About Us
Phyllis Mondak
Where were you born and how long have you lived in Richmond? Does your family live here?
I was born in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D. C. We moved to California when I was three and back to the East Coast (outside Philadelphia) when I was thirteen. I have also lived in the Chicago area, Boston, Nashville, and several places in Virginia. I moved to Richmond in the early 1990s with my two children. My oldest son now lives in Richmond (Chesterfield) with his family. My other son is in New York City. You may see my Richmond son in the store periodically, along with my husband doing the handyman duties.
How long have you been sewing?
I have been sewing since I was 10. I took a sewing class as a summer activity.
What was the first thing you made?
I think it was a dress for my Barbie. For the sewing class it was some clothing for me.
What is your favorite needle art? Hand or machine?
I love doing it all. I like machine sewing complicated projects. I like having a small hand project going to be able to take with me or do at a meeting/conference session or in front of the TV.
What is your favorite color?
Teals/turquoise/aqua/navy – all shades, values, hues.
What color do you have the most trouble using in projects?
I think colors that look muddy and reproduction print browns/greens.
What inspires you?
I am a breast cancer survivor, so waking up in the morning is a gift. Watching the seasons change, the colors that change with them inspires me. I get inspired by my husband, children and grandchildren; their curiosity, laughter, questions, stories they tell me, and their love.
What is your favorite book?
I just love reading. Being able to go somewhere else – real or fictional, meet other people, laugh or cry from good writing. Favorite authors include Pat Conroy, Charlaine Harris, Madeline L’Engle, Ann McCaffery, and Wally Lamb.
What is your favorite movie?
The Wizard of OZ. I love musicals too. I also love animated movies to watch with the grands – Up, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon(love the sound track), etc.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in Richmond? Does your family live here?
I was born in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D. C. We moved to California when I was three and back to the East Coast (outside Philadelphia) when I was thirteen. I have also lived in the Chicago area, Boston, Nashville, and several places in Virginia. I moved to Richmond in the early 1990s with my two children. My oldest son now lives in Richmond (Chesterfield) with his family. My other son is in New York City. You may see my Richmond son in the store periodically, along with my husband doing the handyman duties.
How long have you been sewing?
I have been sewing since I was 10. I took a sewing class as a summer activity.
What was the first thing you made?
I think it was a dress for my Barbie. For the sewing class it was some clothing for me.
What is your favorite needle art? Hand or machine?
I love doing it all. I like machine sewing complicated projects. I like having a small hand project going to be able to take with me or do at a meeting/conference session or in front of the TV.
What is your favorite color?
Teals/turquoise/aqua/navy – all shades, values, hues.
What color do you have the most trouble using in projects?
I think colors that look muddy and reproduction print browns/greens.
What inspires you?
I am a breast cancer survivor, so waking up in the morning is a gift. Watching the seasons change, the colors that change with them inspires me. I get inspired by my husband, children and grandchildren; their curiosity, laughter, questions, stories they tell me, and their love.
What is your favorite book?
I just love reading. Being able to go somewhere else – real or fictional, meet other people, laugh or cry from good writing. Favorite authors include Pat Conroy, Charlaine Harris, Madeline L’Engle, Ann McCaffery, and Wally Lamb.
What is your favorite movie?
The Wizard of OZ. I love musicals too. I also love animated movies to watch with the grands – Up, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon(love the sound track), etc.
Phyllis and her husband (David Martinez)All of our kids and grands.
Maggie and Andrew, Daniel and Charlye (my boys with their others)
Keith and Kristin(Dave's children) with Kristin's children - Sydney, Kaley, and Wayne.
All the grands - Loudon, Wayne, Avisha(in front), Sydney, and Kaley
