NC Stitches

Where Every Stitch Tells a Story: How NC Stitches Started

When I was 10, a neighbor down the street offered sewing classes in her basement. It was July in Raleigh, NC, and our house was not air-conditioned. This was a great way to avoid the summer heat.  

That July, I fell in love with sewing. In the early 1980’s, I got married and started a family. The sewing room became a nursery, so I put my creativity on the back burner. My children were in college when Mom had her stroke. Once released from the hospital, she required 24/7 care. 

Taking care of Mom became a top priority for my sister, Nancy, and me. This was a very stressful time for both of us. Within 9 months, Nancy and I were each diagnosed with different forms of cancer. The doctor suggested we find ways to reduce our stress, so, I dusted off my sewing machine and started making a quilt.  

This process brought creativity back into my life! When the quilt was finished, it was named “Beating Cancer”. The doctor’s suggestion worked. I can happily report that both Nancy and I are now cancer-free. As I entered my retirement years, it was time to decide what to do with the next stage of my life. The answer was clear….to spread the joy of creativity with as many people as possible. 

Debbie Henry