I am a wife (to Chad) and mother (to Saige, Brynley, Maya, and Oliver), and I love to create.

There’s nothing quite like it. My husband can always tell when I’ve had some time to myself to create because I’m happier and calmer.

I love being able to say that I have made something, but I’m also thrilled when people think I’ve made something awesome that I actually bought. But the best part about creating and making things is that you are always improving and learning. I started Mabey She Made it in June 2013.

One of the greatest things I learned while growing up was to know what “home” felt like. Creating feels like home to me, and I’m at home when an idea translates into something beautiful or functional.

So why blog? I wanted to be clear about why I create (for myself) so the first post ever was titled Why I Create. I loved that I was able to write about creativity, so its now a permanent page and serves as a reminder to me that even when things get hard, I have sewing, crafting, and decorating to lean on.


Sewist

After my first baby was born, taught myself to sew through bloggers and lots of trial and error. It’s been fun to go from learning to thread the machine to designing things for the kids to wear.  I’m learning so much along the way.

Sewing has been the focus for awhile now, and I have loved stretching myself to learn new techniques, face my fears, and keep going. I was a designer on Season 16 of Project Run & Play, and have enjoyed the sewing friendships and challenges I’ve experienced.


Surface Pattern Designer

In college, I was exposed to some design classes, but figured it was “too late” to pursue it seriously. Now many years later, I’ve realized its never too late. I’ve dug out my developing design skills and am diving into the world of surface pattern design (SPD). What is SPD? It’s designing anything that is printed on a surface: things like fabric, notebooks, wallpaper, phone cases, etc. Since I’m pretty passionate about sewing, I’m specifically working on designs for fabric.

Thus far, I’ve been part of a fabric design collaboration that produced two prints (that my kids are wearing in the photo above) and have a mini collection of fabric printed on knit at Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I am thrilled to be pursuing this dream again.

You’ll also find me watercoloring and creating lots of art as I work to define my style and niche.


Home Decor and DIY Crafts

You’ll also find home decor and crafts here. Recreating spaces is something I love to do as well. They aren’t the focus of this blog anymore, but there are plenty of fun things to make and renovation posts along the way. Chad and I are a great team–he does the work, I make the design choices. The results are always stunning (he’s a true craftsman) and I love sharing them with you along the way.


Now What?

The best ways to connect with me are through the comments on my blog posts; I do my best to respond to each and every one. You can reach me by email at lisa@mabeyshemadeit.com or follow along with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

To receive post updates by email, sign up here.

First time visitor? Check out the most popular posts on my sidebar!

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Mabey She Made It Widgets Text » Mabey She Made It
8 years ago

[…] About Me […]

Tracy
Tracy
7 years ago

Hi Lisa,
Just wanted you to know I receive your wkly posts and SO much look forward to them. Sometimes it hits me, sometimes it doesn’t, but knowing that you keep on keeping on is refreshing to me, by itself. I commend you and wanted to let you know that. Keep it up young lady!

Mary-In the boondocks
Mary-In the boondocks
7 years ago

Glad to see you are always learning new things in life – after all life is full of lessons to be learned, and we ar never too old. I too am a new blogger and decided to take it up now that the kids are older and I have more spare time. Thank God for that because I need all the spare time, what with trying to figure out how to work my blog posts..lol Also ama thrifter, crafter and Downton Abbey lover!! Always happy to drop in!

Kristin
Kristin
7 years ago

Hi Lisa: I have been trying to download your free printable of the beautiful watercolor lemons but without success. What am I doing incorrectly? Thank you for any help and direction you can give me.

gerd krokann veskje
gerd krokann veskje
7 years ago

Ved en tilfeldighet kom jeg til din side og det er jeg glad for, ser ut som du lager masse spennende ting og det vil jeg også, så ser at du kan gi meg masse inspirasjon.

Masse hilsner fra Gerd i Norge

Dorte Kreiberg
Dorte Kreiberg
7 years ago

hi, I saw something on pinterest, that led me to your blog, I have signed up for your mailing list, and added your blog to my favorites, I sew as much as possible, everyday if possible, so I will be back to see what is on, both old and coming in the future, merry christmas

Margaret
Margaret
7 years ago

Lisa, I am amazed that you are able to teach your yourself to sew. I am retired now and have been sewing for many years and was lucky to have a grandmother and mother that encouraged my interest. Over the years I have added to my knowledge and am still adding and loving it.
Now I encourage new sewers and share the knowledge I have. If I can support the love of creation in this field, then I am doing something good.
Good luck to you. There is always something to learn out there.

Lori Schellenberg
Lori Schellenberg
7 years ago

Hi Lisa, I love getting your weekly email! I have two granddaughters that are similar in age to your girls, so the patterns you show are just what I need. I really like the fabric you use. In my town we only have Joann Fabrics and Walmart. Many of the things I make are of 100% cotton. Problem with that is the wrinkling results after laundering and my daughter doesn’t have the time to iron. What fabrics do you use? And where do you ding them I noticed the Flutterby top was made of voile. Do you use that often?… Read more »

Lori
Lori
7 years ago
Reply to  Lisa

Thank you so much!

Carrie
Carrie
7 years ago

Hello Lisa your weekly emails are great thank you. I am retired and recently moved to France. We took 10 years in all to renovate our house using all our holidays and leave, totally worth it but I do find the clothes on sale here are either badly made( or need a mortgage to purchase the upmarket brands!) so I am going to make my own! I have patterns, fabric and plenty of ideas from you. Thanks I’ll keep you posted!

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[…] big “thank you” Lisa Mabey for this wonderful tip, called How to fix your drawstring so you never lose it […]

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[…] About Me […]

Aimee
Aimee
2 years ago

Hi I’m trying to make your flutter sleeve top/dress. Just wondered if I stich down the back seams when doing the neckline?