Meet Carrie Burns | Stolen Minutes | Project Bags for Knitters and Crocheters

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie Burns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a knitter, I struggled with how to take my projects on the go without them getting all tangled, and how to keep my smallest notions close at hand. I had used cosmetic pouches to hold my projects, but the size was never just right, I always needed to safety pin my stitch markers inside and the fabrics weren’t inspiring. Growing up I had learned how to sew and I just knew that I could solve the stitch marker problem. Lots of prototypes later, I had my Sock Knitting Project Bag with a ring inside for stitch markers! Add in a love of colorful fabrics and it was a match.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always loved making things with my hands and sharing them with others. Sewing is something I learned as a child from my mom and grandma. I enjoy the satisfaction of making something that is useful and inspiring. As a stay-at-home mom to 2 girls and a husband who is a teacher and professional musician, I found myself getting lost in the shuffle. Stolen Minutes became a way for me to have something of my own. After sewing up and using my first project bags with a ring for stitch markers, I knew other knitters had to have the same problem of not wanting to always tote a notions pouch around for a couple little rings.

In 2015, starting out on a sewing machine I had bought right after college, I sewed up project bags while my girls were at school. Fast forward to today, and I love searching and finding designer fabrics in modern, bright prints and pairing it with our classic black and white striped lining inside each bag. In 2018, my mom joined the fun and together we make lots of project bags. And since we’re a family of cat lovers, you’re likely to find a fun cat bag in most of our shop updates.

Stolen Minutes is about finding those bits of time in the day when you can knit or crochet a few rows. Our bags keep your projects portable because you can tuck them into your bag or purse for those few minutes you have at school pick up, or before an appointment. It’s a quick way to relax amidst the rush of a day. I love helping people feel inspired in their projects with gorgeous fabrics – I love to match my project to my bag!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! First, we would grab the best iced mocha at a local coffee shop on our way to a couple yarn shops, then we’d grab lunch at a local bagel shop. Another day I’d just want to hang out and knit on my deck, and we’d definitely get BBQ and Graeters ice cream. It’s all about knitting and the food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s so many people to thank! Without a doubt I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support from my family. They have supported my dreams and inspire me to never give up. And, of course, I am grateful for all the knitters and crocheters who love our bags and continue to support this dream of mine!

Website: www.stolenminutes.etsy.com

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