Victorian, Edwardian and Steampunk Handcrafted Accessories

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When we interview a featured crafter there are often a few “odds and ends” that don’t seem to fit anywhere in the usual Q&A. We love to read these little tidbits of uniqueness that make all of our featured crafters so special. Margaret’s interview submission has to be our favorite thus far when she wrote, “I usually have to stop whatever I’m working on if there’s a thunderstorm coming, my 73 pound dog is terrified of storms and insists on sitting in my lap whenever he hears thunder.” Can you send us a picture of this, please??

Margaret Petrov

Random Facts About You?

really good at untangling dog leashes.
usually come up with design ideas in the middle of the night.
never wears makeup.
in love with Groucho Marx.



What got you started crafting?

I've been crocheting since I was seven years old but started taking it seriously about ten years ago and have been knitting & crocheting ever since. After making a few way-too-long sweaters and strangely shaped hats I decided instead of just making something for the sake of making it, to actually learn
how to do the basic stitches and then let the item shape itself or not.
I set out to learn how to make knit & crochet lace and have taught myself how to read and execute complicated (and often frustrating as hell) patterns from the 1800s.
I am obsessed with Victorian and Edwardian patterns and am always trying to come up with new & interesting designs based on old patterns.



What is your source of inspiration?

I have a lot of sources, actually. Music- whatever I'm in the mood to listen to at the time often affects what I'm creating. Art, architecture, things I see while I'm out walking. The idea for a pair of gloves I made came from the color of the lights coming from windows on my street one night. Sometimes I'll look through fashion magazines from the early 1900's and see some detail that I fall in love with and try to interpret into my work. Films, Velvet Goldmine is like design 'comfort food' for me. I used to work in a video store so I like to have movies on while I'm working on stuff. Sometimes ideas will come to me while I'm half asleep & not really thinking about anything. Nature inspires me a lot, I love to work with natural fibers and rocks. Recently I've started integrating gemstones into my work



What have you made recently?

Over the weekend I designed a cuff around some antique (1930's) mother of pearl buttons & absolutely LOVED working with them, it was as if they have this personality, each with it's own unique sheen (and sometimes flaw) that really gave me a great feeling as I was putting the cuffs together.





Where do you sell your crafts presently?

Right now, I am only selling through my etsy shop, in the future perhaps will be doing craft fairs & flea markets.



Why are handmade crafts important to you?

I always try to buy hand made whenever possible or make it myself. My father could make anything out of wood, I grew up with that kind of do it yourself aesthetic and always try to stick to hand made/locally grown.



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