giveaway: jenna lou designs

I am delighted to introduce Jenna Lou as this week's maker! When it comes to sewing and design, this girl is crazy gifted. She started her own business 4 years ago, purses, pocketbooks, and her very own patterns for all. Just to send some sunshine your way this week, Jennalou is generously giving one lucky gal the sewing pattern for the adorable clutch below and is including five 7" frames so that you'll be all set to make a bunch!

To enter:

1. Blog, Tweet, or FB a link to this post.
or
2. Leave a comment telling what absolute must-have accessory you constantly tote in your purse, bag, or clutch.
or
3. Do both and double up your odds!!

The giveaway ends Thursday 4/15 at 11:59 pm. One very lucky winner will be announced on Friday morning!!

Q & A with Jennalou:

How did you become interested in crafting and design and how long have you been in business?

Jenna Lou Designs started as a hobby in 2006. Back then it was just a way to spend some time being creative and it was very much a learning process. It took about a year for things to really pick up, but when they did I was dreaming high and with the support of my family and fiance I quit my day job to see where it could take me. Since then I have fully immersed myself in the crafting/design world. There is such a good community of people who are willing to share their insight and from that I've learned so much and it has helped my business grow and my product constantly improve.

Describe your perfect day.

Even though I dearly love my job and don't take it for granted for one second, I do have to admit that it is still a job with deadlines and expectations and bills to pay, so I too like those in offices dream about other freedoms. My perfect day would include waking up to a steaming waffle in front of my face. I seriously cannot get enough of breakfast food and waffles top my list if it weren't for all those darn calories. Other things I'd enjoy in my perfect day would be reading a book on the couch in my sun room ( the best place in my house), taking a walk around the neighborhood, and cooking a fancy super for John and I. I love to cook and bake, but like everyone else my schedule prohibits me from daily gourmet.

What inspires you most?

Lately I have been most inspired by alternative materials. I've spent the past 3 years working mostly in designers quilting cottons and decor fabrics, but I'm starting to feel an itch for something new. Adding more solids and other fabrics into my works is currently what has been inspiring new designs because it allows for new shapes and concepts that never worked with the bold prints of designer cotton.

What are some of your favorite blogs/ online crafting resources?

When I need a little extra inspiration I love checking out flickr. Lifestyle photos can bring about a sense of design. A field of flowers will get me thinking about soft flowing lines, pleats, and feminine features.

The crafty blogs I love to read and which encourage me to constantly try harder and continue to improve my craft are:
i heart linen
making it lovely
anna maria horner
true up
purl bee
soule mama
posie
nestled in
allyson hill

What advice do you have for other crafters or small business owners?

My number one piece of advice is to be original, be flexible, and be devoted. If your heart is truly in it people will see that. If you aren't in love with the project or piece try something new. Find where your true interests are and follow them. There may be times in a small business owners career were there is doubt and trouble, but if the product is one you believe in that will carry you through.

Where can we find more of your work?

My blog

My website jennalou.com, where you'll find information about my patterns and finished goods alongside wholesale and contact information.