OUR STORY
HOW WE STARTED
It all began in 1992, when I made some appliquéd sweatshirts and took them down to the local fabric store. They wanted to display them and have me teach classes on how to make them. A friend suggested that I rent a booth, and sell them at a local craft show.
After success at my first craft show, I started my business Stitches & Paint, a.k.a. stitchpaint, selling painted and appliquéd t-shirts, sweatshirts, and denim jumpers. Since then, I have participated in many craft shows, with the help of my husband (he helps with the grunt work).
Over the years our products have changed and evolved with current styles. In 2005, we transitioned out of clothing and into chenille and ribbon belts, watches, keyrings and a few handbags. We purchased our first small arm quilting machine in 2006, and soon after our selection expanded into quilted handbags, wallets and accessories.
When displaying our straps at craft shows for our wallets, they were always mistaken for dog leashes. People would then ask if we made dog leashes, and say how much they liked our fabrics and wanted a dog leash just like it.
In 2017, we decided we could combine our fun fabrics with function to create stylish and comfortable dog collars and leashes. Not only are they available in many fun fabric options, the edges are finished with a cotton binding which softens the harsh edges of the nylon webbing for a comfortable feel.
Here where we are today. In addition to our Stitchpet dog collars, leashes and pet accessories, we also have a “dog blog”, about all things dog.
MADE IN THE USA
We are a family run business. Our products are designed and sewn by us here in our workroom in Georgia. We coordinate and quilt all of our fabrics.
God has blessed my business and family through the years. It has been a real test sometimes with the long hours, but has all been worth it. So many wonderful people have followed us through the years. We enjoy seeing and visiting with each one of you at different shows.
Let me introduce you to Our Team:
Lisa, Owner
I started sewing in Jr. High. My dad told me if I sewed my own clothes, he would buy me all the fabric that I wanted. Needless to say, I did just that, and have been sewing ever since. I made all of the clothes that our two girls wore when they were young. Now, I keep busy sewing for the business, that I don’t have time to sew my own clothes, so I can offer our quality products to our customers.
Melanie
Our younger daughter, began sewing when she was 9 years old. With some direction and my old sewing machine she was good to go. Melanie received her Bachelor’s degree in apparel manufacturing. After working in the industry for a couple years she decided to join me full time. Melanie enjoys sewing and designing new products.
Allen
My husband, is also very involved in the business. After retiring from the corporate world in 2009, he is now helping me full time. He cuts out pieces, puts on snaps, grommets, tags, loads and unloads before and after each show. For a time he took over all of the quilting so I could concentrate on sewing the handbags and accessories.
Stephanie
Our older daughter, a teacher by training, joined our team full time in August 2013. She is our Office Manager, working on the website and other social media, as well as quilting, quite honestly a little bit of everything. She will need to be, as her grandfather always said, “Handier than a pocket on a shirt.”