This past week, we lost our friend, Kevin Kise. I wanted to find a way to honor him and remember him, so Jonathan Bennett and I recalled our favorite memories of Kevin and I hope you will share yours on the Sew Much More Facebook page.

Jackie Myers is the owner of Useful Stitches drapery workroom and Useful Stitches Etsy. She has been sewing for 38 years. After graduating with a BS in Math, she decided to pursue her interest in sewing and took sewing and decorating classes.

After sewing for years as a hobby for herself and friends, she decided to officially open shop as Useful Stitches, LLC eleven years ago. She sews mainly to the trade with some retail jobs. Her husband of 38 years is her installer, accountant, and consultant.

When she is not sewing, she loves to garden, cook, watch birds in her back yard, and sew useful gifts.

You can find Jackie on Facebook.

Links and Resources;

Bill's Sewing Center

New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories

Custom Draperies in Interior Design by Mary Neal

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

Devin Ryan is the heart and hands behind Redeemed Relic Upholstery, where she transforms well-loved furniture into beautiful, meaningful pieces with new life. After earning a degree in communication and a master's in education, Devin spent years teaching — a career she loved — until multiple sclerosis forced her to step away from the classroom. What began as a creative outlet during that transition turned into a passion and a purpose, leading her to build Redeemed Relic into the heart-driven small business it is today. Through her work, Devin brings stories, craftsmanship, and second chances together — and she loves inspiring others to see the beauty in what's already there.

Devin is on Facebook and Instagram

Audrey Campbell's podcast

Emily Marshall's podcast

Yardsticks by Chip Wood

A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne

Organization is a Learnable Skill by Lisa Woodruff

(Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money. I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)

Devin mentioned;

Lisa Woodruff's website Organize 365

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Links and Resources;

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

(Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money. I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)

Justin Dazey is the owner of Foxglove Artisan and Castillo's Custom Upholstery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Justin has a BA in Interior Design and over 30 years of experience in the antiques, interiors, and furniture world. In 2014, Justin took up sweeping floors in the shop of a third-generation Upholstery family. He brought his design skills and furniture history knowledge to the role of Studio Manager, eventually becoming their lead upholsterer. In 2024, Justin took up the mantle as his mentor retired, becoming the owner, designer, and upholsterer of the Seattle Studio. Most recently, Justin partnered with Marta Powers and Mandy Szigethy to acquire Upholstery Education, offering the very best in traditional upholstery training available in the United States.

Justin is a collector at heart. He collects history, chairs, and curiosities. He firmly believes every piece has a story to tell and loves bringing old items back to life through patient and accurate restoration. Sharing his insights and seeking education to honor the traditions of craft and furniture is one of his true passions.

Links and Resources;

Upholstery Edcuation

Links and Resources;

Episode 477 - Stacy McAleer from the Cavanaugh House

National Upholstery Association

Susan Fortucci began sewing at home on her grandmother's treadle sewing machine and made most of her own clothes throughout high school. In her early twenties, she met her future husband, who owned a sailboat, and she soon learned to make canvas projects and sails. This experience led her to work in canvas shops and sail lofts as the couple sailed from Boston to Florida and the Bahamas.

After settling in Maryland, Susan accepted a position at a sail loft. Not long after, she noticed an ad for a seamstress in a drapery workroom. Intrigued, she applied and was hired. When the workroom owner retired, several of her designers encouraged Susan to open her own business. She followed their advice and officially established her workroom in 2003.

You can reach Susan at [email protected]

Links and Resources;

You can find pictures of Susan's workroom in this edition of the Drapery & Design Digital Digest