Enduring Threads began in 2016 to share ideas and tips about writing and the needle arts.

Writing

As a seasoned professional writer, I have worked on a range of communication projects to support the mission and priorities of my clients. I have written for a variety of mediums, from social media to journal articles to executive speeches.

Through the years, I have supported the communication efforts for a variety of issues, including some that were publicly contentious, and initiatives that spanned years, each requiring a plan tailored to the unique needs of the audience. I also have handled media relations for the companies I have worked for, successfully pitching positive stories and minimizing negative news attention. I have used a variety of means to gauge the effectiveness of communication plans and adapt them when needed.

While working for an energy company, I managed the communications for quarterly drills and a number of actual events at its nuclear power plant. My emergency response duties included responding to reporters’ questions, preparing other spokespeople for interviews, monitoring news and social media outlets. I also was responsible for writing and updating crisis communication plans and procedures to reflect new practices and technology.

I am comfortable working with designers, photographers and videographers to create appealing visuals to support a client’s brand and key messages.

I also am an experienced technical writer, able to soften jargon-laden texts so they are more easily understood by their intended audiences. Journal articles, grant requests, textbooks, instruction manuals and white papers for public officials all benefit from someone who knows how to make a document easier to read while maintaining the accuracy of the information and conveying the competence of the author.

You can see more about my background on my LinkedIn page.

Sewing

I’m not sure what initially attracted me to sewing, but I took to the needle arts from a very young age, watching my mother carefully through all stages of purchasing, cutting, sewing and embroidering clothes for herself and my sisters. By the time I was five, I was hand-stitching projects like pin cushions, change purses and doll clothes. When I was seven, I completed my first outfits — tank top and shorts ensembles — using the sewing machine.

I earned money in high school doing small tailoring jobs for neighbors and eventually became the assistant costumer at Bloomsburg University as my college work study job. My boss at the time, the university’s costumer, refined my pattern-making skills and challenged me with new tasks, like putting together period costumes, and teaching me to dye fabrics. While in college, I continued to do tailoring to bring in a few extra dollars and occasionally helped with costumes for the local theater group.

Along with completing my first outfits, age seven was notable for another accomplishment: my grandmother taught me to knit. For years, I practiced on a row of 10 stitches, adding to the knitted project with small balls of left over yarn my grandmother gave me every visit. By the time I was about 12, I could wrap it around my house. Twice. My family affectionately dubbed it my giraffe scarf. Years later, I moved on to afghans, where gauge is not so important, and finally, shortly after my third child was born, I was able to complete my first sweater that actually fit its intended recipient.

I love all forms of the needle arts, picking up crocheting and embroidery from books and friends. I continue to add to my range of experience through reading and interacting with others, and enjoy sharing the joy of sewing with family and friends.