Blog - Cotton & Flax

Behind the Scenes

My Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine

I was thinking, yesterday, about how long I’ve had my sewing machine for. It was a gift from my mom in my teenage years, and it’s a very similar model to her own machine, which she used to teach me to sew. I remember how frustrated I initially was while she taught me how to thread the machine, how complicated it seemed. Now I could do it with my eyes closed.

I am lucky to have had my interest in craft nurtured in this way. I’m also lucky that this sewing machine seems to handle whatever I can dish out, and with regular oiling, has yet to have any major problems (knock on wood!) I know there are fancier machines out there, and it’s possible I could work faster with an industrial sewing machine, but I’m going to keep using this one for as long as I can.

The Next Photoshoot

Cotton & Flax Pillows

I’ve been sewing up a storm around here, preparing for my next big photoshoot of all the new designs and colorways. I tallied up all the different products I’ll be offering through Cotton & Flax… and the total surprised me. While Cotton & Flax currently offers four different products (two sizes of pillows, tea towels, and coasters) the vast number of pattern and color combinations means that I’ve got dozens of pieces I haven’t been able to share yet. Looking forward to March, when I will have photographed them all!

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Photographing the collection

Cotton & Flax tea towel

It seems to take me way too long to take photos of new work. Slowly but surely, though, I am amassing more photos of the newer items for the Cotton & Flax shop. I hope to share more here on the blog soon.

The Cotton & Flax family

Zac and Erin

I spend a lot of time talking about how Cotton & Flax is a one woman operation. I take a lot of pride in creating work for Cotton & Flax from start to finish. I design the patterns, source the raw fabrics, silkscreen print the patterns by hand, and cut, sew and finish each item myself. Taking such a hands on approach is certainly not the most common approach, but I think the results speak for themselves: it’s worth it!

However, I’ve neglected to mention how lucky I am to have a group of supportive friends and family who help me along the way. Today I’d like to thank my boyfriend, Zac, who has supported me in all of my creative pursuits, especially Cotton & Flax. He keeps me company while I stay up late sewing and printing, he helps me schlep all my stuff to/from all those weekend craft fairs, he comforts me when I have moments of doubt about my business, and he’s always encouraging me to pursue the activities that make me happiest.

Thank you to Kate Miss, who took the photo above when we were vendors at Feliz in Austin.