I come from a long line of textile people. In the most recent past both my mother’s mother and my mom were dressmakers. My grandmother worked in a dress factory until she retires. My mom made custom formal gowns and bridal as long as I can remember. She also made every day dresses for customers that we all got to know because they were regular customers.
I loved looking at the brides when they came for fittings and traveling to Philadelphia to buy fabric for the next weddings. I loved the fanciest fabrics then as much as I do now.
I actually started sewing when I was little. Maybe 5 years old. I began with hand sewing fabrics together. I remember making a doll once with scraps from my mom’s sewing room. I also learned to embroider and do all kinds of stitching when I was young.
In middle school when we had to take a home economics class we all had to choose a project to make and then wear our finished project to school. Most of the other girls made an a line skirt with an elastic waist. I chose a reversible vest with a hood. I wish I could find that photo. I loved that vest.
In the early 90s I decided o put all of my sewing knowledge to work and I started sewing for other people. I made wedding dresses and bridesmaids and street dresses. And I was very happy doing it.
And then we moved to Michigan in 1999 and I didn’t try to restart that business.
Here we are 20 years later! I can’t believe we’ve been in Michigan for 20 years! For a while I didn’t sew at all. Not even to hem pants. But, I miss sewing. I miss the lovely fabrics and the thinking about the best way to make a pattern and the way sewing makes me feel.
So, I’m going back to it.
I’m not quitting spinning and I’ll still teach if people want me. I love teaching spinning and I don’t think I’ll ever walk completely away from it. I still need yarn to knit with for crying out loud!
Here’s what’s happening. I’m going to open up my Etsy shop and sell circle and gathered skirts. I have lots of fabrics and I’m excited to collaborate with people to make them a skirt for a special occasion or just a skirt that will make them feel awesome for every day.
In addition, if you live nearby and you want a special occasion dress for a wedding or a prom ora fancy ball I hope you’ll come and see me and let me help you get the dress of your dreams.
