Submitted by Jill Chuckas, Crafty Baby

My love affair with sewing started at the ripe old age of four.  I remember visiting with my Nana K. at her home in Staten Island, NY.  She had a sewing machine in her bedroom and I would sit and watch her create dresses and other pretty things.  She was so patient and often let me help pin things and sit with her at the machine.  At the time, I was very interested in Barbie’s.  Together, we cut out simple tops and pants.  She taught me to hand sew these doll clothes so that my Barbie was fashionable.  What a wardrobe she had!

 Years later, in middle school, I learned how to use a sewing machine.  Nowadays, schools do not have home economics classes or sewing machines.  So sad.  But in my day, both boys and girls were required to take simple sewing and basic cooking classes.  Such great life skills, in my opinion.  But I digress. 

The project was to make a simple pillow for one’s bed.  Well, let’s just say that my pillows covered up my entire bed!  Hearts, squares, circles – you name the shape, I made it!  And, everyone got a hand crafted pillow for the holidays that year.  Needless to say, I received my first sewing machine for Christmas the year I turned 13.  A machine that I still own, although I have upgraded since then.

When I was sewing, I was lost in my creation.  I could make anything my heart desired.  It gave me solace, peace and joy.  Still does.  Sewing developed a creative outlet that I have always valued.  In high school, I learned pattern making skills.  My teacher, Mrs. Petersen helped open a whole new world of discovery for me.  This is when I started making many of my own clothes and where I began to understand how to alter designs to suit my needs.  Years later I would create formal gowns for college events and bridesmaid gowns for my friends’ weddings.

In college, I chose a different path and earned a dual degree in Child and Family Studies and Psychology and later, a Masters in Social Work.  In my practice as a School Social Worker, I often used the arts to help children express their feelings.  Art is a powerful tool – drawing, puppetry, playdough, etc. – in helping a child work through trauma, anxiety and other difficult life circumstances.  Just sitting with a child while they create can summon peace in the most chaotic circumstance.

During pregnancy, I delved into my desire to create everything for my kids.  So much fun!  The fabrics, the ideas – boy was my mind churning!  And, Crafty Baby was born.  Over the years, I’ve “fixed” products I saw on the market that didn’t quite work right and created items that I needed for my kids.  While I don’t have the patience to sew with my children that Nana K did with me (hope to with my grandkids :-) ), I do involve them in the process of creation.  They help pick out fabrics, tell me what they like (and what they don’t) and field test products.  

I am so grateful to those in my life that encouraged my creative outlets.  So many times over the years, these skills have served me well.  They help me think out side the box and enjoy life.  Creating brings me joy and helps me spread joy.  A pretty good day job to say the least!  I only hope that I can pass this love of handmade creations on to my children.  If nothing else, I am off to a good start!

ABOUT the Author:

Jill Chuckas is a Work at Home Mom entrepreneur whose business, Crafty Baby, has been delighting children and the families who love them for 11 years.  Based in the general principle that fun and function should come together, Crafty Baby designs are crafted to stand the test of time – and multiple children!  All products are available for retail sale at www.craftybaby.com and various children’s specialty stores across the country.  Our most popular product, the all in one fleece Nap Pack blanket with attached pillow, is also available in bulk orders for preschools and daycares (special pricing available :-) ).