The threads that bind . . .
I learned to sew as a child – a skill I think is not taught enough these days and so I taught it to my children and some of their friends as well. I also tried my hand at a few sewing camps which my girls’ helped me facilitate in the summers. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a very loving step-mother who not only worked full-time outside of the home but also possessed amazing skills like sewing, and cooking some delicious southern dishes, which I should have appreciated much more!
I grew up in Texas, but over the past 28 years of marriage we have moved a total at 15 times! We have lived in beautiful places, from San Diego, to Denver, to Connecticut and have finally settled here in Asheville, NC. No we are not military, although my husband did serve in the Navy previous to our marriage. His corporate ladder climbing, along with company downsizings, etc. over the years led to our frequent moves. All this plays into the story of my business and the threads the bind us as a family.
Having always sewn, with a need to get my house in order quickly (knowing the next move could be looming), I have been known to sew up things for my house to make it as homey as possible. Usually when you move, the same things never quite work in a different space. I would re-fit the window treatments, etc. We have two beautiful girls and when they came into the picture, it was important to make them comfortable with each move, which quickly escalated into promising them new “theme” rooms, which I would find myself making in an attempt to get them excited for the next big move.
Along the way I came to realize that with each move, the next buyer wanted “my” stuff I had made for the house. I didn’t really have the time or energy to do anything with this until a few years ago. With our second to last move to Connecticut in 2012, my husband’s company shut down six months after transferring him (and all of us!). It had been an exhausting 20 plus years in the business, and he was ready to make a change. After some soul searching, he decided to go back to school to get his master’s in education and his teaching certificate. With that, I needed to do something for income! And so it began.
I love the process of making, creating, mixing fabrics and patterns, and yes I have a saw! I am naturally a builder and do-it-her-selfer. I love the process of a challenge and figuring out how to make or do something better or more efficiently. Mostly, I love the connection to customers, when they tell me something that makes a difference to them, which is why I do almost exclusively custom work. We all want something made for us, something unique, special and individualized, like the people we all are.
When I'm not working, I'm busy with my family, my husband Randy and my girls Lorelei and Kaitlyn who are now 21 & 22. We also have three rescue dogs: Valentina, Conrad and Barbie (don’t worry, they aren’t at my shop!!) and two rescue bunnies: Moo & Donut. Moo and Donut, do work with me at the shop, but they have their own 12 foot x 12 foot contained area and they only make decisions about which patterns should be matched.
On the very personal side, I am a strong advocate for youth, Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and mental health awareness. I believe investments in our youth is one of the best investments any of us can make. I donate to the AFSP and my family and I participate in the yearly Out of the Dark community Walk. I've lost two brother, one to suicide and another to overdose. It's not just an important cause to me personally but truly a national crisis. #erasethestigma
Along with my shop here on Etsy, I also have a physical shop in Asheville where I do upholstery and such. I’ve been on Etsy since 2013 and have sold thousands of items.
To my many customers, who continue to use my services, come back to me, and refer me, as well as leave great feedback, I’m grateful that I have the flexibility to work for myself. I’m grateful for that threads that bind the Etsy community to the world around us. What a great big world we live in now that we can reach out beyond our four walls and do what we love.
Thank you for being a part of my story. #standwithsmall
Deeana
