All About Me: Education

What kind of training have you had?

Basically, I’m self-taught. Always have been. I love learning!

As I mentioned in the first installment of About Me, when I was eight or nine, my mother enrolled me in a summer sewing class for kids. I made a sleeveless top that I never wore, but was still proud of. After that, I sewed off and on. Nothing serious, just dabbling in upcycling, doll clothes, and home decorating.

In 2002, I renewed my interest in fashion and sewing. I started creating historical costumes and then modern garments for myself. But it was a disaster! Nothing fit, my sewing was terrible, and I began to dislike the entire process. Instead of giving up, however, I decided to educate myself. I began devouring books on sewing. I joined a couple of sewing forums and message boards and started asking questions. I began browsing sewing websites and following various dressmaking blogs. The best thing I ever did was to subscribe to Threads magazine—a wonderful resource for sewers!

My Bookcase (2011)

I learned how to use my sewing machine effectively, how to fit a garment to my body, and how to work with different fabrics. Slowly, but surely, I began seeing a difference in my work! Eventually, I began reading books on couture sewing and incorporating those techniques into my work.

Books on Couture Sewing

I started writing articles for Your Wardrobe Unlock’d and Foundations Revealed, a pair of websites that focus on historical costuming. In so doing, I realized how much I enjoyed sharing my knowledge. In 2011, I started teaching. Sadly, I had to retire for health reasons in early 2020, but I still strive to improve my sewing.

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