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!
Donna was born and raised in New Jersey and in 2003 moved to Arlington, Va when she became engaged to her (now) husband Mike. Donna says, “Growing up, I was the only one in my family to do crafty things so I was usually just figuring stuff out on my own. It took a while for me to find my maker community here in the DC area, but now it’s such an important part of me and it’s so exciting to get to talk with people that share my interests.” When she’s not at the shop or sewing, you can usually find her with her husband and children. Her favorite activities outside of sewing are walking, hiking, biking, swimming, knitting, reading, and cooking!
When did you start working at Stitch?
I started working at Stitch in April 2016, before the shop build was even complete! Myself and a few other original Shop Girls spent a number of afternoons bagging vintage buttons, affixing pricing labels, and creating the inaugural window displays. It’s been such a joy being a part o this team and watching the business become a part of the creative Old Town (and beyond!) community.
How long have you been sewing?
I learned to sew by hand and on a machine in middle school home ec, like most people, I suppose. It was a curriculum requisite but I really fell in love with it. Throughout my teenage years, as a part time hobby making easy skirts and Halloween costumes. I didn’t start to get serious about it until around 2006 when I made my first tote bag. I quickly became addicted and started a small company from my home. I fostered that business for ten years until I became a Shop Girl at Stitch in 2016.
How did you learn?
All self-taught. I would just sit down and figure out how to make something. I wasn’t any good at first, but I loved making things so I kept at it. I found a number of online sewing communities to be a part of and learned a lot through tutorials and sew alongs. YouTube continues to be an invaluable resource when I’m stuck on a specific technique!
Of what project are you most proud?
Probably the hoodie I made for my husband. He had a favorite RTW version that he wore until it was threadbare. I looked it over and knew I could try and duplicate it. It was the first time I had ever attempted a project like this and I was nervous the entire time! But it came out brilliantly and he wears it almost every day!
What are your favorite items to sew?
Knit dresses! I have about a zillion of them. Why I like them so much: fitting is easy, and getting dressed for the day is a total breeze. Nothing to mix and match! I just throw one on and it’s comfortable and adorable.
Do you prefer working with knits or wovens?
I started out garment making with tackling knits first oddly enough. And I still make a lot of knit garments to this day. But as I’ve continued wardrobe building, I’ve been doing more and more woven items with success. I love that there are so many fine details and finishing techniques with wovens.
Prints or solids? If prints, what kinds?
Prints by far! I pretty much adore all prints, from the classic stripe to the pretty florals to the weird and funky octopus and eyeball prints. I love them all!
Favorite sewing resource?
My co-workers! I cannot stress how much I’ve learned from being around so many skilled and talented people.
Favorite sewing tool?
I could not live without my wonder clips!
Best sewing tip/trick?
Two of my favorites that I learned from working at Stitch: using washi tape on my needle plate to make sure I’m keeping to the correct seam allowance throughout my project and using the “thumb trick” to help bunch/gather/ease fabric for setting in sleeves (aka “crowding”).
