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!
Miriam is a Shop Girl as well as the Manager at Stitch Sew Shop. She moved to Alexandria, from Arkansas, with her husband and four children almost three years ago. When she isn’t sewing, Miriam enjoys reading, creative writing, and hand lettering.
When did you start working at Stitch?
I started at Stitch in June of 2016, one month after the shop opened.
How long have you been sewing? How did you learn?
I sewed my first item (an apron) when I was probably about 8 years old. My mom was my teacher, and I went on to sew lots of clothing items through my high school years. Once I started having kids, my sewing became more infrequent and much more focused on “crafty” items. But since starting at Stitch I have rediscovered my love of sewing clothes for myself.
Of what project are you most proud?
I make so many different things that it is hard to say what I am most proud of. But one of the things that brings me a lot of joy is the alb that my husband wears each Sunday as he serves behind the altar at his field ed parish as a seminarian.
What are your favorite items to sew?
It’s impossible to pick a favorite because I like variety above all else.
Do you prefer working with knits or wovens?
I like both for different reasons. I find knits come together faster and are therefore the perfect choice for when I want a quick project to satisfy that urge to make something “now.” But I love the details and tailoring that can go into woven projects. The time it takes to perfect them is part of the enjoyment.
Prints or solids? If prints, what kinds?
I am really drawn to stripes. I’m not entirely sure why, but they show up a lot in my handmade wardrobe.
Favorite sewing resource?
The internet? Is that a fair answer? I find that almost anything I want to learn or need some help on I can find there. And many times those answers are found best on the respective sites of the indie sewing designers. I love how the internet has allowed us all to share in this collective source of knowledge.
Favorite sewing tool?
I think I have to say my rotary cutter. It is the one tool that probably gets used the most, and it is one of the tools that I have at home even though I have access to it here at the shop too, just because I can’t live without it.
Best sewing tip/trick?
Don’t be afraid to hand stitch. Almost every time a pattern asks me to stitch in the ditch, I do an invisible hand stitch instead. I think this gets the best results and really makes a difference in your finished garments.
