Blog 2: Sharing the Stitch – How I Pass On the Joy of Sewing

Welcome back!

Besides sewing, I’ve discovered a surprising passion: rescuing and rehabbing used sewing machines. Over the years, I’ve come across machines through all kinds of avenues—some gifted to me by friends who no longer use them, others found at thrift stores, garage sales, or online for free or under $15.

Once I bring them home, I clean and oil them, check for issues, and ensure they’re in good working order. Sometimes that means hunting down missing parts like presser feet, spool pins, bobbins, or bobbin cases. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt—and I love it.

Teaching Others to Sew

These machines have become tools for something even more rewarding: teaching others to sew. I offer free lessons—typically three two-hour sessions—to anyone interested in learning, especially those hesitant to invest in a new machine right away. Sometimes the lessons extend beyond that, especially when we’re having fun or a student wants more practice.

This little venture started around ten years ago. Since then, I’ve found new homes for 19 sewing machines and taught 11 people how to sew. Watching someone discover the joy of sewing for the first time is always worth it.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Thanks to this hands-on experience, I’ve picked up a lot about machine maintenance and troubleshooting. While I wouldn’t call myself a sewing machine “repair tech,” I’ve managed to get machines unstuck, running smoothly, and even coaxed one out of reverse mode!

I owe a huge thank-you to the many generous sewists who share their knowledge online—whether through YouTube tutorials or written guides. These creators have helped me learn so much and pass that knowledge on to others.

Spreading the Love of Sewing

My hope is that more sewists tell their stories, share their skills, and pass on their love of sewing. Whether you're a beginner or have been sewing for decades, there's always someone who can benefit from your experience.

Let’s keep the sewing community growing—one stitch at a time.