A few years ago, while combing through stacks of antique linens and fabrics at a large antique/flea market in Northern California, I began to wonder how I could use these fabrics to satisfy my desire to create something. I've always had a passion for color, design, and vintage items. As I poured over the fabrics, I decided I could incorporate the things I love into a business venture.

As my collection of vintage fabrics from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s grew, I decided to use these beautiful prints to create children's clothing. I began sketching garment designs, then constructed the patterns to bring the ideas to life.

Once the idea evolved into reality, I started thinking about a business name. While visiting my sister, Aurin, in North Carolina, she gave me an old family book my parents had given her. The book's worn red leather case was inscribed with the initials of its original owner, W.E. Aurin. The book itself was also inscribed with the owner's name, but this time spelled out with a date: Walter Ernft Aurin, 1895.

This relative shared a first name with my maternal grandfather, a name which I had always loved. I liked the idea of using his initials, w.e.a., which made me think of this distant relative, my grandfather, and my sister. The history behind this book fit in well with my appreciation for vintage materials. It was also a nice fit, in that reading these initials as a word sounds like wee, as in small.

I've started w.e.a. with a small collection for girls. With a limited quantity of each of the fabrics, no two pieces will ever be the same.

I use simple designs and structure for the garments, enabling the fabric to truly become the focus of the clothing. w.e.a. is designed and manufactured in San Francisco and our fabrics are machine washable and durable, so the clothing is as functional as it is beautiful.