Who's Behind TFS?

Considering I have had the privilege of meeting so many people through Tenderfeet Stitches, I thought I should share more about myself. I am Amanda, the motivation behind TFS. My love for sewing began when I was just a child and my mother made me the perfect little 80's play outfit with what I dubbed an "air conditioning" built in. It had this atrociously cute feature of knotted bows adorning the back. I was so proud to wear that get-up and explain to everyone, whether they asked or not, the true function of the open back design. At this young age I wasn't allowed to use her Phaff machine or the antique Singer with it's big wheel and peddle, but I was intrigued by how they worked and how they helped her make such lovable things. I took up a needle and thread and would go to work on scraps of fabric with shoddy embroidery work. After high school, I joined the United States Air Force and one of my first larger purchases was a sewing machine and enough fabric to look like a hoarder. I didn't even own a cell phone or a computer yet. I went to work on a quilt I never finished, but many more successful projects followed. After marriage, came our baby girl. When she was born I took up sewing children's clothing. I wasn't very good at it because I am a bit stubborn and prefer to learn things the hard way. Within a few years I had it down to my own science and was on the hunt for better patterns. When I couldn't find what I was looking for I began the journey of designing my own. It has been a thrilling journey, one in which, I have met some amazing people. I opened Tenderfeet Stitches on Etsy as soon as I discovered the existence of such a fabulous DIYer's haven. Since then, I have started teaching classes at a local fabric store, The Quilter's Market. I really love sharing that feeling I get when I successfully complete a garment. I can only hope that my children will discover the same joy and love within the things I create and that I can pass on the tools to others so that they may share such feelings with those they love.
Aside from sewing, I am a dedicated wife of many years and a mother of two. I have been blessed with both a daughter and a son who fill my days with only the joys young child can deliver. I work full time as a circuit board repair technician on avionics equipment and a repair supervisor. I am proud to have served my country through military service and be a veteran of foreign wars. My hobbies beyond sewing include anything outdoors, camping, quad-riding, cooking, baking, crocheting and reading a good book...and you likely won't find we anywhere without my iPhone, unless I'm camping in the middle of no where, Arizona.