Introducing Jan Howell. Creating things that are simple, useful and unique is what Jan loves and she loves even more to do that with recycled materials. Jan finds it even more enjoyable to empower others with her skills and knowledge so that they can create things for themselves.
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How did you come up with the idea of launching your own brand of sewing patterns?
Until I reached my young teen years, some of my clothes and all of my dresses were handmade by my mother. I don’t ever remember any of the clothes lacking the current style or trend. Going to the fabric store with my mother and sisters was a weekly activity for me. We would pick up a set of buttons, a zipper, or a yard of fabric that couldn’t be passed by. I must admit, I did inherit a love and an addiction for fabric.
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What do you like about your job as a designer?
I love my job as a designer because I can work at my own pace and in my own home. I choose my hours, which varies from part-time to full-time. Being able to work at home has been ideal, especially when my children were young. I sewed while they were napping and at school. Now that the kids are grown I can work around my personal events, and still get things done. There is one drawback; I have to be careful not to work too much. Finding a balance between work and home life is a challenge when they are at the same location.
I love recycling! There is just something in me that gets a thrill out of taking an item that is no longer needed, and giving it a second life. My home is mostly furnished with items that are refurbished, restored or handmade. I used to think, when money was tight, how nice it would be to just go out and buy something NEW. I have found that even when I can afford to buy a new item, I am drawn to items that have been refurbished or that are used. They seem to have more character and charm. I suppose my love for upcycling comes from generations of the motto “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”. I think this motto has served me well.
I enjoy creating things that have unique colors, texture, and most of all……..a purpose. I have a love for felted wool sweaters. There is just something about the texture of a wool sweater after it has been washed in hot water. The fibers are tight, thick and cozy.
My first pattern I designed using felted wool sweaters was a pair of mittens. I loved how the mittens felt on my hands and I got thinking how good they would feel on my feet as well. So, I designed a slipper pattern, and the rest is history. Many patterns later using felted wool, I am still coming up with ways to use this unique material. Bags, hats, slippers, hand warmers, bunnies, bears, toys, flowers and even birds have been made using my stash of felted wool sweaters.
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Do you work full time as a creative?
Sewing and creating things is only one of my passions. I dapple in a little of this and a little of that as I strive to find balance in my world of so many interests. I also enjoy painting and graphic design. I have several online shops where I sell patterns and unique items made by me. When I have a few minutes, I love to post tutorials, healthy recipes, and tips for sewing on my blog, youmakeitsimple.com.
I have so many ideas and things I want to accomplish. It can become challenging and overwhelming trying to decide where to put my focus. One of my favorite things is an unscheduled day. I love to just putter, free of any expectations or time limits. That is when my creativity is at its best. Finding balance is what I strive for in all aspects of my life.
I do tend to live a little on the whimsy side of things. I like to mix things up, putting different colors and textures together that are unique and feel good both to the eye and to the touch. My hope in designing patterns is to allow others the opportunity to create something with their own hands, something that is useful, something that brings joy, and to do it in a simple way.
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What obstacles did you face in launching your brand of patterns?
Some of the obstacles I face while launching my patterns has been marketing. Knowing where to sell, and how to get noticed has been a challenge and something I continue to learn about. Online marketing has been a good thing. It is so much easier than going physically shop to shop asking store owners if they want to carry your patterns.
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Why did you choose to sell your patterns on Makerist?
I chose to work with Makerist because of their global presence. It is so exciting to know that I am connecting with crafters all over the world.
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What are – beyond the quality of your patterns – the little tips that have allowed you to succeed?
One tip that has allowed me to succeed has been DETERMINATION. Sometimes it’s not easy to take an idea, create it, and put it out there to sell. The process can be very overwhelming. Without determination, you will fail.
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What advice would you give to someone who wants to start designing patterns? What is the most important thing you have learned?
My advice to those who want to start designing would be to get your goals and end results in mind and the DO IT!
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The world of DIY is a world that changes quickly: how do you see things for the next few years?
The DIY world is always changing, but I believe there will always be those of us who love creating and making things with their hands. Whether it be clothing, crafts, or things to beautify your homes-there will always be those who need patterns to go to.
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Tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now.
Sewing and crafting has been a part of my life since I was a child. I come from a very industrious family who love doing things with their hands. We have learned to use our hands to bring us pleasure and to help provide for our families.
The women in my family are very creative and industrious. I had two grandmothers who were beautiful seamstresses. One grandma was a seamstress by trade, sewing ballroom dresses for a local university dance team. Sequins and threads of all colors adorned the floors of her home.
My other grandma crocheted and quilted up to the day her arthritic little fingers could do no more. I remember there was always a project in the making. We loved going to craft shows during the holidays where we would mingle with hundreds of other crafters looking for ideas and fun things to purchase.
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Do you have support from friends and family, please tell us how they have helped in your journey to success as a designer.
Until I reached my young teen years, some of my clothes and all of my dresses were handmade by my mother. I don’t ever remember any of the clothes lacking the current style or trend. Going to the fabric store with my mother and sisters was a weekly activity for me. We would pick up a set of buttons, a zipper, or a yard of fabric that couldn’t be passed by. I must admit, I did inherit a love and an addiction for fabric.
I also chose to sew many of my children’s clothes while they were young. It was fun, easy, rewarding and saved us a lot of money. I also took my kids to the fabric stores frequently, and I think I ruined shopping for one my sons. He does not have great memories of being in the fabric stores and does not enjoy shopping at all.
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