From Knitting Needles to Sewing Needles
Before I ever thought about sewing, I was a knitter. Some of my earliest knitting memories go back to my aunt. I remember watching her knitting and wearing the lovely things she made for me. Back then, I probably didn't realize just how much those little handmade pieces would stay with me. Looking back, I suppose that's where it all began.
About 20 years ago, I wanted a knitting needle case. The only problem? I couldn't find one I really liked. And back then, the idea of a dedicated knitting needle case wasn't exactly everywhere. So, naturally, I did what any determined knitter might do. I decided to learn how to use a sewing machine and make one myself while I was studying in NYC. A slightly ambitious solution, perhaps. But it worked!
A few years later, I started listing a few of my handmade needle cases on Etsy, almost as a little hobby. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. But then the lovely reviews started coming in. People were noticing the craftsmanship, the details, and the care that went into each piece. That was quite encouraging. And before I knew it, I was falling just as deeply in love with sewing as I was with knitting. Funny how one little needle case can change the direction of things!
Some of my favorite creative moments happen when I'm looking through leftover fabrics. A small piece that once seemed too little for anything can suddenly become the perfect detail for something new. Mixing unexpected colors and patterns, finding combinations I hadn't considered before — I love that little moment of discovery. Sometimes, the next idea is already hiding in the fabric scraps.
Custom orders are probably my favorite kind of adventure. In a way, they're a little like a Mystery KAL. You start with a few clues, but you don't know exactly what the finished piece will look like until all the little details come together. The fabric, the colors, the size, the pockets, the little extras — every order brings a new combination of possibilities. There's always a little excitement (and, I'll admit, a touch of suspense) along the way. And then I think about the moment the package arrives and my customer opens it. That anticipation is something I never quite get used to. Honestly, custom orders keep me just as excited as casting on a brand-new Mystery KAL!
I started sewing because I wanted something for my own knitting life. Somewhere along the way, that little project grew into something I could share with other knitters around the world. And that's probably what I love most about what I do. I get to take something I genuinely enjoy and turn it into something that brings a little more joy to someone else's knitting life. And really, isn't that a lovely way for one little hobby to grow?