Stitch Upon a Time is an original design based pattern company located in MI, USA with customers all over the world.

Happily Sewing

Stitch Upon a Time started out as an idea, and then a dream in a ten-year-old’s mind. At the time, I changed my future profession plans every 6 months, so there was no evidence that this one was going to stick. It wasn’t until ten years later, in a McDonald’s lobby on a borrowed laptop, that the dream began to flourish. Except that the dream wasn’t *quite* what Stitch Upon a Time has actually become. I wanted to make a living by sewing. Who wouldn’t want to make money doing what they love? But the only way I could imagine that was with being a tailor. Never mind that I LOATHE doing alterations…I currently have a pile of the family’s clothes that need alterations that have been stacking up for years. Luckily, a good idea led Stitch Upon a Time in another direction.

Starting a family is expensive and my budget was tighter than my too-tight and uncomfortable waistband. So out of necessity, I began to sew clothes for myself and my son that were comfortable and flattering. At the same time, I sewed custom items for my customers using patterns that I made myself. All it took was a pair of adorable baby pants and a strong push from the members of a sewing group for me to steer the business in yet another direction. That was in 2013 and the adorable baby pants were the Beanstalk Britches pattern.

When I’m not blissfully sewing or encouraging customers, I love to be exploring, taking pictures, or creating beautiful things in every other form. I like to take an idea and immediately run with it. This spontaneous trait has led to some of my best successes and working on what I’m currently most passionate about leads to patterns that are thorough (but not too wordy), clear, and on trend. I love to make clothes that are beautiful on all body types and the patterns are easy for even a novice sewer/ist to work with. I’m so happy to tie a neat bow around all that I love using Stitch Upon a Time as the ribbon.

Please take a look at the ‘free’ section of the shop, select a pattern you’d like to try, and give it a go! If you get stuck or have any questions, you can email me or ask in our community of over 50,000 members.

Meet the Team

bg_image

Kelly Stevens
Designer

Kelly is the lead designer and vice president of Stitch Upon a Time.
If you looked up the definition of me in the dictionary it would probably say “a little bit extra, A for effort.”
I grew up in Northern California, with a great grandmother who hand-sewed, embroidered and quilted, a grandmother who loved all crafts and the tools that went with them, and a mother who used the tools my grandmother bought. I used to love to go with them to weekend quilt shows because I was always guaranteed a yummy lunch out somewhere after.
I now live in Ohio with my husband, who I met while we were both stationed (Marine Corps) in San Diego. We settled here after he retired and I was medically separated. I have two kiddos with my husband, Adeline and Lushen, then two bonus kids who are 26 and 23. I just became a grandmother last summer too!
I began sewing clothes after my son was born and I was too stubborn to pay for cloth wipes. It took me two hours to wind the bobbin the first time despite having a youtube video detailing exactly what I needed to do. I don’t think there have been many days between then and now that I haven’t sewn something, cut something to sew, or worked on a new pattern to sew. I’m enamored and even took my sewing machines on a cross-country road trip with my mom and both kids two summers ago!
I spent the last nearly three years designing for another company. Coming to work at SUAT feels like coming home. I’m so happy to be here!”

bg_image

Jennifer Getter
Owner/Visionary

Jennifer is the owner of Stitch Upon a Time.
“I was gifted a wonderful antique sewing machine when I was 10 by my most favorite nurse, Amy. My mom, dad, and stepdad each gave me pointers in the beginning, but it wasn’t until nearly 10 years later that I began to learn what a seam allowance is, why my thread always nested, and why needles frequently broke off in my face. I honestly don’t understand why so many projects turned out fine in the beginning but now I understand why the pattern sizing was always off- the seam allowance isn’t just a suggestion! Sewing has always been a form of therapy for me. When I desperately wanted to start my family, I began sewing baby clothes nonstop. And when my first marriage was falling apart, sewing helped when nothing else could.
The only thing I love more than Stitch Upon a Time and sewing is my family. I have two kids, Jason and Ginnevieve, who you have probably seen as my little models in the past, and my husband Travis is the reason that I get so much done. I couldn’t ask for better support. I have a huge, sappy heart; I like to use my talents to make the world a little nicer by paying it forward whenever I can. I’m so thankful that I’ve been given all of the tools to turn this opportunity into a dream come true.”
bg_image

Leslie Getter
Fabric Manager

Leslie has been an admin for the business facebook group since the early days and she had an equal hand in starting the fabric department, which began in November, 2017. She is also our lead customer service team member.

“Years ago, sewing on my livingroon floor with my sister, making renaissance costumes is when I started sewing. I never imagined that I would actually be good at it, back then we didn’t know what a seam allowance was or how to hem a dress. We do now, and now we understand why things might not have fit like we wanted! LOL

I love working with the SUAT community, and who doesn’t love cutting into beautiful fabric? My favorite part of managing the fabric side of SUAT is seeing pictures of what you created using the SUAT patterns and fabric! When I am not playing with fabric or working my full time job, I am spending time with my family. I look forward to weekends with my nieces and nephews, they are fun and full of energy! I try to live in the moment and take nothing for granted.”

46 thoughts on “Our Story

    • Katherine Rhydderch says:

      Oh this is going to be so much fun I can feel it. My son found you for me in Florida here’s to a great adventure 🦋

  1. Anna Sevilla says:

    I have really enjoyed learning more about sewing from your Facebook page and so excited to start on the patterns I bought!

  2. Britney says:

    Congratulations on such a strong milestone!
    Question: I shared the giveaway, but I don’t see a way to select “done” or to add my extra 10 entries. I must be missing something. Any suggestions?

  3. Hildur Sonja Gudmundsdottir says:

    Your patterns have never failed and are so easy to follow with their clear directions. Looking forward to see what you have in store for the next patterns!

  4. TraceyMac says:

    I love these patterns. THANK YOU for the FREE Magnolia… big help to those of us outside the US.

    By the time I paid the conversion fee and the overseas bank charge, the cost was the same as full price. WHAT a delight to have the discount and free pattern mean I paid the same as anyone purchasing in the US…..

    THANK YOU

    Tracey

  5. TraceyMac says:

    OH bugger…. I’ve already spent my sewing allowance and just noticed you now have the Scrundlewear in KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    AWESOME!! Something to save up for now….

    Aussie Aussie Aussie hoi hoi hoi

  6. Jasmine says:

    Love the patterns I have tried so far… I need to find more time to try out the 3 newest patterns I have bought, but I suspect they will be just as fabulous to use as the others!

  7. nancy says:

    I buy the pattern Cardigan Tutorial add-on for HOODsie – HOODsie Cardigan Add On but i don’t have a pattern piece, just instructions???
    Nancy

  8. sewingtogether says:

    I came across your business via a FB post. I am going to be making the poncho. I love your story and it is very similar to myself. I recently opened a business teaching sewing lessons. I started out quilting 6 years ago and have ventured into other sewing projects. I love it! I”m curious, how did you get into designing your own patterns? Thank you and I look forward to making more of your patterns. 🙂

    • Jennifer says:

      Hi there! Thanks for the comment, I’m so happy you found us! I actually taught sewing classes for a little bit too!
      After it was suggested that I turn the Beanstalk Britches into a pattern I sort of winged it the best that I could. I had already created the pattern pieces and tested it on my son (it was just one size). I shared it on Etsy for just $3 because I knew it wasn’t very professionally done. Later, I took a couple pattern designing courses and got to know Adobe Illustrator. I revamped the Beanstalk Britches pattern twice and then started on fresh designs. It has taken a long time and a lot of trial and error along the way but now I feel very comfortable charging the prices I do because the patterns are well drafted, tested thoroughly, and contain great instructions.

  9. Ginormicamg says:

    I’ve been sewing most my life and stayed disappointed with the big pattern companies. I’ve really gotten into the indie pattern companies recently. Yours stands out for the fit that even new sewers can achieve with your simple patterns. The photos look great and your customer satisfaction is outstanding. You are reintroducing a lost art. The fact that you allow your patterns to be used by customers for their handmade business without all of the online red tape is AMAZING! I wanted to thank you personally. When things calm down in my life I’d love to do that. I will also be singing your praises. Thanks for all your doing for the sewing community. How did you learn to design so well? Tell us where you studied?

    • Jennifer Getter says:

      Thank you for your wonderful comment! I’m with you, one of the people who went with indie patterns and will not go back 🙂 I hope that when you decide to start your handmade business that it’s everything you dreamed of! I have a piece of advice though- don’t forget WHY you love to sew and always make time for what you want to sew (rather than only sewing because you have to). It’s something I still struggle with after doing this for years but I notice how much more peaceful I feel when I make time for myself. I’ve been sewing for many years and when StitchUponaTime was a handmade business, I did a lot of custom orders. Many times I created patterns for the orders. I am completely self-taught, constantly seeking out more information and learning. Designing sewing patterns is very technical but there’s plenty of information out there for people to learn. All of that said, I’m actually signed up to attend university this fall for Fashion Design and Development. I’m looking forward to learning a few things that I’m currently intimidated by and then sharing with you all through new designs!
      Thanks again for your comment, it made my day <3
      Jennifer

  10. leecopp says:

    Thanks for the great download policy. We are both working at home and she is using my laptop for her work stuff. So nice to just be able to re-download the needed files .. Ok, might store them up in the cloud this time. In Florida we are “Safer at Home”. Best wishes to all. I appreciated the Facebook group. Lee in Florida

  11. Patricia Robinson says:

    I’m trying to learn new things in sewing and I’m new to the download PDF. I’ve purchased patterns and I don’t understand how to piece them together. I have 8 1/2 by 11 paper that I’m downloading the pattern to, but I’m lost from there. Can you please tell me what I need to do? I’m trying to make the scrundle wear. They are so beautiful and I want to try and sew my own. Please advise. Thank you kindly. Patricia in Center Point, AL

    • Jennifer Getter says:

      Hi Patricia,
      If you’ve never assembled a PDF pattern before, it can be a little confusing at first for sure! After you download the pattern, you’ll want to open it in Adobe Reader (it’s a free app that you can download online if you don’t already have it) and then scroll down to the printing instructions and read through those before proceeding. After printing, follow this video we’ve created for assembling the pages together. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljx07YcdyoA
      You can use the “contact us” page if you need further help. Happy Sewing!

  12. Amanda Cooper says:

    I absolutely love love love your patterns!!! I’ve only made them for my daughter but with the ease of those patterns I want to try making my own. I also appreciate the options for plus size too!!! Thank you for all your trendy patterns and look forward to making them all!!!

    • Kelly says:

      Hi Chantal, Please head over and join our Facebook community! There is a whole community of support and help for issues just like this!

  13. Sue Gross says:

    Thank you so much for the wonderful sale! I got three patterns, so excited to try them. I have had a number of surgeries, lots of scar tissue, and trouble using my hands. So happy to find such a lovely pattern for a dress with a built in bra! Whoo hoo!

    • Jennifer Getter says:

      Hi Joan, thanks for commenting!
      We used to have a sewing school in downtown Marshall but have since decided to scale back and close the school. We do sell fabric and notions on this website though and we’re working on more sewing tutorials on YouTube. <3

  14. Jenniec Wall says:

    Won’t let me order as I’m in the UK. Doesn’t accept UK or West Yorkshire as my address.. trying to buy the wilde dress

    • Kelly says:

      Hi there! You don’t need to enter your address unless you are ordering fabric or notions. We have tons of international customers who purchase our patterns without issue. If you continue to have troubles, send me an email at kelly@stitchuponatime.com and I will look further in to why you might be having issues.

  15. Lauren says:

    I just met you at Tim Hortons! Just looked you up, you are amazing! Let’s stay in touch bc maybe I will start sewing again, you inspired me by your page!

    • Kelly says:

      It was so great to meet you and I’m so glad you found the site! I hope you do start sewing again and I would love to run in to you again. Friendly faces are always such a bright spot in my days!

    • Kelly says:

      Most water soluble tape used for homing is sticky enough to hold while moving your fabric through the machine, however this will vary by brand as well.

  16. Kate Meehan says:

    I have been lucky enough to be brought to this site to buy the scrundlewear undies, and had a wonderful teacher Lisa who with her special gift of teaching has taught me how to fly, just reading all your amazing stories on how you all got started, is inspiring. I have since purchased about 8 other patterns, and loving making my scrundies.

  17. Victoria Hinton says:

    I don’t understand if the new pants have a high or mid waist. It comes in four lengths and flat or elastic front.
    But the pictures look like the waists are all over the board. High, low, mid. Pockets?
    I’m so unclear about this pattern.
    Love the squishy legs.

    • Kelly says:

      Hi Victoria,

      The pants come with 2 rises, mid and high, and they will fit differently on each different body. I hope that helps!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *