Shirley Lataille has transformed her passion for sewing into a thriving business in Madison, Maine. Since October 2023, she has set up her sewing machine at the local Grange Hall, where her unique approach to custom projects has garnered a loyal customer base. Lataille’s enthusiasm for tackling creative challenges, often without a set pattern, allows her to collaborate closely with clients, ensuring their visions come to life.
Lataille’s journey began in Rhode Island, where she learned to sew at the age of 14. Her mother, a talented seamstress, passed away unexpectedly, which halted her early sewing ambitions. Life took her through various factory jobs, but a significant turning point came when she moved to Starks and worked as a seamstress at Dirigo Stitching in Skowhegan. There, she made items ranging from flags to sofa covers.
In 2024, Lataille married and moved to Lewiston, but the marriage ended abruptly due to domestic abuse. Following this difficult period, she returned to her sister’s home in Starks and faced numerous health challenges, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2012 and disabilities that impacted her mobility. “I’m bone-on-bone in both knees and I have a torn Achilles tendon,” Lataille explained.
With support from the Madison Area Health Center, Lataille began to rebuild her life. She expressed gratitude for the assistance she received in managing her conditions. “They helped me get on the right medications,” she said, highlighting the importance of community support in her recovery.
Encouraged by her sister, Lataille started offering her sewing services as a traveling seamstress, visiting clients in central Maine. However, the rising cost of gas proved challenging. In response, she set up her sewing machine at the Grange Hall, and word about her services quickly spread. Customers began to flock to her, many returning for additional work.
On December 6, 2023, Maili Bailey from Skowhegan collected several projects from Lataille, including a pajama top she wanted to convert into a blouse and a custom pillowcase. Bailey, a repeat client, discovered Lataille’s services while visiting the indoor flea market at the Grange Hall. “You just think of all these things that pile up at home undone,” she remarked, appreciating Lataille’s ability to tackle her sewing needs.
Another satisfied customer, William Bishop, 65, visited Lataille to pick up an Elvis Presley jumpsuit that required a new zipper. After struggling to find someone to complete the job, he turned to Lataille. “She did a great job,” he said, pleased with the heavy-duty zipper she installed.
Lataille charges reasonable rates, such as the $15 fee for Bishop’s jumpsuit repair, making her services accessible to the local community. Since launching her business, she has replaced an impressive 45 zippers and enjoys the creative aspects of her work. “Sewing helps with my mental illness,” she stated, emphasizing how it engages her mind positively.
Lataille hopes to inspire others facing mental health challenges by encouraging them to find hobbies that bring joy. “That will not only put you in a better place, it’ll help you feel good,” she advised. She proudly carries the memory of her mother with her, reflecting on how her journey through adversity has led to a fulfilling career in sewing.
For those interested in Lataille’s services, she can be found at the West Farmington Grange Hall located at 124 Bridge Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Wednesday. As she continues to sew up a storm in Madison, Lataille’s story serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of creativity.
