Here’s another great little interview from one of our newest recruits — the talented Heather Hales! Heather has just recently completed several exclusive designs for the shop that you won’t want to miss (click on the photos for details). Her broad scope of design talent and impeccable workmanship will blow your mind (and make some of us just a tad bit jealous)! We’re truly thrilled to have her as a contributing designer at The Baby Gardner!
What’s the 411 on the talented Heather Hales?
I’m a wife, mother and part-time crafter! I live in the suburbs of Phoenix with my husband of nearly 11 years and our 2 children (boy 6, girl 3). I grew up in a creative family. My mother is a photographer and painter and my father is a sculptor and an amazing sketch artist. They both hold down day jobs and do their creative work on the side. Being creative is something I guess I learned at an early age. I need creative outlets to find balance in all the other areas of my life!
How do you juggle a typical day? Where and when do you usually create when you get the chance?
A typical sees me up between 6:30am-7am. Mornings are a scramble to get my son off to school. I am not a morning person and no amount of planning seems to squelch the rush! After getting everyone to school/preschool I usually come home and divide my time between the sewing room and answering emails. The afternoons are spent with the kids, homework, play and such. After the kids are in bed then the real crafting begins! Unless I have an extreme deadline I usually quit work at 10pm and spend an hour with my husband before going to bed and starting it all over again!
How long have you been embroidering and creating? What started you down that path?
I tried embroidery years ago in Girl Scouts and never got it (my leaders were shocked as my mother can effortlessly embroider beautiful things!). I picked it up again after my son was born and it seemed to click. My husband had just taken a new job that required him to be in another state for about 5 months of training. I felt very isolated with my new baby and no one to talk to. I really yearned to be creative and to express myself outside of the role of caregiver. Embroidery really filled that need for me.
On the creating/sewing side; I learned to use a needle and thread before I could read! I was always trying to make Barbie clothes or buttoned coin purses as a child.
Broad question: vintage or modern?
Oh most definitely vintage! From an anthropological point of view I am captivated wondering who owned the object first, what were they like, what was their story? I recently bought an old flour sack quilt, every time I wrap up in it I wonder how many people have slept under its warmth. I wonder about the woman who created it and what she was like.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! I know that is such a generic answer but it’s true. I can be looking through a catalog and see a pattern that jumps out at me. People inspire me, my children, really it is all in how you view the world around you.
On the short end and long end of the spectrum, how long does it take to embroider a project?
Oh depending on the project it can take any where from a few hours to a week, based on how much time I can devote to it. A onesie for instance will take me about 45min to embroider; while a blanket may take me 3-4 hours.
What’s been your favorite project you’ve worked on in the last 12 months?
Oh, that is a hard question! I’ve liked so many of my past projects, but I guess I have to say that the “Sunshine Boys” towel was my favorite. I think it embodies a lot of what I love about crafting. The bright colors, the happy attitude it portrays and the romanticized view of World War II America. Another wonderful crafter I met on the internet sent the pattern to me which added to its appeal as well. I love the idea of sharing the passion for embroidery with others!
You create some of the most charming embroidery. Do you design any patterns yourself or do you have a top-secret source you might like to share?
Aw thanks! I am a horrible sketch artist and have only attempted a few of my own patterns, however I have no qualms about asking my Dad to sketch patterns for me! I find a lot of my vintage patterns on flickr, there are so many of us pattern hoarders out there and we love to share our patterns! There is also a local antique mall where I have found a lot of my patterns as well. [--in an effort to pass the love around I'm including a vintage pattern I've never shared before--see next post]
Do you have any upcoming plans or future goals for your work?
At this point in my life my children come first, they are still so young. All I ever wanted at this stage was to have my items carried in a few stores (few, because that makes the work manageable!) and I feel that I am getting there.
I’m currently working on some fun vintage Christmas-y items!
What was it like to work with The Baby Gardner? Any new ideas or collaborations in the works for the shop?
Deanna has been great to work with! She is very understanding of the time it takes to create beautiful pieces, and I love that she shares my passion for vintage inspired items! There are some projects in the wings for the shop, think bath time fun, and maybe a few of those vintage-y Christmas items!
Thanks a million, Heather! It’s great to be able to feature your talent in the shop and on the blog! And an extra cool thanks for sharing the adorable scotty embroidery pattern I’ll be putting in our next post!
