Maker Spotlight: That Sassy Stitch (Crafting $h!t, Snark, and Adulting)

A couple of months ago a friend came into the store, and as we visited she said to me, "You need to meet Erica from That Sassy Stitch. I think you would love her stuff." One brief exchange led me to find this hysterical, smart, sassy lady who makes snarky and sassy mugs, vintage embroidery hoops, tote bags, and wall hangings. (I think she is my spirit animal. Seriously, vintage aesthetic with cursing? Yes, please!)

Erica's goods can be found at Vivian Rose Boutique (of-course, but in-store only). She also has an Etsy store. Be sure to follow her Instagram account to see all of the newest items and decor ideas.

Now, let's learn more about Erica with a Q and A :

Vivian Rose (VR): When did you first start crafting, and when did you realize that you wanted to turn it into a business?

Erica Ross (ER): I have always been the arts & crafts person growing up. But I started to actually get serious about crafting immediately after I graduated from Library School. I had completed all my goals, at the time, so I was longing to achieve something else. I started out making mittens from repurposed sweaters and then quickly transitioned into embroidery.

VR: You are a librarian, and I worked in library publishing for almost 14 years. So, it's safe to say that books play a huge part in both of our lives. What were some of your favorite books growing up? As an adult?

ER: Because I am a maker I am constantly working with my hands and unfortunately I cannot read as much as a librarian should, but audiobooks have been amazing! I now try to get my hands on any popular titles in audiobook format. A life changing book & audiobook that I absolutely adore is Rising Strong by Brene Brown. She writes about what do you do after you have dared greatly and then failed… how do you muster up the courage to rise again? It’s so epic!

VR: You are so darn funny and sassy. Where do you get your inspiration?

ER: I work with Undergraduate students and I love their super sarcastic conversations. A lot of the sass and attitude comes from hilarious conversations we have had. And to be honest, memes. Memes are brilliant.

VR: What are some of your hobbies and interests?

ER: I spend most of my time chasing after our 1 year old son, bingeing nachos and Netflix, and stabbing fabric with my tarnished needle.

VR: Do you have any personal favorite items you have created?

ER: I love my classic “shit” hoop. Mainly because I find it so hilarious to say “people will by my shit”. It’s a pretty simple and bold embroidery hoop that always makes customer’s immature side come out to play.

VR: Who is your ideal customer?

ER: My ideal customer is someone who doesn’t take themselves or life too seriously. They appreciate handmade unique items and love to share their own sass & sarcasm.

VR: Where do you see your designs going in the future?

ER: I somehow want to get my designs on more practical items kind of like my mugs and tote bags. Or items that super sassy but still safe for work.

VR: Anything else that you think we should know?

ER: I love seeing people post pics of them with their new That Sassy Stitch products. It seriously makes me soul smile!

We look forward to adding more items from That Sassy Stitch soon. Stay tuned!

Cheers,

S