making it fun: Behind the Seams with Michael Miller Fabrics

Today, on Making it Fun, we're going...

Laurel Shepherd: Rogers, Arkansas

Hello! My name is Laurel and I love sewing, fabric hoarding and trying new patterns. My mother and grandmothers are all excellent seamstresses and tried to teach me their ways when I was growing up. Did I listen and learn? Nope! I thought sewing was old fashioned and useless. My mom warned me that I would one day regret not learning. Well, as with most things in life, turns out my mom was right! Fast forward to 2013 when I found out I was pregnant with twins- all of the sudden, I wanted to sew them everything! Unfortunately, I had moved over 1,000 miles away from my mom and grandmas and had no one to teach me. That's when I discovered the online sewing community! I was able to learn so much from sewing blogs, Youtube tutorials and Facebook groups. I was able to go from someone who couldn't even sew a straight line to someone who creates beautiful clothing for herself and her children! It has been a rewarding transformation and I am extremely proud of my work.

It was through other sewing bloggers that I found out about the Sewing Portfolios website. A platform to connect seamstresses with pattern designers, fabric manufacturers and other businesses sounded brilliant to me. By creating a profile and joining the exclusive Facebook group, you open yourself up to some potentially great opportunities and collaborations.

Q: What's your favorite piece of work that you have created, your favorite project or your favorite part of the work day?

A: My favorite project is actually one of my most recent ones. I created a mini capsule wardrobe for my twins. I created 18 pieces for my girls to mix and match to their hearts content. It was a large undertaking but I was really happy with the results.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A teepee for a birthday gift for my twins

**Laurel's studio space

Q: What are your goals for the future, both for work and life?

A: I used to run a successful Etsy shop, but after my third baby, I found it much harder to make the time for it. I'd love to open up my shop again. I'm planning to try and do it this fall so hopefully it goes well!

Q: What are you doing when you're not creating or at work? What hobbies do you have?

A: Between raising three toddlers and working on all my sewing endeavors, I don't have a lot of other time. However, I do enjoy playing soccer in a women's league one night a week. It's great exercise but also a social outlet for me to spend time with friends.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A: I HATE crafts! I love sewing but I don't consider that "crafting." Scrapbooking, jewelry making, home decor, card making, etc. are not my forte.

Q: Do you have any favorite blogs/magazines/IG feeds that you follow or read?

A: Oh my, so many! One of my new favorites to follow is Sewing with Sarah. She creates such beautiful clothing and she posts great tutorials as well.

Q: Where else can we find you?

A: My blog is My Heart Will Sew On, my Instagram handle is @myheartwillsewon

Q: What else should we know about you and your work?

A: I love trying new things, mixing prints, mashing patterns and just being able to create unique pieces. I take great pride and joy in my creations!

Q: Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

A: It's ok to mess up and have to seam rip! When I first started sewing, I was so afraid to try something new and take the risk of ruining my fabric and wasting my time. It wasn't until I started pushing myself that I actually started to enjoy it and get better. I've ripped a lot of seams in my days and even had to throw out a couple of projects along the way. But I've created beautiful things and I rip a few less seams now!

Q: Do you admire any artists / photographers / people?

A: Every time I'm asked this question, I come up with the same answer. My mom!!!! She's seriously the best and I hope to be like her one day in so many ways!

Q: What is your favorite...

Color: Purple

Animal: Pandas

Season: Fall

Movie: While You Were Sleeping

Book: Harry Potter

Vacation spot: Gulf Coast

Food: Anything Italian!

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As a sewing ambassador for Sewing Portfolios, Laurel created the Easiest Zipper Pouch!

*She used Catching Dreams which will start shipping to stores in October.