I have another snow day today, which means I get to stay home cozied up with a blanket stealing puppy and a cup of coffee! But most exciting of all, I get to share a brand new handmade interview with you today! Danielle has graciously made some time to tell us about her shop, The Merriweather Council. Enjoy!
Danielle and her pretty things
Q. Hello Danielle! Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi! I’m Danielle, I’m 22 years old, I live in Boston, Massachusetts and recently graduated from college with a BFA in 3D fine arts, Fibers. When I’m not crafting, I’m reading, writing or browsing my favorite places on the web, generating new ideas!
Q. Your shop is so sweet! How did you get into stitching?
My first experience with embroidery was in middle school when I embroidered a pillow with a picture of Snoopy on it. I have always been crafty but it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I started doing embroideries more regularly. In my second semester, right before I was about to graduate, I felt super unmotivated to do my studio work for school, so I forced myself to sit down and make something just to get my hands working again. That’s when I made my first wishbone stitch embroidery, and then i became sort of obsessed.
Q. What’s your favorite item to make?
I love making my patchwork buntings, they take a bit of time, but I love the random combinations and patterns that just happen while I’m making them. They are so fun and colorful too!
Q. What’s a normal day like for you?
When I wake up, I spend a lot of time checking emails, convos, twitter and various places around the web. Then I spend some time taking pictures because the light in the morning is perfect for getting good photos. After that I usually take my laptop with me to get some coffee and sit for a while and edit photos, make some treasuries and list some products. I feel most creative at night, so I usually spend the evening hours actually making things or organizing ideas and materials. It really depends how I feel that day – if I want to just do blogging, I’ll do that or if I feel super creative I won’t go to bed until I feel satisfied. I don’t like to plan too much, I just like to see what happens.
Q. What inspires you most of all?
I think my travels, both near and far, are most inspirational to me. I get lots of ideas just walking around the city, or talking with friends. My work is very colorful, and I always reference photos or memories when choosing the colors. I love traveling to destinations outside of Massachusetts, and the USA but I also enjoy just taking short walks to new neighborhoods around Boston.
abby on 
Courtney on
Thank you so much! This was wonderful! I love the feature!
I have seen Merriweather Council items popping up on the Etsy homepage regularly lately and I’ve loved them all. Simple, but so colorful and cheery.
I’ve just discovered your blog and I’ll be adding it to my reading list. Thanks!