I’m Shannon — maker, sewist, lifelong chaos-wrangler — and apparently now… blogger? Sure. Why not. My life’s changed a lot lately, and it feels like the right time to open up a new corner of the internet where I can actually talk about sewing, machines, repairs, projects, and all the weird little things that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram caption.

So, welcome. Don’t trip over the pile of half-finished bags in the corner. Let’s start with the basics.

Who I Am (the short version)

I’m a Newfoundlander who has somehow lived in Ontario longer than I ever lived on The Rock, and honestly, I’m still processing that. I love skulls, spooky things, and I play too much Dungeons & Dragons — though simultaneously not enough. I’m a sewist, but do not call me a seamstress. (1842 called, they want their word back. ) I sew stuff. Bags, garments, the occasional quilt and random nonsense I woke up thinking about at 2 a.m.

I love making things out of what I already have. Repurposing, upcycling, turning boring things into fun things. When we used to run Embellish, our full fabric shop, I was constantly making samples with new fabric lines. Now that we’ve downsized into Sewing Machine Magic, I get to make things that feel more like me again.

What I Do Now

I co-own Sewing Machine Magic in Cobourg with my partner, Ted. If you’ve ever walked into the shop and wondered who actually fixes the machines—yeah, that’s Ted. He’s the magician behind the curtain, although you will see him out front way more often these days. I’m often answering questions, matching people with the right sewing machine, and talking people down from the emotional cliff after their bobbin has acted like it’s auditioning for a horror movie.

I’m also the account manager at LDH Scissors, which, yes, are the best scissors out there and yes, I believed that long before they hired me. My collection was already… let’s say enthusiastic.

And because I’m forever picking up new side quests… I’ve been a stage and production manager, makeup artist, custom closet designer, and international event manager. I like organizing creative chaos — that pretty much sums it up. I’ve even been dipping my toes back into some wardrobe and costuming work lately. Life is weird like that.

Why Start a Blog Now?

Honestly? I kept thinking blogs are dead. Ancient. Dusty. Something from the days when people still said “web surf.” But here’s the thing: I still end up reading blogs every time I need a specific answer about something — and I know I’m not the only one.

Social media is great for quick hits, but sometimes you need more space to explain why your machine sounds like it’s chewing rocks, or how to choose the right needle without summoning the tension gods.

Working in a fabric store taught me something important: so many sewists (both new and experienced) are missing really basic information that would make their sewing life so much easier. I want to change that. I want you to love your machine, not fear it like it’s plotting something.

Let’s Talk Sewing Confidence (or lack thereof)

At this point I can practically predict it: someone sits down, touches the machine, and immediately declares themselves a disaster. They're not.

Listen, everyone starts somewhere. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has sworn at a bobbin. You’re allowed to be learning. You’re allowed to be imperfect. Your stitches wobble? Same. Your thread snarls? Welcome to the club. Your machine makes a weird noise? Let’s figure it out.

I’ll help shake people out of their sewing funks, because life’s too short to be bullied by your own hobby.

A Few Things You Can Expect Here

• Short, real-world sewing tips - Honest sewing tips that make things easier, not prettier for the internet
• Machine maintenance myths I’m ready to murder - Looking at you: “all bobbins are universal.” They are not. They will never be. Stop it.
• Tool talk, including LDH goodness - I won’t apologize for loving good scissors.
• Theatre and costuming chaos - Possibly. Maybe. Depends on how cursed my next project is.
• Class updates, project ideas, and “What fresh nonsense happened in the shop today?” stories - Because trust me… there’s always something.

What Do You Want to Hear About?

No really, what…

What trips you up when you sew?
What’s the thing your machine does that drives you absolutely feral?
What sewing rant should I unleash first?

Send me your monsters, mysteries, and sewing mayhem.

A Tiny Shop Plug

If you’re local, yes — Sewing Machine Magic is that shop.
The one with the fairy garden out front, the little sewing trolls in the window, the dragons perched on the vents, and the PFAFF machines that actually behave.

Come visit. Ask questions. Bring your “what the hell is this machine doing” moments. We’ve seen it all.

And That’s It — We’re Off

So, welcome to the first post. I’ll be here with sewing tips, machine wisdom, project ideas, and the occasional rant about needles. You know, the essentials.

Let’s stitch through the chaos together.