Sewing Superstar

Sew Can Do

Sew along with Cheryl from Sew Can Do

Michigan, USA
Designer, Mom of 3

When did you first start sewing and how did you learn?

I started sewing 4 years ago because I couldn't find a waterproof drawstring bag to take on vacation. I got some supplies and just kind of guessed at what to do. It felt so good to make something I wanted to learn more. I kept reading, practicing, trying new things out and eventually started drafted my own patterns & designs. People eventually asked about buying my work and a totally unexpected career started.

Can you remember the first thing you made?

Technically I made a gym bag for 7th grade Home Economics class, but most of it was my mom helping me so I consider the waterproof bag my first "on my own" project.

Do you have any favourite pattern designers or celebrity sewers?

I don't really have favorite designers or follow the famous sewers out there, but I do find a lot of inspiration from vintage patterns and older sewing books.

What's your sewing room like and how do you organize your stash?

My sewing room is the one place in my house that's just for me. No kid/husband stuff allowed! It's a converted kitchenette - the desk where I sew is actually in a nook that was once a closet, but I have everything set up in sections. I covered the sink area with a padded board to make an ironing surface and have specific drawers, cupboards and containers for my gear and notions so I always know where to find them. Most of my print stash is stacked and folded on shelves so I can find things quickly and not forget what I've got. My fleeces, knits and solids are all stored in boxes in my basement. This year I want to use more of it so space isn't an issue. Either that or build an extension to house it all!


Usually my music favorites

Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?

I like craft diversity to keep from getting bored or burned out: paper crafts, treat making, DIY, home decor, soapmaking, embroidery, knitting, just about everything.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Sewing has totally changed my life. 5 years ago I didn't know how to make anything and now I can't imagine living without it!

  • false Clothes
  • false Bags
  • false Accessories
  • false Toys
  • false Homeware
  • false Blankets / Quilts
  • false
  • false
  • false

What's your favorite...

TV Show
Leverage, Castle, Friday Night Dinner, IT Crowd, Jonathan Creek, Poirot
Weezer, Lenka, Lily Allen, Jack Johnson
London, Ontario, Canada. It has a little of everything.
Out To Sea
The Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters
Peach - you don't see it used a lot but it always makes things sunny & pretty.
Fabric Brand
Timeless Treasures. Riley Blake, Joel Dewberry, Robert Kaufman are great too. I also love using unusual fabrics like laminates, sherpas, PUL, pleather and unusual knits.
Sewing accessory or Tool
Rotary Cutter - it makes getting to the actual sewing so much faster.