I thought my very first blog ever should be a little introduction about me! I’m definitely learning as I go when it comes to websites and blogs, so I appreciate you being on the journey with me. I will try not to end every sentence with an exclamation point, but no promises.

I learned how to sew from my amazing grandmother and my mom way back when I was 9 and have been sewing on and off ever since. I come from a small town, and I’ve been doing theatre since I was 7 (shout out to all the girl Tiny Tims out there!), so there was an expectation that actors helped with tech from the beginning! I knew how to sew, so I always offered to help with costuming. For me it was like the “easy” way out because I’d much rather be at a sewing machine than painting! It worked out well enough, because in college, I was fortunate enough to do my work study in my theatre’s costume shop and learned many skills, especially in historical costuming, as we did A Christmas Carol EVERY year. Fun Fact! I’ve been in a version of that show 7 times!

A few years ago, I got more into sustainability and reducing my consumption to help save the planet. I decided I would no longer buy new garments, choosing instead to get them from resale shops or clothing swaps (hint, plan this with your friends, it’s a BLAST!). I excluded underwear and leggings from this new years resolution because I didn’t realize at the time there was a more sustainable option that didn’t involve me wearing people’s old underwear! MAKING THEM!

I helped with costumes while performing in another show, Mamma Mia, at a local theatre and started listening to the Love To Sew podcast (highly recommend). I was inspired to add making clothes to the list of ways to add garments to my wardrobe, as I would be able to use all the small scraps up, unlike in the ready-to-wear industry, where it all goes to a landfill if it’s not used. I quickly made it to the episode with Emerald Erin: huh you can make undies and LIGHTBULB OH MY GOSH you can MAKE??? BRAS???? Why did I not think I could do that!

Armed with this new knowledge, I set out to find a class and learn how to do this… except… uhhh… there aren’t any where I live. The closest one I could find was three hours away on weekdays. I just couldn’t swing it. Ok. Hopes dashed, I decide I’ll just watch some YouTube videos to tide me over until I can take some vacation and stay with a friend for a week and take the classes. I stumbled upon LizSews pretty fast. I watched every video she made and was like… “Maybe I can do this on my own…” I got the Cloth Habit Watson Pattern and found some supplies at Joann Fabrics (cannot recommend, just get a kit, it will be a much better experience). I followed the LizSews tutorial and OH MY GOSH I MADE A BRA!?!? It was not perfect, but honestly, I still wear it today! I was HOOKED! No longer will I toil away at Unnamed Bra Store, crying in the dressing room because I have to choose between quad boob and gaping cups! It was then I decided I wanted to spread this joy to the world! Well, at least St. Louis!

It’s been two years and between working a day job (I’m an accountant) and living in an historic pandemic, I finally was able to open Cherries on Top! Not quite my dream business yet, as I want to offer bra kits and consistent classes, but one step at a time right now! And I’m getting closer every day.

In the meantime, I’m doing what I can in the middle of a once in a life time event. And what I can do is offer beautiful, comfortable bras and undergarments to the St. Louis area! And cuddle my many many cats!