My grandfather was a tailor. I always knew that...even though he passed away when I was only 5. My pioneer roots must have been at work in me from an early age because I was always fascinated with 'making things'...anything...from homemade bread to canning jam.
I made my first garment when I was 10 years old. Mom let me use an old New Home sewing machine by hand cranking the hand-wheel! She was concerned I might hurt myself if I used the electric pedal (if it even worked, I don't know). It was a slow and tedious process, but it was a great accomplishment for a 5th grader! (I still have that sewing machine, by the way, but not the dress).
Throughout my teenage years, I took any class in school if sewing would be a part of it. When I grew up and my children were born, I sewed more out of necessity, but it became a welcome creative venture when the kids needed costumes or fancy dresses. Soon there were friends, and friends-of-friends, who called me to construct bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, etc.
In the early 2000's, my husband gifted me with a fancy sewing/embroidery machine. So I was able to add digitizing and machine embroidery to my list of skills.
Since the time my children were small, over 30 years
ago, I have taken countless classes/seminars, video classes, tutorials,
etc. to hone my skills and techniques, and continue to do so.
After my husband retired from the Navy, and we settled down in Rochester, Cheryl's Alterations in Tumwater, Washington, hired me on as an alteration's specialist. I worked there until Cheryl retired in early 2014. Altering clothing was rather new for me, as I was used to making things from scratch. I really learned to enjoy and appreciate the art of altering a pre-constructed garment to make it fit. Also, it was fun to use my embroidery and digitizing skills as the shop's digitizer/embroiderer.
I enjoyed several years of working for Cheryl, and then she retired. It seemed the right time to take the sewing business into my own home. A little tweaking of my already-existing large sewing area, and with help and advice from my husband and friends, this area has been turned in to my sewing studio, complete with fitting room and plenty of mirrors!
Currently I continue adding to my skills by taking pattern-making and fitting courses through a well-known online sewing 'guru', who also has her own pattern line. I find that learning some of these principles helps in altering clothing as well as designing patterns for special projects.
My heart is full of thankfulness when I sit back and enjoy my studio surroundings and the projects that lay before me. I remember my grandfather and like to think that his skill and entrepreneurial spirit lives on through me, as I work with clothing as he once did. I thank my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with so much support from family and friends, and from wonderful clients, too!
As mentioned on the Home page of this site, my business is a part-time venture. Being that it's operated out of my home, I do not post my address, and appreciate your understanding.
