Yay for this month’s sponsor: b. handmade designs!
Becky Schreiner has an inspiring business based in Montana’s state capital, Helena. She designs and sews charming, thoughtful, whimsical items that you can’t live without like flattering skirts for women, swimmy squid pinafores, killer diaper changing pads, ruffle clutches…and sister pays attention to details like gorgeous fabric choice, streamlined design and exquisite craftmanship.
Really, I really like her stuff. She’s the cat’s pajamas and I am so excited to share her fabulousness with you! (join her facebook page to keep up with her abundant creativity)
I had a wee virtual chat with the b. from b. handmade and here it is:
What inspired you to start your business?
In 2006, I found a love for sewing again, well with the help of a brand new Bernina sewing machine. I’ve been sewing since I was 18, I’m 35 now. And it’s been an on again off again relationship for years. At that point in my life, I had recently moved from Missoula to Helena, a huge change for me, and moved from working with the Forest Service to the private sector doing GIS mapping and watershed analysis.
Everyone says once you hit the 30ish age marker, you will do this huge evaluation of what’s important to you. I had been going through this for a couple years, and struggling with my older sister’s breast cancer diagnosis. I literately took the saying “Life is too short” to heart and out of this sprung my b. handmade designs. I joined and set up my little etsy webshop and decided to try out the Helena Farmer’s Market and set up a booth in 2007. I still have the same spot today.
Through all of this, my husband, Nick, has encouraged me to do what I want in life and that no matter what happens we’ll manage, and today we’re still managing.
^ ruffle purse ^
All of your patterns are your designs. Tell us a bit about what the development process like.
Most definitely. All of my pieces are original patterned pieces. I only use other patterns if a family or friend asks me to make them a particular patterned piece (which is not often). I kind of do the development backwards, I will usually sew a piece and then I will draw the dimensions in my sketchbook or make a paper pattern after it’s made. I am really good at visualizing what a piece may look like finished. I have more luck making one pattern with my clutches and handbags. With my kid clothes and skirts I usually have to make a pattern and test it out and tweak it a bit until it’s just right.
Who/what inspires you?
I get inspiration from many facets in life, from my family and friends, other artists, natural elements, etc. Sometimes inspiration strikes me at the oddest times. These days my head is so full of ideas that I seriously am in need of a clone to help myself out! Actually I need that clone to help me out in the more mundane tasks in life like cleaning my house or paying my bills…
I just debuted some new items: Ruffle Purse, Pintuck Clutch, Gathered Clutch, Smocked Kid Dress, and this week I have some Ruffle and Floral Knit Shirts debuting at Frayed Sew in Helena and Tart in Bozeman.
You can find b. handmade designs on Etsy and facebook. In Helena at Frayed Sew and One Love Baby Boutique, in Bozeman at Tart and Sola Cafe, in Livingston at B. Civilized, or if you are in Columbus, Ohio at Wholly Craft (this is the newest shop to carry b. handmade designs).
I welcome custom orders and you can always contact me directly at b.handmadedesigns@gmail.com or 406.422.7725.
^ gathered purse ^
***************and just for you, dear readers***************
It’s simple: make a purchase, mention ‘dig this chick’ and she’ll refund 10% of the purchase right back to you!
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Whenever it’s available my family chooses to make purchases straight from the maker. It’s a wonderful, meaningful exchange where we end up with unique, well-crafted items and directly support an artist/crafter/maker. Becky makes it easy with b. handmade: her beautiful items are affordable and original. Thanks, b. handmade designs!
^ we LOVE our pinafore! ^
