Where does your inspiration come from?
I’ve been lucky to find a lot of inspiration in my own backyard while gardening or playing with my kids. You don’t have to look hard to find something inspiring in a flowerbed or a walk in the woods.
Where do you do most of your work?
The great thing about embroidery is that it is so portable. That becomes essential at my house with two little ones around and no studio to stash all my supplies. I spend a lot of time designing on the computer and a lot of time stitching on the couch. It works for me and my family but of course a little room of my own would be a dream come true!
How did you come up with the name for your business?
Coming up with a name was both fun and stressful for me. I really wanted something that sounded comforting and that conjured up good feelings for people. I liked the idea of having the word “house” or “home” in the name. Then I added September because to me, it seems like a perfect month. September is not really associated with a particular holiday but it is a month of change and renewal. For many people I think it’s a month that brings both comfort and anticipation. I’m really happy with the name “SeptemberHouse” and I think it was worth all the deliberating about it.
Your favorite thing to make?
Well, that’s a tough one. I love making patterns because there is a lot of drawing involved and I love that part. I have to say though, I am always so thrilled when I make something really personal for someone. Maybe it’s an item that will hang in their baby’s nursery, or a piece that commemorates their wedding or anniversary. Those are the projects that really make me glow. It’s such an honor when someone asks to you to be a part of something so important like that.
What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
Okay, I thought the last question was tough but this one may top that. I have an embroidery pattern called “Seedling Trio” that has special significance to me because it has a design that I originally drew for my first son’s nursery. That image will always be important to me. I have loved so many of the pendant necklaces that have gone through the shop. You wouldn’t believe what a difficult time I have boxing some of those babies up and sending them away! I really get attached to some of them!
What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
I wish someone had told me that it is okay to just let some ideas go. I feel like I wasted a lot of time trying to make certain things work that just didn’t. Sometimes you just have to experiment and try new things while letting others go. You have to have some flexibility to make it work, I think, and I wasn’t so good at that part in the beginning.
coffee or tea?
Coffee! Without coffee there would be no SeptemberHouse.
Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
I spend too much time looking at craft blogs but I can’t help it – I love them. It’s so exciting to see all the new ideas and projects that all these creative people have come up with. It’s very inspiring and encouraging. So, I spend a little time peeking around them each day but I could never pick just one ‘favorite’.
If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
I actually do follow one person around all day but he’s two so it can be a little exhausting at times. If I could choose someone else though it might be someone like Amanda Blake Soule or Amy Karol just so I could see how they get so much done in a day. I am always amazed at what they accomplish with little ones scurrying about. I would love to learn their secrets!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
My husband and I have a few ‘dream trips’ that have been on our hope list for as long as we can remember. Scotland, India and New Zealand are all at the top. Even though it doesn’t sound quite as exotic as those destinations, I am also really excited about our own National Parks right here in the US. Since watching Ken Burns’ series about the history of the parks I am completely enamoured with them – particularly Yosemite (it’s kind of an obsession of mine right now actually).
If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?
A camera, paper, pencils, the thickest book on my “to-read” list, and some chocolate.
Thank you Corrine for participating in this week's Behind the Design.
Photos courtesy of Corrine, SeptemberHouse.
Corrine can be found at:
Etsy shop
Blog
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