I embarked on my sewing journey in 2006 to prepare a nursery for my boy-girl twins.  I asked for a sewing machine for my birthday, and my mom and I worked together to figure out patterns and fabric to decorate the nursery before the twins were born.

This project sparked my interest in sewing, and I spent the next four years learning all I could through books and online classes.   I took my first in-person class when we relocated to the Indianapolis area.  It was in this first class where I met my sewing mentor, Joyce.  Joyce had 43 years of experience as a professional dressmaker.  Our personalities clicked, and after the class was over, she reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in an apprenticeship.  I jumped at the opportunity and was her apprentice from 2011 to 2014.  When Joyce retired and sold her business, I continued working with the new owner until 2017.  In these 6 years working in custom sewing and bridal alterations, I learned so many of the techniques that I share with you today!

In 2017, I founded TomKat Stitchery as my own custom sewing and alteration business.  Working out of my home was a bit lonely, and I looked online to connect with others in the sewing community.  In 2018, I decided to share my experience, and I started the TomKat Stitchery YouTube channel.  

In 2021, I offered an in-person class to 24 sewists.  We spent a weekend together sewing a button-up shirt.  Working with each person brought me so much joy as I watched them grow in their own sewing journey.  I was inspired to expand my classes to offer digital courses to sewists around the world.

Today, Jenni, Operations Director, and I provide in-depth instruction for garment sewing through on-demand classes and continue to Engage, Inspire and Educate sewists worldwide.