March 29, 2016

Meet Carla: The cosplay adoring, mid-century wearing, multitalented crafter from Tiny Angry Crafts


This month, for the first spring 2016 installment in our delightful ongoing "Meet a Fellow Vintage blogger" series, I'm over-the-moon excited to be chatting with none other than my good online friend Carla W., from the wonderful blog Tiny.Angry.Crafts.




Not only is Carla sweet, caring and kindhearted, but she's an active member of our vintage blogging community who frequently visits other peoples' sites. I've had the pleasure of knowing Carla for a few years now and really admire her spirit, passion for the past, fabulous knitting skills, and diverse array of interests, many of which appear in her enjoyable blog posts.

Carla and I are both west coast girls, too (albeit on different sides of the 49th), which is just one of numerous points that we share in common. If you haven't encountered Carla and her blog before, or have and are every bit as keen as I was to learn more about this fabulous vintage fan, read on to get the lowdown on everything from some of her favourite vintage knitting pattern resources to her love of cosplay, how her site's name came to be, the fact that she wants to learn corsetry and so much more!


Inquiring minds want to know, as surely there must be a good one, what’s the story behind your very memorable blog name?

Haha! My sister accidentally came up with the name. I'm shorter than she is; 5ft2 to her 5ft8, so I'm Tiny to her. When I'm being good while crafting, my glasses are off, and I have a very stern looking face when I work, which looks Angry. And I'm always Crafting. She strung the words together one day while we were at the zoo, and it stuck.



How long have you been blogging for? Was there anything in particular that lead you launch Tiny Angry Crafts?

Oh goodness, I had to go into my blog and check, but I've been blogging since 2010. I initially started up this blog to show off a lot of knitting and crochet craft I had worked on and sold to go with my (sadly empty) Etsy shop. But, I had a letter writing blog a bit before this, and a LiveJournal.




What sorts of crafts are you currently drawn to the most?

I love knitting and crochet. I also am very drawn to embroidery and cross-stitch, but I don't get to work on it as much, sadly. And I'm an avid letter writer, I have a few pen-pals I write to.



Do you find that you get much time to devote to your crafting passions?

With school, not as much as I'd like to. But I'll steal away an hour or two while I'm working to take a breather, and work on my cardigan or crochet up some slippers.



How does crafting intersect with your love of the past?

I come from a very crafty family, my mother used to be a tailor and dressmaker, my father was a milliner's apprentice, my grandparents know their way around a needle and thread, and my grandmother's mother made a good portion of her (and her 5 siblings'!) clothes.

It's always humbling to know they were able to make something from almost nothing, and have lovely stories to recant about it.



Have you been living a vintage filled life for quite a while now? (And when did you first start wearing old school styles?)

Hmmm, I've been interested in vintage styles since I was about 10 years old. I blame my grandfather for constantly having Turner Classic Movies on the television. But I was a terribly shy person growing up, and was afraid of drawing attention to myself (which is ironic, because I dressed up like comic characters before I dressed vintage). I think I started gaining more confidence to dress up when I turned 22 or so. So not very long, actually!



What is/are your favourite decade(s)? Any reasons in particular why such is the case?

I really like the 1930s and 1940s in terms of 'Oh hey, I'm going to wear this 30s style today' or something. I find myself drawn to the necessity to create ones own clothing while all this stressful turmoil going on. And I also love how they look on me.

In terms of aesthetics, I really enjoy a lot of 1950s and early 1960s looks, but I very rarely wear them.




How (if applicable) has your style changed since you first got into vintage?

I've stopped covering myself up a lot for one. In high school and my late teens, you'd often find me bundled in a jacket, no matter the weather. I've learned to embrace how my shape is. I've began to wear more makeup, take better care of my clothes, learned what styles do and do not fit me, and have had a lot of fun trying new things with my hair!



Are there any yesteryear celebrities/notable figures whose style you especially admire?

So I'm not subjecting your readers to a list about 20 miles long, I'll list a few:

I absolutely adore Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Lena Horne. They are so very important to me, being African American women who overcame not only rampant racism, but also sexism. How they all persevered in their craft, is a constant source of motivation to me.






Five crafting related items you’d take with you to a desert island?

Knitting needles, yarn, fabric, scissors, needles.



Do you tend to have a lot of WIPs on the go, or do you try to finish a project before moving on to the next?

Oh I'm sure if my family knew crafting slangs, they'd call me 'The Queen of WIPs'. I tend to get bored with a project, then will pop on to a new one. I eventually go back to some WIPs, if they're small enough.



I know it can be hard to choose, but if you had to pick one very favourite craft, what would it be for you?

Sewing. I went to school for it, and I've been doing it for most of my life. It's pretty much in my blood, haha!




Is there a craft (or really, any hobby) that you’d like to learn, but which you’ve not dabbled in yet?

I'd love to learn corsetry! Just to say 'Hey, I made a corset!' And it'll be a fun skill builder. I'd also love to learn to make faux armor with various plastics.


What are some of your favourite online crafting related resources (blogs, shops, how-to sites – anything you’d like to share)?

The Craftsy blog

By Gum, By Golly

The Vintage Pattern Files

The V&A 1940's knitting patterns

Knitting Help (This site is how I learned to knit my senior year of high school!)






You’re currently in school. Can you share a bit with us about what you’re studying and the direction you’re currently planning for your career?

I'm all set to graduate! I'm taking a course called 'Advanced Fashion Design' which has me (and 16 other classmates) making my own 3-5 garment collection. I've based mine on the 1930s, and it will debut at my schools fashion show in May! Career wise, there isn't a lot here in San Diego - and I'd love to get into theatre work along the line - so I'll just go where the wind takes me.



When not blogging, crafting, or going to school, what are some things we can find you doing?

Sleeping, playing with my dog, Prince, adventuring through my city!


Five words that you would use to describe yourself and five (others) that capture the spirit of your vintage wardrobe?

Myself: Quiet, inquisitive, kind, petite, and resourceful.

Wardrobe: Small, simple, colorful, dresses, cute.





And last, but not least, anything that you wish folks knew about you, but that they might not be aware of (about you) from your blog?

I mentioned I make costumes and wear them to comics conventions. The art is called Cosplay, and I've been doing it since 2007. It's what really kick started my love of sewing more, and sort of pushed me to going to school for fashion design. I plot to make a couple more cosplays for San Diego Comic Con, as well as for Comikaze, which might be from a few classic TV shows and movies!



Connect with Carla on the following sites:












Meet the past interviewees who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:

February 2015: Emileigh | March 2015: CiCi | April 2015: Helen Mae | May 2015: Esther | June 2015: Ms. Falcon |July 2015: Jessie, and Laurence & Sylvain| August 2015: Holly | September 2015: Rhia | October 2015: Franny | November 2015: Emily | December 2015: Porcelina | January 2016: Nora | February 2016: Kate



♥ ♥ ♥



Thank you very much for the terrific interview, Carla. It was an total joy talking with you and discovering more points that we share in common (for example, I would use those very same five words to describe myself, too). If you're not already following Tiny.Angry.Crafts, I highly recommend that you do so - Carla and her blog are a true delight!

I also really want to thank each and every one of you, my lovely readers, for the many wonderful comments that you shower each month's interviewees with, as well as the support you often show their blogs, social media sites, and when applicable, online shops, too.

One of my absolute favourite things is helping to bring members of the vintage community (all the more) together, very much including introducing those who may not have met online yet, and I feel really fortunate to have the chance to do so through this fun ongoing post series.
xz
If you're an active member of the vintage blogging world who routinely interacts with others in our midst (and who hasn't appeared in this series yet) and would like to be interviewed for a future post here down the line, please don't hesitate to drop me an email anytime. I'd be thrilled to chat with you, too!

59 comments:

  1. I'm baffled about how I haven't come across Carla before! Which is why this series is so good, of course :) Another mega-talented crafter I have nothing but awe for... xx

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    1. Seconded completely!!! Her Victory sweater knocks me off my seat every single time I see it.

      I'm really happy that I could introduce you to Carla. She's such a terrific person and a real joy to know.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Replies
    1. Same here! As someone who gets downright giddy about costumes and unique styles of clothing, Cosplay appeals to me a great deal, but to date is not something I've dabbled in (perhaps, in no small part, because we have virtually no events pertaining to such around these parts).

      Thank you for your lovely comment, dear Sylvie. I hope that these final days of March are smiling on you.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. She is adorable. Reminds me so much of my Tiffany. When I saw this on my newsfeed I knew I had to come see this fabulous lady. Enjoyed your post Jessica. Have a beautiful day. Gentle hugs, Beverly

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    1. Thank you sweetly, my beautiful friend. I - and I'm sure Carla - really appreciate your wonderfully nice comment. It's cool that she reminds you of Tiffany. I bet they'd really hit if off!

      How are you doing as March wraps up? Not a day has gone by since your last blog post that I haven't thought of you. I hope dearly that you're doing as well as possible and that you guys had a beautiful, relaxing Easter weekend.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Awesome interview! This is a blogger I'm not familiar with but I love reading about all her hobbies and interests! What a fun lady she seems! <3

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. She really is a fun, fabulous lady, I agree. It's tons of fun to learn more about the other things that members of our vintage community adore. Vintage is a huge part of most of our lives for sure, but it's not the only element and I'm always keen to different sides of the people I interview here in addition to their passion for the past.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Ahhhh.. I adore Carla! I confess that I don't know her as well or as long as you, dear Jessica. But we chat a bit on social media, and I love her style and passion. She's a gem, just as you are! xx

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    1. What a wonderfully nice comment, sweet Erin. Thank you very much! I wholeheartedly mean it when I say that you are a gem of the highest caliber (karat), too.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. She's beautiful and fun! Happy (late) Easter Jessica bellissima <3

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    1. Buona Pasqua, cara mia! I hope that you had a fun (and chocolate) filled, fantastic holiday.

      Big hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. What a beautiful lady, that last photo of Carla twirling her skirt is just the picture of joy. Having so many skills is so enviable. It's good to see so many talented bloggers being show cased here. A lovely and inspiring series my dear Jessica xx

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    1. Isn't it though? And a good reminder to me that I should twirl a bit more on camera. :)

      Thank you very much. This post series is one of my favourite things I've ever done here in CV's (very nearly) seven years of life and I really hope that it can keep going for a long time more to come (especially since it's been so positively received by my audience).

      Sending scores of hugs & happy springtime wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Another fantastic blogger! I love Carla's cheeky sense of humour and really enjoy reading her blog!

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    1. Same here! She's a such a vivacious, charming person and wonderfully fun blogger - just the perfect interviewee to kick off spring's return with!

      Big hugs coming your way, darling gal,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. I enjoy this series so much!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet lady. It warms my heart and motivates me at the same time to hear that. Here's to many more great interviews to come this year (and hopefully beyond!).

      Wishing you a splendid springtime!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  10. I love Carla! I haven't interacted with her much / at all on the internet, although I've come across her before, so thanks for the little reminder that she's totally awesome!

    Carla, if you're reading, that Uhura picture with the tribble machine. I can't even. XD

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    1. Hi Kira! Awww shucks, don't hesitate to say hey~

      Oh man, funny story. So I cosplayed Uhura by myself, after my shift, I ran into a complete group. We walked around a bit, got pics (and were briefly in a documentary, and in a photobook). And I saw the machine, screeched happily, and the entire group yelled 'NO YOU DON'T!' And shenanigans ensued.

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  11. What a fun interview! I would love to learn corsetry, too! It would be an awesome skill to have :)

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    1. Wouldn't it though? To my mind, corsets (whether merely for fashion or as a waist whittling method) really have to be one of the most gorgeous garments ever devised.

      Thank you very much for your great comment. Have a beautiful week!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  12. Yay Carla! I love that you're featuring her here, because she well deserves it. She's got such a fun, engaging blogging style, and I love that she's also unabashedly into nerd culture and cosplay as well.

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    1. That really is awesome! I truly appreciate and enjoy it when vintage bloggers let other sides of their interest spectrum shine through online, too, and Carla is a great example of someone who does just that.

      Thank you very much for your great comment. I hope these final days of March are smiling on you, sweet lady.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Awww shucks, thank you Jessica!! I'm grinning and covering my face up <3 You're so sweet!

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  13. Ahhh, Jessica I'm so pleased to read all the sweet things you've said. My day has been made! <3 You're such a peach, and I'm glad your readers get to know a bit more about me!

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    1. Likewise on every point, Carla. I truly appreciate that you wanted to be interviewed and adored getting to know you better. Your blog and you are both sweet, fun and completely awesome!

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Carla sounds adorable! I'm going to check out her blog.

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    1. You'll love it to bits, I'm sure, Ally. Carla is such a fun, vivacious person. I really sense, actually, that you two would hit it off and become fast friends.

      Have a wonderful Wednesday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Cosplay and vintage - what a great combination! Thanks for sharing this interview!

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    1. Isn't it though? I've really noticed over the years that a fair number of vintage folks are into cosplay - which is awesome. I'm not myself, but I adore the concept and probably would be if we had any events pertaining to such around here.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Carla is one of my favorite people in the world! Her blog and commitment to her craft of sewing, knitting, and cosplay is so inspiring! Plus, she is a riot to spend time with, and I feel so lucky that I have been able to hang out with her in person.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. The wonderful meetup posts and social media photos that you two have shared of your times together were flashing through my mind as I was interviewing Carla. It's absolutely fantastic that you've met in person and that you share a number of interests in common. I hope you two fab ladies can continue to get together many more times to come.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Your cosplay is amazing! My goodness!

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    1. Carla really does have some fabulous Cosplay looks. How great is that Star Trek uniform?!

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Sae.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  18. What a great interview, Jessica! Thank you so much for sharing this!

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    1. My pleasure, Linda! It's hard to believe this series over a year old already. I've got lots more fabulous folks lined up for the rest of 2016 and hope that you'll continue to enjoy each new interview just as much.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Carla looks lovely, what a winning smile! Her V for Victory jumper is fabulous as is her giant of a dog.
    Great interview, Jessica. xxx

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    1. Isn't that sweater sensational? If she sold them, I'd be cuing up at the speed of light.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Oh my gosh. I loved her and then I saw her dressed as Uhura now I really love her. So talented and fun

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    1. I swear, I had a feeling that you'd adore her Star Trek Cosplay. You two have me wondering now how many big time ST fans there are in the vintage world.

      Have a fantastic rest of the week, dear Kate!
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Carla is such a wonderful crafty inspiration. I don't remember how I came across her but I'm glad I did. Thank you for sharing these posts. Eventually, I would love to be a part of this series.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. Isn't she though? Her knitting skills alone are off the charts! :) I would be thrilled and honoured to interview you, my sweet friend (off to email you about such right now! :)).

      Oodles of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. What a lovely blogger! And she's got amazing crafting skills. I love the photo of her dressed as Uhura; can't go wrong with Uhura.

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    1. Agreed across the board. I am beyond smitten with her fabulous Victory cardigan. It makes me go weak in the knees each time I see it!

      Sending lots of hugs & happy start of April wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. thank you girls for the gorgeous interview!!!
    super cute photos!! <3
    xxxxxx

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    1. My (our) pleasure, dear Beate. Many thanks in turn for your wonderfully nice comment.

      I hope that all is well on your end as we kick off April. We're getting treated to some lovely weather here today and it actually feels a wee bit like spring at long last - now for the new blooms and green grass to show up, too! :)

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I'm going to check out Carla's blog, that's for sure! xxx

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    1. Lovely! I'm delighted to have introduced you to Carla, sweet lady.

      Have a fabulous first weekend of April,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. Woot woot! Another new and awesome blogger to add to my growing list of reads. What a fun blog and fantastic woman. Thank you Jessica for showcasing her here.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Liz :)

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    1. It's my sincere pleasure, dear Liz. Thank you for your lovely comment. It warms my heart to bring you two together online.

      Wishing you an excellent weekend (can it really be April already, wow!),
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  26. Ahh Carla is the sweetest! I love that even when you are interviewing bloggers I've been following for some time, I still learn new things about them!

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    1. That is such a fantastic compliment, Tanith dear. Thank you so much! I really, really strive for such with these posts, never (or at least very rarely) knowing for sure how long my readers have each been following a given blogger (or if they're new to said blogger's corner of the online world entirely). I find that one especially good way to accomplish such is to get people to discuss their day jobs, as well as interests they have outside of the vintage world.

      Many thanks again & have a splendid week!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  27. I hadn't heard of her blog, but it looks great! I'll definitely be checking it out!

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    1. Yay! I think you two will hit it off massively - you share a lot of interests in common and are both super talented crafters.

      Tons of hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Wonderful interview! Happy to meet Carla and find others that share a love of handmade fashion with a vintage flair. Too cute!

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    1. She really is! Carla shares such fun, wonderful things on her blog and has such a great zest for life. Her blog is a total delight and I'm sure you'll really enjoy it!

      Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. I always enjoy seeing what Carla is making and her cosplay world is something I find really interesting as I know so little about it.

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    1. Aren't her outfits fantastic? Cosplay certainly appeals to me, but it's not something I've ever really delved into either (save for on Halloween, of course, which isn't per se quite the same thing).

      Thank you for your lovely comment, dear Kate. I hope that you're having a marvelous month so far!

      ♥ Jessica

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