Miranda Rosa makes playful, spontaneous quilted products full of whimsy and vibrant colors. Her company makes bags, coasters, pot holders, and more!
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Miranda Rosa. I make modern quilted home goods and accessories. A lot of what I make is done using an improvisational method, which makes much of my stuff truly one of a kind. And I make a lot of stuff with cats on it, because cats are awesome.
What’s the latest thing you’ve been working on?
I just finished a bunch of new pouches for my shop. A lot of them are with hand dyed Indonesian cotton batiks. Some with cats.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I’m working on some ideas, but to be honest I get distracted easily and really love just improvisational sewing and seeing where it leads me. I am hoping to have some new ornaments and stockings available.
How do you usually prepare for the holiday season?
I giggled at this one a bit. I make lots and lots of pot holders and mitts and coasters and runners. Then I make lots of pot holders and mitts and coasters and runners. Rinse. Repeat.
What was your first memory of making something?
My mom was an artist. She painted in an impressionist style and did a lot of drawing, pointillism sometimes. I loved to draw with her. I made the tiniest drawings of the most intricate things. The first thing I ever sewed was an ugly yellow outfit for the 4-H fashion show when I was 9. The first quilt I ever made was a batik throw quilt at age 15 when my mom out of the blue decided to open a quilt shop.
What do your customers love most about your products?
Vibrant color. Unique patterns. Something they will not find anywhere else. But also something that is useful. The practical should be pretty. I make stuff for you to use. If you want to hang it, that’s fine. I know at least one person who framed one of my runners. That’s cool. But if you use and abuse it, that’s cool too.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
Absolutely. I used to help people pick colors in my mom’s quilt shop when I was a teenager. I used to run drug courts and I was constantly doodling and coming up with ideas during meetings and court sessions. I’ve been to museums across the country and in Paris. I sure hope to go to more soon. Buy my stuff and fund my trips!
What do you love most about craft show vending?
I’m an introvert. That does not mean I’m shy but it does mean I’m drained by human contact. Sewing is very amenable to introverts. However, it is nice to occasionally get out and talk to human beings. I might be even weirder if I didn’t. Plus, you get instant feedback you can use.
What’s your favorite item that you sell?
Patchwork coasters are my favorite. Each are a little piece of art that you can look at and use every day. Or little patchwork pouches. They’re so cute and useful.
How did you get started in your business?
I was burned out in my day job. I had the opportunity to do it on a part time basis and took advantage of that while I worked on the business. I’ve always sewed but saw expanding what I do into a real business as the chance to take a break. I joked for a while I semi-retired. I work harder than ever, truthfully, and I love it.
Why did you start working in this particular craft?
I’ve sewed for more than 30 years if you count my debut at the 4-H fashion show. I can’t imagine doing anything else creative. My drawing and painting are really terrifying. Sewing brings me a peace I get nowhere else. Plus everyone in my life really had enough quilts by this point, it was time to share with the world.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I’m not afraid of color. I go with the flow. I don’t plan anywhere near as much as people think I do. I overthink plenty in life, but this is one place I really don’t.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?
The day I quit my day job! It was terrifying but so freeing.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
Truthfully I’m not sure that it does. I’m in a suburb of the Twin Cities. If nothing else I can get everything I need delivered here and can stay home and keep sewing! Why grocery shop when you can sew?
What are some inspirations for your work?
The work of the Gee’s Bend women is absolutely inspiring for me. No one makes quilts like they do. They are so fearless.
What motivates you to create?
Improving my mood probably the most. If I’m feeling anxious, all I need to do is sit down and sew something. Money helps too!
Where do you see your business in 3 years?
Hah I don’t know. You’re funny. You think I plan this.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
Oh it’s a long and kind of silly story. When my mom opened her shop, I wanted her to name it Seven Day Wonder. It didn’t make any sense as it really is about fleeting interest. But I was a silly teenager with purple hair and didn’t care about making sense. So for my shop I used the word, Wonder, in homage to that, plus I kept the name generic in case I changed the direction of my business. It kept my options open.
Have you had any major failures?
Sure, baby quilts. I clearly don’t know what people like in baby quilts. So, I quit making them!
If so, what were some important insights gained?
I learned I was glad I didn’t call my business I Love Baby Quilts. I eventually sold most of them. Not everything is going to work. You need to throw a bunch of balls up in the air and see what sticks. And mix your metaphors…
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
My parents had a few forays into self-employment, so I’ve seen how much work it takes. I knew how much fun it was to do the books and pay quarterly taxes. I knew that there were some really boring parts of the business you need to deal with.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
Why not? It’s not very fun to have someone else be your boss! I can take a day off and take my son to the museum on a Tuesday. That’s kind of fun.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Do you. Don’t copy anyone else, it won’t be authentic. Keep a side gig until you are more settled.
Check out more Embellish by Sandra products online, and be sure to stop by their booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 1-3, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
mybitofwonder.patternbyetsy.com/