Sewing pastime launches thriving craft-fair concern

Susie Hipolito learned to sew at her mother’s side, in the Philippines.

"When I am small, I am making small things, with straight stitches," she said.

But when she emigrated to Hawaii, she asked her husband to buy her a sewing machine.

She made more small things, such as a "pillowcase, or whatever," until she started making things for babies, such as blankets, and friends encouraged her to sell her wares at craft fairs.

She started small, with craft fairs at schools.

Now her business, Crafts by Susie, has occupied her for "more than 40 years," she said.

"I like it," she said. She also likes gardening and cooking, she added.

Now 71, Hipolito also likes meeting the people who stop by her booth at craft fairs, talking story with them and seeing them admire and appreciate her work.

This has been her main occupation, though she would help out with the family business, Art & Sign Inc., launched by her late husband, Noly. Since his death in 1998, the business, near the corner of Colburn Street and Waiakamilo Road, has been run by the couple’s son Noli and daughter April Ramos, she said.

As far as homey, handcrafted goods are concerned, Hipolito has hit the big time, having been an exhibitor at the Made in Hawaii Festival since its inception 20 years ago, missing only one year, she said.

Her first time there was at a shared booth, but by the second year "I was on my own already," Hipolito said.

Her booth at the Made in Hawaii Festival in August was stacked high with inventory of all sorts, with customers digging through layers of blankets, refrigerator handle covers and other items, while some sought the perfect pre-school-size sleeping bags for their wee ones.

The smallest items she makes are $8 foot mops that you put on your feet to mop the floor; the largest are $45 items that include blankets, she said.

Eye-catching for different reasons were her "Sexy Aprons" and adult bibs. The aprons are playful and not even close to R-rated. They feature the front of denim jeans complete with zipper fly, surrounded by and embellished with other fabric and trims.

The adult bibs are items she has been making for the past two or three years, she said.

"I started that because everybody was asking me," and at the time she only made baby bibs. Now there is a big market for adult bibs, given increasing numbers of people caring for elderly loved ones.

Hipolito’s most popular items are baking pan carriers that allow users to transport hot or cold foods to potlucks securely and stylishly. Each is quilted and has a pocket for a serving utensil. The wooden dowel handles are removable, making the carrier machine-washable. They cost $28.

"I have plenty comments on that one," she said. "Customers really like that."

Some customers who have bought carriers from her in previous years make a beeline to her booth to purchase more for friends. Some have asked if she sells the carriers anywhere in California.

"I only sell in the craft fairs," she said.

Should you attend one of the events where she is a vendor, you won’t be able to miss her sparkling eyes and bright, gleaming smile.

WHERE TO BUY

>> Diamond Head Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Kapiolani Community College

>> Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo, Nov. 28-30, Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall

>> Heeia Elementary School Craft Fair, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14

“Buy Local” runs on Aloha Fridays. Reach Erika Engle at 529-4303, erika@staradvertiser.com or on Twitter as @erikaengle.