{the story of Gussy}

Hi, I'm Gussy -- the girl behind the ruffles.

Hubby and I were married on 06.07.08 and have a darling apartment together. It's big enough to live in and house The Sweat Shop, but it's not too big that we can hide from each other. Darn :)

This blog documents my love for sewing ruffles, as well as my zest for life.


Here is our story:

About 7 months into marriage, Zack and I both lost our jobs. So, in September 2009, after nearly 7 months of unemployment {including 3 job losses}, Zack and I moved to Minneapolis, MN from Detroit, MI. We were forced to really evaluate our lives -- what do we want for ourselves? We chose success, which unfortunately meant moving about 12 hours from family. We have faith in our decision, though.

Since moving, our lives have been crazy-busy as we balance work, Gussy, marriage and meeting new people. I work full-time during the day at a large advertising agency and sew full-time on Gussy in the evening and on weekends. It's a lot of work. Like so much work that I feel like I must have a twin out there. No twin. Just Gussy.

One of the main things Zack and I held on to during this rough employment patch is that we trust whatever God brings our way. We are learning/have learned a lot of things: patience, marital unity, trust and what are talents are truly are {or are not}.

You can follow our story of just how fast we moved to Minneapolis by clicking here.


Now throughout all of that, I learned how to sew. It was back in November 2008 when I found myself at the kitchen table with 30 library books. I had borrowed my parent's sewing machine because I wanted to learn how to sew. These books, along with many online video tutorials, taught me how to sew. I used a little bit of all that I learned to come up with a style of my own.

Learning to sew has been an incredible transformation. I had zero-experience when I started {is that OK to admit out loud?!}, but I had a determined spirit and a big heart for the trade.

And I'm so enjoying this wild love affair!!!

It is now March 2009 and I decided Gussy would be the name of my products. I purchased a handful of embroidered twill tags and began sewing them into the seam. My mom nicknamed me Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web (2006). The character, as stated on a Ty Beanie Baby tag, "always, always, always has a lot to say, say, say."

Helloooo! That is me :) Give me your ears and I'll talk for hours!


And so, Gussy was born. I love to sew and it such a passion. I sew my signature ruffle on everything I make. It is truly an evening passion that I'd love to do full-time some day. For now I'm finding contentment as I pray God will show me what He has planned for Gussy.


If you are considering learning how to sew but don't know where to start, my advice to you is this: Go to the library, checkout a ton of books, read over the basics and JUST DO IT! What can it hurt? What, you're afraid you're going to succeed?

Every minute you doubt yourself is a minute wasted that you can't ever get back.

You can find Gussy here: Shop, Flickr, Facebook and Twitter.

Please feel free to add me as a friend, I'd love to get to know YOU more! :)

I'm in awe of this chapter of my life. I pray it stays a part of my life for many, many years. Sewing has become a much-needed creative outlet.

It has also brought me some incredibly sweet friends.

xo.