Well, the Camelot Cats are actually our cats, Merlin and Morgan. Their names are from the Arthurian legend, thus the "Camelot Cats". However the person behind the company, Camelot Cats Clothing is Me. I am Angela. I am a 29 year old mother of two rambunctious children. I am also the artist, creator, and driving force behind Camelot Cats Clothing and Carried Away by Angela
I have been sewing since College (well, high school if you count the horrid jumper everyone made in home ec). I have always been a difficult size to fit off the rack, and finally, I just gave up. I was sick of paying twice as much for all of my tops and dresses because I had to have everything tailored....and to top it all off, I wasn't even that enamored with the clothing to begin with!
SO, my boyfriend at the time's mother let me use her sewing machine and mangle her fabric stash while I learned to make myself clothes. It was an interesting process because I am completely self-taught. Then that boyfriend and I broke up, and I had no more access to a sewing machine *pout*
After a few years, I got married to my wonderful husband, Davis. Davis bought me a basic sewing machine as my wedding present from him. I loved it. I stayed up before every vacation we took, making my own special luggage for the trip and an outfit or two. I bought more fabric than eight people could use.
I took a hiatus from sewing after I had my son. I had my hands full taking care of him full-time. Then I had my daughter 12 months later (almost to the day). It was a rough year. To cheer me up, my husband bought me a Husqvarna-viking 936 serger and a HV Designer 1 embroidery and sewing machine, along with the embroidery software that came with it. Well, I was HOOKED!!
I ended up learning the software so well, that when I went to the classes being taught by my dealer, I was teaching the other students. The manager was so impressed, she offered me a job. At the time, I realised that I am a better mother when the kids are with a babysitter for a few hours a day, so I took the part-time job. Not a good idea. The work was OK, and I loved teaching the other ladies (and men) how to use the software and their computers, but I hated selling sewing machines. I never wanted to try to talk someone into a more expensive machine than they really needed. I would rather they save their money for fabric. OH, and the dealership I worked at was in a JoAnn Fabric Store. I didn't actually manage to bring home a paycheck. LOL. And I missed ym kids.
I realised I really wanted to be home for my kiddos, and, like I said, I wasn't actually making any money between paying for the part-time daycare and my fabric addiction, so I quit and went back home. That was when Davis suggested that I start a business making bags and purses. I had sold all of my display pieces when I was working, so I figured, why not? That's how Carried Away By Angela was born. I put the kids in a part-time pre-school (they'll be 3 and 4 in September) and sew when they are away.
Recently, I have gotten back into making my daughter and son clothing. I also have made myself a few outfits, and made a few things for friends. I realised I missed not making clothing anymore, so I decided to open up Camelot Cats Clothing. Camelot Cats Clothing is legally a subsidiary of Carried Away By Angela (so all of my billing is through CABA), but it is a seperate store where I can use my creative juices to make one-of-a-kind clothing for the whole family.
So, I hope you enjoy! Feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or comments and ENJOY!!
From their 1st and 2nd birthdays:
and some newer pictures
Even my cats are addicted to my fabric!!