The word homely, in other cultures, also means, "skilled in homemaking qualities". Of all the homemaking qualities, sewing seems to be the one that has stayed with me. I started doing hand embroidery at about 9 or 10. I used to love to iron my mom's and sisters work aprons because they were all made from different cotton prints, like big quilt blocks, and after washing, would be hung outside to dry. Best smell EVER.
As a teenager, back in the old days, my favorite thing was embellishing blue jeans. I took straight legs and turned them into wide bell bottoms. I patched over worn spots. I embroidered stars, flowers, mushrooms, etc. any open space was my canvas.
Then I had children and most of my homeliness was directed at them. I sewed their clothes, curtains for their rooms, and appliqued their sweatshirts. I wish I would have counted how many pairs of pj pants I made.
After a few years of working in fabric stores, which I loved, I decided to start my own business. I have a small workshop and retail space in Hamilton, Ohio. I combine custom home decor sewing with a cozy little shop where you might find a gift for a friend or some perfect thing that you didn't know you needed until you saw it. Most of my retail products are handmade by friends and myself. A few vintage items keep the place looking very homely.
My Etsy shop was a natural extension of my retail side. When I first started, I had to have the help of my daughters friend. Now, I take my own pictures and upload them and everything. Feel free to convo me with any questions about my products.