Name: Susana Patterson
Owner, Susana's Sewing Studio, which is moving to 26 Warren St.
How long have you been sewing?
At least 30 years.
When did you open the business in Concord?
We opened in the winter of 2009. We do tailoring for everybody's clothes, and most of the clothes I wear, I make.
What's the funkiest thing you've ever stitched?
A straightjacket for a kid in a band somewhere. It was a crazy request, but I make quite a bit of crazy requests. If it can be sewn, I usually can do it.
What's the most difficult project you've completed?
Wedding gowns, because they are very fragile and intricate. They can be heavy and difficult to put together.
What is your favorite item that you've made?
My favorite things are aprons, dressy aprons I use for layering pieces. I like to do them in a renaissance style.
If threading a needle were an Olympic event, where would you place?
I think I would do pretty good. I'm pretty competitive, so I would shoot for first place, but I wouldn't be far from it (regardless).
If you weren't running a sewing studio, what would you be doing?
I probably would do painting, because I love that. I'd definitely be making something, because I love to create stuff and I'm always making something – just nothing to do with food. I'd probably be a carpenter.
You are on a desert island, and someone gets cut. Would you be a good choice to stitch them up?
Yes. It wouldn't be an easy thing, but if I had to, I would do it. I would probably take my time and do a good job, too, because I am a perfectionist.
Finish the joke: A sewer, a crocheter and a knitter walk into a bar. . .
The sewer will say 'My needle is sharper than yours, and I can hurt you with it.' I've done all three, and the only one that really hurts is a sewing needle.
Hidden talent?
Painting, doing decorations. I have visions of art all the time in my head.
Guilty pleasure?
Going to sleep with my dogs. Sometimes I think, 'I really should be up and doing stuff,' but I really love to cuddle with my dogs.
