Chair cushion covers made with FS Dried Herb Heavyweight linen

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.  

Hi, I’m Courtney—sewing pattern designer, wife, and mom to two little ones. I’ve loved creating ever since I was a little girl, and that passion has only grown over the years.

Why do you sew?

Sewing was modeled to me by my mom growing up—she was always creating something. While I’ve always loved making things, I truly found sewing to be a place of respite after having my daughter. Having something to do with my hands became the perfect outlet I needed, offering a quiet space for my mind to rest. I’ve found so much joy in the process of sewing and feel incredibly fulfilled being able to create things for my family.

What do you like to listen to when you’re working (and why)?

If I listen to anything while working, I am listening to podcasts about spiritual formation and motherhood. I really do enjoy the quiet while sewing, especially if making something new that takes a little bit more focus!

Chair cushion covers made with FS Dried Herb Heavyweight linen

As a child, what was your first encounter and memory of beauty?

I love this question! I grew up near the water in South Alabama, where I was always captivated by the sunsets over the bay. The town I grew up in was a vibrant artistic community, which I think further fueled my passion for creating.

Where is home and how does it affect what you do?

Home is Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our little cottage has been such a gift over the past ten years—a safe, quiet place where I’ve been free to try new things, fail, seam rip, and slowly see myself grow. I love that this home has been both a haven and a place where I’ve had room to step into new versions of myself.

Name a book that you’ve recently read which inspired you and why?

Create Anyway is a book I recommend to any woman who feels the pull to create but struggles to find the time or permission while navigating motherhood. Ashlee beautifully captures why creativity matters—especially within the margins of motherhood. I love picking it up to read a few pages here and there, always finding a reminder of the power and importance of making time to create.

What are your seven favourite sewing patterns?

I sew mostly from my own patterns and often use them as a starting point to create new pieces. My most-worn makes are the Betty Dress, Ola Blouse, Billie Jacket, and Ada Pants from Rooney Sewing. I also love the Carolyn Pajamas by Closet Core Patterns. For men, I enjoy sewing the Jaime Jacket by The Modern Sewing Co., and for my kids, the Rhodes Overalls are a staple—I’ve made them in every size as they grow!

Chair cushion covers made with FS Dried Herb Heavyweight linen

Do you have a community of crafters/ makers around you or do you find you are on your own?

I’m so thankful for the creative women in my life. I’m constantly inspired by my friends Kaylan and Emilie, and by my mom—I’m always picking her brain and amazed by all the things she sewed for me and my siblings growing up. I’m also motivated by the Rooney Sewing community; they’ve challenged me, encouraged me, and made me better in countless ways. Having someone to share ideas with or ask questions to is such a valuable part of the sewing process!

How important is it to make something with your hands?

I remember when people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and all I could ever say was, “I just want to make things.” I think that came from a deep place in me that I didn’t yet have words for. Now, as someone who creates with my hands both for work and for joy, I’ve seen firsthand how making something tangible is not only deeply satisfying—turning raw materials into something beautiful—but also essential for processing life, working through thoughts, and expressing myself. As grateful as I am for all the progress technology brings, nothing compares to slowing down and creating something with my hands.

Chair cushion covers made with FS Dried Herb Heavyweight linen

What has been the most rewarding sewing project you’ve completed so far and why?

I’ve really enjoyed creating soft fabric books for my kids. I started this during pregnancy, spending the months leading up to birth writing a story I wanted to teach them. Then, I use fabric scraps to bring that story to life. Creating a soft book while thinking of my baby has been such a sweet and meaningful gift. I recently finished one for my son titled “Stitched Together,” which, of course, was inspired by sewing.

What is more important to you – the process or the final product (ie your garment)?

If I had to choose just one thing, I’d say it’s the process. There’s so much learned along the way, and I have so many beautiful memories of bringing an idea to life—humming away in my sewing studio as it all comes together.

What does success mean to you?

To me, success looks like working with my hands and living a quiet life.

What have you chosen to make out of FS linen and why?

I made new cushion covers for my living room chairs. My husband and I found these at an antique store nearly ten years ago, and over time, we’ve slowly brought new life to them. I love the quality of FS linen, so I was thrilled to find a heavy yet soft linen in the perfect dried herb shade of green to work with.

What is it like working with fabrics-store linen?

It truly is the perfect linen, in my opinion. It’s not too fragile or finicky to work with, and sewing with it is an absolute dream. It’s both sturdy and soft, making the whole process so enjoyable.