I’ve been sewing since I was nine, and am now 44. I struggled for years because my only teachers were my mom (who makes nice pillowcases, but not much else) and my own experiences. Then I found Threads. The beginner articles have helped me refresh and often correct my baseline knowledge; the intermediate ones have opened possibilities for different construction and alteration methods so my clothes actually FIT; and the couture articles have helped me take my sewing to a new level. Thanks to book recommendations and insider technique DVDs from Threads, I have expanded my theoretical knowledge of pattern design and construction process. I LOVE sewing, and I credit Threads for helping rekindle that passion.

Now we get to why I’m really proud of myself. After a really busy career that left minimal practical sewing time, I’m now a stay-at-home mom of a 2 year old and have another on the way (which still leaves minimal practical sewing time). I was getting frustrated at not being able to practice anything I was learning from Threads articles and DVDs. Until…my daughter asked me for an apron. And it occurred to me that such a small item would be a perfect practice piece for some of the techniques I was reading. I designed the pattern, wrote the assembly instructions, mitered pockets perfectly (thanks to Insider Techniques), and understitched satin ribbon on the inside waistband using the feather stitch (as shown in Threads 157). I may not be sewing fancy garments for myself, but I’m satisfying my need to learn and practice while giving my daughter what she wants.

She’s very happy with her couture apron in a school bus print, and so am I! She’s picked out some fabric for a shirt now, and I’m busy mining old magazines to decide which techniques to practice next. And I can’t WAIT to teach her how to sew!

Thanks to Threads for the inspiration!