It seems that my life has been dedicated to sewing. I grew up on a farm in Wellington County, Ontario, Canada. My Mother was an accomplished seamstress. With 8 daughters, and 6 sons as well, she sewed many dresses on her treadle sewing machine. They were made with only the most basic of patterns and then adjusted to meet the specific requests of the recipient. They were then often altered for the next girl in line and when there was no more life in the dress it was set aside to be incorporated into something else, probably a comforter or quilt. So my earliest recollections are of "unsewing" instead of sewing as I patiently unpicked seams for Mom so that she could take in or let out or salvage the bits of fabric still intact. I never did manage the intricacy of the treadle sewing machine but it was when I finally received the longed-for doll with real hair and eyes that closed that I started my sewing "career". A careful sorting of the materials in the scrap bag would produce just enough fabric for a pleated or gathered skirt or a simple little top and with needle and thread my doll soon had a wardrobe more extensive than my own! Years later while at school and with little or no money for clothing, I purchased a sewing machine and never looked back. My daughter was sent off to her first years in school wearing cute outfits....but she finally rebelled and asked for clothing like everyone else in her class! It was time to start satisfying my creative urges elsewhere! I started a home based business making and selling kitchen items. For years I mass produced pieced chair pads and matching placemats and runners as well as a variety of pot holders, tea cosies, wall hangings, table toppers and so much more. I now enjoy the creative aspect of putting together unique items, often made from vintage linens found at local auctions. These items now find a new life in the UP Collection for MiniMade ...... housewares and decor that are fashionable, practical AND makes the earth smile a big toothy grin!

"Old is the new NEW"