This was an event I'll always remember, as it was my first time showcasing my baby bump. It was all the more meaningful doing so with a brand marked by a history of women in leadership.
I had the pleasure of teaming up with Maker's Mark for their Denim & Dames event at Pub & Kitchen in Philadelphia, where local hospitality industry professionals were invited to get creative and design their very own custom denim jackets. We had so much fun!
The guest list was full of the people who keep Philly's hospitality scene running — bartenders, servers, sommeliers, and other industry folks — and the evening was all about treating them to a little creativity, good food, and some delicious Maker's Mark cocktails.
A Little Denim DIY, with a Side of Chainstitch Embroidery
The concept was simple: give guests a denim jacket and let them make it their own!
We created a DIY customization experience where guests had access to a whole assortment of goodies to decorate their jackets. Think Philly-themed patches, rhinestones, grommets, appliqués, and all sorts of fun embellishments. Each guest had their own little workstation, complete with a mini iron and giveaways, so they could get to work creating something uniquely theirs.
And that's where I came in with my industrial chainstitch embroidery machine!
In addition to all the DIY options, guests could bring their jackets over to me for some custom, on-the-spot chainstitch embroidery. I put together a special embroidery menu inspired by Maker's Mark and Valentine's Day, featuring designs that complemented the theme of the evening. Guests could choose where they wanted their embroidery placed on their jackets, making each piece even more personal.
More Than Just the Embroidery
While the actual stitching is always my favorite part, my involvement with the event started well before I rolled my embroidery machine into Pub & Kitchen.
I worked with Maker's Mark to source and order all of the supplies needed to bring the activation to life. From the Philly-themed patches to the rhinestones, grommets, appliqués, mini irons, and other materials, I coordinated the logistics of getting everything ordered and delivered so that Maker's Mark had what they needed for the event.
On the day of, I arrived early to get my embroidery station up and running, decorate the space, and set up the room for guests. By the time everyone arrived, the DIY stations were ready to go, and the space was set for an evening of creativity.
This is one of the things I love being able to offer through That Crafty One. When you book me for an embroidery activation, you're getting more than just an embroidery artist. My background in project management means I'm comfortable taking on all those little details that make an event come together — sourcing supplies, coordinating deliveries, planning the guest experience, and making sure everything is ready to roll.
And if that means helping set up an entire denim jacket decorating party? I'm all in!
A Little Extra Girl Power
There was another reason this event felt especially meaningful to me.
Maker's Mark has a pretty incredible history when it comes to women in the bourbon industry. Margie Samuels, who helped create the brand alongside her husband, was the creative force behind so much of what makes Maker's Mark recognizable today, including its iconic red wax seal.
As a woman running my own creative business, I loved getting to work with a brand whose history includes such an influential woman.
And, as an added bonus, this was the very first event I worked while visibly pregnant!
There was something really special about showing up with my embroidery machine, putting in the work, and doing my thing while also growing a tiny human. It felt like a little full-circle moment — celebrating creativity, women in business, and the ability to keep showing up for the things we're passionate about.
A little extra girl power behind the chainstitch machine, if you will---because I'm expecting a baby girl!
Cheers to Creativity!
The event was such a hit! Guests got to enjoy Pub & Kitchen's delicious food and specialty Maker's Mark cocktails while getting creative with their jackets. It was so fun seeing how differently everyone approached their designs, and I loved being able to add that final embroidered touch to their creations.
What I especially loved about Denim & Dames was that it wasn't just about handing guests a branded giveaway. It was about giving them an experience — a chance to make something with their own hands, personalize it, and leave with a jacket that was completely unique to them.
A huge thank you to Maker's Mark for bringing me on board for such a fun event, and to Pub & Kitchen for hosting us!
Planning a brand activation, corporate event, or creative experience in Philadelphia (or beyond)? Whether you're looking for live chainstitch embroidery, a hands-on customization station, or someone who can help coordinate the creative details from start to finish, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.
Fill out my live event inquiry form to start planning your special something!
And watch my event recap reel on my Instagram to see the whole event in action!
