About Me

Who am I?
I'm a 40-something midwesterner, Mama to two adult kids and Yaya to three adorable grandkids. I work full-time in a senior level consulting position and have way too many hobbies.

When/How did I start sewing?
I started sewing in January 2013 on a whim! I'd learned to crochet a couple years prior and very quickly progressed in that craft. I was supplementing my income selling handmade baby hats and booties. In seeking out other crocheters, I was in awe to discover that people were sewing their own clothes. At this point, I'd mainly found refashioning/upcycling blogs but nonetheless, was awestruck. Like many people, I'd never stopped to consider how my clothes were made. 

I knew absolutely NOTHING about sewing or sewing machines and I'd found no sewing resources prior to, nor had I done any research. I went to JoAnn and bought a machine that was less than $150. As they say, the rest is history.

What machines do I own?

• Janome Skyline S3
• Singer 9985 Quantum Stylist
• Singer Stylist 7258
• Kenmore 1503
• Babylock Celebrate serger 
• Brother 2340CV coverstitch 

What do I like to sew?
Clothing. And lots of it! Almost all for me! I sew a little bit for the kids and grandkids. My mom knows how to sew but sometimes manages to rope me into sew for her!

How do I sew SO much?!? :)
I used to sew A LOT. I sew much less now, and I attribute that to a few things:

1. I got pretty good pretty quickly and a lot of my garments have held up well. 
2. I have added other time-consuming hobbies, and my work/life balance has changed. Plus, I'm getting older! (and tired-er!)
3. I'm okay with the waxing/waning of interest in sewing. Before, I used to force it. Now, when my "sew-jo" goes, I just chill until it returns. It always does :) 

I am keeping this list up because it's still true!

• I think I sew really fast. Not in an "I'm in a huge rush to get this done" sort of way, just that I am really good at process-based things. I can sew a (TNT) pair of pants (not jeans) in just a few hours because in my mind it's broken down already into manageable processes; interface all the things that need interfacing, pockets, fly front, in/side seams, waistband, facing, hem. Done. There isn't much lulling about and I sew a lot of basics. Because of work; there are no highly tailored garments or luxurious fabrics happening for the bulk of my sewing. It just doesn't make sense. So it's knit tops, simple woven tops, cardigans, jackets, pants. That's my work wardrobe and the majority of my sewing.

• My kids are young adults now! I have a LOT of free time!! I became a mom at 19 so there has been none of this "freedom" at any other point in my life up until now! :)

• I have a dedicated sewing space. IMO this is crucial. I don't have to share my sewing space so I can leave something right where it lies and come back to it when I have spare time.

• Time. You would really be surprised at how far 10-20 minute chunks will get you on a project! 

Why do I blog?

Because I love sewing!!! I love to talk about sewing and see other's sewn projects and ooooh, fabric!! and blogging is the best way for me to interact with lots of other sewers!

Blogging died once before and had a resurgence and you never know...that might happen again. I miss having a "diary" of my handmade items and plan to return to blogging ALL of my makes in 2024!