Meet Sue

Hi I’m Sue O’Very-Pruitt. I’m a mom to Heidi, and a wife to Joey. I’m a published author, notion designer, YouTuber, the BERNINA Embroidery Software V9 Expert, a BERNINA and bernette Ambassador, Craftsy Instructor, Daylight company Ambassador, LauraStar Ambassador, Oliso partner, sewing and In the Hoop pattern designer. My husband’s nickname for me is Sookie Bee. Even our local friends call me Sookie. I love the name so much that in 2020 we rebranded to Sookie Sews and our logo is the cute little Bee.

Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been sewing since I was 6 years old. I began my professional career as a costume designer at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Fl. After years of working as a costume designer, I became a sales manager for a sewing machine dealer. While enjoying the home sewing industry, I wanted to get back into the fashion industry. I worked for a leather manufacturer and spent most of my time in China on the factory floor as their Creative Director. Once the business changed the direction I was once again searching for a place to share my talent. I landed a Technical Designer position for VF Imagewear working with Harley Davidson and Team sports apparel and worked there until my daughter was born.

After Heidi was born in 2009, I wanted nothing more than be a full-time mom. I continued to teach sewing locally and before long I officially created my brand and have been living the dream ever since. Devoting all my time to being a mother and small business owner my brand grew from designs, to In The Hoop projects, sewing and serger patterns!

I’m proud to say I work with many amazing companies and enjoy my continuing journey in this sewing life:

What I love even more is being with sewing students and machine embroidery enthusiasts. If you ever get the opportunity to meet me, you will find I’m full of life, sewing knowledge, and a few jokes too!