People ask me: how did I end up becoming Handy Mandy? Here's how:

I first used a sewing machine in high school home economics classes. This was where my learning began, with the basics.

After finishing my formal education, I started my family. As my son grew and grew, I discovered it was hard to find clothing to fit him. He was of the tall and thin variety, and anything that was long enough for him was too big around the middle - so trousers wouldn’t stay up and tops would be too baggy. I bought an inexpensive sewing machine and overlocker, and some multi size patterns. The patterns had to be traced off for each size you made and this enabled me to learn to customize whatever pattern I was using. My son lived mostly in the clothing I made for him using those patterns for quite some years. I also made items for myself and my husband from adult patterns I invested in over time, customizing as I went. When my daughter came along a few years later, I even made her underwear. It was amazing to me that patterns were available for all sorts of garments.

When I lost my daughter to brain cancer in 2002, I was depressed for years but managed to sew sometimes for myself and my grandchildren. I often spent an afternoon in the local sewing shop leafing through the pattern books, and got to know the women working there. I was approached by the owner who offered me a part time job helping out with their alterations service. This hands on training gave me the experience I needed to become a competent alterations tailor. After a few years at the shop, I thought I might as well try doing that sort of work from my home. I have been happily self employed now for just over 6 years, doing my bit to make people look and feel their best.

And that is how I became Handy Mandy….