A Quick Introduction
Greetings and salutations! I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. First, I’d like to say a big thank you to Tanya at Best Fabric Store for her EXTREME patience and grace with me. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to bring my creative know-how to you. She has waited with much grace and anticipation, and I couldn’t thank her enough for being the kind soul she is. And, provides hands down the finest customer service, ever!
I’m a Texas girl who’s been a long term inmate… I mean resident of the state of Illinois. (I’m not an inmate, but it sometimes feels that way here in Illinois when I see what our governor’s up to again…) We’re hoping to be released soon on good behavior.
I’m also 56 years old, married to the love of my life. As a seamstress, I was reluctant from the get go. My mom was brilliant at sewing. Her work was flawless. I loved to watch her and wore everything she made with pride. She taught me everything I know; and to this day I can hear her words of instruction and encouragement. Mom went Home in 2003. I miss her every day.
But by the time I was an adult, I didn’t want to sew. Mom never gave up. She bought me my first machine when I was 24, which gathered dust for two years. My first project was a circle skirt, and an epic disaster. Eventually I made it work and wore it…once. The machine went back to gathering dust.
It took another year until I dug the machine back out while expecting my first child and there wasn’t a maternity clothing store within an hour’s drive.
Flash forward and here we are. Three grown kids later (and STILL waiting for grandchildren!) I’ve a love for vintage sewing ma
chines, and I do not consider myself a seamstress. I just love to make stuff. Frankly, I don’t really enjoy making clothes, and even less repairing them.
UPDATE: We’re officially Alabama residents! So Yahoo! Roll Tide and all that jazz!
However, I am sincerely crazy for DIY. So much so that I drive my daughter insane every time we shop because inevitably it ends with, oh, come on now, I can make that, followed by her angst and rolling eyes. She buys it anyway, though. I secretly laugh when it falls apart and smile sweetly when she then wants me to fix it.
I want you to know, I’m like you. I don’t have a fancy studio, and the air conditioning doesn’t flow so well in my little asylum! It’s warm up here as I write this. But it’s my space. I hijacked it from my daughter when she moved out. I currently sew on a 1945 Singer Featherweight, and I wouldn’t sew on anything else. I have six other machines ranging from 1940-1970. Each one has a place and a purpose. My middle son ironically also loves to sew, but his passion is for leather. He works for a saddle shop in the heart of rodeo country and also has his own business doing custom leather work including hand tooling. I’m very proud of him.
Update: the ’45 has gone to an early grave. But thank you Jesus, I was gifted with a ’66 Singer. I’m currently in love with this jewel that came to me completely serviced and overhauled. 
I’m looking forward to sharing some fun projects with you each month. Don’t forget to search the archives. My predecessors are not the easiest act to follow. I strongly encourage you to check out the amazing projects they’ve written about. As we say down south, lagniappe. or a little something extra.
I’d love to hear what you have to say or any questions you may have. If you don’t understand any part of a project, please ask. I’ll respond as quickly as possible to get you back on track. I’d also like to see what you’re working on. Please share what you’re doing on Facebook
Again, thank you to the amazing folks at Best Fabric Store. I love this American Made Business. They are the epitome of their name and are the absolute best at everything they do!
Blessings!
Mary
