Meet Susan - About Great Stitches

Thoughtful gifts, made personal.

I'm Susan, the person behind Great Stitches. I believe the best gifts are the ones that feel chosen especially for someone - a monogram, a favorite dog, a meaningful place, or a small detail that makes an everyday piece feel personal.

Great Stitches grew from my love of giving thoughtful gifts and creating things people are genuinely excited to give. Today I embroider personalized linens, gifts, seasonal favorites, and plenty of Sewanee pieces from my workspace in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Most days you'll find me surrounded by colorful thread and working at one of my embroidery machines, turning cocktail napkins, towels, pillows, and other useful pieces into gifts with a little more personality. Some designs begin with an idea from a customer; others come from things I love myself - entertaining, dogs, holidays, and life on the Mountain.

Made in Sewanee

Sewanee is both home and a big part of Great Stitches. Many of the Sewanee designs in the shop celebrate the traditions, places, and expressions that mean something to alumni, students, parents, and friends of the University. Some pieces also feature original artwork by my husband, Bob Askew, whose watercolor work brings another bit of Sewanee into the shop.

Made for giving

Whether you're choosing a hostess gift, a wedding present, something for a dog lover, or a little reminder of Sewanee, my hope is simple: that it feels personal, useful, and genuinely fun to give.

Thanks for visiting Great Stitches. I'm glad you're here.

Susan