Meet Kim Mulcahy, Owner of Sew Happy
"I'm passionate about hand sewing and feel that it's important that every Sew Happy student is able to thread a needle and tie a knot, which is ultimately, the life skill of sewing. I believe that once a student understands the concept of threading a needle, tying a knot and making a stitch they can begin a lifelong journey of making and creating, unlocking unlimited amounts of satisfaction and happiness. One of the most satisfying part of my work is seeing a student’s joy and satisfaction when accomplishing a new skill. I hope your child will join us and give us a try!"
Kim's Story
Kim Mulcahy was born in Sunderland, England. As a child, she watched her Mom & Grandma sewing clothes and home furnishings, making alterations, mending, and extending the life of things to make them last a little longer. The family tradition took root, and young Kim could often be found sewing clothes for dolls and teddy bears, mending a puncture in a bike tire; building a treehouse, or making a pulley system for her bedroom curtains. As a teenager she spent her clothing allowance on fabric and would make all kinds of clothes for herself, making her money stretch so much further.
More recently, Kim has made her home in Rye, NY where she and her husband James raised their daughter Katie and live today. If she’s not at the studio, you might find Kim working on projects in her home or garden, or spending time with family & friends in their travels around the world. Her Dad continues to be a regular advisor for Sew Happy and her sister Vicky, an artist in England, has helped to design some of Sew Happy’s projects and painted many of the watercolors you see on the site.
Kim has been a community leader in Rye offering her time & talent on countless projects. She has partnered with Soul RYEders, the Rye Y, Rye Town Park, and more to help them achieve their missions. And when COVID hit, Kim and her friend Cliona Cronin began the mask project to make masks & raise money for healthcare professionals in need.
"I love color and things that make me feel happy, energised and creative…”
But it was her artistry and entrepreneurial spirit that drove Kim to launch Sew Happy in 2012 (read the whole story here). Her goal was to create a fun & energetic hub in the community where the art of sewing is made modern and relevant for today’s world, and what a success!
Thirteen years later, Kim and her team of talented instructors have taught thousands of students how to thread a needle; tie a knot; and sew on a button the “Sew Happy Way”. She has grown her studio and partnered with scores of schools across NY & CT. Kim delights in seeing a student’s joy when they master a new skill and satisfaction when they’re able to complete a project or repair a favorite stuffed animal.
In 2025, as reports suggest that high rates of screen time are impacting children’s fine motor skills, attention span, and mental health —- Sew Happy’s mission feels more important than ever. Kim has set her sights on expanding Sew Happy and partnering with many more schools to introduce the next generation to the art of sewing and all of its many benefits.