The Beginning
My venture into operating a small business began accidentally in the summer of 2014 while on maternity leave after the birth of my first (and so far, only) daughter. I had been forced to learn to sew as a child, and while pregnant had made a few dresses for my little girl and for the children of a few friends. A friend of a friend heard I could sew, and asked me if I would make some crib bedding for her little one. Because I had never attempted anything on that scale and didn’t have my hands full enough as a brand new mom, I agreed. Looking back at that first crib set now, all I see are mistakes and things I could have done better. But after posting the photo on Facebook, messages starting with "hey, can you make..." started pouring in, and before I knew it, I was operating a small business.
The Name
As the requests came in, I found myself needing to create an "official" business, the first step of which was coming up with a name. Cut to me ugly crying in the car because my now 6 week old daughter was growing so fast and I couldn’t bear the thought of her getting any bigger, and Stay Little Sewing was born. I did not know at the time about the tiny 1 pound 13 ounce little boy who would later come along and inspire me to devote a large portion of my business to making sweet little things for preemies, thus making my chosen business name a bit ironic. Still, I suppose all parents love having something that will “stay little” as their babies grow, to remind them how tiny they once were, because I promise they DO NOT stay little for long. *cue ugly cry......*
The Journey
I was forced to learn to sew when I was 10 years old. I did NOT appreciate it at the time. I didn’t know then that skill would allow me to spend most of my days working from home, giving me extra time with my sweet girl during the week. I’ve been a nurse for 10 years, and my work as a nurse has really helped me in this business. I understand what nurses need NICU clothing to be. I've comforted those experiencing unspeakable loss, and it gave me a huge soft spot for the grieving. Because I love it so very much, I still work as a nurse one day a week, and I don't think I'll ever give up that one day. But I also love the comfort I am able to bring others through this shop. I love hearing my customers’ stories. I love making tiny things for babies born too soon, bringing parents a small sense of “normalcy” being able to dress their baby in a sea of tubes and monitors. I love taking precious things worn by a loved one gone too soon and re-purposing them into an heirloom that can be handed down for generations. I love creating one-of-a-kind custom quilts that are as unique as the little ones they keep warm. I do not take my work lightly, and everything I make is truly made with the utmost love and respect for the people I am making for. I consider it an honor and a blessing to be able to do what I do, and I hope to expand to offer more thoughtful, meaningful options in the years to come!