My journey with sewing started in my childhood, all thanks to my mom, who knew that sewing was more than just a hobby-it’s an essential skill. I still remember the thrill of stepping into the Piece Goods Shop in Charlotte, my heart racing as I took in the vibrant array of fabrics and patterns. It was like discovering a whole new world of creativity, and that spark turned into a lifelong love. Choosing fabrics and patterns for my first project was just the beginning. As I dove into the world of sewing, experimenting with patterns and books, I embraced every challenge, solving the little mysteries that patterns often leave behind.
As I grew into a young adult, my love for sewing blossomed into a rewarding career. I had the incredible opportunity to intern with two talented drapery designers in Charlotte, where I learned the intricacies of professional sewing gained invaluable business skills. This experience laid the foundation for a successful career, working with top interior designers and bringing countless drapery designs to life. In 2009, the recession took a significant toll on the housing market, which, in turn, affected all the trades and crafts involved in home construction and remodeling, including my drapery business. As the demand for custom drapery dwindled, I faced the difficult decision of closing that chapter of my professional life. However, this unexpected turn opened the door to a new and exciting opportunity. Inspired by my seven-year-old daughter, Hannah, and fueled by my entrepreneurial drive, I embraced the chance to pivot and began teaching sewing lessons. What seemed like an obstacle turned into a fresh beginning, allowing me to channel my passion for sewing into something new and meaningful.
In the early years of building Thimble Bee’s, I enjoyed precious time with my growing family, especially with the arrival of our youngest daughter in 2011. During this period, I also had the chance to take two life-changing trips: in 2012, I went to Ethiopia, where I helped establish a sewing center for vulnerable women. Their incredible grit and resilience left a lasting impact on me, as I saw firsthand how they overcame challenges with unwavering determination. This was followed by a trip to Burundi in 2013, where I continued to witness the same spirit of perseverance. These experiences fueled my dedication to teaching and inspired me to turn my dream of opening a sewing studio into a reality. By July 2014, my studio in Waxhaw was up and running, and it’s been an amazing journey ever since. I still hold a special place in my heart for the sewing centers where I got to make a difference. I’m excited about the future and hope to get involved again, helping women who truly deserve a chance to shine.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been nerding out on how to teach sewing in a way that truly works for busy women. I know how hard it is to find time to learn something new, so I’ve designed my lessons to give you quick wins-keeping you excited without feeling like you’re falling behind. I also understand the fear of failure that comes with starting out, which is why I’ve created a step-by-step approach that builds your confidence along the way. Each lesson is designed to set you up for success, tackling tricky parts with patience and clarity so you don’t hit a wall of frustration. My goal is to transform sewing from an intimidating task into a joyful, modern craft that’s fun and easy to dive into, no matter how much time or experience you have.
Outside of the studio, I cherish time with my family, delight in decorating and making my home a warm and cozy place to live, and love battling it out over Rummikub with my kids. My husband and I, both Charlotte natives, have been happily married for 23 years. Our oldest daughter, Hannah, recently married and is pursuing strategic marketing in college, our son Luke is a high school junior with aspirations in aviation, and our youngest, Kate, is my enthusiastic sewing sidekick. I’m thrilled to have you join us and can’t wait to embark on this exciting creative journey with you!