In a nutshell . ..

In the Autumn of 1997 I discovered the Internet and was excited to find other Stitchers who shared my passion for hand embroidery and vintage kitsch.At first I began trading patterns as photo-copies. Then in order to actually use the patterns, my husband developed a process for reprinting iron-on transfers at home and that eventually turned into a home business.I sold my vintage collections as pattern reprints on ebay under the user name *PatternBee from 1999 - 2005.

(*I am not affiliated with any other business or enterprise calling itself PatternBee.)

The PatternBee Vintage Embroidery Shop launched in early Spring of 2005 and a few months later, I started a craft blog called, turkey feathers: homecraft & everyday adventures. It was hosted by Typepad and I posted regularly for nearly two decades until they closed their platform on September 30, 2025. The blog I decided had run its course and hasn't been republished.

In December 2019, I expanded my Etsy endeavors to include a pattern shop offering an alternative to my stand-alone website. It's called PatternBee Embroidery.

This PatternBee website also serves as an archive for vintage needlework patterns, due in part, by the generosity of others who have contributed patterns with a shared desire to keep them in circulation for future generations to enjoy. To date, I am still collecting and stitching and run this little hobby biz out of the small room at the back of my house. I love hearing your "stitch stories" and seeing the things you are making with the vintage patterns. You all inspire me!

~Vicki