I've always been a maker, but became extraordinarily passionate about sewing at a time when arts and crafts were taught in schools and mothers and grandmothers passed down their home arts skills to their children and grandchildren. For fifteen years I sewed almost daily and learned a lot in the process, but then sewing took a back seat to a career as an investment advisor and motherhood. Once my boys were grown and my career was in the rear view mirror I began sewing again and when I heard about Etsy I didn't hesitate to jump on board. In Material was launched in 2009 with the purpose of offering well constructed, handmade, unique fabric accessories for one's home and self that I would love to have in my life while providing top-notch customer service, something I learned over 25 years in the financial services industry.
In Material reflects my design aesthetic that has been fine tuned over decades. It's about simple and enduring design, texture, natural earth-friendly textiles, easy-on-the-eye colors, details, easy care, a global twist, a rustic vibe, and not taking life too seriously. And, as a passionate environmentalist, there is always an eye on the environmental impact of what I do and a continual evolution in my products and practices to lessen my footprint. This includes my solar-powered studio. Using a combination of vintage, repurposed, and natural fabrics as well as scraps in my designs keeps things interesting, and by selling a limited number of unique goods rather than large numbers of trendy ones, you will acquire an item as unique and special as you and your home.
You won't see anything in my shop that I wouldn't have in my own home or use myself. In fact, there are prototypes all over my house. I live with them, use them, and wash them so I know how they perform in a busy household. Every item I sell is made by me with the utmost care and attention to detail . . . from my hands to yours.