Well, my mom tried to teach me to sew, but we only were able to get two projects done, then she passed away. So, I spent my time raising my daughter and trying to teach myself how to sew so she could have some items that would be special to her when she is older. After my divorce in 2006, I began working full time and raising my three kids alone as a single mother. I had no time to myself to do an
ything I enjoyed, everything in my life centered around taking care of my babies and working to provide. I was able to find a job where I could bring my kids to work with me, where I was able to work and home school my kids in the office. I sent them to school for socialization and a much needed break for me. When my health began to deteriorate to the point I was no longer able to work outside of my home, about four years ago, I realized I needed something to do to keep my mind occupied. I had made one selfish purchase for myself, a small sewing/embroidery machine. I decided to figure out how to work it. I began using my kids as test subjects, making pajamas for Christmas Eve instead of purchasing them, embroidering their names on their towels to take to the community center, and as they have item "too old" for their names on items, digitizing and embroidering hats and baseballs and anything I can get my hands on. Alterations came about because my oldest daughter, now in college, has finally hit 5 feet tall. Nothing fits her in length, so, instead of paying someone, I've taught myself how to do it. Then I began alterations and clothing repairs for neighbors. I have a collection of antique machines that my husband and I are restoring to use for alterations. You can tell by looking at each one, it has character with a story of its own. Creating items makes me happy. It gives me something to look forward to each day and directs my thoughts away from my illness and pain, and the days seem to up by more quickly. The name I have given to my services "5 Babyz" is for my husband's and I's five children. I do not think I could go on without my 5 babies in my life. οΏ½