Today we talk with Madeline Stage, owner of Goheen LLC, about her business, workspace and makes.

Madeline, tell us about your sewing/design business.

I am a Sewing Pattern Designer and my business Goheen LLC sells patterns, DIY kits, accessories and home decor.

I have a focus on intentional and sustainable making. For example, all of the products that I sew and sell are created using at least one secondhand material. I also offer a line of DIY kits that feature discarded fabrics saved from going to a landfill. My patterns offer an inclusive size range (up to a 54" bust), single layer cutting layouts to help reduce material waste, and patterns that fill multiple needs in your wardrobe, like the Huxley Bag, which can convert between a backpack, a bike bag, and a cross body bag.

How did you decide what your business niche would be?

I've mostly let my niche come about organically, just paying attention to what aspects of my business I'm most passionate about, and leaning into those.

A view toward sustainable making has lead to the following tenets for my business:

• Rescue “Graveyard Goods” (unwanted/abandoned materials).

• Make beautiful and functional awesomeness out of it.

• Inspire other people to do the same.

• Have fun while doing it!!

I know that you recently relocated to the Chicago area, what can you tell us about your new workspace?

Since I just moved, the layout of the space is a work in progress. I've been thinking about what my ideal setup would be for each section of my work (cutting, ironing, pattern drafting, computer work, etc.) and then trying to find a way to fit it all together so that it works with the space. For me, that will mean having furniture that can multitask. I'm hoping to build myself a custom table that will be able to fill a lot of those needs.

One of my favorite things about my new workspace is that it has a door! For the first time ever I now have a completely separate space for my work. No more sharing space with the living room or my son's bedroom!

You share many of your makes on Instagram. What project is your absolute proudest moment?

My proudest moment has to be winning one of the categories at last year's Threads Challenge. I put so much of myself into my coat-bag, and it felt so gratifying to be recognized.

What is your favorite part about being an ASDP member?

The community. I love feeling like I'm a part of a group, even if I'm at home working alone all day.

You can find Madeline’s patterns and kits online at www.goheendesigns.com and you can follow her on Instagram @goheendesigns and Facebook GoheenDesigns.