Saturday Spotlight presents Wood Antler and Bloom

It’s Saturday and I owe you all a spotlight. I know, I know it’s been awhile, but lately Saturday gets here before I can blink. It happened this week too, but I am determined to share.

If you have been around the knitting/making community you know there has been quite the uproar. It’s all good minus the attacks, but I digress. If you are anything like me, you want to help. You want to do more than talk about it, so this is me being about it. I have always done this but I will focus with laser like precision to present you with options when it comes to makers. Makers that don’t fit the norm but are just as talented. You ready? Let’s meet Tiffany.

Ok tell me your story. What is your name and where do you make from?

Hey there! My Name is Tiffany Banks I am the owner and creator of Wood Antler & Bloom.  I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD where I still reside.

Hi Tiffany! Thank you for allowing me to shine my Saturday spotlight on you. I smiled when you said Baltimore because I went to Morgan State in Baltimore. Love that place 🙂 So let’s talk, what is your craft of choice? Do you knit, crochet or both? Who taught you and how long have you been creating?

I am a knitter and have been at it for about 14 years now.  I can’t believe it’s been that long! I actually taught myself to knit by using a how to-book that I purchased from a craft store located across the street from my University.  So the story is, when I was 18 I went away to college at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware.  I was a new student and I was placed in upperclassmen housing on campus because the University had run out of space in the freshman dorms.  I was having trouble meeting people (the upperclassmen I lived with already had their friends) and I was quite miserable for the first couple of weeks.  I had always been crafty growing up so I decided to go to the craft store, nearby campus, to find some projects to occupy my time.  I found a how-to-knit kit in the sale section.  The kit came with everything you would need to get started, a skein of yarn, needles, a finishing needle, a cable needle, and an instruction book.  Initially I had trouble maneuvering two needles.  I used a technique where I would pull each stitch over using the cable needle.  It was painstaking but I completed my very first project, a pair of pink arm warmers, using that method.  It took quite a while before I caught the hang of it but I was invested in it from the beginning.  Thirteen years later, I’m still knitting, creating my own patterns, and running a knitwear company

Can I tell you how I loved that you didn’t allow the situation to engulf you, you found something else to do. I love how you worked your way right past what could have shaped a very negative self imagine. YES!!

You have a company and you sell hand knits, which you mentioned a bit. Tell me more, how is that going?

I spent years knitting only for myself.  During that time I came to realize that I wasn’t much of a pattern knitter.  I disliked the aspect of concentrating on following a pattern while knitting. I enjoy knitting with only a loose idea of what the finished product will be.  I prefer for the design to take shape as I am knitting.  As I started knitting more items I began to see that I had a specific aesthetic that I didn’t see anywhere else at the time.  Coupled with encouragement from others I decided to start making items to sell.  About five years ago I started selling knits under the company name TaddieTapole Knitwear.  I would just make random things and list them on Etsy.  At some point I decided to take the business more seriously and came to the decision to scrap TaddieTapole Knitwear as there wasn’t really a clear vision.  January 2018 I launched Wood Antler & Bloom.  Since last year I have completed 5 successful vending events and had the opportunity to connect with fellow makers around Baltimore.  I am looking forward to continuing to grow and share my vision.  

WOW!! Bravo to you!! Vending it not easy and you did it 5 times!! That’s awesome! Do you have a store front or a studio?

I do not have a storefront at this time.  I sell my items primarily on my website.  I also sell at craft fairs and vendor events around the DMV area. The goal for this year is to have my items in a few boutiques in and around Baltimore.  So stay tuned! 

I will definitely stay tuned! I am excited about the possibilities for you!! What is your best selling item?

I offer a little bit of everything from sexy, to casual, to sporty so I wouldn’t say there is one bestselling item.  There is a something for everyone.  If I had to narrow it down, I would say any of my vests seem to do very well.

Yes I can see that, I love a good vest. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business in this field?

I think it is about being yourself in every respect.  Knit whatever you want, use whatever methods you choose, create new methods, use whatever fiber, knit wherever you want.  Crafting is your time for you, and only you!  There are no rules, do whatever pleases you.  I feel this exploration, in sense helps you discover your voice and style within knitting.  

I would also add, if you have a desire to take your knitting beyond a hobby and you are contemplating starting a business don’t rush it!  Everything in due time.  For years people would tell me I could earn extra income by selling my knits.  I knew it was something I had an interest in but I didn’t let others push me into staring something I wasn’t completely ready for.  Take time to really hone your craft and your ideas, you will know when the moment is right.

I totally agree you must remain true to you, no matter what. Great answer Tiffany..I truly enjoyed this time with you! One last question ok? How can my readers find you in this cyber world?

You can visit my website www.woodantlerandbloom.com to shop WAB knits and for a schedule of events.  You can also find me on Instagram @woodantlerandbloom, facebook www.facebook.com/woodantlerandbloom/, and on Ravelry as Baileybanksknits.  

Tiffany I can’t thank you enough. Family you know what to do, go check her out. Follow in Instagram, visit her website and check her out on Ravelry!