True that!

While working on growing our craft business I also work as a freelance seamstress in NYC. Boy o boy the stories I have in regard to taking in clothing on the spot for photo shoots to quickly hemming a dress for someone who is off to a fancy dinner date! 

Sewing comes in handy and therefore I am fortunate to sew for a WONDERFUL boutique in NYC called True Boutique, owned by a fabulous woman named Katie Campbell.

True Boutique in located in the heart of Nolita at 278 Mott Street. They carry a great size range (00-16) and provide on the spot tailoring for all purchases. Which means you most likely will have either Beth Edwards (Master Seamstress) or I tailoring for you!

Working for Katie and the True Team has been such a blast. The best part is that we meet so many interesting and dynamic women while working here. Everyone who shops here is quite ecletic and savvy. While we do work hard and provide great customer service, it sometimes feels like we are simply spending time together and helping women find a true solutions for their purchases.

If ever in the neighborhood, stop by!

XO Moni

SEW Moni April Sewing Classes!

We have many great classes for Spring starting this April. Please check out our list of classes. Just click on flyer above to view in larger scale.

Thanks!

SEW Moni Team

Sewing Tool Roundup!

Being longtime seamstresses, the team here at SEW Moni has had plenty of chances to thoroughly test some products and have compiled a list of tried and true tools that every seamstress should have in her possession.

Scissors

A good, sharp pair of Fiskars are a must!  The brand has been around for ages, since 1694 to be exact.  Their products are readily available and have great longevity.  Not in the mood to buy another pair, make your well-used scissors like new and have them sharpened for a fraction of the cost.  No wonder they are the world's #1 scissor brand.

Available at Joann Fabrics, Target, Walmart, and just about any sewing supply store.

 

 Magnetic Pin Cushion

My mother introduced me to this wonderful invention, and I haven't used my tomato cushion since.  Not only helpful for keeping your pins organized and at your finger tips, it's perfect for post project clean-ups.  Just a slow sweep across your table, and it picks up any loose pins scattered about.

Grabbit is our brand of choice.

Pick one up at Joann Fabrics.  Sil Thread in the NYC garment district is a great source too.

Seam Ripper

I lovingly call this the "sewing eraser" and it's is a must for pulling out those little mistakes that seem to show up as we are sewing.  They are quite useful for creating machine stitched button holes too!  Seam rippers come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  I find that the one's with the longer handles are easier to control.

Available at Joann Fabrics, Sil Thread and Panda Thread of NYC.

Iron

Voted best iron by the SEW Moni team and prized by our current students, the Rowenta Focus Stainless-Steel Iron gets rid of those pesky wrinkles and presses seams flat with beautiful smoothness and ease.

Pick one up at Target or Joann Fabrics.

 Measuring Tape

Where would pattern making be without measurements?  Keep your sewing accurate with one of these flexible and perfectly portable rulers.

Available at just about any sewing supply store.  

SEW on!

-Katie Mann

Remembering The Local!

We were happy to have The Local of The NY Times write a quick plug for our sewing classes. Thanks!

XO

Remembering Daily Candy

March Sewing Classes

Excitingly, we have started our first set of sewing classes this week, and they are going great!  It's always exciting to meet new students who are eager to learn the craft of sewing and take part the enjoyment of it all.  

So far within our classes, we've managed to attract college students, architects, designers, administrators, and business owners.  I find it interesting that sewing alone can bring such a diverse group of women together.  It truly is a beautiful thing.  With that said, we would love to have you as part of our sewing classes this month!  

Registration for March sewing classes has opened! 

We will be offering Beginning Sewing on Monday and Wednesday nights.  Beginning Clothing Construction will also be taught on Wednesday nights.

We only have a few spaces left, so sign up while you can!

Sew on, sew on...

Katie

Peace.

During the growing stages of SEW Moni I've been praying about a social mission for our company. My initial thoughts were to support a mission abroad. Maybe a mission in Africa or an effort in the now devastated Haiti? But then, I realized that there is so much need right here in the USA.

Last week on our walk to lunch we witnessed a kid being caught and pinned to the ground. Scary. This week, I've seen way to many homeless people in shorts or bundled up like ice cubes in 20 degree weather. And, after exchanging a conversation with a fellow co-worker who as a single mom, adopted her abdonned little one, my throat felt shallow.

I've always felt fortunate and loved. I've never gone hungry or without a place to rest. I have a family who is completely supportive and such influences definitely kept me out of trouble. But not many have these things, not even one. And in the given economic climate, many, many more are suffering.

It's wild for me to even think about such circumstances and nor do I feel as if I could personally relate. The closest I've ever been to suffering was when I worked as an HIV counselor in a state clinic down south. Our daily influx of patients and counseling of test results was hard to swallow. I suppose the emotional anxiety I experienced, and the worry that someone would survive beyond their diagnosis is my closest taste of strife.

While I don't have a billion dollar charity fund or even a thousand dollar offering for many of the needs of our country,  I do have knowledge in what I love to do: sewing. And with that knowledge I intend spark a movement to create and craft for those that need it the most.

During the months of March, April and May I am asking that you join us in a push to craft for people. Maybe there is a kid who's never had a doll or a boy who does not have a blanket. Or maybe there is a shelter who needs more sleeping blankets and pillows. Honestly, I do not know who and were these people are but we'll find them together. We will!

Please stay turned for more on this effort. I intend to put the word out here in Brooklyn, NY. It's my hope that there will be a week if not a month dedicated to weekly sewing groups in your neighborhood, a unified effort to share hope.

XO

Lunch Breaks are Dangerous!

We took a lunch break to interview Stephanie H., Design Assistant at SEW Moni. Our walk near the park turned a bit dangerous for a few moments. We are okay and still happy to be living in Brooklyn, NY!

XO

Vintage Ode

We are increasing the inventory of our vintage finds today! We think they are say SEWW cool.

Valentine Handkerchiefs!

Giving and receiving a Valentine from your special someone or your dear friend is a long time tradition.

This Valentine’s Day, instead of giving a card or roses, why not give something
different. Something usable all year long. Something even
wearable.

What is this you ask?

A love handkerchief!

Our handkerchiefs our 100% handmade, screen printed and stitched with soul in Brooklyn, NY.

Their distinctive characteristics are reflected by unique imperfections, a realistic perspective of love.

To purchase your special someone a handkerchief, visit sewmoni.etsy.com.

XO