About the artist

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sew What Now, LLC is my trade name.  My name is Terry O’Dowd I live in  Springfield, VT after relocating from Rhode Island, where I lived most of my life. 

 I began sewing at the age of 8 with the encouragement of my mother.  My mother was a very talented sewer and use to make most of her own clothing, bags and other household decor items. We spent many days sitting in the backyard with her teaching me the basics of hand sewing.  We used to make puppets from old socks, buttons and felt.  I have many fond memories of the time we spent both making and playing with the puppets.  

As the years went by I utilized the basics she taught me to repair torn items, hem pants when needed and sewing buttons that came off.  When I was 20 I purchased my first sewing machine - a very basic Brother domestic machine.  At this point in my life I was using the machine for basic sewing and repairs to clothing.  Fast forward to 1989 when I purchased my first home.  Having a house opened new opportunities to get my creative juices flowing.  I made curtains and other items of decor for the house.  I also learned how to do upholstery work and re-upholstered several pieces of furniture.  

Fast forward to a couple of years ago when I really decided that I wanted to take what was an on again/off again skill to the next level.  I was planning my retirement and knew I was going to need something to do with my time.  

I met Louissa from Golden Anchor Quilting and signed up for her “all inclusive” quilt course.  This was a game changer for me.   This time around the sewing was for fun and an outlet for my creative side.  The skills I learned opened up a new world of fabric creations.  

After taking the course and learning the art of quilting I quickly realized that as fun as making quilts are, there are only so many quilts that I can make for myself, friends and family.  I wanted to do more.  With the help of the “University of YouTube” I began exploring all the other items I could make with fabric.   As a result of just playing around with fabrics I make a wide variety of different items.   I have also begun to make clothing items and am currently also just beginning to work with leather.  

Last year, after encouragement from others I decided I was going to try selling at craft shows.  Initially I only participated in selling at the Farmer’s Market held at Franks Bargain Fabrics in Claremont.  Eventually I added a few dates at other locations and started to figure out the ins and outs of doing craft shows.    2026 will be my second year of doing craft shows.  I am working on setting up an online presence and hope to add online sales in the near future.  

I hope you enjoy my work and creations and thank you for taking the time to check out my creations!

Terry