Monday, May 30, 2011

June Denver Made Interview: Hot Butter




For June's installment of Denver Made we are excited to introduce you to Hot Butter, a line of handmade bags and accessories based in Lafayette, CO. This line fuses together a passion for sewing and a love of vintage, often rescuing materials that have been cast aside and breathing new life into them. The designer behind this line, Ashley McNeese, recently took the time to answer a few questions for us about her line in preparation for her Denver Made trunk show Friday June 3rd from 7pm-10pm at Fancy Tiger Clothing.  



FT: How did you come up with the name for your line?

HB: It's a long story that started in Amsterdam over a plate of savory pancakes dotted with weird butter.  Someone already claimed the etsy username, so I went with the next logical and more delicious choice, Hot Butter.  Who doesn't love hot butter?

(Ashley McNeese of Hot Butter)

FT: How did you get your start?

HB: My grandma taught me to sew pajama pants when I was in high school.  I sewed pillows as gifts one year for Christmas, but the sewing machines I had access to needed a lot of work.  I'm a little ashamed to admit that fixing a sewing machine wasn't a priority on my limited teenager budget, and I didn't sew anything for years.  I became a stay at home mom when my son was born, and I found myself hand stitching stuffed animals on the couch.  My husband bought me a sewing machine  as an early Christmas present that year, and I taught myself to make tote bags for gifts for my whole family.  There was no stopping me after that!  I opened my etsy shop to support my fabric and thrifting habits after my friends and family were well stocked in Hot Butter.



FT: Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

HB: I'm most inspired by the items I find at thrift stores and estate sales.  I was inspired to make my vintage sheet messenger bags after mass collecting pretty vintage linens that I was afraid to cut.  My stepmom Kris always has an awesome idea or two when I need one.


FT: What music do you listen to when you work on your product?

HB: I invested in a paid Pandora account, and I love it.  My favorite stations are Gogol Bordello, The Doors, Hot Chip, Journey, Johnny Cash, and old school Snoop Dogg.



FT: What would you like people to know about your work/process that isn’t evident when looking at it?

HB: All Hot Butter items are created with love on my kitchen table, which I have taken over to the point that eating on it is a special treat.  Almost everything is created with a mixture of new and vintage/reclaimed materials.  I take my time to ensure all my work is sturdy and well put together.  Everything is made with a smile!

Make sure to stop by Fancy Tiger Clothing Friday June 3rd from 7pm-10pm to check out the work of Ashley McNeese in person. Enjoy a beverage from Great Divide brewery and toast to her new line of messenger bags. 

xoxo

Fancy Tiger Clothing

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

What's New in Store This Week...

Adam Sikorski stopped in a few days ago to drop off some new designs and some reprints of a few favorites. The men's side is fully stocked with his screen printed tanks and the ladies side saw a few new t-shirt designs as well as a restock of the ever popular Coloradical tanks. 







Angie just sent us a shipment of some cute Spring dresses. Don't hesitate as these beauties are moving quick. 





This week we are excited to welcome a new local designer into the store, Larka Designs. Stop in and check out this line of handmade jewelry and accessories, ranging from screen printed necklaces and zipper pouches, to hand stitched necklaces. 








Canadian based husband and wife team Moon Raven Designs are back in stock with some new designs. Stop in and check out their cast animal skulls plus a few new additions from their line.






Local favorite Pearl Clothing dropped off some new Spring items for the ladies side. Stop in and check out these one of a kind beauties in person. 












This week we are extremely excited to introduce you to The Pin Pals. Half of this crafting duo from Montreal recently relocated to Denver and we're thrilled to be carrying their paper products, including paper puppets and notecards as well as their cross stitched jewelry and accessories. 

















Happy Shopping!

xoxo

fancy tiger clothing