About Us

About Us

First Stitch was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to offering software products that enriches the creative aspect of the sewing experience.

The company's motto of "Beautiful things are created once you take your First Stitch" is meant to encourage novice needleworkers with the reminder that all future sewn treasures begin with their "First Stitch".

To date, the company offers two unique software programs for the garment industry and home sewer market-SmockSoft and Perpetual Paper for Smocking.
SmockSoft is the only marketed computer graphic program developed specifically for the design of picture and geometric smocking plates on a Windows PC.
Perpetual Paper for Smocking is the only software program developed to generate customized printer-quality line and cable smocking paper at home.

SmockSoft and Perpetual Paper for Smocking is solely developed by Patrick E. Hanley Ph.D, an MIT graduate, aerospace scientist and owner of Hanley Innovations.
All technical support questions are handled by Dr. Hanley . At the customer's preference, technical support can be arranged by either telephone and/or e-mail correspondence.

Our customer satisfaction is imperative at First Stitch and e-mails are answered within 48 hours, all phone calls are returned at least twice and tech support is provided by e-mail and/or phone Monday through Friday. If you are not contacted within the above time-frame please resend your message as we may be having problems reaching you.

The company is owned by Gillian Hanley and located in the beautiful horse country of Ocala, Florida. Mrs. Hanley is married and blessed with 4 children, ages 7 to 1 year old and holds a BSW from Lamar University in Texas and studied for her Master's Degree in counseling at Nova University in Florida.

A sincere thank you for visiting First Stitch today!

First Stitch is dedicated in loving memory of Vena Agnes Duncan and in grateful appreciation to my Father and Brother

Also On this Site