Interview with Meg from Brassy Apple & Giveaway

Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in Idaho. After a brief move to Arizona and back again when I was young, I married an Idahoan and we have settled in Idaho for now and are raising our family.

How many children do you have? My husband and I have 3 children and one on the way due the end of October. I have a stepson age 14, a daughter 7 and a son 4. We didn't find out the sex of the new baby so it will be a surprise to all come October!

What are your hobbies (besides designing and sewing)? Photography! That seems to almost go hand in hand with designing, sewing and selling doesn't it? I grew up loving the arts so I took many classes and study courses in drawing, painting, artwork, musical instruments and dance. I love to sketch now and then and help teach my daughter the basics of drawing, etc. Oh and Blogging! Can blogging be a hobby? It sure is fun to me! I love to share my photos, tips, tricks and especially tutorials of fun projects I come up with!

How did you come up with your name? is there a story behind it? I wanted something that reflected my designs and style. I've always considered them a bit bold. Whether it's the color combinations or the design elements in them. I like to have something a bit "unexpected". After searching through the Thesaurus for words that would describe bold "BRASSY" seemed to fit me just right. But Brassy what???? After going through several options of things I loved to associate with Brassy I loved the idea of the forbidden "apple" if you will, from the Bible story of Adam and Eve. Seems to fit my designs. Tempting style………….so Brassy Apple was created!
Where do you sell your designs? I sell them on my website, which is having a makeover and it will debut shortly (if it hasn't already by the time this interview is posted) www.brassyapple.com. I used to sell on Ebay and have toyed around with the idea of selling on Etsy too instead of just being a customer there! How long have you been selling your designs? Hummmmmm……………..not sure I remember! LOL. I think I have been selling my designs on and off for around 4 years.
What got you started? I've always like to be busy with my hands and creating something makes me even happier. Once I plunged into motherhood I felt the urge to create with paints, fabrics, etc – anything – to get back to the "roots" of who I was while still being a Mommy.
Do you remember the first set you sold? The first set I sold I believe was a pair of cowboy overalls which sold for about $30.00. I was thrilled of course to have someone want to buy what I had created!

Have you noticed a change in your designs from when you first started? I have gone through several different style changes and ideas trying to my niche and what I really enjoyed creating, designing and sewing. Learning new skills along the way and really getting it down to a few "signature" items rather than spreading myself out like I did in the beginning helps to make my designs better. What type of designs are you working on now? Women's aprons, lots of DIY kits, skinny scarves and patterns!

What is your inspiration for your designs? Mainly my love for the taking the ordinary or "off the rack" style and putting a twist to it. Giving it a little originality and having a customer just love how it looks on her or for the person she bought it for!
Is there any other designers you admire? Several! Too many to list!
What is your favorite design you have created? Probably my Shaggy Mosaic Jeans. They can be done up so many ways and they really started my business off and going. Now I offer the DIY kits so you create your own!

Who is your favorite fabric designer? Again, too many to list but I really love the sincerity and down to earth personality of Jennifer Paganelli. She is so sweet and I treasure the relationship I am able to have with her. She is a great mentor and always willing to give advice and friendship.
If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would that be? I have to pick just one? That's a toughy!...................... First one that comes to mind is Pottery Barn! I would love to completely re-do my entire house with their furniture and accessories from the towels to the sheets, dishes and furniture!
What can we expect from you in the future? Patterns! It's been a long process of researching, sketching, asking questions, finding good resources, then throw 5 months of pregnancy sickness at me plus a family that still needed me. BUT it's something I feel driven to do and would love to complete. I'm working on it. It's fun to be able to share a design pattern that comes from your head to your sketch pad and then printed out on big sheets of paper with everyone to enjoy.
http://www.brassyapple.com/
http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/

***We also want to thank Meg for offering this great giveaway from BrassyApple, a Girls Sweet Tangerine Shaggy Mosaic DIY kit (as seen above). This giveaway will last one week, so post a comment and Meg will draw a winner next Friday!***