Celebrating 10 Years of Itch to Stitch: A Heartfelt Thank You
On October 8, 2014, Itch to Stitch released its first digital sewing pattern. It’s hard to believe that 10 years have flown by, and today, Itch to Stitch is celebrating its 10th anniversary!
Itch to Stitch wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support of so many people, and I want to take this special moment to thank them all.
Rita Parenteau, where would I be without you? Over the years, you’ve proofread countless Itch to Stitch patterns before they even reached the testers. But your contributions go far beyond spotting typos. With your auditing background, you ask insightful questions, pinpoint areas of confusion, suggest alternative techniques, and catch inconsistencies. Your meticulous attention to detail elevates every pattern, ensuring testers have a smooth and enjoyable experience. I’m beyond grateful for your dedication, expertise, and, most of all, your friendship. It’s always a joy to chat about sewing or share a laugh over the little things!
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my amazing Itch to Stitch Facebook group admins. Not only do they manage the group, but they also test many Itch to Stitch patterns.
- Crystal Rice has been invaluable. I can always count on her for eloquent and empathetic responses to questions and comments. She’s also a true fashionista, consistently turning the patterns into enviable outfits. Her detailed write-ups on her fitting and sewing process are always a treasure trove of information.
- Ilse Lemmens brings a unique point of view that I love. She’s always up for interesting designs, eager to help, and incredibly productive in her sewing. Her photography? Always stunning!
- Jan Murray is our nature cheerleader. She has a special way of making everyone in the group feel welcome. Her kindness and positivity are absolutely infectious, creating a space where everyone feels comfortable. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that Jan’s elegance shines through in every post. I want to be like Jan when I grow up!
- Kadri Kivistik has been a rock of support. Her calm, collected demeanor and natural leadership skills make her invaluable. She approaches challenges with insight and proactivity, and I love sharing favorite designs with her because we have such similar tastes!
Itch to Stitch Testers have been a cornerstone of our success. I’m forever grateful to Diane Cullum and Bernice van der Meer, who tested our very first pattern and are still actively testing today! Over the years, more than 200 testers have given me their time, skills, and creativity. Seeing how they interpret each pattern and transform them into beautiful garments never ceases to inspire me.
Here’s a special shout-out to all my current testers: Aimee Wilson, Alexandra Wellington McKinnon, Amirah Ain Mohd Radzi, An Ca, Andrea Clark, Andrea Coté Molitoris, Anemone Harris, Angela Hougardy, Anika Koch, April Schutt, Belinda Goldie, Bernice van der Meer, Boon Lim, Brooke Church, Carmen Ruder, Carmen Statham, Carol Rowe, Chiara Kruse White, Chloe Hall, Chris M Shapiro, Cindy Lee, Crystal Collins, Crystal Rice, Cynthia Solis Hendrickson, Dale Luxford, Daniëlle Nelleke De Moor, Debbie Ann Groves, Deepthi Gunasheker, Denise Keierleber, Diana Roberson, Diane Cullum, Elizabeth Ferguson, Elsa Pomar, Erika Janik, Fiona Groves, Gabz Jefferson, Georgiana Jane Archer, Glenda Vizecky, Hansie Ristic, Ilse Lemmens, Indu Ankareddi, Jan Murry, Jen Ballif, Jenn Topp-Lalonde, Jenny Bowen, Jodi Christopher Williams, Jolien Thissen, Jordan Green Anderson, Jos Ruitenbeek-Beltman, Kadri Kivistik, Karen Turner, Karin Young, Karina Trinidad, Kayla Smith, Kelsey Jean, Krystal Lee, Lauren Lunsford, Leanne Miller, Leslie Dunne, Linda Burley, Linda Gauthier, Lorraine C. Shorten, Lorraine Swanson, Margaret Winters, Mari-Liis Ööpik-Loks, Maria Luísa Santos, Maria Navarro, Megan Geyer, Melanie Morris Kepler, Natasha Tung, Nateida Lathon, Nicole Golsteijn-Cnoops, Nicole Hanley Markelz, Pam Black, Rachel Douglas, Renata Harris, Rita LP, Robin Elliott, Ruth Austin, Sandra Wright Boyne, Sarah Hoggett, Sarah Jane Locke, Sharon Aguilar, Sharon Madsen, Stacey Clements, Stephanie Allen, Tanis Halladay, Tiffany Anderson Stutheit, Tiina Kirsipuu, Vanessa Thomas, Whitney Shoemaker Luckenbill.
These are just our current testers—many others have contributed in the past, and my appreciation for them is just as strong.
Some of these testers also serve as Itch to Stitch affiliates, spreading the word about our patterns and sharing their beautiful makes with the sewing community. A special thanks to Karina Trinidad, Sharon Madsen, and Whitney Shoemaker Luckenbill for their fantastic videos. Your support has helped bring more people to Itch to Stitch!
I also want to give a shout-out to our resellers and sewing magazines for promoting Itch to Stitch over the years.
And, of course, my heartfelt thanks to my husband, Ray. You’ve been my photographer, tech support, and my biggest fan, cheering me on every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to our customers! Without your loyalty and support, there would be no Itch to Stitch. You not only purchase the patterns but also share your love for them with your friends and fellow sewists. I hope to continue creating patterns that inspire you for many more years to come.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! How lucky am I to have all of you in my life?
Wow 10 years, congratulations Kennis. I found ITS patterns by mistake in about 2017 while searching for free patterns. I have been sewing since my Grandmother gave me my first sewing machine for my 21st and was looking for something other than the big 4 (which never fit well at all). I found Kennis and haven’t looked back. I probably have about 90 of ITS patterns (I know, but collecting patterns is also a hobby). I can proudly say that about 95% of my clothes are me made and probably the same percentage are ITS items. Thank you Kennis for making patterns that fit so well and PLEASE do not ever stop, I think I will have withdrawal symptoms should you decide to stop designing patterns. I look forward to many more wonderful designs. Thank you Brigetta (your biggest fan)
Thank you so much for your support, Brigetta! 🙂
Thank YOU for making me a better sewer and a better dressed woman ! Your patterns bring more elegance to my wardrobe and I feel so lucky to get the chance to be a tester and therefor be gifted awesome patterns !
Here’s to you, Kennis and to many more fantastic patterns !!!
I’m so glad to have you on the testing team! Thank you for your help!
Congratulations! Kennis you have the best patterns. They are so well drafted that I can always trust them to fit beautifully. It’s been an honor to be a tester.
It’s an honor to have you in the testing team. 🙂
I love being part of this community and I love testing new patterns with you. You challenge me and you inspire me. Not just with your patterns, but in our friendship as well. You are an independent business woman with drive, focus and vision yet you live your life on your own terms, traveling and experiencing all the variety this world has to offer. I want to thank YOU for giving all of us the magic we find here in the Itch to Stich world. Congratulations on reaching your 10 year anniversary…. And here’s a wish for another 10 plus many more. I’ll be here until you kick me out, or until my eyes can’t see and my fingers can’t thread needles.
Aw! Now you are the one who leaves me speechless. I am so grateful for you and your friendship.