Erin Vertolli is not a slave to the pink and blue divide that dominates so many mainstream children’s products today, and we love her for it. What is immediately appealing about Erin’s work is her knack for pairing beautiful patterned fabrics you typically would not see used for baby blankets and plush chenille backings in sophisticated colors. And aside from her obvious talents and beautiful workmanship she’s a genuinely nice person. Erin played a major role in our recent artisan collaborative Kid’s Kitchen Set, selecting fabrics and creating the apron, oven mitt and potholders. And we’re happy to say that more One Lucky Baby projects are in the works. Erin was kind enough to break from her busy business and family life to share a little about herself and her work. Thanks Erin!

1. Q: Were you interested in arts and crafts as a kid? What’s the first thing you remember creating?

A: Heck yes! One of the first things I remember making and feeling really proud of was a paper Mache mobile out of magazine and string. Then I went through a latch hooking craze. When I started sewing, around 8, I made this ridiculous skateboard pillow. I wish I still had it!

2. Q: Tell us about your home life.

A: I live in Orlando Florida with my husband Frank and our 2 kids, London 4, Vegas 3, and our old, adorable dog, Kodiak. It’s never quiet and we like that.

3. Q: When and where do you craft/create/design? Do you have any other jobs in addition to your small business, and if so, what?

A: I usually create on my dining room table during preschool hours, naptimes and evenings. There are a couple organizations I like to donate sewing time to when I can, including Project Linus and Don’t SKIRT the Issue. However, One Lucky Baby actually keeps me quite busy (uh, not as busy as my kids) so I try just stick with these!

4. Q: Did you collect anything as a kid? Do you collect anything now as an adult?

A: I collected friends. We moved around a lot, and they didn’t have to be packed up. Now, I have closets full of vintage coats and aprons, 50s prom dresses and Tiki gear, and old Halloween costumes.

5. Q: What were your favorite toy and your favorite book when you were a kid?

A: I loved my banana seat bike as a kid. And my favorite book was Where the Sidewalk Ends. I still can recite a bunch of poems.

6. Q: Who encourages you in your artistic pursuits? Who or what inspires you to continue creating?

A: Other artists and crafters really inspire me. Many ideas come from bouncing ideas back and forth! Fabric is also really inspiring. I have a strange amount of fabric stashed in every closet of the house, and an obsession with finding vintage fabrics. And my family is amazing. They are always encouraging me to try something new. What’s fantastic is that I can make the most oddly shaped stuffed animal or ridiculous outfit for my kids, and they still love it.