Me Made May Maker Feature: Meredith
Welcome back for our third Me Made May Maker Feature! This week, we're chatting with Meredith Daniel! She is the creative force behind Olivia Jane Handcrafted and you might know her from Instagram as @thefooshe. From adding accents to garments already in her closet, to turning yardage into beautifully pin-tucked skirts, carefully crafted bags, gorgeous quilts and beyond, Meredith can sew it all!
DuckaDilly: How did your sewing journey begin?
Meredith: For as long as my memory goes back in childhood, I wanted to learn to sew. Specifically, I wanted to learn how to make a quilt. I can’t tell you why I was so fascinated with them, but my grandmother had them in her home and she sewed all kinds of things. She would have had a great instagram account had that been a thing in the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s. Sadly, she passed when I was only 12, and I eventually taught myself to sew when I was 19 and expecting my first baby.
DuckaDilly: What is one thing in your sewing kit that you cannot live without?
Meredith: Goodness, only one!? The machine aside, I would have to say my cutting mat. I upgraded to a 36x48” this year, and its been a game changer, especially when cutting garments in Liberty.
DD: What comes first? Fabric or pattern? Where do you find your inspiration for your next project?
Meredith: I think it’s both, but most often, I find fabric that I love and then look for a pattern great enough to show off the fabric. My latest purchase is Betsy Berry Neon Delight. I don’t have a clue what I’m going to make yet, but I can tell you the pattern is going to have to be great to do justice to such a fabulous fabric. But other times, I find myself in great need of a certain garment and when I’ve found the pattern, I will pair up fabrics from there. For instance, I need to fill in some gaps with shorts this year, so I will find a pattern that can be a staple, and I’ll will likely make 3-5 pairs with some variation in different fabrics that I love.
DD: We love how you take a pattern or a garment and make it your own. What is your favorite embellishment to add to a garment or accessory?
Meredith: I love adding details where I can. Sometimes I’ll look for opportunity to add lace insertion or perhaps piping or small ruffles. I find that adding these little things where it will complement the overall garment is a great way to personalize something for me. It makes me feel like it’s truly finished, but also has that little something that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary and that makes me smile. That’s a big test for me- if a garment doesn’t make me smile, what do I need to do differently to feel my best in it?
Meredith made the dress below using the pattern
Fringe Dress from Chalk and Notch. She added the tiers to make it feel more Meredith! She also added pockets! 
DD: Is there a specific tool, technique, or mindset shift that elevated your sewing?
Meredith: I do have one over arching thought in all my sewing and that is if it is worth doing, then it’s worth doing well. That means if it takes 40 hours, then I take all 40 of those hours and I give it my best. I have never regretted the outcome when I have followed this mindset. Fabric is expensive, the tools are an investment, and most importantly, my time is worth much to me. Taking the time to sew well and perhaps to learn how to do it better is always the best option.
DD: How did you start your business selling handmade goods?
Meredith: I spent a lot more time at home once I started having kids, but I still wanted to be able to add financial support. Once I felt I had gained mastery in a particular area, I began selling one of a kind bags and offering custom work via Etsy. I stopped selling on that platform long ago, and now handle all business through Olivia Jane Handcrafted.
DD: Do you have a piece of advice that you would give to another sewist who is starting their own business?
Meredith: Absolutely gain mastery over your craft, whatever it is. Go the extra mile and finish your projects well. This is what sets a good sewist apart, and it is what clients take note of. It will earn you repeat customers. It’s also so important to value yourself well. If you haven’t gained mastery, keep on going and sell once you are there. If you are there, consider what you are charging. Your competition is never going to be a big box store, or even a boutique that imports all mass-produced goods. You are part of the slow-fashion movement, so up your prices and be confident! People who know your value will find you and they will support you.
DD: What is your favorite way to spend an afternoon not sewing?
Meredith: I spend every possible moment that is “mine” in my garden when the weather is nice! I’m surrounded by the flowers of Liberty inside, and the live sort outside. I love it so much.
DD: What's your favorite piece you've made with Tana Lawn?
Meredith: My most reached for garment is the tiered dress I made in collaboration with DuckaDilly! I love the bright colors and the flirty summer style of the dress!
This dress was made with fabrics from our Jewel Box Collection!
Thank you Meredith for inspiring us with your makes of all kinds! You can admire more of her work on Instagram @thefooshe and purchase her creations on her website Olivia Jane Handcrafted!
We will be back next week with another conversation with an extra special maker! Missed our previous conversations with makers? You can still read our chats with Joyce LeBlanc and Jenna, aka @theladywholunches!
xo, DuckaDilly
