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?
I am currently in grad school for clinical counseling (therapy), so I have class, school work, and a graduate assistantship that take up a big chunk of my time. I also like to do stand up paddleboarding and have recently gotten into some video-gaming!
When did you start working at Stitch?
I started at Stitch in October of 2022!
How did you learn to sew?
I sewed a little bit as a kid, and then promptly promised I would never sew again. Fast forward to 2021 and I decided to pick it up again. First hand sewing, then I got a machine. Other than some sewing camps as a kid, I am self taught. However, I am always learning more and getting advice from the other Stitch gals!
What was the first thing you ever made?
As a kid the first thing I made was a wall-hanging quilt (my Mom still has it!). Picking it back up as an adult, I hand sewing a circle skirt with a tie waistband. I was really proud of it when I made it, but looking at it now, I definitely made a lot of mistakes, like not finishing any of my seam allowance!
What project are you most proud of?
I tend to make a lot of everyday wear, so it’s a little hard to say, but I would probably pick my heather blazer. Every though it’s not the most complex pattern, the fact that I made just a couple of months after getting my sewing machine and it looks great definitely made me really proud at the time.
What is your favorite thing about working at Stitch?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite thing, so here are a couple: getting to help our customers problem solve and come up with creative solutions to their sewing questions/challenges, when I recommend a tool or pattern to a customer and they come back and tell me how much they love it, and getting to learn so much from everyone who works here.
Where do you get your sewing inspiration?
I really get most of my inspiration from Instagram and Youtube. Being able to see how people make patterns their own through fabric choice, hacking, and styling always opens my eyes to new ideas.
Do you have a favorite sewing tool or resource?
Definitely Instagram (see above), but I have also learned SO MUCH from the Love to Sew Podcast. I don’t agree with their approach to everything, but they have given me so much language to talk about sewing with others, resources, ideas, and just general knowledge about fabric, sewing techniques, and patterns.
What is your favorite sewing tip or trick?
Hmmm, one favorite is anywhere (pretty much) that uses a traditional facing can be converted to a bias tape facing. Personally, bias tape is my preference, and its a very simple conversion!
Do you have any advice for beginner sewists?
My biggest tip for beginner sewist is: pick a project you are excited about! If you aren’t excited about a pillow case, or a boxy top, don’t make those! There are many simple garments that are still beginner friendly, will teach you skills, and you might be more excited by the finished garment (or item!)
