Sew Fast Sew Easy
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sewing instruction, crafts |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Elissa K. Meyrich |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Sewing lessons, patterns, instructional books, sewing and knitting merchandise |
Sew Fast Sew Easy was a corporation situated in New York City's Garment District, Manhattan, recognized for offering sewing lessons, patterns, and instructional books. Established in 1991 by Elissa K. Meyrich—a designer with over 26 years of expertise, an instructor at Parsons School of Design, and a contributor to sewing publications—the enterprise leveraged the renewed interest in traditional home economics, which was revitalized by digital innovations such as online chat communities and customizable patterns.
History
The company initiated New York City's inaugural Stitch and Bitch group in 1997. A year later, it launched the Stitch and Bitch Cafe Internet guestbook.
In 1999, knitting author Debbie Stoller created a similarly named knitting collective in Manhattan’s East Village, resulting in a trademark conflict. Sew Fast Sew Easy secured a service mark for "Stitch & Bitch Café" in 2002 and began issuing cease and desist notices by 2005 to vendors using comparable terms, provoking criticism from crafting communities.
Stoller contested the trademark on the grounds of earlier use prior to 1998; the dispute was resolved through a settlement in 2008.
Sew Fast Sew Easy discontinued its operations in December 2012.
Brands
The following brands were promoted by Sew Fast/Sew Easy:
- Sew Fast Sew Easy’s sewing courses, instructional books, and patterns.
- Stitch & Bitch, and Stitch & Bitch Cafe sewing and knitting merchandise.
Company timeline
- 1991 – Initiated the first Sew Fast Sew Easy classes within a studio located in New York City.
- 1992 – Established a comprehensive sewing center providing knitting and crochet lessons, supplies, patterns, and machines.
- 1995 – Rolled out the initial computer-fitted made-to-measure sewing patterns.
- 1997 – Received coverage in The New York Times for computer-fitted patterns; started Stitch & Bitch Nights events in NYC.
- 1998 – Created the online forum Stitch & Bitch Café along with an accompanying website; introduced magnetic seam guides under the brand.
- 1999 – Acknowledged by sewing industry publication Round Bobbin as innovators of trendy sewing; featured on The New York Times and CNN for distinctive voodoo doll making workshops.
- 2001 – Launched its debut series of online video tutorials.
- 2002 – Named "Tailor Made" in Best of New York; published Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew authored by Elissa K. Meyrich.
- 2004 – Broadened the Stitch & Bitch product range to encompass knitting supplies.
- 2006 – Released RIP IT!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams by Elissa K. Meyrich; featured prominently in leading fashion magazines.
- 2007 – Moved operations to West 35th Street; unveiled the Stitch & Bitch Café digital education platform; spotlighted by CNBC World News as an innovative fusion of sewing and technology; introduced branded magnetic seam guides and apparel.
- 2008 – Published Sew Fast Sew Easy: Sew On by Elissa K. Meyrich featuring former Vice President Gregory Garvin on the cover; instructor Kenley Collins reached finalist status on Project Runway.