My Sewing Business
Today’s Ultimate Blog Challenge topic is to write a post that answers a question that I’ve been asked. This is perfect timing since a recent blog topic was Ask Me Anything! One of the questions a friend asked was, “I want to know how you started a sewing business and the minky blanket business managing so much?” That is an excellent question Amrita, thank you for asking!
Since other readers might be interested in know how I started my sewing business so here it is in a nutshell!
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I was always watching my grandma sew when I was younger. As I grew older I would help her sew, even helping her with my senior prom gown and bridal gown. I never had formal sewing lessons, I just learned by watching. I started my sewing business right after Rich and I got married, mainly doing alterations and dressmaking. It expanded to menswear and then bridal and formal wear. This is my wedding gown, my grandmother sewed all the scalloped edging around the lace by hand! I put my gown on every anniversary, this year was our 54th!
The next chapter was adding the window treatments and bed and bath ensembles. Rich and I enjoyed this aspect so much and we knew we had to focus on one thing so that’s how we ended up doing interior decorating. Once we knew interior decorating was what we were focusing on, Mar-C’s Interiors was born! My grandmother inspired me and this is a blog I wrote a few years ago. http://themarthareview.com/being-inspired-by-my-grandmother/
The Minky blankets came about when Lia was born. I made a blanket for her baby shower and Alex said we should start a Minky business so that’s just what we did! So while my grandmother inspired me to continue her legacy with sewing, Alex and Lia inspired me to start Mama’s Minkys! Lia is also the quality control inspector for all the Minky blankets and pillows that we send out. http://themarthareview.com/mamas-minkys-was-inspired-by-lia/
I’m so happy that Lia is interested in sewing and hope she will continue to keep the art of sewing alive for another generation if only for her own sewing.
For over 53 years Rich and I designed, fabricated and installed window treatments and bedding. It was fun to create so many different styles, so much fun it was hard to call it work! We “retired” Mar-C’s Interiors in October 2018 but we tell our clients if they have our mobile number, we will still make their windows beautiful on the inside. I never dreamed that my sewing business that Rich and I created would keep going! It’s like blogging, the more you write, the more you enjoy it. With sewing, the more I sew, the more I enjoy it!
Martha, you and your granddaughter are multi-talented. I feel in love with sewing in high school and, since my first business was interior decorating, I loved sewing textiles as they are important tools to create a mood and set the tone for a space.
How cool that your business was interior decorating also. I’m so happy that both Lia and her mommy enjoy sewing and will continue another generation of sewing.
You are a talented sewer – your work is gorgeous. And my goodness, congrats on 54 years of marriage and 53 years of business together. Those are very impressive milestones. With two grandparents showing that kind of dedication, and Lia already showing an interest in helping with sewing, it sounds like your legacy is in good hands.
Thank you Mary! Lia’s mommy learned how to sew at a very young age also, she “worked” with us starting at 6 weeks old!
I love this energy and creativity that you share in everything you do.Its always a lot of work with a business .Thank you for writing a answer to my question
And thank you for asking a question Amrita! I so enjoy sewing and sharing my knowledge to another generation.
I love to hear anyone’s sewing story – the fact that you did it successfully as a business all those years is just so inspiring, Martha. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Laura, I am so thankful I learned the art of sewing from my grandmother. Turning it into an over 50 year business and passing down the skills to another generation is wonderful Laura.
Hi Martha, I knew you sewed, but I didn’t know you turned your hobby into your career and kept is as your passion all these years. How special that you learned such a special trade from your grandmother and are able to continue to pass it on to multiple generations to come. Thank you for sharing your gifts. Sending lots of love and hugs. Jaime
Yes it’s all because of my grandmother Jaime! I’m so happy that I was able to pass this gift down to Alexandra and Lia.
Great post.
Thanks Amanda