Meet the Maker - Tara Karmas

Welcome to our February Meet the Maker blog! Our aim is to share a little insight into the sewing lives of our Peony Makers. This month we would love you to meet Tara Karmas -  You can follow more of her work on Instagram @twoposhtoddlers



Tell us a little bit about yourself...

Hi! My name is Tara. I’m a mom of 6 kiddos ages 3 to 25! I live in the cold northeast in CT.

How did you learn to sew and when?

I learned to sew in Home Ec in about freshman year of high school. But, it wasn’t until years later, after having my twins that I began sewing regularly and developed a real passion for it.

What is your favourite type of fabric to work with?

Wow with so many amazing fabrics out there, that’s a tough question! I love mostly ALL fabrics lol! I’d have to say honestly though that I do love knits more than wovens.

Whats your favourite Peony make to date?

My favorite Peony make to date might be my Care Bear Poppy.

What are your sewing goals for 2021?

My sewing goals for 2021 are to be a little more intentional when sewing my own clothing. I tend to sew a lot of things I don’t often wear. Another goal is to outdo the number of makes for the previous year and also maybe to learn or get better at a technique.

What sewing tip have you learned along the way that you use all the time?

Most of the tips I’ve learned that I use all the time probably relate more to knit fabrics. For instance the elastic gathering method and to memory press things like hems, cuffs, neckbands etc.

What is your biggest sewing achievement or challenge to date? Tell us about it!

My biggest sewing achievement probably was in using my serger. When I bought it, it sat in the box for about 3 or 4 years before a friend finally taught me how to use it and then there was no turning back! But I do tend to shy away from new equipment out of fear I will damage it and that’s something I need to overcome because I have a Cricut, a coverstitch and a projector going unused right now, haha.

What advice would you give to someone learning to sew?

Definitely try new things outside of your comfort zone!  Also: sew ALL the things and sew somewhat regularly because there is no teaching better than hands on and you get exponentially better out of practice.