Crafting products out of fabric

SEELEY LAKE - Local artist Terri Townsend sells just about any "useful item" made out of fabric at her Undafoot Creations stand in Seeley Lake Market. Some of her products include baby clothes, potholders, purses and reusable grocery bags. A product's final form is predetermined by whatever fabric Townsend has to work with and how much she has at her disposal.

This is her sixth year working as a merchant for the market. She has previously participated in Missoula's Farmers Market but this year she is selling exclusively in Seeley Lake.

Townsend originally got into sewing when she was eight and began making clothes for her Barbie Dolls.

"I didn't play with the Barbies, I just made their clothes," she said.

She began expanding her sewing skill set when she had her five kids and began making items like diaper bags for her family. She enjoys the relaxing nature of the art and the creative freedom it allows her.

"I just have lots of time on my hands, and even if I didn't have time I'd make time for it," she said. "It's relaxing for me. It's fun to be creative. And I love doing [markets] because it's nice to be around other creative people, no matter what their craft is. People have helped each other out. You just get to know these people. It's kind of like family."