DIYthing

We continue our conversation with NexStitch owner, Amie Hirtes. Amie shares that she was drawn to arts and crafts from a young age. She loved art class. “Perhaps it was the fuzzy pipe cleaners and glitter that drew me in, but whatever the initial fascination was, it stuck like glue.” Her great-grandmother taught her to crochet when she was nine. She described the “small, poorly-shaped rectangles” that she made and used as Barbie beach blankets. Amie seemed to start early with her sense of fashion. Listen in as Amie shares more of her background with us.

aDIYthing: What do you think of the current resurgence in the craft movement?
Amie: It’s interesting how cyclical the craft movement is. I think back to the Arts and Crafts movement - my favorite style of architecture - and the initial revolt against the machine being a major aspect in every step of the production process. I find the parallels striking and quite frankly, invigorating. Look what became of architecture, interior design, and decorative arts during that time! All were energized by a common notion that handcrafts is an important, viable part of the human experience. The same holds true today except replace early 20th century machinery with today’s modern computers. It’s exciting to see this resurgence of the craft movement with the same dynamism as what’s expelled in the technology movement.

aDIYthing: Do you do other crafts?
Amie: At this time, I’m pretty much strictly crochet. Prior to crochet, I spent a lot of time doing black and white photography and watercolor painting.

aDIYthing: Do you crochet for fun? Or do you have other hobbies?
Amie: I’ve made it a point to keep crochet in the realm of “fun work.” The moment it feels like all work and no play is the day I pack up my hooks. And I don’t intend for that to happen!

aDIYthing: Who are your designers, or do you do it all yourself?
Amie: NexStitch is all me in terms of designing. My fiancé helps me take the step-by-step and product shots as well as setting me up to do the videos. I couldn’t do it without him! I also maintain and update the site, put out a newsletter, and create free tutorial videos and articles too, all of which are time consuming. I’ve rather enjoyed my foray as self-publisher. I get to wear all the hats: editor, designer, content writer, etc. I decide what I do and when I do it. I work best that way.

aDIYthing: Where do you get your inspirations for your designs?

Amie: The inspiration is a tough one to answer. I get inspired by so many things. It could be a color combination and what it reminds me of. It could be the shape or silhouette of something I’ve seen in a store or online. It could be a stitch I saw somewhere. It all depends on the project.

I’m always online searching for images of things which feeds my inspiration. For my latest design, the Hawaiian Motif Handbag, I went out and researched Hawaiian flowers and leaves. Once I knew the correct shapes and color palette I wanted to use, I searched for handles that would work within that aesthetic. I thought the darker handles made from natural materials would work well with the color palette and theme of the bag. You could say my design inspiration is sometimes built like Rome: slowly and carefully over a period of time.

I think that Amie is on target with her discussion of the resurgence of the craft movement. The technology movement is closely linked to the number of people taking up crafts. I think this is due in part to the ability of individuals to find niche markets online and also find like-minded creatives who share a passion for arts and crafts. Additionally, technology is allowing businesses like NexStitch to self-publish tutorials and videos as marketing tools and products. Stay tuned next Monday as we finish our series of interview with Amie. And while you are waiting, take a moment to visit her shop.

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