Interview: Devout!
Check out more about Sara, the creator behind Devout. Be sure to say hi at the show!
Tell us bit about yourself, your company.
D: I've been hand crafting dolls, monsters, plush and various fabric doo dads for about 13 years now. Most of my pieces are a blend of cute and creepy with a touch of humor. I learned everything I know from my doll-maker mother who also passed along the craft show vending gene. I'm proud to say, Devout is my full-time job and even though it's a ton of work I've never done anything else more rewarding than this. I love every bit of the creative process from making patterns, to sewing bodies with too many heads, and sharing my wares with all the wonderful people I meet through shows and stores. Yep, I'm way lucky!
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
D: I entertained the idea of teaching for awhile, I'm really happy and comfortable in a room full of crazy kids. I do know that I stated, out loud, many times that I never wanted sew or own my own business for a living, oops! Guess that didn't turn out!
Is there a certain person, place or object you draw inspiration from?
D: I really love nature and animals, especially tiny, furry ones with big eyes. Forest animals are my favorites although, I'd drop all of those for a barrel of cute Chihuahuas. I think "cute" in general is my basic inspiration.
If you had no boundaries: money, time, space, support, etc. what dream project would you pursue?
D: I would love to go to Japan and do something there. I would really love to travel to different countries and stay for a few weeks at a time and make some special projects that are directly related to and inspired by the place I'm in and the people I meet.
What’s your favorite thing to do to kill time? Any secret Internet time wasters, guilty pleasures?
D: My blog list is mighty! Of course lots of crafty ones but also tons of vegan ones, I love cooking and baking vegan foods. I also really love gardening, when I have time for it. Also, don't laugh, but I like to sew for fun, when I'm not sewing for work. I just can't stop sewin'!
Where do you like to go when you just want to get away? A beach, a mall, a market? What’s your favorite type of spot to go unwind.
D: Orcas Island! It's so beautiful there, my husband and I love to go to a special spot that we try to get to once a year. It's peaceful and calming and we're surrounded by nature. Heavenly! When I can't do that, I love taking walks and I really enjoy being in the garden. Even pulling weeds is a comforting thing to do, especially if the sun is out.
If you only had one more meal to eat on this world what would it be? (It can be several courses)
D: Oh man, that's tough because I REALLY love to eat! Maybe our usual Vegan Thanksgiving, it's many, many dishes and ends in dessert (every good meal should!). That or a giant Hillside Quickie Sandwich with Mac and Yeast on the side and some vegan cheesecake for dessert.
What do you love about most UCU’s Summer Show?
D: I really love being with "my people" , that includes the vendors and the customers. It feels so great to be in this giant hall with so many excited people that love what they do and love what other people do. It's very gratifying. I also love going shopping!
Tell readers what they should expect to see when they stop by and see you at UCU.
D: I'm planning for a big variety and including a lot of smaller, inexpensive items and some new items, some wear-able, some play-able, all awesome.
