ABOUT US
Our Sewing Journey
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Sewing has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of sewing dates to my first project for 4-H, which taught me not only the basics of sewing but also the importance of recycling. For that project, I transformed one of my dad’s old white shirts into a crop top, finishing the edges with lime green bias tape. This experience was just the beginning, as my mom and grandma—who were both skilled seamstresses out of necessity—passed down their knowledge and love of sewing to me. I fondly recall pajamas made from colorful feed sacks and school dresses crafted with care and affection.
My sewing skills grew through my participation in 4-H, evolving from simple crop tops to dresses, lined suits, wool coats, and even formalwear and wedding dresses. I never anticipated that these early experiences would pave the way for a career in sewing and customer service.
Education and Early Career
After graduating from high school, I attended Iowa State University and earned a degree in Textiles and Clothing Merchandising in 1974. During my studies, I took numerous construction and tailoring classes, further refining my skills. Upon returning to Hastings, I accepted a position at a local department store. As word spread among friends about my sewing abilities, I began receiving requests for sewing jobs.
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The Spool House: Serving the Community
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In January 1975, I officially established The Spool House by renting a dedicated space for my sewing business. With a focus on alterations and custom work, we have built a reputation as a trusted name in the community, meeting a wide variety of sewing needs for our customers.