An interview with Arlene from ArlenesBoutique
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| Arlene and her knitting lab |
Peggy: Arlene,
your short profile in your Etsy description is so amazing! Could you tell me
more info about your designing carrier?
Arlene:
I always had a love for fashion back to when I was a little girl. I would sit for hours and look through the
Sears Catalog dreaming about wearing the beautiful clothes when I grew up.
I started by sewing for my daughter when she was born. I would embelish all her outfits with all
kinds of cute things that I could make myself.
As time went by, I started designing and sewing for myself. I made most of my clothes. I kind of got burned out after a few years
and tried other things to keep me busy.
I met a gal in Carlsbad, California, where we lived at the time and we
became instant friends. We both loved
dolls and decided that we would make over Barbie dolls. At first, our designs were horrible, but as
time went by, we became proficient.
There was a demand for our dolls in the late 90's and early 2000's. We specialized in 40's and 50's fashion I loved that era. I would design all the clothes and make all
my patterns and my friend would redo the hair and make up. If anyone remembers the early Barbie, she had
molded eyelashes. Michaline devised a
technique to mold the eyelashes and people were amazed.. We did ball gowns, and suits , which was our
specialty. We adorned them with hats,
purses. We even made the nylons and
gloves. We had a great time. We went to several Barbie Doll Conventions
and were able to sell them there. As
with anything, everything is cyclical.
It lasted for about 5 years. I
must say it was very tedious work working with such a small doll. Our claim to fame was being featured in a
book of international doll artists.
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Sea Breeze Hand Knit Ruffled Scarfby ArlenesBoutique |
Lelaine : Which do you prefer coffee...or tea? And at what age did you learn
to knit?
Arlene :
Lelaine, I prefer a strong cup of black coffee with a piece of chocolate.
I believe that I was 64 when I started to knit. It has been about 5 years. Oh, I guess I just told you my age. LOL I taught myself through a couple of tutorials on the internet.
I believe that I was 64 when I started to knit. It has been about 5 years. Oh, I guess I just told you my age. LOL I taught myself through a couple of tutorials on the internet.
Lina E says :Hi Arlene,
I'm really impressed...
What urged you to undertake these internet tutorials?
How has knitting influenced your life?
What urged you to undertake these internet tutorials?
How has knitting influenced your life?
Arlene :
I am a show me person, I do not do well with written instructions. I also don't do well in a class
environment. If I fall behind or my work
doesn't look right, then I get embarrassed.
It makes me nervous and insecure.
The thing about using tutorials is that you can wath them over and over
again until you get it right. Lets say
that I am like my mother who is a perfectionist when it comes to her
crafts. She has been crocheting for over
65 years and does the most beautiful intricate work and I like things to be as
perfect as possible.
Over the years, I have enjoyed creating different things from sewing for my
kids to Brbie doll fashions among other things that I have done. seeing something that I made well has always
brought me pleasure and the pleasure of hearing that my work is being enjoyed
and appreciated brings me great fulfillment and further motivation. Knitting is my most recent passtion.
Sophia :Hey Arlene!
I've always adored your scarves!..typically, how long does it take for you to knit one?
I've always adored your scarves!..typically, how long does it take for you to knit one?
Arlene :
Oh my gosh, it varies
on the different designs. My lace, cable
and some patterns will take me from 7-9 hours. Elongated stitches are consideralbly less,
about 4 hours and the ruffle scarves about 2-4 hours depending on the
yarn. Definitely a labor of love and I
am not a very fast knitter.
Peggy: It is so adorable your energy
and creativity! Please, share with me your little secret! What is the thing
that makes you so vivid?
Arlene :
I love to work with color and putting together colors that compliment each
other.
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Lavender Hand Knit Head Bandby ArlenesBoutique |
Peggy: I love to
knit, too! I really enjoy it! It is a kind of meditation for me. What is
knitting for you? Is there something deep and special in it?
Arlene : I would agree with you that it is a form of meditation for me also.
Peggy: What is
“life” for you?
Arlene : After living in 16 cities across this country or more (I have lost count),
we decided to move to Arizona and found a quiet private lake community where we
are in semi retirement. We have been in
the real estate business for 30 over years.
Life for us is our family and friends.
I came from a large family of 10 children so we always have large get
togethers with family for birthdays and other affairs. We love to travel, go on cruises. Our next cruise will be a cruise on the
Aegean Sea and spending time at Santorini which has always been my dream. We have a love for traditional jazz. Over the years, we have attended many traditional,
Chicago style and New Orleans jazz festivals and is a total love affair for my
husband and myself. We also try to
exercise as often as possible and eat right and just stay healthy. We are very
fortunate to have good health. We are
grateful for all that life has provided us.
I also want to mention that we have two children and four delightful grand
children whom we are so proud of. They
are all top in their classes and have a love for learning. They all play a musical instrument. I said that they can have their own little
jazz band. Can you tell that we are
proud grandparents. We are truly
blessed.
Thank you
Peggy: Thank you, Arlene for this wonderful conversation!
Featured Shop by Peggy Dot
