Over the next several weeks, we’d like to introduce you to the many friendly faces you see at Stitch Sew Shop. Each and every one of us shares a love of sewing, and we each have our own story and approach to what we do. We hope you enjoy these little peeks into the personality of each of us here at Stitch!
When you aren’t sewing, what are you doing?
If I’m not sewing, I’m quite possibly just thinking about sewing! But I also love to knit, and occasionally do some furniture painting. And if I’m not creating, I love to spend time with my daughter, her husband and her 2 beautiful daughters.
When did you start working at Stitch?
I started working at Stitch at the end of May 2021, just as the shop was beginning to reopen more fully from the pandemic shut down.
How did you learn to sew?
My grandmother taught me to sew on the machine when I was 12. Before that, I had learned how to needlepoint and do some embroidery.
What was the first thing you ever made?
The first thing I made was an outfit to wear to my Confirmation, a hunter green elastic waist skirt with patch pockets, and a vest with lots of brass buttons. I wore a pink floral shirt under the vest.
What project are you most proud of?
I’ve been sewing so long that this is a hard question! I’d love to have categories and the things that I’m most proud of in each, but I’ll narrow it down to my most recent proud thing. Two years ago, when my daughter was remarrying, I was so honored to make her wedding dress.
What is your favorite thing about working at Stitch?
I have 2 favorite things about working at Stitch! One is being able to share my love of sewing by teaching so many new sewists, and seeing them through their sewing journeys. The other is chatting with the customers, both the new and the regulars, about all things sewing!
Where do you get your sewing inspiration?
Just being in Stitch all the time! Surrounded by the patterns, fabrics, machines and fellow sewists, the atmosphere is saturated with inspiration!
Do you have a favorite sewing tool or resource?
My first favorite resource is my colleagues at Stitch. With all our collective years of experience someone is sure to have the answer. My second favorite resource is the online sewing community. Between blogs, videos, and Instagram.
What is your favorite sewing tip or trick?
Don’t be afraid of hand basting. If something needs to be perfect, this will get you there fastest.
Do you have any advice for beginner sewists?
Let go of perfection! Relax and enjoy the process of learning and creating!
For the past 2 months, I’ve been cutting, assembling and sewing the top layer of my very first quilt as a beginner. Having Ellen as my instructor on this right of passage has made this such a positive and wonderful experience. Ellen has a wonderful energy, patience, and great sense of humor. She really makes me look forward to my bi-weekly sessions!