Friday Interview with Lalapequenos

Today we get to meet Allessandra, of lalaspequenos , whose shop is full of some of the coolest kids clothes I've ever seen! Her bright colors, beautiful natural fabrics, and fabulous designs are really something to see...so here we go!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how and when did you get started with arts and crafts?
Growing up in Costa Rica, my grandmother was the center of the universe for me. Of course my parents were part of that too but it was my grandmother’s infamous “teas” that led me down a crafty path. During those teas, which looked more like knitting circles, I learned about life. Discussions about children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, recent marriages, awful divorces, and who made what recipe for whom, carried the afternoons into the evening. So it was that in between talking about Elena’s knee operation and my aunt’s graduation that my six-year-old hands learned to knit. Knitting turned into crocheting, crocheting turned into sewing, appliquéing, stuffing, embroidering, quilting, and all around fooling with fabric. To me, crafting is a necessity and part of my social upbringing. It is part of the day like brushing teeth or combing hair. It is a time to learn about life, and now with my own children, to teach about life.

What is the main thing you make and sell in your store? What else do you make and/or sell?
I make and sell children’s clothing in my store. My two boys (7 and 8) are my main inspiration. It is very easy to tell when something I make is not “cool”. I get the stinko face right away! They remind me to think like kid. “You would not wear that if you were me.”
I also make girls and baby clothing. In which case I pretend I had a little girl and go to town!

Who if anyone has been instrumental in helping you hone your craft?
I have a sewing mentor here in the states and she is so knowledgeable about techniques, fabrics, machines- I am so happy to have found her!

Where do you get your inspiration?
Honestly – everywhere! I live an hour from Washington, DC and have access to wonderful museums, libraries, parks, and here in the woods – Nature! My inspiration can come from a beautiful fabric scrap or looking at designs from the past.

What are your favorite materials?
Currently, I found the most wonderful organic Sherpa fabric and have been having the most fun working with it. But I’ll use anything that will help me achieve the look I’m going for.

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers and those interested in opening up a shop?
Go for it! There is nothing more pleasing than to share your work with the world. Get out there and make connections with other sellers. Etsy is a wonderful venue for new sellers because there is information everywhere! Join a team or even start one. The support you can get is priceless.

What advice would you give to beginners in your main craft?
Make sure that you get the technique down first. It’s like planting a tree. If the roots aren’t properly rooted, it will not grow very well. It will always struggle.

What is your Etsy shop address and name? Where else can we find you?
www.lalaspequenos.etsy.com and the name is Lala’s Pequenos.
You can also find me on Trunkt.com and the recently opened, Handmadefuzion.com
I welcome everyone to visit my shop and say hello!

Thanks for reading !

- Cynthia

http://fairiesnest.etsy.com