Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

 
Rachel Denbow

Springfield, MO

Smile and Wave

SA: When did you begin sewing?

RD
: My Meemaw bought me a Kenmoore as a wedding gift almost nine years ago because she felt I ought to have one. She and my mother taught me to sew when I was a little girl and let me use their machines to make barbie clothes and my first patchwork quilt. My grandma made dresses for my mom and my mom made dresses for me. I still use the same machine Meemaw gave me and have recently been making dresses for my daughter, Ruby, from vintage men's shirts.

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine(s)?
RD
: I make quilts, curtains, pillows, clothing, accessories, and a variety of other sewn projects with my sewing machine. Lately I've been using it to make things for our new home but earlier this year I released my first e-course, Modern Patchwork, which features nine step-by-step sewing projects as well as original patchwork block patterns.



SA: What machine(s) are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without?

RD
: My most necessary tools for sewing are my trusty Kenmoore, Gingher scissors, my Olfa rotary cutter, Dritz acrylic ruler, my self healing cutting mat (not shown), straight pins, seam ripper, iron and ironing board. I've also recently been using a felt board for color stories and arranging quilt squares. On top of all of my sewing tools, I regularly use paint brushes, primer, and chalkboard paint to make my thought bubble chalkboards and wire cutters, screw drivers, pliers, and a hammer for DIY projects around the house.




SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

RD
: I'd love to own a Brother serger in the next year as I've seen how much faster sewing clothing can be with one! I'd also love to have a larger table for cutting fabric rather than doing it on the floor. Oh, and a Wrights Simplicity bias tape maker because it would add hours to my life!

SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

RD
: Jennifer Casa of JCasa Handmade is one of those women who can do it all as far as I'm concerned. She's a talented sewer, knitter, singer, crafter, and now published author! Her first book, Crafting With Kids, will be available April 5th. I first 'met'  Jennifer through a holiday ornament swap back in 2007 and have been inspired by her attention to detail, ingenuity, and generosity ever since.

photo: jennifer casa

Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel