Welcome to Be Mandy Things!

First off… please call me Amanda….

Be Mandy Things is a handcrafted bag and beginner friendly sewing pattern small business. I’m Amanda, owner & designer! I know “Mandy” is in my business name, but please…. call me Amanda.

Read on to discover how this little hobby turned into the successful small business it is today!

My Journey

In 2017, I was a stay at home Mom, raising 2 little boys with my Hubby. It’s so rewarding and fun… but, let’s face it. It can get B.O.R.I.N.G. My Mother-in-Law has been sewing since she was a girl, so I asked her for a few lessons. After my first lesson, where I put the pedal to the medal and sped through everything she gave me to sew, she gave me HOMEWORK! She made me practice sewing straight lines at a slow speed.

Well… it worked. I practiced any chance I could get, then moved onto slightly harder projects. Fast forward to a few years later, and I was sewing zippered pouches, tote bags and soaking up any you tube tutorial I could find. I started giving my items out as gifts, and always received a comment like, “Oh, wow! This is beautiful? Did you MAKE this?! Do you have an Etsy shop? You SHOULD have an Etsy shop!” And now I have an Etsy Shop and a Website.

I love looking at fabric and thinking up combos in my mind of what would look great on a bag. My Instagram (@bemanythings) will show you all the different projects I have made throughout the years. I sew any chance I get, however, it’s not as often as I would like. My children are now both in school, and I went back to teaching when my youngest entered Kindergarten in 2019.

Now, I’m a full time Special Ed Asst. Teacher, working with behaviorally and socially challenged children. See now why I need a stress reliever??!! My sewing time is now whittled down to when I’m not knocked out on the couch during the school week after my own kids have gone to bed, or when I can sneak a few hours into my sewing room on the weekend. I’m always creating in my mind, and have several drawers in my sewing room full of fabrics that are paired with patterns, waiting to be cut into.

My Mission

Over the years, I have worked with several Textile companies, including Art Gallery Fabrics, Poppie Cotton, Maywood Studio, Benartex Fabrics and pattern designer Maureen Fiorellini who designs for StudioE Fabrics. I am also a Brand Ambassador for Needle & Anchor and Sallie Tomato. I have used my experiences in sewing bags and small quilts to develop detailed, fun, beginner-friendly sewing patterns. My passion for bag making is something I want to share with all to help relieve the insecurities many have regarding bags or zippers.

Get in Touch

I personally want to thank you for taking the time to learn a little about myself. Hopefully you have connected with my story in some way. If you would like to be a part of the BMT family, and receive advanced notice of new patterns or inventory, special subscriber discounts and stay updated on what I’m up to, sign up for my newsletter!

Happy Sewing,

Amanda