Interview with Myrinda, the “Fabric Hound”

If you’re not on Twitter, I have to tell you, you’re missing out. I’ve met the most awesome people on there and I’m able to share the most bliss-inducing things on all of my blogs thanks to that handy dandy little tool. Today, I want to tell you about Myrinda. She is the owner of FabricHound.com and she is always sharing awesome things on Twitter. I wanted to ask her a few questions about FabricHound.com and just her in general and she was sweet enough to answer them!

Tell me about your passion for crafting. How did you get started?
I honestly cannot remember a time I didn’t craft or sew. My mom is very creative in an artistic way. I remember macrame, crochet, sewing and her weekly ceramics class. If I ever complained of boredom, she would offer me a crafty project. I can’t really remember before I could read, but I do remember that before age 5, I had a Hollly Hobbie treadle sewing machine and a small artist easel, just like the big ones. My mom always provided any tools or guidance and encouraged me and my brother to enjoy art and crafting. My dad isn’t so much artistic as handy and he passed on a love of larger projects like home improvement.

What makes you happiest about crafting and gives you the highest level of bliss?
This will probably sound strange, but I think I honestly enjoy the control over my environment that crafting allows. I never have to think “I can’t afford that faux finish for my living room” because I would just learn how to do it myself. I enjoy knowing I can make things from the raw materials.

What types of crafts do you generally do?
Sewing is my main passion but I also like other types of needlework, quilling, origami, cardmaking, scrapbooking and needlefelting.

Tell me more about FabricHound.com. How did you get started?
I actually bought fabrichound from the previous owner and founder, Nicole. At the time, I was already selling fabric on ebay, so when the opportunity to buy fabrichound presented itself, it seemed like fate. I live about 2 hours from LA and have access to lots of great fabrics as well as hard to find trims and notions. I was considering adding fabric to a website I already had, but fabrichound also came with a huge customer base and great reputation, so it seemed like a better fit to keep the fabric on a seperate site.

What sets FabricHound.com apart from other online fabric stores?
I would say selection. I think I have more and more different items than most other online retailers. I have everything you need to complete most of the patterns I offer, as well as a great selection of imported and domestic fabrics and fold over elastic in more colors than you can shake a serger at!

Many of us who craft have a group of friends that they love to get together with and make beautiful creations. Is that the case with you or are you a solo crafter?
I have a group-POP!Kids. We started as an eBay children’s boutique group, but are friends first! All of us have met at least one other member in person…I have even met our Canadian friend IRL! One of my friends lives abotu 20 min away, but I do most of my crafty sharing online.

Can you give us the best tip you’ve ever gotten in terms of sewing?
Machine maintenence. If you don’t take care of your equipment, no matter what the craft, you can’t expect good results. Even safety is dependent of well maintained equipment.

What is the most challenging piece you’ve ever made?
I think I’ll go with this dress. I’m not a pattern drafter, but had to sort of pull from experience for this one. The skirt laces up the back with a satin ribbon, so it can be left open some for the tulle pettiskirt to show. The pettiskirt is made from 25 yards of stiff tulle, hand gathered and lined so as not tl be scratchy on the child. Additionally, I accessorized and photgraphed the set for selling as well. That took a couple of days, to track down just the right pieces.

What’s coming up or happening now at Fabric Hound that we should know about?
My ONE YEAR anniversary of owning the hound happens just after Christmas. We will be ringing in the New Year/Anniversary with a great clean out sale and huge holiday giveaway (details to follow on my blog). Top prize in the giveaway will be a $100 FH gift certificate. I will also be announcing the NEW Fabrichound Design Team members with a bio page. The new DT will be providing tons of examples using FH products, as well as tutorials, tips and tricks. We hope to inspire you to new sewing heights!
One more thing…NEW products! I have already added ribbon from J Caroline and will be adding Moda fabrics and sewing kits too!

Do your daughters share your love of sewing yet?
My daughters are 5 and 21mo right now. The 5 year old is just starting to get interested in sewing herself and I have her practicing on lacing cards, etc. She does already have a toy sewing machine, but I think it’s too much “toy” to really be useful. The baby just likes to play with the fabric and stuff I make, lol!

Anything else you want to share with us?
How about…I know you have lots of choices online for your sewing needs. I cordially invite you to give fabrichound a try, if you haven’t already. I pride myself on customer service and selection and will even send you elsewhere to get what you need if I have to. I consider it an honor and a priviledge to further your sewing goals and keep sewing alive in a time when mass produced and throw away are so prevalent.