diydivas.myfastforum.org

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 5:01 am

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Alison Speerbrecker. I am 26, married, and live outside of Chicago, Illinois, but am a Minnesotan at heart. I am a substance abuse counselor. I don't know what to say, except that I enjoy life and try to have fun with everything I do.

What do you make? What are your favorite materials to work with?What is your favorite color?

Currently, I make handbags of different sorts. I prefer more "casual" fabrics; anything with a funky pattern or bright colors. I am not necessarily particular about the kind of fabric, but you probably won't see me use anything fancy; I really only make things that I would love myself, and I am just a laid-back causal kind of girl. I don't have a favorite color right now, persay, but as I said, I love bright colors. I guess aqua is especially nice.

Where can people purchase your goods?

http://hullabaloo.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing you have ever created?

My favorites change daily. Seriously. But I love my Birthday Bag (made yesterday). It is just a fun and happy bag. Perhaps I am partial because it will be my birthday this Sunday. Who knows?

What is the worst thing you have ever created?

Can I only list one worst? ..just kidding.. I have a lot of projects that have gone awry in the past. One such thing is a quilt I started working on (I don't have a picture, though). Quilting just isn't for me--it requires waaay too much patience. It is still sitting in my guest room waiting to be finished, but in order to do that I will have to take out a lot of stitches, which, again, I have no patience for. God bless the quilters of the world!

What inspires you to create?

Everything! I have always been involved in one creative endeavor or another. Sometimes I create to deal with stress, at other times I just randomly come up with an idea that I want to come to fruition. Other times I am inspired by fabric or other art/craft supplies and sometimes I am inspired by the work of others.. My list could go on and on.

What is your favorite film/music/book/artist?

Hmmm... I always have trouble picking what I like the best, but I will give it a try. Favorite movie is probably Sin City. It was just so breathtaking for me; I felt like I was really in the movie. It was so vivid, and amazing how they took the comic and shot for shot recreated it in movie format. As for music, I tend to listen to more indie type bands, but will give anything a try. I currently love OK GO, TV on the Radio, Broken Social Scene, etc., but my staples will always be Bright Eyes and Patty Griffin. My favorite book tends to be whatever I have read recently. I really loved Jonathan Saffran Foer's "Everything is Illuminated," and recommend it highly as an outrageously hilarious book. My favorite artist would have to be Brian Andreas. I don't know what to say about him, but I feel that if you look at any of his work, you will know what I mean.

Who is the most important person in your life?

All of my family is important to me. I will say that my husband is the most important. He is amazing and encouraging and sweet. My parents are very special to me as well. And I sew on my great grandmother's sewing machine, so it is another nice way to feel connected to my family.

Who is your favorite DiY designer?

I am new to the DiY community. I knew it existed, but until recently hadn't taken part in it. I don't think I have a favorite yet. (But hope to find some soon!)

Do you have any advice for other DiY designers?

Just keep creating things you love. If you don't have passion for it, don't do it.

Check out Hullabaloo's Diy Divas Profile!
hullabaloo

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Chicago

Thanks again for the interview!

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Columbia, TN

Ah! Another "baglady" that likes to work with color! I love your work!

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Chicago

Thank you so much, baglady!