About – The Sewing Things Blog

Hello! I’m so glad you’re here.

I started sewing my own clothes in 2015, starting with the first dress I ever made. There were plenty of things leading up to that though.

My mom had a sewing machine, and I knew how to thread it and sew on it. I remember making little bags out of paisley pink fabric and making a pillow out of some old jeans that didn’t fit me anymore. When I had home economics classes in middle school and high school, I was able to finish things quickly and explain to other kids what to do. My grandma was also always sewing quilts, making dolls, wedding dresses, etc. But even after all of that, I didn’t really feel an excitement to sew anything else.

In 2012, I was following a fashion blogger, and she shared a dress that I could not live without. The first chance I got, I drove to the store and bought my size (which was the 2nd to the largest size at that), even though it didn’t fit extremely well, because I needed to have it. I wore it one time and I was SO frustrated at the length (or lack thereof, since I’m 5’11) and how it didn’t fit very well on top either.

I was dating my soon-to-be husband at the time, and he said, “I’ll make you a dress.” I honestly didn’t believe him, but he went to the store to get a pattern, and he already had some black polyester fabric on hand. He also had an old sewing machine that only sewed straight stitch. He usually used it for altering his clothes because he’s 6’6″ and usually needed his things taken in. He had made a jacket for himself once, so he felt confident that he could make a dress.

Sure enough, that weekend he sewed the dress – zipper, facings, and all – and I was able to try it on. It fit really well …while I was standing. But I had told him the wrong size to make since store sizes and sewing sizes are usually pretty different. I didn’t know that at the time, though. I was in utter shock and awe, and all I could remember thinking was, “If he can make a dress, I can make a dress!”

It took a couple of years to work up the courage before I made my first dress, but I quickly gained momentum after that, and I haven’t stopped since. Two kids and 9 moves later, including moving to Portugal, and I still have my sewing machine, serger, and trusty sewing tools to whip up whatever I set my mind to.

I enjoy sewing for myself the most but will occasionally sew for my husband and kids. This is a space for me to share those things and maybe inspire you to do the same.

If you like what you see and want to stay updated, feel free to sign up for the newsletter that only goes out when I’ve published a new blog post (about 2 times a month). Thanks for stopping by and happy sewing! xoxo