Where is your business located?  In Austin, Texas. Do you work out of a home studio or do you have a brick and mortar location? I have a home-based studio. What kind of work do you specialize in? Bridal aterations and custom linens.

Do you work alone or do you share the space with others? I work alone. What's the first thing that clients notice about your space? The comment I most often hear is, “Wow, you’re serious about this.” They notice all the tools, the machines, the large work table and the sewing related décor such as antique notions, irons and garments.

Tell me a little about your favorite part of your sewing space. The large work table I created from 2 IKEA storage units—I have a place to store things I use regularly and a large work surface. I’ve been doing more hand-sewing on recent projects and this table, with an adjustable height work stool is perfect. How did you develop your layout? Trial and error over the years. As I’ve changed the way I sew, the work area has changed. I spend far more time at the work table than the machines now, so the work table is larger. A long time ago I started sewing at a standing position. I’ve kept my machines at that height, making it easy to sew a quick seam. The adjustable stool I use allows me to sit for longer sewing sessions. The ironing station is easily accessible from both the work and sewing tables. I basically have the equivalent of a kitchen work triangle with the sewing table, work table and ironing station.

What makes your sewing space unique? Lots of interesting notions from my grandmother and my travels. I also have a fairly large collection of sewing, art and costume books. I think clients see this as an indication of my dedication. This is clearly where I spend my time, energy and money, so it must be important to me.

I’ve not actively pursued clients for quite a while, but have kept busy with personal referrals. Since I also have a full-time job, I have the luxury of only taking projects I’m interested in. Most of the work I’ve done in the past year has been through co-workers, which has been really convenient.