Berkley Art Bash Preview: Meet the Ladies Who Indulge in Fabulous Fabrics

For the women behind Stitch248, there are some things that have an undeniable richness to them.

One might say that includes the chocolate and wine that the ladies were enjoying while originally dreaming up their new artisan business. But certainly on the top of that list is a beautiful fabric – what brings all their passions together.

Berkley mom of three Kezzie Chudler, 29, her own mother Angela Sharp, 50, of Canton, and their partner Rebecca Sammon, 34, a mom of three in Royal Oak, are the creative minds (and hands) behind Stitch248.

They design practical products they believe women want and need, from bags to aprons to clothing and throw pillows.

It’s their first year appearing at the Berkley Art Bash and Chudler says they are eager to join in the art show.

“We’re very excited to be part of this amazing community event.  It is also great to have the opportunity to showcase our work to our friends and neighbors,” she explained.

She gave a look into the Stitch248 and why a fantastic fabric is so appealing.

Patch: Tell us a little about the creations you offer.

Chudler: We start with fabric we love and make products we want to own ourselves.  We make everything from bags of all shapes and sizes to aprons and children’s skirts. We make beautiful things for the home, such as pillows and covered binders. We love working with customers on special orders, too. Basically if you can sew it, we do and we do it in gorgeous fabric.

Q: How did your journey as artists begin?

A: Knitting and sewing has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember.  We learned from watching our mothers and it grew from there, but Stitch248 started over a glass of wine and lots of chocolate!

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: We are definitely inspired by the many amazing fabric designers out there.  We love modern designers like Lotta Jansdotter from Denmark, but also find classic Liberty of London prints just gorgeous. Honestly, we create things just so we can be around our favorite fabric every day!

We’re also inspired by necessity. Our keychain wallets and clutches help you stay organized, the girls’ skirts work well as school and play clothes, and as for the aprons... well, everybody needs a cute apron (and coordinating potholder of course!)

Q: Walk us through the process of making one of your pieces.

A: Sometimes it starts with the fabric, sometimes with a pattern that inspires us, it can even begin with a perceived need … it is always different.

Q: What does being an artist mean to you?

A: Our hope is to bring something unique, beautifully designed, and well made into the lives of others.