Featured Artist : Michele deCesareBessie & Me

I recently made the decision to leave my long time food & beverage career behind and pursue something less stressful than restaurant management. I created this small business for myself, and also work part-time (but only at jobs that allow me some creative outlet).

I use vintage photographs from my late mother's collection to create t-shirts, stationery, post-cards, handbags, bookmarks, and journals. I'll soon be adding some embroidery kits and a few other items. Some of the designs are sketches I created from the photographs.

I use your softee shirts exclusively. I did a lot of research on the net to find these, and tried other shirts, but none compare. The feminine fit was what first attracted me to the shirt... the feel, quality, minimal shrinkage, and durability of the shirt keep me coming back. It's a great shirt that helps set my designs apart from those of the other crafters who use craft store men's shirts.

I use two different methods to apply my designs to the shirts. The heat transfer design is my best seller. And yes, I use your transfer paper. (by the way... I have several tips for getting a good looking, long lasting transfer that I found through trial and error). The second method I use is printing the design using your "print on cotton" and using a machine applique technique to apply it to the tee.

My totes are created using the "print on cotton" for the design and then affixing the design to the tote with fabric glue, and framing it with ribbon. The denim bag I use is purchased elsewhere (you don't carry that), and I add a lining and the design. (The little girls purse is the exception... this is all done on the sewing machine.)

I use your print on cotton for a couple of reasons. First and foremost...the print on fabrics you see in most retail craft stores do not allow for washing. Of course, I could make my own by treating the fabric, ironing it onto freezer paper, and cutting but, for the amount of time that takes, it is more cost effective to use your product.

I'm developing an embroidery kit using the print on cotton fabric which will be packaged with your economy tote.

I think your customers might be interested to see what they can create with the transfer and print on cotton. The tees pictured are very plain, early versions... the fun is in creating designs for special orders when one of my customers has a something specific in mind or, wants an image I've not done on a tee before. Which reminds me of one more reason I buy from you whenever possible. I can turn a special order around in three days. I live local to you so I can have my tees in one or two days.