursue making items you love to make and also items which you think will benefit the recipients. If you believe you have a very good product – make it, and then spend time and effort making sure others SEE what you are making.

You were nominated for this feature by Esther of E McIsaac. Would you like to say anything to/about her?

My dear Esther nominated me and I have to say that we have bonded tightly through witty banter in the FAM chat thread, our mutual admiration for each others’ work–but most importantly, I know “E” to be an extremely and deeply caring person–exemplified in her nearly desperate effort to sell a wonderful painting of hers’ for a high price to benefit the firefighters in CA this summer. She’s smart, fun, witty, and she fills a deep void in my heart that my mother left when she passed away. (alas…she drinks too much!)

I saw that painting she did to benefit the firefighters. I’m also a fan of her work and it’s great to see people doing good through their art. It sounds like you two have a special bond, and I’ve enjoyed featuring you both on my blog.

What’s the last song or album you listened to? I’m just curious, I love music.

I ADORE bluegrass music and was never, in my life, so excited but when “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou” won best album (ironic, because in MOST music stores you can only find bluegrass in the “folk” section) I used to sing and play rhythm guitar in a bluegrass band.

I think bluegrass is making a comeback, there’s a big bluegrass festival in the summer in San Francisco every year and it seems pretty popular.

Do you sell your work anywhere other than etsy?

Etsy is really the only place I am currently selling finished products, however, I write and sell knit/crochet patterns.

Do you have a website or blog?

http://klymyshyndesignonetsy.blogspot.com/