We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna Ferry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna below.

Anna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My mother, and both Grandmothers used to sew all kinds of wonderful things and not only saw sewing as a hobby but as an essential part of everyday life. My mother spent hours with me teaching me to hand sew little felt bears together and has always encouraged my interest and probably more than myself had the confidence in my abilities to create anything from a suede jacket in high school to my beaded wedding dress. I was very fortunate to go to a high school that had a great Arts program and wonderful teachers that taught me the many ins and outs of creating a garment from design to construction and the skills needed to do this. Coming from a creative family there was never any question about if I could earn a living from my craft and this attitude has certainly been a driving force in encouraging me to continue to learn more and more about various sewing techniques, fabrics, and natural dyes. I do think the attitudes of those around you can greatly influence your confidence in yourself and in turn either create obstacles for you or act as a support to help you over come them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Anna Ferry and I am a part-time clothing maker, part-time Special Ed Para Educator. During the part-time clothing maker hours I specialize in making one of a kind, naturally dyed, quilted ,linen jackets. Although I began making kids clothing my brand Charlie + Me has slowly morphed into what it is today. Initially when I began making women’s clothing I was making a variety of sizes and styles all at once and hoping they would sell but over the years I have found it a lot more efficient and enjoyable to make a limited quantity of each jacket style and size and do seasonal release with limited quantities, usually around September to December. This approach has allowed me to really enjoy the process of creating each jacket and has really cut down on the amount of waste I generate as each tiny scrap of fabric is used in the quilted jackets. The clothing industry is such a huge contributor to the amount of waste and environmental pollution that is generated each day so I really try to use textiles that support organic cotton and natural fiber farmers, and not just create another pieces of clothing to be put in the back on ones closet but a jacket that can be worn for years to come, is easy to care, for and highlights the beauty of natural dyes.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love sewing, can’t get enough of it ,and that fact that I get to make a small living from doing what I love and create something that people can enjoy wearing around blows my mind. It’s always weird and fun to see someone wearing a Tabitha or Libby jacket around, and even more fun when I don’t know them personally. I think for every creative/ small business owner they do a little happy dance anytime one of their creations goes to a new home.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Honestly, I don’t know much about them but I”m kinda old fashioned and think that there’s nothing better than a piece of artwork that you can touch and feel, has depth, texture, and is not on a screen. We stare at our screens enough. I could be kicking myself in a few years though for not jumping on the NFT band wagon.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charlieandmedesigns.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlieandmedesgins
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlieandmedesigns

Image Credits
Jenn Flemming