Sew What is in the beginning stages of planning a big expansion for its Helena shop.

After opening in February of 2009, Stacie Alday was warned by friends the business would take three years to get off the ground.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Sew What has quickly become the one–stop shop for embroidery and sports needs for Helena.

With a wide offering, including custom T–shirts, sports apparel, bags, bibs and even dog collars, Sew What also offers more uncommon items like monogrammed water bottles and customized window treatments and bedding.

Although Sew What offers almost any product one could ever want to monogram, it also monogram personal items by request.

“Some of our odder requests for monogramming include a horse bridle, coffin covers and thong underwear,” Alday said.

With a visible increase in monogramming over the past months, despite the recession, Sew What has already expanded its staff to five employees to meet demand.

“God has truly blessed our new business,” Alday said. “And we have simply grown out of the space we are in now.”

With meager beginnings, Sew What began with one large account –– Alday’s son’s baseball team.

They are proud now to boast accounts with local companies like Helena Park and Recreation, as well as local schools.

Sew What also serves restaurants like The Depot Deli and Grill in Helena and The Patio Grill in Alabaster.

The plans for expansion will allow Sew What to stay in its current location on Highway 58 and simply expand backwards. The new space will be around 1,000 square feet.

The 500–square–foot addition is set for January 2010 when Home Plate, the adjoining business, moves to an adjacent facility.

The new space will primarily be used for more equipment and an increase in inventory. Many of Sew What’s current products can be found at Sewwhatgraphics.com.

Jessica Vance can be reached by e–mail at jvance86@hotmail.com.