It was a mid-morning on a beautiful Oklahoma Sunday, with the whole family home, when an accident changed my pace of life for a while. I found myself non-weight-bearing on my right leg, and no driving allowed.

Now, I’m not much of a TV watcher. I do enjoy scrolling social media, reading, learning, and listening to others share their ideas. But suddenly, I had a little too much time on my hands. At one point, I realized I was spending close to 14 hours a day scrolling. I knew that wasn’t healthy, so I decided to turn that time into something meaningful.

To give you a little background, I grew up in a small Oklahoma town in a ranching and farming family. We farmed, raised cattle, kept a garden, canned fruits and vegetables, and yes… we sewed. We weren’t afraid of work, and my brother and I didn’t spend much time watching TV. We were usually outside, staying busy.

Funny enough, growing up, I didn’t care much for chickens. But now? My family will tell you I’m completely obsessed. Hens on nests, live chickens… I love them all, and I refer to them as “my girls.”

While recovering, I came across several incredible sewing educators online who encouraged doing what works for you,  that nothing is set in stone. That message stuck with me because I’ve always believed in being yourself and not forcing yourself into someone else’s category.

That’s when I thought: Why not refresh what my momma taught me many moons ago?

My mother is an amazing seamstress with patience of gold. She taught me, and later her grandchildren, the art of sewing. Before I knew it, sewing supplies started showing up at my front door. I finally pulled out the sewing machine that had been sitting unopened since Christmas of 2018 (yes… 2018). I threaded it with thread that was probably old enough to vote, cut up some old clothes, and started sewing them back together.

My dad used to joke with my mom, asking why she’d cut up perfectly good fabric just to sew it back together. And somewhere in that moment, The Threaded Hen was born.

What started as a way to pass the time turned into something so much more: unforgettable memories, creative fulfillment, and quality time with family and friends. Every piece I make today carries a little bit of that story with it. It is amazing how God tells us to slow down and enjoy life. 

Thank you for being here and for supporting me livin’ the dream.

-Deb