Post a CommentWendy Stok
Wendy Stok can be seen riding around the island on her bike and chariot combo with her little Henna in tow, but she has also been busy sewing up a storm with her line of hand sewn clothing (with and emphasis on children's clothing right now). A participant at the inaugural Crafted Booty event, her wares became coveted eye candy at the Christmas Crafts Fair at Gabriola Elementary. I can only imagine how many of us longed for a bigger version of her Little Red Riding Hood capes. Take that wolves!
The Basics
Name: Wendy Stock
Pedigree: Born and raised in Montreal, landed on Gabriola about 5 years ago when I attended the Silva Bay Shipyard School.
Formal Training vs. School of Life?
I'm self taught. I've been sewing on and off since I was a kid (I remember cutting up my christening gown to make a wedding dress for Barbie!) but set out to learn proper garment construction last year.
Your Artistic Mission?
Not being satisfied with the fit and style of ready to wear clothing, I'd always wanted to learn to sew for myself but never took the time to do so. It finally happened when I found myself at home full time, taking care of my daughter. I really needed a toddler friendly creative outlet (one that didn't involve saws!), and now I'm hooked. It feels really good to be learning a new craft.
Your Artistic Vision?
I aim to make clothing that is functional but beautiful. I like everyday things that have a little something extra as opposed to things that are reserved for special occasions.
How can we see more?
wendigo800@hotmail.com or find me on Facebook. I'll be setting up a separate Facebook page for my clothing in the new year, along with an Etsy shop.
The Proust Joust
What is your most marked characteristic?
Earnestness.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Inquisitiveness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Inquisitiveness. It’s just a nice quality!
What do you most value in your friends?
The impulse to dissect life and piece it back together in some sort of coherent way. Preferable done over a glass or two of wine.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’m too self-conscious. Get over it, already.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It involves a big workspace with an endless supply of materials to play with.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Not being in control of one’s life.
Who are your favourite writers?
Rushdie, Hemingway, Dave Eggers. Gosh, I miss reading. All I do in my spare time these days is sew.
What is your current state of mind?
Scattered.
What is your motto?
“Less talk, more action”. I do well when I abide by it. Although lately I’ve been liking, “if you build it, they will come”.
What is your greatest fear?
A truthful answer is too horrible to put into words.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Fabric and daydreaming. Luckily, daydreaming and sewing are compatible.
On what occasion do you lie?
To myself, when necessary and very convincingly.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I feel really disheveled since having a baby and am looking forward to making myself some nice clothes. That’s actually why I decided to learn how to sew, but then I got a bit sidetracked!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Actually” and “I don’t know”, among many others. I have a 2 year old and so all of my verbal ticks are thrown right back at me repeatedly, which makes me say them even more.