Infinitum talks to Maya Bowen of Static White’s Stitchery

Gothic Blend is especially privileged to be joined by Maya Bowen owner of Static White’s Stitchery. Thank you for taking the time to sit down and visit with us.

When was Static White’s Stitchery born?
Static White Stitchery was born in a corner of a tiny NYC apartment, just down hill of a huge Victorian era graveyard (seriously), on a cool September day in 2006.

Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
A bit of both. I do have some formal training, thanks to a short stint at Fashion Institute of Tech (NYC), but I began my stitchy adventures when I was a kid –thanks, Grandma!– and am forever looking to learn new things.

Where do you find inspiration for your cute and dark creations?
Books, movies, the interwebs… everywhere!

Do you find yourself being more creative during the day or at night?
I am most definitely more creative at night into the early morning. When the sun comes up it is time for bed. Usually.

Are all of your creations handmade and one of a kind?
All my creations are made with my own two hands and my various tools. Also, everything I create is either one of a kind or limited edition. Even when items are similar no two are exactly alike! I love adding special little details whenever possible. The only exception to that at the moment would be my headbands, which are limited edition since the fabrics I use are vintage/discontinued. There’s nothing wrong with mass producing items, but for me it’s boring.

Can you tell us a little bit about the creation process for a new product?
When an idea is spawning I usually sketch it out first but sometimes I’ll just jump right into the pattern. Once that’s sorted out, if I know 100% that it will work out, I dive right into the fabric. If not, then I’ll do a mock up in muslin to test it out first.

What has been the biggest surprise along the way?
The advertising and the online fans and friends. The amount of advertising needed just for a few views was a shocker at first but I got used to it and it got a little easier as time went on. As for the latter, it still amazes me how many awesome people I have met online through various groups and social networking.

What have been some of your biggest challenges along the way?
Getting seen in the great big ocean that is the interwebs. Also trying to make enough to pay the bills can be a challenge because the demand for awesome handmade goods can be fickle, as with anything else.

What words of encouragement would you give to other aspiring artist/seamstresses?
Aspiring to be any type of artist isn’t easy. Be prepared for the possibility of not “making it big”. Do it because you love it and don’t ever stop creating!

Visit Static White’s Stitchery on FaceBook –> Click here <–