All Smiles and Business These Days

Hi friends!

My goodness. I can’t believe it’s been about 4 months since my last post. I didn’t mean to keep you hanging.

There’s just so much that has been going on in my life (all good things!!) and I haven’t had a moment to stop and write.

First, with the encouragement of my neighbors and The Viking, I started a business called Knit & Stitch in January. I offer sewing, knitting and crochet lessons to whomever wants to learn! It’s been such an adventure. So much to say about it- but all that belongs in its own post.

Knit & Stitch has been keeping me VERY busy. In fact, it keeps me up at night. Ideas swirl through my head! Between the lessons, classes and retail storefront I have a lot going on! Additionally I am still teaching classes at my local library. One of my last posts was about Knitting course. I’ve taught this multiple times already in different library branches. It’s awesome!

Last month I pitched a sewing class to the library since the Makerspace has sewing machines. I just finished teaching 30 people how to sew! It was so wild that they had to put a sign and limit the amount of people for the second class. More about that later too!

More news: I passed my Knitting Certification. Six months of intense learning. I am officially a Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council! I truly enjoyed the experience and the “work” hours. Work in quotes because I consider this fun work. It has definitely made me a better and more confident knitter, therefore a better teacher! I plan on signing up for the Crochet program soon, which will be another 6 months. It should take me through this Fall/winter. I’ve noticed a lot of people are asking for Crochet lessons right now. Amigurumi is all the rage! As you know, I started with crochet. Might as well pick up that certification too. 😉 

I’ve been developing all kinds of class ideas and programs for Knit & Stitch, the Library and local quilt shops. I am teaching private lessons at Suzzie’s Quilt Shop. At Sew Magarbo, I will teach group classes. I love working with local businesses, especially Mom and Pop shops. I’m very excited because now I’ll have an actual classroom with many sewing machines. My home classroom aka dining room (haha) is only limited to 4 people. I also can start teaching strangers, lol. Yes, I only invite my neighbors into my home. Safety first peeps! Stranger danger!

I’m half-joking about stranger danger, lol. Our dining room and living room is open concept. So when I set up my dining room into a classroom with sewing machines I see it from the couch. It makes me think of work during off work hours. That’s just how my brain works. So it’ll be nice to separate the two by teaching at the shop.

With Joann’s closing I feel it’s even more important we support local businesses. I don’t want to see these stores close or have sewing die a slow death. These mom and pop shops are the owners’ livelihood! If I can help them by teaching at their store, thus resulting in local awareness and fabric sales, then I will. I will do whatever I can to help them survive. Sewing is such a great skill to have- not only for creating things but also for the sustainability piece- having the knowledge to mend existing items.

Even more news: I am now a Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor! I took a class in Louisville to learn all about the tissue fitting. The class was life-changing! I’ve been attending calls with the legendary Pati Palmer herself. I am learning so much from other experienced teachers and sewists. I plan to start teaching P/P fitting classes too. I find that a lot of people are intimidated by garment sewing. It’s not that bad! I’m telling you- it’s so awesome being able to create your own clothes. Custom fit, y’all!

I’ve also been meeting new people through Knit & Stitch. I am learning all about how YT works through my new friends Toni at SewSewLounge and Kate from FabriKated Quilts. Before you ask, I am not planning on making a YT channel. I’m definitely more of a writer than a video person. I’m also just better chatting in person. I feed off that in-person energy. Can’t quite capture the same effect talking to a camera…but…never say never, right?!

I have to say, teaching was never on my radar. Neither was starting a business. It’s amazing how this hobby evolved into something that makes me feel so ALIVE. I love seeing people discover their creativity.

I haven’t been this happy in years.

I’ve truly found my calling.