Treadlette Tuesday: Grace and her skirt!

This week's share comes from one of our newest Treadlettes, Grace! She used a soft organic cotton broadcloth and New Look pattern 6242 to make this cute summer skirt! Grace did a bit of handsewing on the waistband for a nicer finish.

We're so happy to have Grace on our team! If you see her in the store, say hi!

Get To Know Us: Material Girls

You may have met Material Girls Debbie and Kristin at a class, or at Fashion Sewing Club. These ladies teach at Treadle, and they really know their stuff!

Their specialties include sergers, sewing with knits, and fashion sewing for all ages! Debbie and Kristin love exploring modern styles and new trends. They always know the latest designer patterns, like Marcy and Katherine Tilton's artful designs, or fresh new looks from independent pattern companies like Jalie.

You can catch the Material Girls' Basic Sergery class at Treadle, expand your wardrobe with Sew For Your Life, or join them for Fashion Sewing Club - every second Tuesday and Saturday of the month. See dates and times for the club here, or visit our classes page for our full class schedule.

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today's Treadlette is Jess!

Jess has been sewing since she was 10 years old, and has been a lifelong Treadle shopper. She has lovely memories of sitting playing with toys while her mother shopped. She loves garment sewing, mostly for her children when they were small.

Most of our kids' classes are taught by our wonderful Jess. She's got a real knack for keeping kids engaged and enjoying sewing!

Jess is also an avid (obsessed) toy maker. Her favorite thing she ever did was design a toy rocket which was featured in the first One Yard Wonders book. Look for her Soft Stuffed Friends class coming up this winter at Treadle!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today's Treadlette is Michelle (that's two-Ls-Michelle, not to be confused with our other Michele!)

Michelle has been at Treadle for about 4 years, making her one of our newest Treadlettes! Like many of us, she started sewing in Home Ec in the 8th grade. "My Home Ec teacher used her brassiere as a pincushion (when she didn't have the pins in her mouth). In her class we made a drawstring gym bag and then I made a 'hot-pant' suit out of tie-dyed denim! I was hooked!"

(Am I the only one who wishes Michelle would have shared a picture of that tie-dyed hot pant suit?)

She kept sewing for years, learning on her own. "I made prom dresses, shirts, skirts etc. when I wanted something new to wear."

Michelle loves sewing detailed clothing for children. "I prefer to sew with natural fibers but I'm branching-out and learning new techniques with other fabrics.

"One of my favorite projects is a smocked pinafore made using a dotted Swiss cotton I purchased at Treadle. This garment went on to win a prize at the Minnesota State Fair."

Here's one of Michelle's latest smocked creations. Her detailed handwork is just breathtaking!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

We still haven't completely finished our Get To Know Us series; there are a lot of us Treadlettes! Today Sherry is giving us a look into her sewing story.

"I started hand-sewing at my grandma's knee when I was about three, making clothes for my teddy bear. Grandma was infinitely patient with my early attempts. Machine-sewing came later, when I was about twelve. My mom was a fabulous sewist and made all three of her daughters' clothes through our childhood and high school (this was back before cheap imported clothing was available, so sewing in those days was a way to save money). She was also a perfectionist, so I didn't really sew a lot until I went to college and could stretch out on my own and experiment. Mom was a classic tailor; I was more a 'guerrilla sewist,' at least in my early years.

"I've been shopping at Treadle for decades but started working here about 10 years ago. One day I was shopping in the store and Roberta mentioned she needed someone for Wednesday evening shifts. She asked if I'd like to do it; I said yes. It was the shortest job interview I've ever had.

"I sew most of my clothes---I'm short and full-figured, and nothing really fits except what I make for myself. I especially love historic costuming and making baby quilts (I've probably made close to a hundred over the last thirty years, for babies, and now grandbabies, of my friends and relatives).

"I play music at many historic sites in the region with my band Dunquin and I make period-appropriate clothing in Regency, Civil War, and other eras, for myself and my band. After many years, it feels like clothing and not costumes to dress the part, and it's very satisfying to be someone else for a weekend.

"My favorite project is often my latest project. I finished a baby quilt in bright, tropical colors a few weeks ago, using the brilliant batiks in the Treadle's collection, and it's one of the most fun things I've made.

"To all sewists out there, especially beginners: Making your own clothes and other creative projects is fun, satisfying , and gives you a great sense of accomplishment, especially knowing nobody else is ever going to have your unique garment or fashion sense! Even if it's a bit daunting at first, it gets easier and more fun the more you sew. And you're in the great Sisterhood of Sewists, one of the best groups ever!"

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today's Treadlette is Sue. Take it away, Sue!

"I think I started sewing in 6th grade. I hated it! I had two older sisters who were clearly better at and much more interested in it. I just remember ripping a lot of stuff out and in the end the top I was making not fitting the way I wanted it to. I didn’t really begin to enjoy sewing until I was in graduate school and needed dressy clothes for my music recitals. I didn’t want to look like I just attended my junior prom while I was up on stage, so I knew I would have to sew dresses that suited my personality. In hindsight, sewing on slippery, silky fabrics was a tough way to work on my sewing skills—kind of trial by fire.

"I think I’ve been at Treadle for 24 years, if I remember correctly. I used to work a lot of daytime hours, but now I only get to be at Treadle on weekends.

"I didn’t grow up in Minnesota, so when I moved here, I knew I would need warmer coats, so I started sewing coats. This is still my favorite thing to sew—jackets of just about any kind, but especially outerwear. I’ve done a lot of polar fleece pullovers and supplex jackets, a trench coat for my husband, and several wool coats and jackets. 

"Probably my favorite fabric to sew with now is just about any kind of knit. It started when my kids were younger and they both really needed to move. Knits were the answer for how active they were. Then I also became unwilling to buy cheap knit garments, of course, thinking I could sew them better and make them fit better. Now there are so many great companies doing knits, Telio and Art Gallery, to name a few, that finding good quality knits is much easier these days.

"My latest project, still working on it, is Vogue 9244, the new Marcy Tilton jacket, that I will put up for display in the shop once it’s finished.

"One last thought is something we always say to our Treadle customers, please bring in your finished projects so we can congratulate you and see your work. I sometimes think people think we aren’t really interested, but I personally truly enjoy watching our customers grow in their love of sewing. I get inspired when they share their projects."

You can see all of our Get To Know Us posts here!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Michele Hoaglund started working at Treadle in 1994. Her daughter Olivia (yes, OUR Olivia!) was one year old.

In the time Michele worked at Treadle, she started teaching sewing classes and coordinating our wonderful class schedule. Some of her favorite classes to teach are Beginning Apparel Sewing, "because beginners have such energy and excitement!" and Copy Ready-To-Wear. "It's like playing dot-to-dot for grownups."

She loves to sew garments that go together well, like they are supposed to! "I appreciate a well-drafted pattern," she says. Patterns from independent company Sewing Workshop are a particular favorite of Michele's. "They are classic styles and they always fit well."

Michele bought Treadle a little over a year ago, and since then has been developing her vision for the store.

She added our new tagline, "Sewing People Together," which perfectly describes the sense of community Treadle fosters by bringing people together through sewing. "People run into each other here who haven't seen each other in years, but they were best friends in another life. We share our joys and sorrows. It's a gift Mary created. We will always carry beautiful fabrics, but we are focused on community."

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today's Treadlette is Melissa!

Melissa is our resident Home Decorating Expert. She's always got a clever solution for sewing curtains, Roman shades, quilts, and pillows, and well as recovering chair seats and cushions.

If you've been in recently and seen (okay, played with) the sequined pillow on our counter, you've seen a little piece of Melissa's work. She tackled that tricky fabric fearlessly!

She's no slouch when it comes to garment sewing, though. Melissa can whip up cute blouses and dresses and has a knack for choosing fun and funky patterns.

Melissa also teaches classes with us! She can help you solve your decorating dilemmas in a Sewing Salon, or take her pillow class or Roman shade class to spruce up your space!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

This week's Treadlette is Meg!

Meg started sewing with her grandmother at around age 8. "We made a grey and red plaid vest with princess seams and matched the plaids! I wish I still had it to prove it."

Like many of our Treadlettes, Meg has been with us a while; she has worked at Treadle for at least 27 years. You will mostly see her on Saturdays.

I find Meg's style to be polished and effortlessly stylish. "I am a sucker for white embroidered cotton, beautiful knits and the challenge of buying remnants. I like to sew simple straightforward things that do not take a long time from start to finish--clothing and home dec."

Current projects and favorites? "I love Vogue pattern 1415 view A with a cowl like neck--I've made it twice and feel very elegant in it. My 26 year old son actually asked me when he saw my 2nd version if it was the same pattern as my cream colored top. I love that he noticed! Currently I am covering an ottoman for my son with a piece of Pendleton wool."

"I am working on convincing myself that if I sew a few minutes every day, it will add up to a significant amount of work at the end of the week." I think it does, Meg! I love that philosophy.

There's more Treadlette Tuesday every week!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today's Treadlette Tuesday features our newest Treadlette, Olivia!

"I started sewing when I was 9. My grandma and my mom taught me. I always preferred to sew with my grandma because I didn't like listening to my mom at that age. She would help me with my projects for 4H."

"I have worked at Treadle for about a year and a half but I've frequented Treadle since I was a baby with my mom! I have fond memories hanging out in the store, playing with the toys, organizing buttons and straightening ribbon."

"I haven't tried a wide range of projects yet so I'm not sure what my favorite thing to sew is just yet. My favorite fabric to wear is knit because it's comfortable but can still look cute and put together. I also love the drape and feel of rayon but hate that it wrinkles and shrinks!"

"My most recent projects haven't been anything too exciting. I've hemmed pants and made little burp cloths for friends having babies. My favorite project was a shirt that made for 4-H one year in middle school. It was black with white polka dots in a peasant top with red buttons. I won a blue ribbon on it and felt very proud. Sometimes I still wish I had that shirt and that it fit me!"

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

This week's Treadlette is Julia! Hi Julia!

"I started sewing with our family friend Suzy Sewell when I was in fifth or sixth grade. When I was in seventh grade I joined 4H and began a more formal study: reading patterns and having garments 'graded' at county events."

Like most of our Treadlettes, she's been with us a while! "I started at Treadle in 1986, left in 1987, then returned in 1998."

Project-wise, it seems like Julia always has something cooking! "I like to sew gifts for other people: pillowcases, camp shirts for my husband, and last year stuffed dogs for my family."

Julia also makes great dresses. We've had several of her projects displayed in the store recently, like this cute chambray double gauze dress.

"I'm a bit late to the 'sewing with knits' party, but am enjoying trying to find the perfect t shirt pattern. I really enjoy a soft knit, especially cotton!

"My most recent project is a t shirt pattern that can also be lengthened to a dress. When it fits correctly as a top, I look forward to making both the dress and many iterations of both!" We look forward to seeing it. Thanks, Julia!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today let's chat with longtime Treadlette Anne! Anne started at Treadle in 1979, making her one of our longest-running Treadlettes.

Anne started sewing way back in 7th grade Home Ec. She made a gingham apron and a dress. "But I wasn't defeated yet," she says. Her mother also sewed and they spent long sewing weekends up North working on projects. Sounds like bliss to me!

Anne spent years enjoying sewing from designer patterns such as Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Adri, and Issey Miyake. "Their simple styles appealed to me and I made them up in linens and cottons. I still use these patterns once in a while.

"But I have become very fond of quilting - I love putting color and pattern together! It's a lot like jigsaw puzzles - my very favorite pastime!"

Anne made this fabulous quilt a few years ago from a Tula Pink fabric bundle. Her beautifully precise construction really set off these zingy bright fabrics!

Anne also loves making Christmas stockings. "They range from elegant pieced styles with lace and tassels to very silly felt stockings for my special canine and feline buddies."

One of Anne's favorite techniques is bias bindings. "I love making bias bindings. I've even gone so far as to convince co-workers that their projects needs this extra touch just so I could make it for them!"

Current projects? "I'm working on a pieced table runner. I had intended to use only what I had in my stash, but you all know how that goes."

Recently Anne moved to a town a bit father away from Treadle, so she isn't working with us as often. But you'll still see her on the occasional weekend! Be sure to say hi!

You can read previous posts in our Get To Know Us series here! And look for more every Treadlette Tuesday!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

This week's Treadlette is Ardus!

Ardus started sewing when she was about age 13 on "an old Singer that only sewed straight, with no back stitch." Wow! That's proof you don't need the fanciest machine to sew well.

She's been at Treadle quite a while. "I started Treadle in 1989...! Oh my - that's 27 years!!!"

I asked Ardus what she likes to sew. "Clothing for myself, though I loved sewing for my daughter when she was a baby, then a toddler, and in grade school; I also enjoy some home dec projects.

"My favorite fabrics are linen and wool but I will also sew with cotton and silk. I prefer woven fabric but will sew with knit if I like a pattern that requires it.

"I am currently sewing a Marcy Tilton knit dress (Vogue 8975). It's incredibly convoluted. VERY unusual pattern pieces!"

Ardus is often spotted wearing garments she has made, particularly pants and blouses with a casual, comfy fit that still looks refined. One favorite she has sewn repeatedly: "Linen pants from Sewing Workshop patterns."

Other favorite projects of all time? "A silk dupioni suit with a Laura Murray kimono fabric piece sewn onto jacket back. Also, years ago, a short wool, lined jacket cut and sewn from a men's wool coat that had not been worn much. Many others that I have long forgotten, worn out or given away!"

Her advice for sewing? "Be inspired!" Thank goodness there is so much inspiration to be found at Treadle!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Treadlette Rebecca is a truly amazing seamstress. She has been at Treadle 19 years and also sews professionally as a theater costumer at the Opera. Her style is all about originality and glamour, whether making jeweled and feathered confections or everyday clothes that are anything but ordinary.

Rebecca started sewing in 4-H when she was 9. "My very first project was a reversible skirt."
Nowadays? "I really do like to make it all- clothes for me, costumes, doll clothes, tailored suits. I love wools and specialty fabrics."

One "specialty fabric" project of Rebecca's I personally loved was this pink feather skirt. Delightful!

Rebecca shared a few gorgeous doll dresses she recently made. I can see why she loves doll clothes! The small scale is the perfect canvas for experiments with fancy fabrics and new styles.

Rebecca has a fearless spirit when it comes to sewing. "Just do it! Don't be afraid to try - you'll learn from every project even if it doesn't turn out exactly how you think it will!"

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today we are chatting with Treadlette Jennifer!

Jennifer has worked at Treadle part time off and on for the past 16 years. She is a bold, bright force of creative nature!

I asked her what particular fabrics or techniques inspire her. "I just plain love fabric…all fabric. I grew up with a sister who was a tailor and a sister who was a home economics teacher and a sister who loved fabric and sewing machines."

Her love of fabric certainly inspired this Liberty Lawn top - made a few years ago and shared here on our blog. This delicious fabric makes it so special!

Jennifer is into a lot more than apparel sewing, too. "I have been published in interweave press for purses that I designed and constructed, made the wood handles and bead embellished. I love embroidering and doing hand sewing; needle and thread is my favorite. I can sew clothes but I love fabric for all sorts of other things. I have made quilts, wall hangings, rugs, doll clothes, cushion covers, curtains……on and on."

Handwork is definitely one of Jennifer's strengths! Last week she shared this mixed-fiber-media baby blanket with us. The self-lined cotton lawn squares are joined with rows of crochet.

Jennifer shared her feelings on how sewing can be a deeply emotional part of our lives. "I am a woman in recovery and being creative is part of my recovery process. I think sewing and creating something is my form of meditation, it calms me down and lets me live in the moment.

"I love working at Treadle because it gives me the opportunity to work with the most amazing women I have ever known. My co-workers are so smart, creative, caring, authentic, and sincere. I am the luckiest woman I know." Thanks, Jennifer! We are certainly lucky to know you!

There's more Treadlette Tuesday, every week!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Mary Daley, longtime owner of Treadle Yard Goods, is a familiar face to many! She is an immensely creative person and makes beautiful garments fearlessly.

Mary started sewing in 7th grade. "The class was dreadful, the teacher couldn’t have been less enthusiastic, and it’s a wonder that in spite of those obstacles, I continued to sew. Somehow a spark was ignited."

Her love of sewing led her to open a fashion fabric store. "I founded Treadle along with my dear, late husband Paul in April, 1976." You can read more about Treadle's origins at our about page.

A favorite fabric? "I love to sew with wool. The fabric is so malleable, easy to steam into shape and create just the right amount of drape or ease where ever it is needed. Plus, it looks gorgeous, comes in a variety of weights and is a dream to wear. I do enjoy constructing a well tailored garment and wool is really ideal for that purpose.

"My least favorite technique is making buttonholes. They are almost always the last item on the garment and if one of them goes awry, it can make you cry!"

I asked Mary what she'd been sewing recently. "I have been going through my rather extensive fabric stash and rediscovering beautiful fabrics that now need to be made into three dimensional wearable garments. I think that what has kept me sewing all these years is the ability to take a flat piece of fabric, imagine a finished garment and with my own two hands turn it into something beautiful to wear. What a wonderful and satisfying feeling!"

Since Mary sold the business last year, she's been slowly stepping back from Treadle. "Following my recent spine surgery, I find it is finally time for me to hang up my spurs."

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

Today we are chatting with Treadlette Nina. Hi Nina! Tell us about yourself!

"I have been sewing since I was around 10, but really started to like it when I was in junior high and high school. I have been at Treadle about 18 years. I like to make clothes for myself and baby clothes."

Nina has a fantastic, unique style and isn't afraid to try quirky elements or mix fabrics for fun effects. "I think of my clothing style as extension of my artistic practice, using color and pattern to express myself. Knits are a favorite fabric of mine currently, with the Moneta dress and Moneta/Wren mash-up being a staple garment in my closet."

Nina has a background in fine art and comes from a family of artists. Her work explores the use of fibers and the overlap between areas perceived as "art" vs. "craft."

"One of my favorite projects is a piece I did for my Junior Review at Augsburg. Lately I have been excited to do some surface design and paintings on fabric to turn into wearables."

Nina also teaches classes for kids and teens at Treadle. You can find her classes at our class schedule page.

There's more to come on Treadlette Tuesday, next week and every week!

Treadlette Tuesday: Get To Know Us

You've probably seen store manager Roberta at Treadle. She started sewing in junior high: "I made a harvest gold, wide wale corduroy jumper. Guess what era that was?!"

Roberta has now been at Treadle for over 30 years and is a devoted apparel sewer. With her classic sense of style and great knowledge of fine fabrics, she loves a well-made garment and always appreciates well-placed details.

"Shirts, blouses, tops and jackets are my favorite projects. I'm a fiber snob - I like to work on any natural fiber fabric. I love to do French seams, welt pockets and bound buttonholes."

Her most recent project was a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. Unfortunately, they didn't require any of her favorite fine sewing techniques!

And a favorite project of all time? "Years ago I made a jacket/top with a Vogue Issey Miyake pattern. A co-worker advised against trying to second guess the pattern's sometimes counter intuitive instructions. The garment went together beautifully, with seam finishes and perfectly mitered corners."

I'd like to add MY favorite project Roberta has made recently: this gorgeous jacket made from one of our Japanese import fabrics.

We'll be sharing more in our Get To Know Us series, next Treadlette Tuesday!

New Post Series: Treadlette Tuesdays!

Hi, and welcome to our new post series!

There are a lot of us working at Treadle. We call ourselves the Treadlettes, and we want you to know a little more about us! In the next couple months, we’ll be introducing all of the people who make Treadle so special and telling you more about ourselves.

To start our Get To Know Us series, I’m Elizabeth, your friendly neighborhood blogger! I’ve been working at Treadle since Summer 2011, and in 2012 I took over writing our store blog.

I’ve been sewing since I was in my teens, and I quickly discovered my One True Sewing Love: historic costume. I have been devoted to historic sewing for many years, and I love researching how to make my historic garments as accurate as possible. Of course I also love dressing up and attending historic events! Probably my favorite historic dress I've made is this 1770s handsewn orange silk taffeta robe a l'anglaise.

I like to sew modern garments, too. It’s so nice to be able to wear something you’ve made in your daily life! I also dabble in quilting and crafts. It’s good to spread your projects around a little.

I started teaching at Treadle in 2012. I started with just a hand sewing class and a hat making class, but I really loved teaching, so soon I added more and more classes, and now I teach all kinds of things! I’ve also been lucky enough to take over coordinating our class schedule.

Stay tuned for more bios, product recommendations, and favorite pattern picks from us, every Treadlette Tuesday!