ABOUT RSS
OWNER: SARAH LACEY
Sarah Lacey is a "Jill" of all trades who may master a few... eventually!
Before starting Ready Set Stitch, Sarah was a chemical engineer; then an attorney; and from 2018-2022, an elected member of the Anne Arundel County Council. When her term as a legislator concluded, Sarah began looking for a way to combine her prior work experiences, her passion for community, and her enthusiasm for all things sewing.
As Sarah began to teach herself to clean and repair vintage sewing machines, her entrepreneurial vision developed. The result, Ready Set Stitch, brings people together to engage in their chosen needle craft by providing a safe, welcoming, judgment-free “third place” (away from home and school/work) to have fun, to learn, and to focus on their stitching.
Sarah has lived in Central Maryland since 2002, moving back and forth between Howard and Anne Arundel counties as she and her husband, Keith, grew their family. They currently live in a historic house in Jessup with a heap of children, pets, and wildlife (is there a difference?).
A LETTER FROM SARAH
The idea of this place began from a crossroads in my life. I felt called to create something new that would reflect my passion for community while making space for others to engage their creativity.
I am a quilter who dabbles in sewing, but I know the broader stitching world brings us all together. We all wear clothes, right?
I want to foster a local community of people who learn that needle craft is accessible to them; gain satisfaction and empowerment from creating, mending, and altering, especially to improve fit and avoid waste; and who appreciate the traditions and simplicity of handwork and the durability of vintage mechanical machines.
Welcome to my shop!
I feel so lucky to hold the keys to 8133 Main Street in Old Ellicott City. With vintage, antique, and gift shops up and down the street, a bookstore, record shop, game shop, wine and chocolate shops, restaurants... there’s so much to do, and yet we all need a place to sit, rest, focus our minds, and give our creativity an outlet. I hope you will enjoy being here at Ready Set Stitch as much as I do!
Thank you for checking us out!
-- Sarah Lacey