FROM HOBBY TO BUSINESS Story by Jeff ELKINS ~ Photo by Kyle PHILLIPS
Sew-n-So ’ s provides crocheting and sewing classes lessons for all experience levels
Dona Gragg started sewing at a young age under the guidance of her siblings .
Growing up with four brothers and four sisters meant money was tight . Her older sisters had taken to the craft and she was able to learn a lot about sewing clothes just by watching them .
The skill she learned as a little girl developed into Gragg ’ s own store , Sew-n- So ’ s , on 24th Avenue NW three years ago .
“ I made clothes for my kids when I had them and I ’ m into art anyway , so it just kind of feeds into that ,” Gragg said . Gragg and her team specialize in all things sewing , vinyl cutting , glass etching , embroidery and quilting , and with Saturday classes returning in February , they hope to help Norman residents develop those skills .
Gragg said beginners sewing classes are a popular choice , and start at eightyears-old . Kids seem to enjoy it to such a degree that Gragg has even thrown sewing birthday parties .
“ We had one birthday party with four little girls and they made aprons , and that was a lot of fun for them and us ,” Gragg said .
Gragg hopes to start a “ free sewing ” class that allows anyone to come in and work on whatever they feel like .
“ They can come in on a certain day , pay $ 5 , and sew all that day , talking with each other and getting to know people , but that would be for intermediate to experienced sewing ,” Gragg said .
A recent beginners sewing class consisted of three eight-year-old girls , a 12-year-old girl , a middle aged woman and 67-yearold Eric Beer , who recently purchased his first sewing machine .
“ We taught him how to use it , he ’ s been in a couple of classes now and he ’ s made a pillowcase and a Christmas stocking ,” Gragg said . “ He cleared out his bedroom to have enough room for a table and his sewing machine and has really taken off with it .”
With the help of Sew-n- So ’ s classes , Beer said he has developed quite the interest in the art of sewing , and expressed gratitude for Gragg ’ s patience .
“ She ’ s got the patience of Job ,” Beer said .
Classes won ’ t happen in January , but will ramp back up in February . Beer hopes to take a class with his wife in 2022 .
“ When we start back , we will probably have one about every Saturday ,” Gragg said .
The store ’ s website , sewnsos . com /, will be updated with upcoming classes . For more information about Sew-n-So ’ s classes , visit the website or call 405-310- 3190 .
Sew-n-So ’ s owner Dona Gragg works on a project .
20 NormanMagazine . com | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022