Stitchy Woman

An Interview with Claudia Marchan of Stichado

I'm feeling so lucky with this interviewing gig - I get to "meet" (via email) all of these talented and wonderful women and learn a little bit more about them and their craft. Today's Stitchy Woman is certainly no exception.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born in Chicago but raised in Mexico since I was around three months old. When I was almost eleven, my parents brought me back to Chicago and I’ve been living here since. I’m happily married to an international man of mystery with whom I have two beautiful boys, a dog and a little blue parakeet.

Grab your ipod and hit “shuffle” - what song comes up first (no cheating – no editing!)?
Le vieil elephant by Alain Schneider. It’s a French reggae song on one of my kids cd’s. I love it too, it’s the perfect song to come up first.


How did you come up with your blog name?
My husband came up with it. It’s his version of the spanglish word for stitched.

Have you always been crafty?
I like to think so, in so way or another. I love making things with my hands. I recently started sewing by hand just for the simple reason I can’t get used to using a machine.

Do you do other crafty things as well?
I really wish I did but there are just not enough hours in the day for me right now.

made using Sublime Stitching patterns

Do you remember your first “real” craft/sewing/art project?
I don’t remember my very first project because I started embroidering when I was probably seven years old. I remember my mom would go to the market and get my sisters and I lots of pre-stamped kitchen towels to embroider. It was so much fun for me. I remember it now like it was painting by stitches. I don’t remember using any of the fancy stitches either. Like French knot, split stitch, chain stitch or blanket stitch, it was always the satin stitch or the backstitch.

I know you have two young boys at home - When do you find time to create?
Funny you should ask, sometimes I don’t even know how I manage. I usually stay up late to finish something I started, specially if it’s something I’m really enjoying.

Your stitched goods have been getting lots of attention lately. That must be so exciting for you!
Yes, it’s been quite exciting and surprising most of all. I really don’t know why because I think there are other much more talented crafters out there than me.

Where do you find the patterns you use?
My biggest ally has been Needlecrafter , Floresita’s transfer finds and recently Hoop Love.

Do you have an all-time favorite pattern you’ve used again and again?
I am totally in love with all the Vogart birds, I could never get tired of stitching them. I think they’re what I’ve used the most.

What kinds of things do you like to embroider on (towels, pillowcases, etc)?
I first started on some kitchen towels and somehow I began stitching on stretchy fabrics like t-shirts and onesies. I really didn’t like it at first but it’s become one of my favorite fabrics to stitch on.


Do you ever make anything for yourself?
I recently started making stuff for me but usually I give it away or make things for my boys.

Where do you find inspiration?
All around me. My boys, my neighborhood, the internet, clip art, children’s books, magazines, flickr and my life in general.

Are there any websites or blogs you visit regularly for creative inspiration?
There are too many to list here but I have some of them listed on my blog. I remember the first blog I found about embroidery was floresita’s blog and I kept coming back every little moment I had free to read all of her past posts.

Do you sell the items you make? And if so, do you have any tips for people who want to start selling their work, either online or at craft shows?
I do sell some of my items on Etsy; That's all I have time for right now. My only advice is don’t overwhelm yourself. Remember that you are doing it because you enjoy it, not because you want to stress yourself out.


Thank you so much, Claudia!!! Where can we find more of you?
My blog, etsy and flickr.

xoxo

{If you would like to appear in a Stitchy Woman interview, please drop me a note at jessie@sweetjessie.com - pretty please with a cherry on top?}