Beth Allums

Monkey & Me (website)

Circa 2003

What made you start working in your craft? Was it a dream? Was it an accident? Was it payment on a bet?
Crafting runs in my family. My mother was always sewing, stitching, cooking, painting, and creating amazing things. I had been doing a bit of sewing here and there, had made a few items for myself, but not until I had my son did I really take to my machine. Starting with a few burp cloths for myself, then fueled by a baby boom at the school where I teach, I made up a ton of fancy-scmancy burpees and brought them to the 17th Street Farmers' Market in April 2004. Funny, a trip out to the market was my first outing with my son when he was just a week old. We became regulars at the market the rest of that season, my little monkey and I, and before I knew what happened, Monkey and Me was born. Now I carry bibs, burpees, dresses,pants and more. As my little monkey grows, so does Monkey and Me.

Where do you work? What does your fantasy work space look like?
My tiny dining area in my little apartment is bursting at the seams(pardon the pun) with fabric and crafting delights. Even if we wanted to eat at the table, we couldn't. I am lucky to work in a large art room, where I can spread out and cut fabric after school. I have a little desk tucked away in the corner of the dining room, and I stitch away each evening and free moment I get between teaching art, chasing a toddler, and trying to maintain some sort of household. But my motto is creative clutter is better than idle neatness. I may not keep the tidiest house, but it's always full of creativity!

I would love to one day have a little bungalow for my son and I, with a fat carriage house studio in the back. It's not a really big dream, but I invision a great little house, behind our modest little place, with a kitchenette full goodies and fresh brewed coffee ready to greet friends on a cozy sofa as I work. Ultimately I'd love to combine my passions for teaching and creating, and open a studio workshop with a retail shop and cafe'. I could greet guests in an open workshop with a great cup of Joe, while my mom bakes great cakes and treats (momma is a baker, makes awesome creative cakes and goodies!) Upstairs other artists would keep studios and we could all teach art classes!

We all have vending horror stories but has anything really really GOOD ever happened to you?
I'm really excited to have been asked to be in the Richmond Craft Mafia. No, really, I am. When Dawn first approached me about the group I thought I was too busy already, but I am so glad I got over that. Now I am busier and happier than ever. The collective power of the Mafia and the talent and knowledge shared between us is amazing, and has brought me to rise to another level, that I know I could not have realized without joining. I am more creative and focused than ever, and so humbled to be associated with such amazing artisans.

If you had to pick a superhero spokesman for Monkey and Me who would it be and why?
Wonder Woman! Ever since I was a little one myself, I would say I wanted to be Wonder Woman when I grow up. I believe I have a little bit of that in me still. As a single mom, working full time and starting a small business, I have discovered so much about myself that I can accomlish, take on, and handle with style and savvy.

Working on your craft can be a solitary and sometimes lonely venture. What keeps you company?
My craft is a great solitary escape for me. When I get the moments to work, I relish in the silence and whir of the machine. My days are filled with noise and little voices. I am inspired by all the little personalities I am surrounded by during my day. I try to bring that into my work and create items that reflect the spunk and liveliness of little ones.

We all have dreams of money – but what would you do if you had the TIME?
I would rest. I would love a vacation, for just a few days, then I'd love the time to get together a big ol' bunch of product. I love having a collection of work available. Seeing all of my work together gives me an amazing sence of accomplishment.

Crafting beverage of choice?
Coffee, lots of coffee!

What is the one craft tool you can not live without?
My sewing machine, it's not fancy, but it gets the job done. Oh but how I would love a Quilter's Choice machine