My Story
I began my sewing adventure, at just five years old, learning to operate my mother's vintage sewing machine with a knee lever, since my little feet couldn't reach the pedal. Growing up in the 1960s, I eagerly participated in Home Economic classes, which further fueled my passion for sewing. Over the years, I learned pattern construction from using commercial patterns, to creating my own designs crafting everything from home decor to clothes for me and my kids. My sewing journey has also introduced me to various crafts, including embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch, slow stitching techniques and crochet, making it lifelong passion I cherish.
How did I begin my Seconds To Sew journey? My partner John owned a large vintage and secondhand store known as Seconds To Go, situated in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, often referred to as "The Barn." The shop was established by John's father in the mid-1980s on his property behind the house. After his father's passing, John took over the business, which had gained immense popularity, attracting customers who would spend hours exploring its three floors. John's mother continued to live in the home in front of the shop, but as she aged and dementia began to set in, it became evident she required assisted living. John and his sister made weekly visits as her condition gradually worsened.
It was incredibly heartbreaking to witness his mother's decline, especially given the high cost of assisted living, which John was covering out of his own pocket. During this time, John asked if I would like to work at his shop since I was a regular customer, and I happily accepted. At that point, we were just friends, not yet a couple. I worked for him for about two years before we both came to realize that we were meant to be together—soulmates, in fact. As for the shop, Seconds To Go, it represented John's livelihood, but the property belonged to his mother. He attempted to subdivide the property to sell her house and fund her care, but the town rejected the subdivision request due to policy restrictions. John continued to pay for his mother's care until she passed away on Christmas Eve, 2025, after which the entire property, including the shop, had to be sold.
What’s next? After everything was finalized and the inheritance was shared among the siblings, John and I, as partners, chose to continue Seconds To Go on his property. We bought two shipping containers, renovated them, and transformed them into the new Seconds To Go, where we sell vintage and handmade items.
Now, let's talk about Seconds To Sew! John crafts birdhouses, planters, coat/hat racks, and other wooden items, while I make clothes, purses, and home decor. I decided to name my sewing business Seconds To Sew—cute, right? Since I recycle thrifted clothes and use reclaimed fabrics along with vintage items, I thought Seconds To Sew would be a fitting name for my new venture.
Shipping Policy:
I ship within 3-5 days of the order (usually sooner), Monday thru Friday. I do not ship on days the post office is closed (for holidays and the such). In most cases I ship USPS Ground Advantage and Media Mail for patterns or books.
International shipping may incur additional cost due to customs, import duties, etc. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import duties that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Refund Policy:
I do everything I can to ensure a safe delivery to your home. I do not accept returns unless there was an error on my part in the description. Please be sure to read all descriptions about the item, most importantly the measurements.
In the unlikely event that you have an issue with a purchase, please contact me within 14 days of delivery, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must me in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging (if applicable). You'll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at secondstogoemail@yahoo.com. If your return is accepted, we'll send you a return shipping label, as well as for instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at secondstogoemail@yahoo.com.
Damages and issues:
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items:
Certain typed os items cannot be returned, custom products (such as special orders or personalized items). We also do not accept returns for sewing/craft patterns or kits. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Refunds:
We will notify you once we've received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you'll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
Sizing:
I try to make garments easy to wear for anyone. Most of my items are loose fitting and made for comfort.
I aim for a one-size-fits-most but that does not mean they will fit perfectly for everyone, therefore please
be sure to read the measurements for each item.
I measure each garment while it is laying flat on the table. I include all measurements that I think will be
helpful for you to make a decision about its fit. If you are still doubtful about the fit, please contact me and
we can figure it out together.
If you would like to order a garment in a specific size, please contact me via email by going to my "Contact"
page.
