Why Sew Away

Welcome to Sew Away!

Hi, I’m Vanessa the creator behind Sew Away, a handmade shop filled with bookish joy. I sew bookmarks, book sleeves, and Bible sleeves for readers who carry their stories everywhere, just like I do.

Sew Away is rooted in my personal journey of learning how to read as an adult.

For a long time, words felt like a wall I couldn’t climb. I was always drawn to libraries and small shops. I would stop at the bookshelves, open hardcovers, and flip through the pages searching for pictures because the words themselves felt overwhelming.

Throughout school, I avoided reading. The thought of reading out loud filled me with fear, worried that everyone would see my struggle. I wanted to learn, but I didn’t know where or how to start.

Between 2016 and 2017, everything began to change with one small step. While at Sunday Mass, I walked into the gift shop and found a small book by Billy Graham. I started by reading just one page at a time, then journaling what I felt and learned. Reading was still hard, but I didn’t give up.

That moment taught me something important: progress doesn’t have to be fast it just has to continue.

I started one page at a time, and I kept going. Years later, that same heart lives in Sew Away. Every piece I make is sewn with care, patience, and encouragement for readers at every stage of their journey.

Sew Away is for anyone who loves stories, who protects their books, and who believes that every chapter no matter how it starts matters.

In 2018, I returned to school to finish my high school diploma.
The last thing standing in my way was history. I needed five credits, but the reading felt overwhelming. I tried, got discouraged, quit then tried again. Over and over.

In 2021, I made a promise to myself: this time would be different.
I began reading one page at a time. I got a library card, set small goals, and slowly pushed through page by page, book by book.

In 2022, at age 26, I graduated and earned my diploma.
That fall, I enrolled in college.

Reading changed everything  it gave me confidence, joy, and a love for learning I never knew I had.

That’s why I created  Sew Away, a handmade shop where I’m happy to share my story.

Every piece I make is a quiet reminder:

You’re one of a kind keep going.
It’s never too late to learn.
It’s never too late to open a book.