Once the boys are tucked in, the house finally quiet, and the last dish has been dried… that’s when I escape to my happy place.
Not to a spa, or a Netflix binge—but to my little sewing corner.
It’s where fabric, thread, and imagination come together—one stitch at a time. And somehow, in the calm of the night, I find a bit of myself again.
You see, sewing started as a hobby—but it quickly became so much more. A creative outlet, a money-saver, a way to show love through handmade gifts… and honestly, a lifeline during busy mum days where everything feels like it’s about everyone else.
How It All Started
I’ve always loved creating things with my hands—maybe it’s in my blood. Growing up in Transylvania, I remember my grandmother stitching by the window, making things last, repurposing, mending, gifting.
Now, years later and a country away, I find myself doing the same. But with a modern twist: my trusty sewing machine, my Cricut cutting machine, and endless inspiration from late-night Pinterest scrolling and my favourite site—Creative Fabrica.
(Seriously, if you haven’t discovered it yet—SO many cute fonts, SVGs, and patterns!)
Handmade Gifts with Heart
School birthday parties? Sorted.
Instead of rushing to buy plastic toys last-minute, I now love gifting reading pillows, drawstring bags, or cute personalised coin purses made by hand.
My Cricut and a roll of vinyl turn a simple fabric project into something special—name labels, favourite characters, sparkly initials. I often use Creative Fabrica for fun fonts, SVGs, and applique designs. It’s my little secret weapon when inspiration runs low!
🧵 Favourite recent make: a pink zip-up book sleeve with a glittery unicorn and the birthday girl’s name on it. She squealed when she opened it—and I may have teared up a little.
What I’ve Been Sewing Lately
🧸 Children’s Travel Pillows
Before our long drive to Transylvania, I whipped up little travel pillows for the boys with soft cotton and a car-themed fabric I had in my stash. I added a carry loop so they could hang them on their car seats.
They were a huge hit — and surprisingly handy during those sleepy motorway stretches.
🪙 Coin Purses for My Sons
My 6-year-old is at that age where pocket money is a big deal. So I sewed him a small zip coin purse with a dinosaur print and even made a matching one for his little brother (who just wanted “one like his big brother’s”).
They carry them proudly to the shop now and feel so grown-up handing over their coins.
👗 Clothes for Myself
With my body changing over the years — through pregnancies, mum life, and everything in between — I’ve struggled to find clothes that really feel right.
So I started making my own.
Nothing fancy. Just simple, comfortable skirts and dresses made to fit me. Measured by me. Sewn by me. There’s something deeply empowering about that.
Special Gifts for Special People
When there’s a new baby in the family, I go straight to the sewing machine.
Last month, I made a soft taggie blanket and a clever little clean-up clutch for a baby cousin. Pretty, practical, and filled with love.
And for birthdays and Christmases, I love sewing personalised pillows, fabric book covers, or kitchen sets for the women in my life.
A little handmade pouch with herbs from our garden? Yes, please.
❤️ Sewing with Purpose: Red Nose Day Polos
This year for Red Nose Day, I made personalised polos for the boys with fun designs—again using my trusty Cricut and heat transfer vinyl.
They wore them proudly, and I loved seeing something homemade bring a smile to their faces and raise awareness for a good cause.
💡 I get most of my SVG designs from Creative Fabrica – they have beautiful fonts, clipart, and easy-to-use files perfect for Cricut projects!
Why I Sew at Night
I often get asked, “How do you find time for sewing?”
The truth is, I don’t always. But I carve out 30 minutes here, an hour there, once the house is quiet.
It’s my wind-down time, my creative outlet, my therapy.
Sometimes it’s just ironing fabric or picking a new project on Creative Fabrica.
Sometimes it’s finishing a gift late at night with a hot tea and a podcast in the background.
And that, for me, is enough.
Final Thoughts: Make Time for What Fills You
To any mum reading this who feels like she never has time for herself — I see you.
You don’t need hours. Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes, a quiet room, and something creative to remind yourself of who you are outside the chaos.
For me, it’s sewing. For you, it might be painting, journaling, baking, or gardening.
Whatever it is — make space for it. Even if it’s just after bedtime.
With love (and a few stray threads stuck to my jumper),
Krisztina 💛