A little bit about me ...
My name is Kelly, and I'm the brains behind this tiny operation. I make everything you see here as well as design and maintain the website you're surfin'! Other than sewing, I can totally get lost in a good book or making something useful out of something that's not anymore. I love disc golf (or just frisbees in general), paddling beautiful stretches of water, and drinking micro brews ... among many other things!
Autumn Dog Designs (named for my favorite time of year and my black border collie mix, Jade!) currently operates out of a 1992 Bluebird school bus that travels the country in search of adventure. The bus will hopefully be converted to solar power by mid-2009 and veggie oil by mid-2010. Together with my fiance Zach (and Black Dog, of course!), I hope to see all the beautiful places of this country before they're gone.
As for the backbone of this venture, I've been creating and working with my hands since I was a kid. My dad has always supported my creative side and is responsible for my introduction to macrame, which I later sold to college dorm mates for gas money to fund my weekly river trips! I wanted to start sewing because I was tired of clothing with no soul. That was early in 2007 ... and today sees me sharing with all of you the simple, beautiful clothing and accessories that reflect the seasons and my spirit!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or simple hellos! Thank you for your kind support, beautiful inspiration, and constant encouragement!
With love in my heart ...
Kelly
kelly [at] autumndogdesigns [dot] com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A little bit about my creations ...
All ideas are my own. All creations are one-of-a-kind. Some items may be similar, but never exact! I love what I do and it shows in my workmanship.
Materials ... I use 100% cotton fabrics unless otherwise noted. I love using quilter's cotton and cotton calicos! I also use unbleached cotton muslin to line bodices and pockets. In addition to cottons, I occasionally use corduroy, blue jean, and linen. I've started using heavier materials such as duck cloth or canvas, too!
Methods ... All seams in my clothing are serged on my four-thread Husqvarna serger and top-stitched on my Husqvarna sewing machine. I take great pride in making neat, smooth, strong seams! All appliques are hand drawn, hand cut, heat bonded, and tightly satin stitched! Plus, all strings are pulled to the back to prevent fraying.
Care ... Before clothing construction, each piece of fabric is washed in hot water to prevent future fading and shrinking. It is recommended that you hand wash your handmade garment, or wash it in a washing machine on a gentle wash cycle with like colors or other handmade clothing! Hang to dry or tumble dry low and remove immediately to prevent any appliques from losing form.
Environment ... I live in tight quarters with a black border collie mix and wood stove. I do my best to keep all fabrics and items in air-tight containers away from these factors, but if you have pet allergies, please let me know and I will wash and package your purchase in a non-pet environment.
Responsible Practices ... I seek and strive to find ways to reuse and recycle. Shipping materials are reclaimed paper bags and paper packaging, recycled paper is being phased into tags and stationary, and I save my scraps! Also, reclaimed fabric is a staple in my fabric diet. I would like to incorporate sustainable fabrics in the near future as well. I prewash my fabrics with biodegradable laundry detergent. On a larger scale, the bus will be solar powered soon (which means natural power when I sew!). Being less wasteful is great!
I live/am going to be coming through the town* you're in/going to next. Can I schedule a pick-up? ... SURE! If you like something on the site and know that you'll see me sooner than I could mail it to you, I'd be happy to hang on to the item until we meet up! Contact me beforehand so that you don't get charged for shipping and to schedule a pick-up date!
*I move frequently; subject to change without any notice!
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
