THE ORIGIN STORY

Back in December 2022, while working on my project car — a 1954 Chevy Bel Air I call Bettie — I ended up in the emergency room with five stitches to my forehead. Probably a slight concussion too.

For any Back to the Future fans out there: Doc Brown tried to hang a clock in his bathroom, slipped, hit his head, and woke up with the vision of the Flux Capacitor. In my case, no time travel. But there was a vision — a shop where I could build unique, custom pieces that people would be proud to display in their homes. And here we are.

Five Stitches Design & Fabrication launched in 2023. What started as a concept born from a concussion has turned into a full fabrication and design studio in Des Plaines, IL.

WHO WE ARE

Kevin Carrara — Mechanical Engineer, fabricator, builder, and co-host of The CURSE Show. Passionate about making things that are both functional and beautiful, and obsessed with the intersection of art, engineering, and craftsmanship.  Passionate about teaching and encouraging people to take up a new skill and not to be afraid to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.

Arletta — Partner in life and business. We met at Menards (as one does) and have been building things together ever since — 22 years and counting.  Passionate about traveling the world, takes inspiration from all things in life, and provides a key design perspective for the more delicate 5 Stitches offerings.

Layla —10-year-old rescue Black Lab mix, certified shop dog, frisbee enthusiast. She approves every finished piece before it ships.

WHAT MAKES FIVE STITCHES DIFFERENT

Everything is designed from scratch. Every piece is built by hand. You're not buying something off a shelf — you're buying something that didn't exist before you asked for it.

The engineer's background shows in the precision. The builder's instinct shows in the craft. Every piece that leaves this shop has been thought about, worked, and finished with intention.