Get To Know - LivinOnTheFringe

By Michelle of Evie's Tool Emporium

Tell us about your store.
Linens and Laurel is the store of my dreams! As a child, I fell in love with the chests full of my great-great-great grandmother’s sewing notions from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Now I sell vintage style ribbon loop fringe made on machines from that era.

What kind of supplies do you offer for crafters and artisans?
Although ribbon loop fringe is my main supply offering, I do have tassels, appliques and beaded trims for sale periodically. They are priced very affordably and, unlike the ribbon loop which is always available, “when they are gone, they are gone”. Finally, I am always looking for vintage sewing notions, fabric and tools. Some of those I share for sale.

Is there any particular item you sell that you like to use regularly when you're creating?
I like to use the ribbon loop, of course! It makes great flowers and flower centers. Add a vintage or interesting pin to the center and done! Of course, it is precious on pillows, bags and lamps, too.

When did you open your store and what inspired you to do so?
I first started selling vintage crafting items online in 1998. It was a perfect fit when I had to be available to drive my son to school and lots of activities.

What do you offer your customers that the larger stores can't?
Personalized customer service and quality control are the most important aspects of my business. I answer my emails and phone calls promptly. And, each item is measured and packed by me for shipping so I know the product is perfect.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to walk local trails and shop yard sales and thrift stores in my spare time.

What's a question you wish I would've asked? And please answer that question.
What was your latest antique/vintage sewing acquisition?
Ooops! Unfair of me! You will have to visit my blog in a couple of days to find out. It is SO a secret and something I had once, sold, and now have again.

What are ten fun facts about you?
1.I love mid-century modern homes, and live in one that has been updated.
2.I love Mad Men.
3.If I didn’t know about mid-century modern, Belle Epoch would be my favorite era. So I live MCM and create BE style.
4.Within the last five years, we lived in Dallas, TX; Stowe-HGTV Dream Home,Vermont and now in the East Bay, CA! After six months here, we are still time zone challenged.
5.New Orleans has been our “home” base for 20 years, but we are actually New Yorkers.
6.I learned to really cook while we were stranded for 4 long winters in Vermont.
7.We rarely eat out. The food is better at home. (see above.)
8.I dream daily of moving back to Winter Park, FL. It’s basically New York with a great climate.
9.I read and comment on lots of blogs. It keeps me updated and provides a marketing tool because it’s tough getting out there as a little specialty shop.
10.My mission is to support women owned small businesses.

Website: Linens and Laurel (for ribbon loop by the yard, and occasional beaded trims, tassels and appliques)
Etsy: Livin' on the Fringe (for odds and ends, bits and pieces of trims.)
Blog: Linens and Laurel Updates, sales, projects
eBay id: lachambrerose for clearing out stuff, mostly vintage items we acquired over the years