About the Stitchin Magician

I've enjoyed sewing ever since that first lesson at Singer when I was in the sixth grade. Since my mom did not sew, and my extended family was out of town, I had to learn problem solving for each garment I made. I had only the pattern guide sheet to help me. Needless to say, I did a lot of ripping and resewing in those days, which I guess set me up for what I do today.

After getting married, I taught school until our first child was born. Six children later, I was still in the classroom, only now on a volunteer basis, as well as doing the occasional substitute teaching.

Along the way, I had been sewing for my husband and children. This had given me the confidence to sew for someone other than myself and in 1984 I started Stitchin Magician, a custom clothing business. It was part time and I did it from my home, so I could be home to raise our family. It has been a great way to bring in extra income without much capital investment.

Once in a while, a client would bring me clothing to alter, and this intimated me. No, it petrified me! Without any books to consult, I was again, ripping and resewing, trying to figure things out on my own, only this time without the guidesheet. Trial and error was tedious and I knew there had to be another way.

I took lessons from an Old World tailor and brought my alterations in for his approval. I owe a great deal to JR, because he taught me a lot about the construction of clothing, as well as a sense of excellence in my work.

Fast forward to today and you see a seamstress who has been doing alterations for over 25 years. I now do work for two Dry Cleaners, as well as my own clients.

In an effort to combine my two loves, teaching and sewing, I have begun this website. I have plans for instructions about all types of alterations, in addition to photo and video instructions and reference cards.

I'd love for you to learn to alter your family's clothing, or even to start a WAHM business, as I have. After all, there's no sense going through all that ripping and resewing alone! Knowing how to do alterations gives you more flexibility when shopping for clothes. It is also a great job for a stay at home mom who needs an adjustable schedule.

Please use the Contact Me page if you have requests or suggestions. I'd love to know your story too!

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