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!
Melanie grew up on her family’s farm in Maryland. She and her husband Brooks moved to Alexandria 7 years ago. When she’s not sewing, she enjoys baking and cooking and spending time with her 2nd cousins, nieces and nephews. When not at Stitch she can be found working with children providing behavior therapy or working on her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
When did you start working at Stitch?
Since the begining. I started at the end of April right before we opened in May, 2016.
How long have you been sewing? How did you learn?
My mom started to teach me to sew when I was 7 years old. From there I learned while participating in 4-H and then in high school.
Of what project are you most proud?
I have 2. The first is a tailored wool coat that I made in high school; it had welt pockets and bound button holes. I put many hours into it and ended up winning Reserve Grand Champion at the County fair.
The 2nd, was a vest I made from a peice of wool fabric. I actually wove the fabric myself with wool from my own sheep that my mother had spun.
What are your favorite items to sew?
I enjoying sewing items that I can add creative touches to. Whether it is a fun print used for bias binding, pattern “hacking,” or various quilting projects.
Do you prefer working with knits or wovens?
Overall, I would say wovens. I am fairly new to sewing with knits and like the satification of how quickly knit garments come together. I like the finer details and slower sewing with woven garments.
Prints or solids? If prints, what kinds?
Looking over my stash, I’d say it is mostly solids and florals.
Favorite sewing resource?
Too many to name, so I’ll just say the Sewing Community at large. There are so many wonderful blogs, podcasts, and youtube channels. I love Instagram as a source of inspiration or as a way to check out patterns and styles.
Favorite sewing tool?
Dritz 14 in 1 Measuring Guage
Best sewing tip/trick?
The crowding technique for set-in sleeves was a game changer. I also am a fan of using my edge stitching foot when understitching or stitching in the ditch.
