A lifetime of sewing has led to this unexpected turn.
I used to say I was a stay-at-home-mom-of-children-who-are-out-of-the-house-at-school-all-day. I spent a lot of time in the peace and quiet of my sewing room honing skills like mitered corners, welt pockets, and invisible zippers.
Then I went back to being a public school music teacher, assigned at various times to directing the high school band, teaching elementary general music or running a middle school Mac lab as a music technology teacher. But everything changed the day JoAnn Fabrics began selling their special order 18” sample squares. I thought, is this a sign?
I picked up hundreds of squares that day, and in one afternoon created an impressive “painter’s palette”. Armed with fresh inspiration, constant encouragement from a designer sister-in-law, and a shedding of 2,000 square feet in a home downsize, I resigned from my teaching job. Shortly thereafter, Therese Marie Designs became my singular focus.
I use high-quality textiles such as velvets and linens. I enjoy creating appliquéd designs. When I don't see what I like in a fabric, which is usually a large graphic design, I simply cut one out and satin-stitch it in place. Rarely do I leave a pillow front alone: Applied trims and buttons add so much interest and help make my pillow covers eye-catching accessories. Message me if you'd like me to help you create your vision - custom orders encouraged.
