Friday Feature: Banana Orange Apple

Blue Patchwork Twirly Sunfrock by BananaOrangeApple

This week's Friday Feature is Hannah of BananaOrangeApple on Etsy. She's from Canberra, Australia and makes the most playful, cute clothing you could ever imagine. Read on for more...

My name is Hannah and my shop is called BananaOrangeApple. It is www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple I sew sweet little dresses from recycled fabrics. I love taking something no-one else wants - an old pillowcase or some dressmaking scraps - and making something new that will bring joy.

Mum taught me to sew many years ago, and gave me a sewing machine for my wedding present. I kinda went into overdrive ten years ago when my daughter was born. 

As a high school teacher I sew as a way to relax after a busy day at school. But the things I love to sew don't fit on my darling daughter anymore, so I opened the shop to share them with the world.

Pastel Patchwork Twirly Dress by BananaOrangeApple

I love to do patchwork, and sold a beautiful patchwork quilt I named "Sawpit Creek" (you can see it here www.etsy.com/transaction/63829122). I am an "old school" quilter in that I like to reuse material rather than cutting up brand new stuff. I think of it as a way to make old fabric last a bit longer. I was also hopelessly addicted to cross stitch for years. 

They're not bestselling just yet, but I love the two patchwork twirly dresses I have made. So many different fabrics, each with its own story, and they look sooooo pretty. All 100% repurposed fabrics.www.etsy.com/listing/92113295/girls-patchwork-dress-patchwork-twirlywww.etsy.com/listing/89948290/upcycled-patchwork-twirly-dress-size-6-8

Say Hello to Hannah from BananaOrangeApple

Currently, My only shop is on Etsy:  www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple

I try to blog. My blog is bananaquilts.blogspot.com.au/ Also, you can find me on facebook:  www.facebook.com/bananaorangeapple1 and twitter too @banoranapple

Most of my fabrics come from the charity shops round here, so my products do support their good works. 

What a great story of a great woman and a great shop. Thank you Hannah! Please visit her shop for more adorable fabric goods here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bananaorangeapple They'd make great gifts for any occasion.

Friday Feature: Zachaliz!

Teddy Bear Leg Warmers by Zachaliz

As promised, here is a fabulous feature of artist Zacha, of Zachaliz on Etsy. Read on to learn more about her beautiful art...

My name is Zacha and although I had a difficult time choosing a name for my shop, intially selling vintage items only, when I decided to offer my own designs I changed it to my name.www.etsy.com/shop/zachaliz It was easier than trying to figure out something cute and quirky, I'm not very good at it :)
Right now I'm working on accessories. That includes hair accessories, bags and a line of leg warmers I did for kids this winter. But I enjoy offering pretty things for the home as well. 

Aged Muslin Scroll for Art and Craft Projects by Zachaliz

I've always been a creative soul, I think we all know this at a young age but how that translates into the rest of your life could be very different. For me I neglected it and tried to fight it. Eventhough I was encouraged in high school to go to art school I went to state college instead and graduated with a degree in Anthropology. It wasn't until I lost my job last year that I was able to reconnect with this part of myself. Since then I've studied costume design and taught myself how to sew. I couldn't be happier with where this new route has taken me. I'm enrolled in some fine art courses now, drawing and painting and working as a freelance costume designer. I'm always looking to expand what I know and continue to draw inspiration from other mediums. 
My favorite item in my shop right now... hmm... I love my chevron tote bag because I have one myself and use it everyday but I would have to say the muslin scrolls. Its something so simple but I was able to play with fabric in a way that wasn't constructing a wearable product. But I have found that my teddy bear leg warmers are a favorite of customers. These were sold at a local boutique and is the only other place I have sold my items other than my Etsy shop. 

Large Canvas Tote with Chevron by Zachaliz

I like to communicate with others mainly through my facebook page at :www.facebook.com/pages/Zachaliz/147745055328613February 3, 2012 I held my first game/contest. I think its a great way to interact with others. 
Supporting handmade and local businesses is very important to me. I hope that as my duaghter grows up and I continue to work on my craft that she is able to walk away knowing that was a big aspect of what I what I offer. I would love to some day be able to offer what I have learned and what I make in a boutique/studio in my little upstate NY town. 
Thanks so much for this opportunity!

There you have it, a great artist, with amazing items and great ideals. Please visit Zachaliz on Etsy today for beautiful handcrafted items.


Want to get yourself featured? Visit this post and leave a comment at the end: http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html