"I picked the name 'Luv II Sew' because that's me: I love to sew," says Deborah Moffett, who opened her dream-come-true business last month at 824 E. Locust St. in Riverwest.

Moffett has been sewing for more than 40 years. She says she taught herself how to hand sew as a child, and has been hooked ever since.

She later attended MATC's tailoring program and worked in a variety of sewing jobs, including custom window treatments and manufacturing. Currently, she works during the day at the Designer's Work Room and then rushes to Luv II Sew after work to relieve her daughter who covers the afternoon shift.

Moffett lives and works on the Milwaukee's South Side, but saw the Locust Street space for rent while driving. "I saw the store and it was reasonable, so I decided to take a chance and go ahead and do it," she says.

The 50-year-old seamtress says she can handle just about any sewing project, from button sewing to creating garments. Currently, she is working on an array of jobs, including alterations and making a prom dress.

Moffett owns a home on 12th and Scott, and says she routinely embarks on major sewing projects to change the décor. Recently, she redid her entire bedroom, including the bed spread, pillow shams, curtains and shades, but that's only a small stitch in her metaphorical tapestry of home improvements.

"Basically, I redo my house all the time whenever I feel like it, right down to the toaster cover," she says.

For now, Moffett will focus more on her business than her home, hoping to build up her client base. She is happy she gave her dream of owning her own sewing shop a whirl, and in the mean time, loves getting paid for what she truly adores.

"I love sewing, mostly because it relaxes me," says Moffett.

Luv II Sew's hours are Monday - Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (414) 374-8911.