Continuing our Sewn Stories series, where we explore the garments or textiles that have held significant meaning in our lives—whether handmade by us or someone else—I’m thrilled to introduce Denyse Schmidt today. Known for her exquisite art quilts, popular fabric collections, and quilting patterns (available in the Oliver + S shop), as well as her inspiring books, Denyse’s work has earned admiration across the realms of art, design, and crafting. A former graphic designer who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, Denyse began making quilts in 1996. Fascinated by the rich history of quilts and inspired by beauty born out of necessity, she brings her unique aesthetic—clean lines, vibrant colors, and bold designs—to this timeless art form. Denyse's studio is nestled in a historic textile building in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Over to you, Denyse.
Sewing has always been a profound connection to my mother for me. It was a shared experience that allowed us to bond deeply, navigating the world together. She taught me to sew when I was around seven or eight years old. Growing up in Central Massachusetts, surrounded by textile mills, some of which had small retail spaces on-site, I have vivid memories of shopping for fabrics with my mom. These stores had creaky, dusty wooden floors, rolls of luxurious fabrics stacked high on tables, and winding paths that led upstairs and around corners until you felt disoriented. It felt like an adventure, hunting for treasures that could be turned into new outfits or coats for school or special occasions.
Even though my mom had a demanding full-time job as an administrator and teacher at a school for troubled youth, she somehow found time to sew clothes for herself and my siblings when we were younger. Here we are at one of her master’s degree graduations. I cherished those beautiful bottle-blue tops she made for my older sister and me. They were crafted from a combination of shiny taffeta and cotton lace, and they felt so special. I loved feeling like my big sister's twin.
My mom learned to sew from her grandmother, Josephine, who owned a treadle machine, and her Aunt Blanche. While her mother, Mae, didn't sew and wasn't particularly domestic, she had an incredible urban garden on a hillside that thrived thanks to homemade compost. Interestingly, my mom couldn’t even keep houseplants alive—a stark contrast to her gardening skills!
Josephine made clothes for my mom and her two brothers, including underwear, during the Great Depression when the family struggled financially. As a child, I thought this sounded uncomfortable, but now, with the rise of self-sewn intimates, I understand why someone might want to create their own wardrobe if they had the time.
Mom sewed quite a bit during her teenage years. Before heading off to study at Our Lady of the Elms College on a scholarship in Chicopee, Massachusetts, her grandmother and aunt helped her buy enough fabric to make a wardrobe consisting of two skirts, two shirts, and a jacket. She mentioned that the other girls came from wealthier families, and having this wardrobe gave her a sense of belonging and ease during the transition.
I adore these old black-and-white photos of my parents from their early years of marriage. The faded images evoke a soft, nostalgic haze, making the sepia-toned world seem simpler, clearer, and slower-paced. How else could she have managed so much on a daily basis?
I’m grateful she got to see my business grow and succeed. She was incredibly proud of my achievements, especially knowing I’ve built a career around sewing. Without my parents’ support through college and beyond, this wouldn’t have been possible. Recently, I rediscovered a Polaroid of my parents in front of the first quilt blocks I ever made for an upcoming home-furnishings show. Those blocks became part of the three samples I created to showcase what people might have called a crazy idea. Yet, there they are, smiling and looking so happy, even though I was just months away from potential disaster. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.
When I teach workshops now, I often tell my students how I used to spend a fortune on Polaroids to document my progress. I sometimes feel like a relic of the past, marveling at how rapidly technology has advanced during my lifetime. How fortunate they are to have access to such powerful tools right in their pockets!
The journey to quilting wasn’t straightforward. After studying theater and briefly pursuing acting in New York, I took a series of sewing jobs as a bridge to attending art school. One of these jobs was with a small atelier near my hometown where James Hogan crafted clothing for society ladies. Working with him and his team improved my garment-making skills significantly. Before leaving for art school, James generously allowed me to use his patterns to create outfits for my mom. One was a Chanel-style wool bouclé suit, and the other was an orange silk dress she wore constantly. Here she is with two of her nephews from the early to mid-1980s—the era of exaggerated shoulder pads!
I owe so much to my mom, but her love and skill in sewing have given me comfort, cherished memories, and ultimately, a fulfilling career.
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We hope you enjoyed this contribution to the Sewn Stories series. If you’d like to share your own story, simply reach out or tag us on social media with #sewnstories. Until next time!
Women Pants,Knitted Slim Flared Pants,Women'S Sports Pants,Women'S Casual Jumpsuit
Shaoxing Shangju Textile Co., Ltd. , https://www.shangjutex.com
June 03, 2025