**WINNER picked** “Sew” Much Talent!
- posted by: Rebecca
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: September 28, 2008
I knew we had some sewing fanatics out there, but I didn’t realize how many until I put out a call on the message board. I was overwhelmed with the response! Starting today, we’ll get to know these talented folks and see some of the great projects they’ve been working on. I’ve asked them to tell us a little about themselves, how they got started sewing, their favorite Fiskars sewing tool, and a little about their project. Enjoy these first few projects, there are more to come!
Valerie #4759 - Beginner project: I am a working (out of the home) mother of 2 who fell into sewing (and all other domestic related hobbies). I started sewing when we bought our first home and I decided I could make curtains. But then I realized how relaxing I found the entire experience.
My favorite tool is my Fiskars cutting mat (17 x 23) because it’s so versatile and easy to move around.
I am a working (out of the home) mother of 2 who fell into sewing (and all other domestic related hobbies). I started sewing when we bought our first home and I decided I could make curtains. But then I realized how relaxing I found the entire experience. My favorite tool is my Fiskars cutting mat (17 x 23) because it’s so versatile and easy to move around.I started sewing pillowcases for pediatric cancer patients awhile ago. Then, unfortunately, my oldest son was diagnosed with cancer. He’s now cancer free and we still make the pillowcases together.
Sandy “Turtlelady” # 1715 - Intermediate project: I started sewing in Home Ec in High School back in the late 60’s when Home Ec was a big deal to take. I have made quite a few outfits for myself since I couldn’t find what I liked in the stores. PLus, I am a “big” girl :=) I also love it when i find turtle material to make myself something.
I love my Fiskars scissors. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I have had them for quite a few years and don’t let the family touch them. They are for material only!!!
My most recent projects have been hats and scarves for the football teams. I am making some now for the new season starting.
I have attached pics of the “Cat in the Hat” type hat I make and the smaller regular hat I make.
![]()
Jennifer #679 - Advanced Project: I love to sew and actually have a degree in Fashion Design, but I make mostly clothing for the kids and quilts and gifts. My love for Sewing started with Fashion Plates, remember those? I still have mine. I would spend hours upon hours playing with those. Then in Middle School, I learned that my family didn’t have much money so when it came to clothes I didn’t have much. So everyday after school I would use my mothers sewing machine and cut up sheets or whatever I could find and make clothes for the next day. Boy was I in alot of trouble when she found out I was using her stuff. That is how I learned to sew and I haven’t looked back since.
I love to sew and actually have a degree in Fashion Design, but I make mostly clothing for the kids and quilts and gifts. My love for Sewing started with Fashion Plates, remember those? I still have mine. I would spend hours upon hours playing with those. Then in Middle School, I learned that my family didn’t have much money so when it came to clothes I didn’t have much. So everyday after school I would use my mothers sewing machine and cut up sheets or whatever I could find and make clothes for the next day. Boy was I in alot of trouble when she found out I was using her stuff. That is how I learned to sew and I haven’t looked back since.I love my rotary cutter, it makes cutting so much easier and less time consuming. I also love my No. 5 Softouch Micro-Tip Scissors they are perfect for cutting loose threads.
My Daughter loves to wear dresses and sometimes it can be very hard to find just the right one, so I end up making them for her. She gets a couple dresses a year depending on the occasion. For this dress I added my own little touches with the lace and the ribbon and it was definitely a hit.
Leave a comment for all of these talented ladies and I’ll choose a random winner to receive a handheld rotary cutter and small cutting mat! All comments must be posted by Tuesday, Sept. 30th at 8pm EST.
Lorraine-you’re the winner. Email your mailing address to rebecca@fiskateers.com!

Vickif says:
September 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pmMy hat is off to you all! I couldn’t sew my way out of a wet paper sack!!!! Y’all are awesome!!
Patty 2832 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pmWow..they are all beautiful projects! Pillowcases are darling and for a cause ! Fantastic!
Love the football hats, the cat in the hat…too cute!
The dress is beyond darling and so is the little girl..gorgeous!
WTG ladies!
Merlene says:
September 28th, 2008 at 5:28 pmNice work ladies. Makes me wish that I still had children or grandchildren to sew for. Maybe there will be great grandchildren one of these days. I enjoyed all of your projects. It’s nice to see that sewing is not a lost art!
Pinky #3405 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 5:30 pmDon’t put me in for the RAK please But I wanted to comment anyways! Ladies all those projects ROCK!
Ursula #2228 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 5:32 pmWow all of these projects are great - - inspiration to get me back into sewing. Great job, ladies! You’ve truly inspired me!
Barb #2975 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pmTurtlelady - These hats are great! Is there a pattern that you use? Or is this something you worked out on your own?! My boys are picky about hats, but they would love something like this when they could pick out the style and fabric! (and they are learning to sew, so they could be in charge of making it themselves!)
The dress is beautiful!
Thank you for sharing - any tips on these hats would be appreciated!
(I commented on your photo too - but wasn’t sure you would see it there!)
**************************
Valerie? Are you under a different name? I wasn’t sure it was you when I looked up the fiskateer number… but either way, sewing is such a great skill to pass on to your son! My boys are learning too! Good job to you!
**************************
Jennifer, I too grew up sewing to make clothes to wear to school… I wasn’t nearly quick enough to make them overnight
Maya says:
September 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pmWow, great job ladies!
Jennifer, this dress is really cute but the model is gorgeous! She can wear anything
I always loved your photos. You need to share your secrets with us
kim3timemom #2117 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 7:54 pmRebecca, please don’t include me in the prize drawing…I just wanted to tell the ladies what a great job they did!!
I love all the projects. Can’t wait to see the rest!!
debby 2852 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 8:07 pmI love all the sewing projects. Please don’t stop even when September is over. I would love to see regular features here at Fiskateers.
kimberlee #2494 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 8:11 pmFun!! Great projects!
I like the idea of sewing for those in need. I’m going to be looking into that when I have a more cooperative machine.
Wendy Jo says:
September 28th, 2008 at 9:45 pmWhat wonderful projects and the stories behind them. Thanks for sharing ladies!
Kristin in OH #2764 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pmI am enjoying seeing all of these sewing projects. How fun! What a creative bunch of ladies! Thanks for sharing.
Michelle 3624 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 10:54 pmWhat a great job one hose projects lady and I love that you shared your talent with us! Very cool. . .
Christine C says:
September 28th, 2008 at 11:40 pmWow you ladies sure are talented, I have very limited knowledge of my sewing machine - if it takes more than straight or zig zag stitch then I need lessons lol.
I plan to get my machine out more next year and try some new things.’Thanks for sharing with us.
Cherrie #1790 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 12:23 amwow such great stories behind these awesome projects….they all make me want a sewing machine soooo bad (someday). I absolutely adore the pillowcases - so cute!!
Tona says:
September 29th, 2008 at 1:05 amDon’t include me in the RAK. I just wanted to say that all of you talented ladies have encouraged me to give sewing another shot. Thanks.
robindiane #2953 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 2:02 amGreat projects. I wish I could sew better. Today I hemmed 3 pair of pants for the first time. I hadn’t used my sewing machine in years.
Lorraine says:
September 29th, 2008 at 9:57 amI also love to sew. I make all my kids, husband, and my clothes. So I’m busy year round.
And ladies you did a wonderful job on your projects.
Angela says:
September 29th, 2008 at 10:15 amOMG. I can’t believe you STILL have your fashion plates. I need to come over to your house to play!!!
Tara Hilde says:
September 29th, 2008 at 11:31 amThe hats are so cute! What great gifts for a “tailgate” parteeee!
HeatherQ #3770 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pmWow! That is some impressive work, and a very inspiring story from Valerie. I’m getting closer and closer to enjoying sewing as a hobby… I wish I was as good at it as those 3 ladies are!
Eva says:
September 29th, 2008 at 2:46 pm*Sigh* I do wish I could sew like that, but I’m simply not committed enough. Someday, though…:-) Reading their stories did inspire to get up and go get something done! When i find the time that is…:-D
Julie Overby says:
September 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pmValerie - How special that you can work that together. What a neat project.
Sandy - your hats are awesome! Very fun!
Jennifer - WOW! You are super talented! Very, very pretty.
lydia #3510 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pmuuhh..aahhh ladies your work is fabulous..I love the stories behind each project..TFS!!
brenmarie says:
September 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pmWow great job ladies. I love to sew as well
Niecia #3006 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pmI love to see other peoples talents and what great ones we have here. I too love to sew. I don’t find any limitations when it comes to patterns in the stores, or even making my own. I have made everything from blessing dresses to stroller zip-up bags to go on airplanes. Sometimes I really do surprise myself, because I love it so much. Oh Halloween is my favorite to sew for every year my kids get new costumes.
Kris #2961 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 8:39 pmLove to see all the sewing projects…great job everyone!!
Barb J says:
September 29th, 2008 at 9:46 pmhttp://www.fiskateers.com/community/photo/27697/
A jacket I made for the challenge.
NancyR #4806 says:
September 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pmThere are some really talented people out there. I love looking at all the great stuff you are all making.
mary waldner says:
September 29th, 2008 at 10:36 pmOh wow.. Great job ladies.. your projects are so cute
inkmemory tanya says:
September 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pmHere’s a link to what i recently made and i love it…http://www.fiskateers.com/community/photo/27734/
inkmemory tanya says:
September 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pmhttp://www.fiskateers.com/community/photo/27734/
sorry here’s the link again.
Kay B. #1282 says:
September 30th, 2008 at 7:31 pmAll the projects are great. Even simple projects can be such a blessing like the pillowcases. If it comes from the heart it is the best gift! Jennifer your daughter is a beauty. She looks great in her special dress!
carol #2967 says:
September 30th, 2008 at 11:48 pmAll these projects are just wonderful! Way to Go ladies.