My Story

My journey began when I was a teenager in middle school, where I learned how to sew in my home economics class.  I did average in that class, not a child prodigy by any means.  My real sewing skills began to develop after my children came along.  I was fortunate to be able to stay home with them for many years.  I began sewing all of their clothes and halloween costumes.  I found I enjoyed sewing immensely.   My love of sewing blossomed.

It wasn't until 2024, a year after I moved to Schuylkill County, Pa that I began thinking I'd like to teach.  Then I became very ill with post covid syndrome.  To this day, I still battle this horrible disease, until a cure is found.  The idea to start a non-profit came to me during prom season of '25.  A young lady I was working with wanted to show me her prom dress.  She put it on, I immediately noticed how terribly long it was on her.  I asked her if she was able to walk in it, she replied yes.  I had trouble believing that so I asked her to walk.  She walked alright.  She had to kick her dress out of the way with each step.  She said it's fine.  (Secret code saying that she couldn't afford alterations)  I said to her "Give me your dress, I'll hem it for you"  She was absolutely delighted.

The idea to teach others to sew was now burning bright.  Creating a non-profit, I thought, is best for the area I live in.  It would allow me to accept donations that are tax deductable for the donor, so I could offer scholarships, machines, and supplies to those with a financial need.  Sew to Succeed was born and is a 501(c)(3) organization.