Made by Sarah Day

Made by Day is a hand-embroidery studio in Richmond, Virginia. I make embroidered silhouette portraits of children, 3" keepsake Christmas ornaments, and beginner-friendly embroidery kits for adults and kids.

Each piece is stitched by hand on designer fabrics from Liberty of London and Rifle Paper Co., and made to be kept.

Before the needle

Once upon a time, I was an art history professor. I hold a PhD in Decorative Arts History from the University of Glasgow, and I spent years studying historic picture frames: how beautiful objects are made, and why some last for generations.

Then motherhood arrived. Four children, endless laundry, school drop-offs. I wanted a creative outlet, but big projects at the sewing machine didn’t survive little ones underfoot.

I kept asking myself: What will my kids remember about me? A mom who was always overwhelmed? Or one who found beauty in the small, ordinary hours?

Hand embroidery was the answer. I could stitch at the playground, in the carpool line, or on the couch with a child beside me. It was quiet, portable, and lasting.

What I make now

Silhouette portraits. Your child’s profile in fabric and thread, set in a floral oval. A classic tradition, made by hand.

Keepsake ornaments. Small 3" hand-embroidered heirlooms, finished with a velvet bow and boxed for gifting.

Embroidery kits. Everything you need to start, including my bestselling I Can Do Hard Things kit and Kid Kits for young stitchers.

Many designs draw on the books and Scripture I love. Each one is meant to bring a little hope and beauty into everyday life.

Come say hello

Find me each December at Richmond holiday markets, including Maymont’s Merry Market and Carytown, or send a note anytime at sarah@madebyday.co.