VALDOSTA, Ga. – Custom Creations by Susan has been open for a week and a day at its pop-up location in the Valdosta Mall.

Monogramming has become increasingly popular and fashionable and Susan Wainrght is filling that demand as quick as her two Happy embroidery machines can go.

Think of it as an elves workshop, right where you need it when you’re shopping and want to drop off your gifts to have them monogrammed.

“We can usually have them done the same day,” Wainright said Friday morning at her cozy little pop-up store. “We can do just about anything. Sheets and towels are always popular, but we can do boots, stuffed animals, car seats, umbrellas, rain jackets…let’s put it this way…anything I can fit in my hoop!”

Wainrght started sewing when she was seven. As the youngest daughter of nine children, Susan attributes her life path to her mother, Bonnie Garrett. Garrett was a busy seamstress who did all the Valdosta High School Marching Cats uniforms, of which two of Susan’s brothers were members.

“I’d sit there at her feet while she sewed and use her scraps to make doll clothes,” Wainwright said. “She taught me everything I know.”

About five years ago Wainright began focusing on monogramming, which her pop-up shop specializes in, but she’s a seamstress to the bone.

In fact, she is a mainstay for Valdosta Dance Arts, which means that she has been extra busy making the costumes for two sugar plum cavaliers, the sugar plum fairy, Spanish dancers, the Rat King, the Snow King, and both Claras. She’s done that for the last five years.

Wainright does alterations on formal wear primarily, which keeps her stitching. “I try to stay exclusive to formal wear, working with Michelle’s in Adel and Mary & Elizabeth’s Bridal here in Valdosta,” Wainright said.

Wainright will keep the pop-up location open until Christmas Eve, and will stop taking in embroidery jobs on the Dec. 22.

Wainright is looking for a permanent brick-and-mortar building to set up shop since she has officially outgrown her home workshop.

“I’ve outgrown my 16 X 16 shop in my back yard,” she said with wide eyes. “I’ve had to hire two people, one is my manager!”

Wainright has two fancy embroidery machines, Happy ones, she points out. But she still totes her tried-and-true Kenmore sewing machine with her at all times.

Visit Custom Creations by Susan’s Facebook page or drop by her pop-up store located right next to Belk’s Kids. You can call her at 229-834-0697 or 229-412-0833.