About

Not your average Jo.

A Little about me

I was raised a home-schooled, farm girl in the middle of the woods. After I graduated high school I wasn’t sure exactly what direction I wanted my life to take. What I knew for sure was that I wanted to eventually be a mum and I knew that creating things and sharing them with others made me happy. Luckily God had the rest figured out for me.

Jump forward a few years and I’m married to my best friend of 8 years, living overseas while he serves in the Air Force, and having a baby.

We have no moved back to New Hampshire as a family of four (plus a rabbit a dog and a bird), bought a house, and about to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. 

About That Jo Chick

It all started when I was about 15 years old. I went up to my room to go to bed one night but I couldn’t sleep so I took out my sewing machine instead. I came down stairs the next morning and my mother tells me, “oh that’s a cute shirt!” To which I reply, “Thanks, it’s the skirt I had on yesterday.”

I was hooked. The idea of turning one thing into something else was infectious. Soon I had half my wardrobe cut up and given my own personalized twist. Mind you, I wasn’t very good yet. I still look back at pictures of things I used to wear and cringe in pain! But it was my start.

Over time my sewing skills have improved and I have learned to appreciate upcycling for the ways it benefits the world not just for the fun of it.

When I read that the average American throws out 82 pounds of clothing a year (source) I couldn’t believe it! All this MATERIAL could be given or sold to others, donated to people in need, or altogether turned into other items.

So much fabric and clothing go to waste in this fast fashion, disposable world. I’d rather see old, outdated clothes being cut up and given new life than thrown out. So that’s what I’m here for. 

Entering Motherhood

When our first daughter was born my love for sewing and design spread to include baby and children’s clothing. Making a mini-sized dress out of daddy’s old button down shirt became my new joy. That is the focus of my Etsy shop, there you will find an assortment of home-sewn children’s products.

Creating quality children’s items from vintage or unwanted material that would otherwise end up in a landfill is my passion and I LOVE that this blog gives me the ability to share that with others.

10%

I believe that giving of ourselves and our earnings is an important part of success. Every 3 months I donate to a different charity and I am always looking for recommendations if you have one. 

Follow me

We are all constantly learning and growing; I am no exception! I invite you to follow me as I grow and explore the world of sewing, creating, and upcycling. Learn with me all the ways we can create new and exciting from old and drab.

That Mama Chick

You can also follow me on my other site That Mama Chick. There you will find more family-oriented content including inspiration for like-minded mamas, crafts and lesson-based activities, family updates, etc.

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