Life & Work with Tracy McElfresh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy McElfresh. 

Hi Tracy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My grandmother, Norma, left Puerto Rico when my mom was just a small child. She moved to NYC and began working in the garment district. In the city, she refined and perfected the skills she would go on to teach my mother, and my mother would go on to teach me. When I was growing up, almost all my clothes came from the thrift store, and that was where my experimentation with fit and design started. This was a golden age of the thrift store, and I remember they had so many amazing things – a golden age that I believe is here again. Anyways, the first thing I learned was to taper pants; from there, I gained the confidence to begin deconstructing vintage clothing, putting garments back together and remaking them in a style all my own. I had a different and unique look every day, and high school was my fashion sounding board. I was picked on a lot for being different, and I recognize now what a gift that was because it gave me the insight to trust myself. That trust is what allowed me to set out on my own journey and become the creative small business owner I am so proud of today. Currently, I enjoy helping people get the look and fit they want in their clothing, as well as making/ designing artistic garments. I have a seat on the Kettering Arts Council, where I volunteer for my hometown, and I facilitate a large local sewing meet-up group where I am able to pass the torch by mentoring and supporting others. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I really want something, I try to do the work. If the stars align that’s all the better, but I know I can’t count on that alone, even if it looks that way to others sometimes. I’ve definitely had my share of ups and downs, not the least of which came with the pandemic in 2020. I started my first shop with the online retailer Etsy in 2009. I sewed costumes and custom clothing for the public as a side hustle while working a full-time job, including many hours working at Hancock Fabric, until I co-opened the brick-and-mortar shop, Sew Dayton, in 2012. I decided to move away from any retail aspects in 2016 and opened my own studio shortly after. When I started Tracy’s Sewing Studio, I primarily made costumes for Dayton History, cosplay, home decor, and so, so much more. I hadn’t found my niche. When a local bridal shop suddenly closed, I became very popular, and I started to find my groove with dressmaking. Each step I’ve taken has had an abundance of learning experiences, both joys, and failures. I’ve done it all wrong occasionally, and that’s alright. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is a big part of who I am. It helps to define my role as a seamstress and as an artist and a creative. My processes of designing and fit, my approach to color and fabric choice, as well as my belief in the customer service of providing alterations requires constant adaptability and abstract thinking. No two things are made the same, and no two clients are built the same. Every garment is a puzzle, a challenge that I get to play with. I am the author of my story. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am always trying to grow as a person alongside my business. I enjoy, The Small Business Bible by Steven D. Strauss, The Art of social media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick’s, and The Friendship Formula by Caroline Millington. I read Threads Magazine, and I read and collect both vintage and modern sewing books. I love the Seamwork Radio podcast and All Songs Considered. Oh, and I think How I Built This is amazing! My all-time favorite is YouTube; I can watch people DIY hacking costumes, sewing, and giving history on period garments or making almost anything. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tracyssewingstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracysews/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracymcelfresh
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwpOjlokYD3k0peTuuFnwCQ

Image Credits
Ruby Red Fox
Sharon Elaine
Sarah Wonderling
Seth Stephens