A little bit about me - I grew up in the Twin Cities metro, always crafting with the women in my family. As I grew up, craft went to the wayside while I tried to fit in and spent my time busy with sports and friends. After high school I moved down to Tampa, FL to attend the University of Tampa where I graduated and spent the following 10 years making Tampa my home.

As the culmination of late-stage capitalism, developers and corporate profiteering made it clear that Tampa was no longer a sustainable home for my little family, we moved back to my husband’s hometown of Buffalo for some fresh air and new perspective in May of 2023. Buffalo has truly shown itself off as the City of Good Neighbors since our move and I couldn’t be more proud to make this place our forever home.

I came back to sewing in 2018 and have been making most of my wardrobe since 2020 after having fully dove into the craft during the isolation of the early COVID pandemic. These years since the pandemic have been hard for me mentally as I know they have been for so many others. Creating my own garments and learning this skill have given me something to look forward to and to live for when I struggled to find purpose for myself.

Sewing isn't just about creating clothes for me – it's a way to connect with my community and challenge the fast fashion norms. I'm committed to using secondhand and deadstock fabrics to promote sustainability and encourage mindful consumption. Sewing has become my refuge during tough times, providing a therapeutic escape and awakening the creativity that lay dormant in my childhood.

As I begin this passion project in Dottie Sews I’m excited to share the magic and pride I’ve found in this craft and hope to provide a space where sewing can be easy, accessible and fun.

I can’t wait to sew together!

Ellie