02.13.08
My Interview with Katie Owner of Dreadlochness on Etsy
Meet Katie Toohil owner of http://dreadlochness.etsy.com.
Where are you located? Currently Gloucester, MA; soon to be Dallas, TX
What do you design? Hats, headgear, bags, and various other fiber arts items.
Where/How did you learn this? I started crocheting as a kid. My grandmother taught me a few stitches, and from there, I just learned by trial and error. Books and the internet have been very helpful to me! I worked at a theatre as wardrobe supervisor, and I learned several handstitching techniques there, but most of my sewing knowledge I’ve come to on my own.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? There are so many, it’s hard to choose! I’m definitely very inspired by tons of different DIYers out there. I’m inspired by anyone who’s looked at something machine made and overpriced and says “Well, I could do that.”
Where does your inspiration come from? Inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes, it’ll be a song. Sometimes, a sunset. Sometimes, it’s a conversation I have with friends. You never know when it’s going to hit, and it’s always fun when it does.
What do you do to combat creative block? It’s important to take a break every now an again and just let yourself recharge.
Where do you design your creations? I design completely out of my home (and when things are slow at my regular job, shhh don’t tell).
What does your work space look like right now? Messy! I have a little corner of the living room that I use to stash my yarn, and my sewing machine is in my bedroom with a pile of fabric just waiting to be attacked. It’s a constant struggle to keep things relatively organized.
How does your family feel about what you do? My family is incredibly supportive of any of the crazy things I decide to undertake. They’ve been wonderful!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Practice! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And try new methods as often as possible!
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? Promote yourself. You can be making gorgeous, quality handmade goods, but if no one knows about it, your business won’t be going anywhere.
Favorite part of owning your own business? I like having the freedom to do the things my own way and not answer to a boss or higher up. I also make my own hours and do what I enjoy!
Least favorite? When it’s just you, there’s no slacking. You have to be going all the time, always creating, always getting the word out there, always moving! (I secretly love this.)
How do you relax? Crafting, which is convenient, because that’s also my business! It’s important to love what you do, that way it doesn’t feel so much like work.
Favorite color? Blue!
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Yes, though I often have to control myself at the yarn store and make sure I’m not loaded up only on blue yarn!
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Working. I’m sort of a workaholic and I’d love more hours a day to build my stock and promote!
A sample of Dreadlochness products. For all products, please visit Katies website.
