When we first connected with Maggie the super talented brain behind the beauties of Gussy Sews - it was love at first sight! She whipped us up a custom laptop bag (also used as a diaper bag, tote, and well, for anything we can!) ruffle and all along with the sweetest little clutch that we can't stop wearing. We were immediately smitten with Gussy Sews. It was pure handmade perfection and we couldn't stop swoonin' over our little collection. We are beyond thrilled to share Gussy Sews with you and know you will LOVE them just as much as we do! Read our chat with the lovely owner and designer behind the pretty bags and accessories. And guess what? Thanks to Gussy you are getting a chance to win $100 to start you own Gussy collection! Oh and did we mention - we LOVE her blog. It is seriously a daily read so bookmark it now!
{1} Who is Gussy?
Gussy is a girl that has learned SO MUCH in so little. Two years ago, in January of 2009, my husband and I both lost our jobs. We were living in Michigan at the time and were married just 7 months prior. In a {wonderful} whirlwind we moved 12 hours from our home state to Minneapolis, MN, and somewhere in between moving to Minnesota I quit the job we moved here for to sew full time on Gussy Sews. But there's more to me than just sewing and sharing my journey on my blog. I love to have a good chat. I love to hug, I love to be around people. I love to cuddle our pup, Bauer, and I love to drink Coca-Cola!
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| {The girl behind the ruffles, Maggie Whitley otherwise known as Gussy & her work space} |
{2} What inspired Gussy Sews?
In November of 2008, Zack and I were newly married and also living in a new city in Michigan. Zack was working a job that often meant late-nights or weekend work (TV commercial production). I couldn't stand the thought of watching TV when he was still working, and I had recently found Etsy... so I decided I was going to each myself how to sew. I went to the public library and (honestly) checked out 30 books. I soon became BFFs with YouTube (hello! it is hard to learn how to thread a sewing machine when you're looking at a black & white photo). From there I was sewing things that I would want to use (totes, zipped pouches) and over the last 2 years I'm seeing that sharing & encouraging are two things I love. These two things are what really inspire me :)
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| {Gussy's Favorite Item! The Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag, $78} |
This is easy! The yellow woodgrain tote bag. LOVE IT!
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| {we LOVE headbands especially the pink/red floral headband, $14.50} |
I'm really drawn to colorful, fun, sassy prints :)
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| {ruffles & houndstooth, it doesn't get much better then that!, Medium Zipped Pouch, $18.50} |
{5} When did your love affair with sewing begin?
I threaded my very first sewing machine in November of 2008. The affair officially started in March of 2009 when I branded my products as Gussy.
{6} What is up next for you?
Actually, I'd like someone to fill ME in. I never, ever thought I'd live out-of-state from family, let alone be the owner/designer of a business. For years I was a gal of security -- I always wanted to know what was going on, but so much changed once we lost our jobs. I realized fast that I'm really not in control, God is. And honestly, it's all been amazing. All the tough stuff has made me so much more wise, and all the uncertainty was never uncertain to Him. I'm very thankful.
{WHAT YOU DON'T ABOUT GUSSY!}
1. I like a lot of creamer in my coffee (hello, hazelnut)
2. I will never skydive.
3. I have a tattoo on my right wrist -- it's a Japanese symbol for joy. I got it when I was 18 ;)
4. I don't like shell fish.
5. I don't like to get up early.
6. I love to be cozy on the couch with tea and good friends/family.
7. When I was younger, I loved to read so much I'd often read 3-4 books at a time ;)
8. My mom gave me the nickname Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web. (Something about the goose having a lot to say, and so do I...?)
9. I have a dual-major in Journalism (editorial) & Art (photography) and am so thankful to use this DAILY.
10. I have a fear of not being prepared, of forgetting things. I think this is why I over think so much :)
{All Things Gussy}
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Giveaway: $100 gift certificate to Gussy Sews!
(US only; baby blankets and discount codes are exempt from the gift certificate.)
How to win: Visit Gussy Sews and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles.
For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!
1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.
2. Follow Gussy on Twitter.
4. Make sure you "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook.
5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!
6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.
7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @gussysews -- you must tweet, not just follow.
8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.