I find sewing to be both therapeutic and challenging.  When my kids were young and my world was consumed with tasks that were never-ending (e.g. laundry) I found that being able to start a project and bring it to completion immensely satisfying.  While sewing with others' patterns started off as therapy, it very quickly grew into the mental challenge of designing creative items that were both beautiful and functional.  It gives me great satisfaction to see others creating my designs for themselves!

My sewing studio is a converted area in our home.  I sew on a Bernina 440QE - a wonderful machine!  In addition to patterns, I occasionally add fabric, notions and handmade items to the shop.

I hope you find fun, easy-to-use sewing items here that inspire you to 

GO MAKE SOMETHING!

In addition to sewing, I enjoy photography.  I started out with the goal of taking better pictures of my sewing projects, but quickly discovered that this new hobby could be just as therapeutic and time-consuming as sewing.

I am the homeschooling mom of 3 boys, now all teenagers. I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, and now live in Texas, USA - 2 completely different worlds, each with its unique blessings. Before becoming a mom, I worked as a school-based occupational therapist assisting children who had difficulty functioning in the classroom.

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I like to sew everyday items but occasionally will sew clothing.  When I successfully make a red linen dress that fits, I might be found running in circles in celebration.

​Instagram @CraftApple can be found here.
Photography Instagram @SnapPaperScissors here.
The CraftApple blog is here.

The Studio

This is my sewing studio on a clean day!

Since posting a picture of these fabric storage shelves on my blog I have gotten a lot of questions about plans and dimensions.  These shelves were based off of the Cameron Storage System from Pottery Barn Kids (found here).  I had originally purchased the shelves from them, but because of my chemical sensitivity, I had to return them.  The off-gassing from the MDF boards and paint were overwhelming and gave me a headache when I unpacked them.  I returned them and asked a cabinetmaker to make them for me from real wood and zero VOC paint.  The dimensions are very similar to the Cameron Storage System and my cabinetmaker added an extra layer of shelving to mine.  Mine is also just 3 separate pieces rather than 6.