Crafted in Tandem: The Meaning Behind the Name

How a name grew to reflect how we design, teach, and learn together

When we were first naming Crafted in Tandem, the meaning was very literal.

Ben and I were building something together — often side by side, sometimes stepping into each other’s worlds. He brought structure, and problem-solving. I brought sewing, design, and a love of teaching. We were learning how to build a business the same way we build projects: slowly, thoughtfully, and together.

“Crafted in Tandem” felt right because it described us.

But as we began designing our sewing projects — and especially as we thought about the people who would use them — the meaning deepened.

Tandem Isn’t Just About Us

Sewing is often taught as a solo skill. You sit alone with a pattern, a machine, and a set of instructions that assume you already know more than you do.

That’s not how learning actually works.

Learning works best when someone has thought through the steps with you in mind. When the person who designed the project anticipated where you might hesitate, where things might feel confusing, or where confidence tends to wobble.

At Crafted in Tandem, every project is designed as a shared process:

• We plan the skill progression
• We choose materials intentionally
• We explain not just what to do, but why it matters

You’re not figuring it out alone. You’re learning alongside someone who has already walked the path and is guiding you forward.

That’s tandem.

Building Skills Side by Side

Over time, “Crafted in Tandem” came to represent something bigger than a business name.

It represents:

• Maker and designer learning together
• Skill and confidence growing alongside each other
• Projects that meet you where you are — and help you move forward

You bring the curiosity, the effort, and the willingness to try.
We bring the structure, the clarity, and the thoughtful design.

Neither works quite as well without the other.

A Shared Philosophy

We believe handmade doesn’t need to be rushed.
We believe beginner projects can be beautiful and educational.
We believe learning a skill is more sustainable when it happens one useful project at a time.

And we believe the best things are crafted in tandem — with intention, patience, and care on both sides of the table.

That’s the heart of what we’re building here.