Introduction

I learned how to sew in 7th grade Home Economics class (do they even have those classes anymore?).  I fell in love with the thought of "creating" and making things just how I wanted them.  I took to it like second nature.  I can remember the first thing I ever sewed.  I was, am now, and will always be a purse/handbag fanatic!!  I had this light blue, jersey dress that I L-O-V-E-D!!  It was my favorite thing to wear.  I think my grandmother had given it to me.  When I grew out of it, I knew it would be passed on to my younger sister.  Well, instead of passing it on, I cut two squares out of it and sewed them together by hand.  I cut the lattice stitched straps off and sewed them together to make a strap.  It was possibly the ugliest thing anyone has ever "created" but I thought it was pretty cool...and I didn't have to see someone else wearing my dress (greedy, I know:-P).  I don't know what ever happened to my first creation but the spirit of creating is still inside me.  It laid dormant for a very long time. I was an impressionable kid who believed my mother when she told me I was not good at anything.  My creative spirit was crushed...but not for too long.  I sewed sets of curtains to put up in my first kitchen after I married my love in 2001.  (I actually made the hanging that shielded me from my soon-to-be husband before it was lifted as I walked down the isle...I know, "awwwww"<3.)  I have to give my daughter most of the credit for rekindling my love of sewing...also Etsy, lol!! 
My Madeline was born in December 2008.  If it was possible for children to be born carrying purses and wearing princess shoes and tiaras, my Madeline would have come out a dressed as a Diva!!!  About a week after she could walk she started carrying bags...bags of any kind her favorite toys.  That little girl NEEDED her own purse.  I searched Etsy for a pattern...and my Etsy obsession was born.  I made her her first purse that she uses to this day...well whenever she finds it at the bottom of the toy box;-)
I couldn't stop after that.  I found dress patterns and other purse patterns...see ADDICTED!!!  I had family members start asking for things and I happily obliged...and saved a few bucks on Birthday gifts while I was at it;-).  Whenever I handed over the requested item I was told "You should really sell these".  I thanked them but inside I was so scared to even think about it.  That little voice in my head screamed that I wasn't good enough...but thankfully the voices of friends drown it out!!!  Thus, my own online shop, MadEli, was born.
I am always asked (by those who don't know me) what the name means.  It is simple really.  I have two children, Eli (5) and Madeline (3)...what better to name my store after than two of my favorite people?!  It is so special to me!  I merged the kids names and came up with MadEli (pronounced Mad-eh-lie). 
I was afraid to take a chance.  I was afraid to ask people to pay money for my handmade things.  I have no real formal training.  I am mostly self taught.  But with each project my skill increases.  There will always be someone better but, who cares!!!  I love doing this and that is good enough!  Each time my daughter sees the sewing machine out on the table she will ask, "Mom, you make Maddie a dress?"...it is nice to have your fan club so close;-)

See...total DIVA!!!

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hate to add another blog to my plate but, as my friends say, I have a flair for writing...so you never know;-)