Joan Allisen

TenderLane

3,191 Sales 5 out of 5 stars

Wilmington, NC

543

1,033 Following 543 Followers

I remember even as a child having a passion for creating with different fabrics. My Mom taught me how to sew and embroider when I was young and I have always gone back to it over the years. I used to sell Barbie doll clothes to classmates in the 7th grade for 50 cents… to funny. As you can see, I love vintage sewing patterns and have my shop filled with them. I am going to start posting Barbie dresses I have been making again after bout 20 years. I love to use vintage hankies. I am going to put up a few pics here. Let me know what you think?
I have had many different jobs in my life from coaching gymnastics, working in doctor’s offices, having my own craft and antique stores to being a television producer. I had to retire a couple of years ago as a wedding videographer and editor after a bout with Cancer. I still had a craving for creating. One day I was showing my granddaughter some of the embroidered, tatted and crocheted linens that were made by my mother and grandparents plus some that I have collected over the years. She thought they were all made by machine. She was amazed when I told her they were all done by hand. I told her when the time was right, I will teach her how. I felt sad thinking that this new generation is missing out on a beautiful lost art.
I started collecting pieces of linens that I would find in many different places again. I really enjoy restoring them back to their original condition as best as I can. I would be upset about the ones that were damaged but realized there were still had parts that could be used. I would really get crazy when I would hear that people would actually throw them out. I have made and seen them being used through the years into clothing, curtains and other crafts and thought with everything going green now this would be a great thing to do again. Before you know it I was completely addicted. There is nothing like the quality of vintage linens which are so fine and unique to assure for a one-of-a-kind creation. I never know what I will make next. I have rented a space at a wonderful antique store in my town and branched off into showcasing and selling these items.
I really enjoy watching everyone while shopping as they reminisce with such fond memories.