My good friend, Joni Gardine, has opened her online store, Modern Myrtle. Joni is an incredible designer and sewing queen. She makes everything from gorgeous custom hand bags (see mine here), to fabulous aprons, to beautiful baby quilts . . . and more!
Lucky me, I had an opportunity to sit with Joni and find out more about her passion for sewing and design.
QOTC: I love the name of your website - Modern Myrtle. How did you come up with it?
Joni: My grandma, Myrtle was a quilter and a sewer (and a fabulous one, too). As I was sewing one day, I realized that I am carrying on that tradition, but in a more modern way. So, Modern Myrtle it was!
QOTC: Who taught you to sew?
Joni: My stepmom, Lynette.
QOTC: When did you first fall in love with sewing?
Joni: I took a quilting class in 2004, and I was hooked
QOTC: What's your very favorite creation?
Joni: My favorite creation to date would have to be the quilt that I made for my baby, Lily.QOTC: Oh my! That's absolutely beautiful! It looks like you made the bumpers, too. I recognize that fabric from your website. Where do you find your inspiration for your bags?
Joni: I keep an eye out for styles and silhouettes that I love. I also go off of what my particular needs are.
QOTC: Who's your favorite fabric designer?
Joni: My absolute favorite would have to be Amy Butler, with Heather Bailey being a close second. Both of their styles are very much what Modern Myrtle is about. Their fabrics have a vintage feel, but are also very modern at the same time.
QOTC: I see on your website that you make custom bags. How does that work?
Joni: Custom bags are the bulk of my business. It's very easy to order one on the website. Simply click on Handbags, then Custom Handbags, then choose your style and fabrics. Your bag will be on its way to you in 7-10 days.
QOTC: So, let's say I want a new temple bag (ahem, I actually do!). I really like the messenger style bag. Could you make it big enough for my temple dress and clothes, as well as have pockets for the slippers and tights & a zippered compartment for my recommend and temple name cards? How would I go about ordering something like this?
Joni: Sure! For a special order like this you can click the "Contact Us" link on the website and let me know what you have in mind. We can work out the details from there. I always welcome a new style of bag or a variation of one that I already do.
QOTC: Besides sewing, what else are you passionate about?
Joni: I have taken up running in the past year, and love it. I am blessed to have a treadmill at home, so it's easy to get a run in, even when my day gets busy. And, not to sound corny, but I really like my family. :)
QOTC: What do your kids think about your sewing?
Joni: I think they like it. I have all girls, so of course they love to look at all the pretty fabrics. I'm excited to teach them how to sew and have them help with my business in the coming years.
QOTC: And lastly, what is your favorite dessert?
Joni: French Silk Pie. No contest.
Thank you so much for spending time with us today, Joni. I'm totally excited to see what incredible creations you come up with! Good luck and happy sewing!
