Who are you and what do you do?
Miranda Rosa, quilt artist and maker of home linens
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
When my parents opened their quilt and gift shop, I wanted to call it a variety of names with Wonder in it. Teenage me though they picked a boring name. So, when I opened my own business, it was pretty easy. Plus, as my whims with textile take me in different directions, I don't need to change my name!
Is this a full-time business for you?
Yes! For 5 years now it has been.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?
The day I quit my day job. It was terrifying but, especially these last two years, I’m grateful I took the plunge.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
I watched my parents open and close a restaurant and a gift/quilt shop. The former because it really was a failure, it wasn't sustainable. And it was ok. The latter was quite successfully, but my mom was sick. I got to see much of the process and learn from the good and bad.
What are some tips or suggestions you would like to offer to fellow makers?
It is so much more work than you realize! It's not all fun, but the flexibility and doing something I love are worth it. Ease into it. I started out part time and worked up to full time.
Where do you see your business in 3 years?
I'm really happy with where I'm at. I have a strong online presence and a regular show circuit. I hope to have a long arm quilting machine to make those large projects easier.
What do you love most about craft show vending?
Seeing people enjoy my makes and getting feedback, ideas for new products to meet their needs.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
I have sewn now for more than 20 years, so yeah. I was the person in my mom's quilt shop with purple hair at age 15 helping people more than twice my age pick colors for their quilts. It's such an ingrained part of who I am.
What was your first memory of making something?
Participating in the 4-H Fashion Show at age 9 in my banana yellow suit jacket and skirt I made with matching yellow hat. It was, something...
Why did you start working in this craft?
I've tried all sorts of kinds of sewing and this one stuck. Once I realized I had the freedom to throw away most of the patterns and rules I was hooked.
What motivates you to create?
The piles of scraps building up from more craft-y projects. I'll suddenly sit down and go through those piles and come out with pot holders, oven mitts and bowl cozies!
What are some inspirations for your work?
Floor tile! So many floor tiles make good quilts. Some paintings scream quilt at me too.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Color and cats! You need to have pot holders, oven mitts, etc. in your kitchen. Why let them be boring?
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I'm not afraid of color. I endeavor to use every bit of fabric so little is wasted. I try to make pieces of all sorts of price points so everyone can have something handmade that brings them joy.
What is your favorite item that you sell?
The improvisational pieces, table runners, place mats, quilts. The random piecing tons of little pieces left over from other projects together to see what comes of it is so satisfying.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I'm creating fall table runners and kitchen linens using hand dyed cotton batik fabrics between art fairs.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I'm hoping to add artistic Christmas stockings this holiday season and pot handle holders - I've received many requests for these and I aim to please!
How do you usually prepare for the holiday season?
I make so many microwave bowl cozies, just about everyone can use one, and if they already have some, theirs may need refreshing!
www.mybitofwonder.com
www.facebook.com/mybitwonder
www.instagram.com/mybitofwonder