Polka Dots and Perspective: A Stitch of Confidence

The first thing I remember completing on my own was a dress. Black with large green polka dots. It was bold. It was fun. It was me.

I wore it proudly to church one Sunday, feeling like I had just stepped off a runway (a church-appropriate runway, of course). I had made it myself. That dress was a badge of creativity and courage, and I was beaming.

Until a boy in my class looked over at me and commented on how very polkadotted I was.

And just like that, teenage Suzie’s confidence unraveled like a snagged hem. I took great offense to his comment and, if I’m honest, probably said something a little snappy in return.

Looking back, I feel bad. Not just because I wasn’t kind, but because I let his words matter so much. Why was I so worried about what other people thought of me? Why did one offhand remark have the power to dim my light?

If I could go back, I’d wrap my arms around younger me and whisper, “It’s going to work out. You are going to be just fine. Wear the polka dots. Laugh. Create. Don’t let anyone shrink your shine.”

My mom has always been my biggest influence when it comes to sewing. She made stunning dresses and tied quilts during visits to my grandma’s house. She didn’t sit me down for formal lessons. She simply did, and I watched. I absorbed. I learned by being near it, by trying, by failing, and trying again.

I guess I’d call myself self-taught. But really, that’s true of most of my life. If something sparks my interest, I dive in headfirst. Curiosity has always been my best teacher. Sewing, cooking, reupholstering patio furniture, and I even built my backyard kitchen (maybe a post on that someday), if it grabs my attention, it doesn’t stay a mystery for long.

So if you’re new here — welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re wearing polka dots, sewing them, or just cheering from the sidelines, you belong here. This is a place for creating, growing, laughing at old stories, and learning as we go.

I’ve come a long way since that first green-dotted dress. But I’ll always be thankful for it. That silly, spotted masterpiece was the beginning of something that still brings me joy today — the ability to make something beautiful with my own two hands… and the reminder that confidence is always in style.