Written by Elisabeth of Aronadesigns
Please welcome this Wednesday's featured artist Frances Twining! She has generously offered to give away one sheet of personalized fabric labels to one blessed winner! To enter go to her shop and pick out your favorite item, then come back and comment here and let her know (make sure to name an item, regular comments do not count as entries.)
Hi Frances, please give an introduction!
I am a homeschooling, work at home mom. I have been a seamstress for 13 years and have been homeschooling for four years. Most of my pre-Etsy work has all been custom sewing and embroidery.
How did you find etsy? I was an Etsy shopper for a couple of years before I decided to open my store. About a year ago, I had made a chef suit for my cousin's baby shower. I bought a felt play food set to go with it. The shop owner was very friendly and encouraged me to open my own shop. That's really how it started.
How did you choose your shop name? I have used the name "Designing Twining" since almost the beginning 13 years ago. I used to only make chidren's special occasion clothing, but then branched out to wedding gowns. I enjoy designing clothing, and "designing" rhymes with my last name, "Twining".
My typical day includes homeschooling from 8-12 noon. If I have customer orders, I will work on them from 5 am to 8 am. I do not do business from 8 am to 3:00 pm. This time is set aside for homeschooling, family, and housework. I will work on business from 3-5. I try not to work on sewing and customer orders in the evening, but will work from 7 pm to 10 pm if necessary. Of course, no one day is going to look exactly like the next. I keep a schedule for school and housework, meal plans and shopping lists but I don't always follow them to the letter. I think flexibility is the key in all things.
My favorite Bible verses are 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a. This passage speaks to me on so many levels. As a wife, mother, and Christian, I know who I am called to be. When I find myself being petty, judgmental, or unkind this passage helps me to to remember what being a Christian is about.
I love to feature the clothing I make from vintage fabrics and pillowcases. Vintage fabric is so often softer, and better quality than what we can get today. I also enjoy making modest clothing for girls. I have a six year old daughter and have found that a lot of the off the rack clothing in her size is not acceptable. I have a feeling that I am not the only one who feels that way. I make the kinds of things I would like to buy and hope other people like them, too.
Anything else you'd like to tell us? My business website is www.designingtwining.com
The picture I sent was from my husband's and my wedding anniversary last year. (I was speaking about the Corinthians passage above).
Where else can we find you online?
Homeschool group: cgcommunity.weebly.com
My etsy shop at Designingtwining.etsy.com
Thank you Frances for agreeing to be featured! Everyone, please go check out her shop and leave a comment to let her know you enjoyed getting know her!