About Me

What can I tell you about me?

Well, I've been sewing since I was six and making my own patterns since I was in high school.

I learned to sew from my mother. I started with doll clothes, but I was making my own clothes for school by the time I was in junior high.

I started experimenting with style alterations on commercial patterns in high school - and later discovered that this was basically what patternmaking is all about!

author standing at dress form with sample of raglan sleeve

I minored in Theater in college, focusing on costuming. I then pursued more schooling in patternmaking and draping at Ray College of Design in Chicago, which led me into the apparel industry.

I spent more than 20 years in the apparel industry, working on both the manufacturing end and in  product development for major retailers like Kohl's Department Stores and Speigel Catalog.  I've traveled the world (mostly Asia), visiting apparel factories and evaluating production samples.

I've also made costumes for the theater, opera, and sports mascots. You can learn more about my background and see a few examples of my work on my LinkedIn page. 

So How Can I Help You?

  • If you've ever wanted to design your own clothing, you'll need to know how to make a pattern that fits and reflects the style you want.
  • If you're not a "perfect" size or proportion (and that applies to almost everyone!!) - you'll want to be able to make clothes that fit, without making the same alterations over and over again.
  • If you're a fairly experienced home sewer, I can help you make patterns for clothing that reflects your personal style and fits beautifully, so you'll always look great!

Fit is, ultimately, more important than style in really looking good.  No matter how hip or elegant your clothing, if it doesn't fit, it doesn't work.

I'm far from a "perfect" proportion - I'm both short and heavy, so I've made many, many alterations to everything I wear!  But I have a block (basic fitting pattern) that has been adjusted to fit my body, and when I make a pattern using that block, everything fits me and looks good.

That's what I want to help you accomplish.

And you can do it!  It's really not as hard as you might think; we'll go step-by-step and you'll be designing your own great-looking clothing in no time!

If you're a dressmaker, you can follow the same process for your clients, too.  It takes a bit of time up front to make a block pattern for each client, but making good-looking and well fitting clothing will be a breeze after that.

Are you ready to join me? 

Just jump in - you can do it!



   

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