introducing *handicraftkate

Here is my first ode to a designer/business owner. If you know me, you know that I am very interested in people and fashion. Several months ago, before leaving Kentucky, I interviewed kate of handicraftkate. I would like to feature her craft of throwing wool and roving. She is such an amazing and really funny person.  I miss our fashion shoot collaborations and dinners.

 *please note the pictures below are from the spring collection and may no longer be available.

*features model: Heather Allen

How long have you been throwing felt?

About two years.

How did you get into this art form?

I’ve always been an artist. I used to paint, draw and work with clay on a wheel. Then I started into paper making, which lead into working with wool, which lead into working with raw wool. From there I started making things out of roving and started making hats and bags and then scarves. And then I got into Nuno felting, which is the combing of silk with felts with an open weave. I am still looking for new ways to make scarves and I am always trying to find the next new style.

What are your favorite parts?

I love selecting colors and getting colors to blend. I’m known for my gradient scarves, which is made by breaking down the roving and blending the colors seamlessly.

I love the quest of finding and understanding new techniques. I continue to try new things. I am currently working with Shabori.

How do you manage your time being a small business owner and working outside the studio?

Most of the time, I generally do my work in non-stop weekends. If I’m not crafting, I’m online posting and social networking. I also do a lot of it at night and any days off.

Do you have anything that helps with your time management?

My husband. He does all the work around the house, so I have time to work.

What is your biggest challenge?

Marketing, I still don’t really have that down. Trying to reach my audience and get my product out there. Exposure is always a challenge.

How do you choose what you will make out of the product?

I generally purchase roving with a design already in mind.

Where do you want to take your business?

I would like to be a full time crafter with most business on etsy, but I also want to have a studio where I can teach classes and show my work in the local craft fair circuit.

What is the most exciting thing that has happen since you started your business?

When I make a custom item for someone in a far off country and I know that it will a part of their daily life. I love knowing that the item is going half way around the world to be used by someone who likes my style.

I also enjoy when I made a custom item for a good friend and then I can put a lot myself into it and make it extra special for them.

What are your best sellers?

Rainbows are king… for some reason people love color.

What is your favorite scarf?

The crater scarf.