Association of Sewing and Design Professionals New Member Intros

Margaret Ball

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:46:33 GMT

Emerging Member

You might call Margaret a seamstress, but what you call her is not very important to her. Her focus is on repairs / mending and zipper replacement, which she does locally in her area.

Margaret has been sewing professionally for less than 5 years. Her business is Thread Lightly Sewing in Ithaca, NY, where she provides mending, zipper replacement (her favorite task), and alteration services.

Her business is very new, having started in December of 2022, so her goal is to stay in business and enjoy it. She wants to learn pattern design, but for now she is still trying to figure out what she is doing!

Margaret can be found at her brick-and-mortar location or her home studio. She can also be found online on Instagram and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087904277563).

Mary Jackson

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:24:50 GMT

Patron Member

Mary is an Alterations Specialist who has been doing alterations for friends for 5-10 years and has been sewing for over 60 years. She finds customers completely word-of-mouth. Her favorite part of the business is pleasing customers, and her goal is to continue to help people who contact her for help with their alterations. Mary always liked to learn techniques that she doesn’t currently feel confident in doing.

Mary can be found in her home studio and on Facebook

Sarah Ward

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:35:54 GMT

Emerging Member

Sara Ward considers herself a "Lover of Sewing" who has been sewing professionally for 5-10 years. She loves to dream up creations and then try to bring them to life.

Sarah believes the art of sewing is about creating a legacy from self-expression, and she loves sharing her passion for heirloom and classic sewing online. She thoroughly enjoys taking her time on a project to make it one of a kind. Sara has been dabbling in heirloom sewing for a while, and now she is learning couture techniques. She can smock, shuttle tat, do a variety of embroidery styles, hand sew buttonholes, drawn thread...

Sarah loves all things sewing aside from alterations. From quilts to couture, it's all thrilling for her. She started sewing back in high school (ish) with 1950’s style dresses. For the past six or so years, she has focused mainly on heirloom sewing because she and her husband have been in their baby season of life. Now that their youngest child is 1.5 years old, she is adding back dresses for herself in addition to still doing some heirloom garments for the kiddos. There is so much she wants to learn including couture techniques, garment manipulation, fine embroidery, etc.

Sarah is excited to join this group and connect with everyone; her goal is to connect with other sewing enthusiasts.

Sara can be found on her website (sarahclassicsewing.com), on Instagram (sarahclassicsewing.com, instagram.com/sarahclassicsewing), and on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmLsNfMmmLiGOV9uGfwMwQ).

Lisa Dorsey

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:14:08 GMT

Patron Member

Lisa Doresey has been sewing professionally for less than 5 years and has not yet launched her business. Her favorite task is choosing the right fabric for the project. Lisa has always wanted to learn how to make a couture-level tailored jacket. Her goal is to decide if she wants to sell her clothes.

Lisa can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn as @elizabethhlisa

Mary Reynolds

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:57:34 GMT

Student Member

Mary Reynolds is a Designer. She is starting a career in fashion. She is currently in school working on her bachelor’s degree and will hopefully get an internship soon to help with learning the fashion industry.

Mary started sewing 3 years ago and likes to design what she makes. In fact, her favorite task to do in her business is to design clothing. She has always wanted to learn to do draping, and her goal is to create her designs by draping.

Mary can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat:
Instagram: Mary.beth.Reynolds
Facebook: Mary Reynolds
Snapchat: marysugarpie

Tricia Herzetty

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:11:26 GMT

Emerging Member

Tricia Herzetty is the founder of Mendy, a website and online marketplace that helps people connect with sewists to repair, resize, or remake anything in their wardrobe instead of buying something new made by fast fashion companies.

Tricia been making good things for the internet since 2011 and has focused primarily on building tools for small businesses to help them thrive. She is really motivated to create digital tools to help others thrive with their businesses. She has over a decade of experience doing this and enjoys making difficult tasks easier.

Tricia founded Mendy as a benefit corporation and our purpose is to reduce people’s dependence on buying mass-produced items made in unsustainable ways and to use human-centered business models to boldly challenge economic systems of inequity. Specifically, she wants to help people get clothes that fit their body, their style, and their values. She is really eager to learn from and support successful sewists.

Mendy is very new and Tricia is a first-time founder in a landscape dominated by men (tech startups). She has worked in product design in tech for over a decade, and wants to use her experience building digital tools for small businesses and marketplaces to make alternatives to fast fashion more accessible to more people. She wants to build a business that prioritizes the well-being of creatives and employees, and would love to have built a company that helps hundreds if not thousands of sewists within the next 5 years.

Tricia learned to sew in elementary school from her Nana (She still has the kit her Nana gave her!), and she is rekindling her love for the skill despite a fear of the math. Tricia has been sewing professionally for less than 5 years and would love to learn how to add pockets to existing garments! She prefers the term "sewist" as a more gender-neutral, flexible term.

Outside of work, Tricia is obsessed with her 3 dogs, loves rowing crew at ungodly hours, and buying more books than I can feasibly read in my lifetime.

Tricia can be found at her website, and on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter:

Website: www.getmendy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmendyco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getmendy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciarosetty/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/getmendy

Donna Whitaker

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:46:48 GMT

Formal Member

Donna Whitaker is a CEO / Founder in the sewing industry. Donna has a full website of fabrics and notions. She also sells other handmade items like door signs, key chains, earrings, etc.

Donna is a Sewing Professional with over 42 years of experience. She is an influencer for Cricut, Oliso, and other brands. Donna is a maker of handmade jewelry, clutch bags, and purses; she also does large vending events during the holidays. Currently she owns Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts located in Mount Rainier, MD where beginner through intermediate classes occur. Sew Chic also provide advanced classes in Bra fit, design, and construction as well as jean fit, design, and construction.

Donna’s favorite thing to do in business is "to sew, of course (lol)." She has learned but wants to brush up on her Chanel and couture making skills! Her goal is to build out to a large learning space with more fabrics and crafts.

Donna can be found at her Brick-and-mortar location, Website, Blog, Instagram, Facebook:

Web: http://www.sewsewchic.com

Blog: curvygirlsarechic.com

IG: curvygirlsarechic

IG: sewchicfabricsandcrafts

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SewChicFabricsandCrafts

Carol Huls

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 01:26:05 GMT

Formal Member

Carol Huls is the President & CEO - Owner of a manufacturing company – DittoForm, where she has employees, contractors, or coworkers. She has been sewing professionally for less than five years. She likes to talk about what a DittoForm can do to change how you see yourself. Carol believes that surrounding yourself with interesting people, cultivating creativity and innovation, and having a strong but flexible plan are the keys to happiness in life and success in business. She has a quirky sense of humor and a personal goal to find something that makes her laugh every day.

Carol helps individuals who make clothing and costumes reach their full potential by providing a valuable tool – a custom dress form of their own body. Carol believes that each and every person is different -- no one is standard -- and that fact makes the world a more beautiful place. She credits her current success to the ability to acknowledge what she doesn’t know and then find someone who does through her strong professional network. She draws on her experience in outwardly unrelated positions: supporting Fortune 500 corporate executives, connecting non-profit members with experience to those who need assistance, and entertaining and enlightening 8th graders and their teachers visiting Washington DC as a tour guide.

DittoForm has been around since 2015 and has made improvements every year. The pandemic shutdowns gave them a chance to focus on their intentions and strengthen their process. Her goal is to expand to have scanning sites available nationwide, and triple the business volume

Carol can be found at her Website (dittoform.com), Instagram (IG@dittoform), Facebook (FB@dittoforms), YouTube(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtSdueN22pM7JViMzfyhLWQ), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dittoform).

Linnca Stevens

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:19:11 GMT

Formal Member

Linnca Stevens is the Co-Founder, Program and Curriculum Developer, and Operation/Program Manager for The Sewing Labs (TSL). In addition, she has extensive background in both Retail Creative marketplace and Industrial Quilting. Her business includes employees, contractors, or coworkers.

Linnca tells us "Sewing is the Religion that sustains me." She has been Involved in the fabric and sewing industries for over 45 years and brings hands on knowledge and skill of the industry. She enjoys sharing the joy of sewing and seeing others become inspired and empowered by learning to sew. One thing she would like to learn is pattern drafting. Her goal is to establish a well-respected Industrial Sewing training program that is a highly recommended and key to support individual to gain emotional and financial dignity and independent through sewing.

Linnca’s business, TSL, is a Registered Apprenticeship program host and Related Training Institute with the US and Missouri Departments of Labor (DOL). Linnca has been named an Apprenticeship Ambassador from DOL. TSL is creating a pipeline where they connect at-risk individuals where there are to Training and then to partnering businesses needing sewists.

TSL is currently focused to build a sustainable pipeline of new sewists to support and expand the American marketplace. Linnca’s experience in fabric retail ranges from mom & pop and corporate operations, merchandising and the customer experience including the development of classroom curriculum for a nationwide sewing program. In addition, she has been a designer in the ""Indie"" garment & quilt arena. She has done designing for companies such as Need L' Love & Peppermint Pig. Linnca's love for anything fabric & mixed methods drive her to share the legacy of sewing and to allow others to understand the self-enrichment that it brings. The tradition of sewing has been passed down thru her family for multiple generations and is what drives her.

Linnca can be found at her brick-and-mortar location, home studio, Website (https://thesewinglabs.community), Facebook (@ thesewinglabs), Instagram (@ thesewinglabs), Linked In (@ thesewinglabs), Pinterest (@ thesewinglabs), Twitter (@ thesewinglabs), and Tik Tok (@ thesewinglabs)

Lezlie Riley

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:59:26 GMT

Formal Member

Lezlie Riley is a dressmaker and alterations specialist. She has been sewing professionally for 15-20 years. She loves to see the happy faces of her clients when they pick up their garments. Her goals are to grow her business and learn bridal alterations

Lezlie can be found at her home studio and at her website, Lezlierileydesign.com, which she has recently launched.

Tracy Kreiling

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:42:26 GMT

Formal Member

Tracy Kreiling is a seamstress and a teacher and has been sewing professionally for over twenty years. Her favorite part of the business is the sewing side; she hates the business side. She loves teaching people how to use their sewing machines. Tracy has been selling sewing machines for over 25 years and has worked with most brands and ages of machines.

Tracy has always loved sewing and working with all crafty things. She started sewing professionally so she could stay home with her children. She is the workroom for a couple of interior designers, and she sews for her own clients. Trace sews all things home dec, does custom quilt making and quilting, and embroidery.

One thing she has always wanted to learn is how to do a blog. Her goal is to have a blog and the website all doing everything they are supposed to do

Tracy can be found at her home studio, Website, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. She can be reached at Www.tracyksewing.Com, Tracyksewing@gmail.Com, and TracyKSewing.

Vivian Ilkenhans Owen

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 23:03:05 GMT

Emerging Member

Vivian Ilkenhans Owen is a Seamstress who enjoys designing new creations and seeing the finished projects. She loves sewing, creating things, and encouraging those younger than her to learn about sewing and teaching them all the little tips and tricks she has learned.

Her business, By Vivienne Alterations, is a new business venture in the wonderful bridal sewing world. Vivian has been sewing for about 10 years in clothing and costume making, and the past 3 years she has been working in the bridal sewing industry, having worked in a couple different bridal shops. Now is her first time starting out on her own. She wants to start simple design online through her website until she can bring in more business. She is currently working on a veil and draped tulle dress with pearls. She has just moved to a new area, so she is still learning the area and small-town culture. She is still trying to cultivate what she can offer to better serve herself and her community’s needs.

Vivian has always wanted to learn embroidery, Tambour embroidery, and advanced draping techniques. Her goal is to have her own brick & mortar location and display some of her custom designs like a coffee shop boutique selling custom designs.

Vivian can be found at her home studio,
Website (www.byviviennealterations.com),
Instagram (www.instagram.com/byviviennealterations),
Facebook (www.facebook.com/byviviennealterations), and
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/byviviennealterations).

Claire Dennis-Marinelli

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 00:28:00 GMT

Patron Member

Claire Dennis-Marinelli is a seamstress, alterations specialist, and designer. She has sewn clothing since she was a little girl. After getting an Associate's degree in designing and merchandising, she began sewing for family and friends; she has sewn professionally for 15-20 years. Her business provides detailed alterations and custom clothing; her expert sewing and tailoring skills enable her to craft any piece of clothing to fit the client perfectly. Claire’s favorite task to do in business is alterations; she’s always wanted to learn different sewing techniques.

Claire’s mission is to create a studio to provide expert tailoring and design services to those who want a more personal experience from a certified fashion designer. Whether you want to simply repair a much-needed item in your wardrobe or give it a new look all together, she is there to help. If your desire is to create something original, Claire is confident that her more than 20 years of experience will result in something beyond your imagination.

While Claire specializes in alterations, she also creates clothing and provides services for curtains and other types of fabrics. If the client has a special occasion or an idea for a garment, she can create the perfect look. Rather than following fashion trends, she will help to create them; her work caters to fashion conscious individuals in the area. Claire’s Alterations Studio offer discounts to all Proms Dresses.

Claire’s business, Claire’s Alterations Studio, is in Oakdale, New York, and she can be found at her home studio, Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Her goal is to own her own shop in a strip or mall.

Julie Brown

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 20:12:50 GMT

Patron Member

Julie Brown is a Co-owner/Fabric Buyer for Fabric Mart Fabrics, which is an online fabric retailer selling deadstock fashion fabric. Julie enjoys buying fabric, and she is excited to be able to offer deadstock fabric to the sewing community. It's sort of a trend to buy deadstock these days, but she’s been doing it for over 45 years!

Her business also hosts live virtual sewing classes. Julie enjoys creating videos to share info about fabric or sewing. In the last two years her group began hosting virtual sewing classes and it has been a lot of fun hosting those as well as getting to know her customers on a different level. Her goal is to expand their video media.

Julie has been sewing professionally for less than five years. She wants to continue to learn sewing techniques that will create more professional looking garments, and to continue learning fit.

Her brick-and-mortar store is in Sinking Spring, PA. The business can be found on the web at www.fabricmartfabrics.com and at blog.fabricmartfabrics.com. She’s also on Facebook: @fabricmartfabrics, Instagram: @fabricmart, and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCB31JTEjIXOqo62ONSDfZw

Therese Pitzulo

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 19:58:03 GMT

Formal Member

Therese Pitzulo is a Seamstress with over 20 years of professional sewing. Alterations is her specialty--bridal and special occasion--for over 35 years. Brides ask for added detailing and custom bustles. Creating keepsake pieces from vintage bridal gowns is super fun for Therese--to get a box of old gloves and hankies, etc. and be asked to put them together into something cool for the bride with no direction--just total trust--happens all the time. Years of costuming has increased her confidence with unusual fabrics, sewing techniques, coloring, and otherwise manipulating clothing for all body shapes. She worked over 20 years in drapery and window covering fabrication.

Therese’s favorite task to do in her business is “sewing, definitely!” Her goal is to provide a local/regional seamstress shop where people love to come. Additional goals include maintaining a loyal customer base, making her own hours and being in demand in a beautiful new shoppe. In terms of growth, she is always interested to see what others are charging for custom work, because it is always challenging to price work.

Therese has a wide assortment of machines, including embroidery. She can be found at her brick-and-mortar location, at her home studio, and on her Website at modistecoutureyo.com.

Towanda Foster

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:09:47 GMT

Patron Member

Towanda Denise Foster calls herself a Part-time Alterations Specialist or Sewist. She considers herself to be a home sewist learning each day about new sewing techniques. She sees herself doing “just a little stitching 'n sewing”; she enjoys sewing, machine embroidery, crocheting, and most things crafty.

Towanda works at David's Bridal and has been sewing professionally for less than 5 years. She enjoys doing alterations and is learning about altering formal wear. Towanda would love to learn about altering and sewing wedding gowns; and is also very interested in tailoring. Her goal is to improve her knowledge and sewing skills in formal and bridal wear. She would like to learn how to create a business plan.

You can find Towanda on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn; look for her under Mrs Tee's Stitch 'n Sew and teestitch_n_sew.

Tammy Moreland

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18:52:24 GMT

Formal Member

Tammy Moreland is a Custom Fit Designer and has been sewing professionally for over twenty years. Her company name is Tambrian Designer, and she works from her home studio. She enjoys custom fit and design of evening wear and handbags, and plans to sew and design full time after retiring from her “secular” job.

Tammy gets most of her business from referrals by word of mouth. She reports that she will be “including teacher sewing class this fall; also an online website of custom items.” A new skill for her is designing custom handbags and custom umbrellas, and she’s always wanted to learn to quilt.

Tammy also enjoys spending time with her family especially her three grandchildren.

Emily Magli

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 02 May 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Emily Magli

Formal Member

I am a sewing instructor who specializes in teaching couture techniques at Textile Fabrics in Nashville, TN. I host a weekly Sit and Sew class and help students, with fitting, pattern making, cutting, sewing, and finishing a garment. I also teach specialty classes once a month that are either related to pattern drafting or couture techniques and finishing.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

I would love to be able to study vintage couture clothing up close, such as a Vionnet, Dior or Balenciaga.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Pattern drafting and historical fashion research

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I would like to travel and teach in more places. I would also like to continue meeting and learning from other professionals. Maybe even write a book on my favorite topics - bias and silk.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I have gained a lot of confidence in my ability to fit others. It's rewarding to me when my clients/students are so happy to have a dress that fits them well.

Website ~ www.emilymagli.com

Facebook ~ EmilyMagliClothing

Instagram ~ @emilymagli

Linda Colwell

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Linda Colwell

Emerging Member

ASDP welcomes Sewing Professional and Educator Linda!

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Marketing

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Create and make interesting Jackets

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To corporate my background and love of art into my creations

What else should we know about you or your business?

I am also a popular sewing educator at a local sewing machine dealer. I am a skilled embroidery digitizer. I sometimes incorporate embroidery into my work.

LinkedIn ~ Linda Colwell

Instagram ~ @Stitches62

Cynthia Matthews-Cynthia's Atelier LLC

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Matthews

Formal Member

Welcome to Cynthia!

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

My favorite jobs are custom apparel requests, and any sentimental projects where clients ask to rework an old wedding dress or repurpose a loved one's special garments.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

I am seeking to build my couture techniques, and I would also like to improve my time-management as both an artist and business owner/manger as I balance admin tasks along with the creative and hands-on work.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

My business's goal is to become recognized as the go-to standard for NJ's custom and alterations with an emphasis on bridal and special occasion. Personally, it is my goal to become recognized as a respected fashion professional known for my sewing skills and fashion expertise.

What else should we know about you or your business?

During the month of April, I will be offering walk-ins for prom alterations every Saturday during the hours of 10AM-3PM.

LinkedIn ~ Cynthia's Atelier LLC

Instagram ~ @cynthias_atelier

Felicia Goss

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Felicia "Mimi" Goss

Emerging Member

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Sewing with leather

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Draping and Designing

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To build my skills as well as my online presence.

What else should we know about you or your business?

Nothing at the moment. I put down sewing for a little while to finish my dissertation and now I am ready to move forward with my designs and sewing.

Melissa Klaassen ~ Klaassen's Sew Creative

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Melissa Klaassen

Emerging Member

My love for sewing and design started when I was in junior high and I started my own business. I went on to earn degrees in Fashion Design from Purdue University and The Fashion Institute of Technology. I've worked with knitwear designers, specialized in lingerie at FIT and have extensive experience in bridal and formal wear. I got more training and added home décor to my business, but my true joy is working with apparel and teaching. While getting my masters at Miami University in Education, I was the Textiles and Clothing Construction Teaching Assistant. I fell in love with teaching and have since had hundreds of students of all ages in schools, stores, 4-H and home settings. I have a special passion for modifying and designing clothing for individuals who don't fit in ready to wear clothing, especially those with disabilities, which started with my own daughter. I volunteer many hours with all sorts of groups using my sewing knowledge from 4H to Cinderella's Closet altering formal wear for young ladies needing some assistance.

What professional title do you use?

Seamstress, Designer and Teacher. Because I also emphasize teaching it's important to included that title.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Design or modify apparel for those with health issues or disabilities that don't allow them to fit into off the rack apparel. I have a daughter who is very medically fragile and I had to sew or modify most of her clothing from birth. I also love working with knits and formal wear and teaching others about textiles and sewing skills.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I'd like to get a grant or somehow get funding to allow me to work with people who need their wardrobe modified due to medical issues or disabilities. That population is often also low income so grants or financial assistance will be needed. I took a significant amount of time off sewing to teach HS full time and am just now coming back into making sewing/design my primary business. I also want to figure out how to make sewing as a business profitable and a living wage. I want to refine my target market and products. I also want to completely renovate my workspace and make it organized and efficient and a space I want to be in to work.

I have volunteered thousands of hours for so many charities sewing everything from full sized dinosaur Halloween costumes (dressing the dinosaurs), to making thousands of masks to altering formalwear for charities to making huge quilts with the children in a congenital heart defect camp. My passion is sewing things that cannot be purchased ready to wear. Making people feel confident and comfortable in their clothing. Preserving textile related memories and teaching others the arts of textiles and sewing.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I want to find grants to help me work with those with special needs for modified apparel.

Facebook ~ Melissa Klaassen, Seamstress, Designer and Teacher

YouTube ~ Melissa Klaassen

Julie Burnsides Diaz ~ Snapdragon Designs

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Julie Burnsides Diaz

Formal Member

Julie Burnsides Diaz is a costumer and seamstress residing in Columbus Ohio. She graduated with her degree in Archaeology and went on to earn her Master's in Fashion History and Textile Conservation at FIT in New York. After several years in the museum field and in practice as a textile conservator, she founded her own business in 2015. She creates bridal wear, cosplay and historical costumes for clients on a commission basis and is always open to creative and technical challenges.

What professional title do you use?

Seamstress or Costumer but I'm not picky

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Grading and sloper drafting, especially plus sizes

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Design and sourcing

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Get back to full time work after having a child, launch a pattern line

Website ~ Snapdragon Designs www.snapdragondesign.net

Karen Hardie

Jennifer Phillips — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Karen Hardie

Student Member

Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women (WXN 2016), Karen's corporate executive career reached a pivot point during the pandemic crisis of 2020. Overwhelming stress and burnout led her back to her creative roots, to her third-generation-sewist heritage. In the mindful practice of design and construction she forged a new path, one that led to Fashion Design school and a vision for the future supporting sustainability through circular design. Karen looks forward to launching her new business following graduation this Summer.

What professional title do you use?

I like there term "designer" or "re-designer". I also call myself a third generation sewist. My grandmother was called a "tailoress", my mother, a "seamstress". I would be flattered to be referred to by any of these names.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Minimizing waste through design

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Coming up with new ideas - on either the business, or the sewing side.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I will graduate from Fashion Design school in June. My goal is to start my own independent design business incorporating the principles of circularity #makefashioncircular

What else should we know about you or your business?

I am very focused on the challenge of redirecting consumer desire to garments/objects that support circular design for fashion (as defined by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation) - moving away from take-make-waste to intentional design supporting 3 principles of eliminating waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.

Instagram ~ @fashion.re.designed

Lorrie Rogers ~ Lorrie’s Alterations and More

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Lorrie Rogers

Formal Member

My mother was a home economics teacher and she taught me to sew approximately 50 years ago. I have loved it and have been sewing that long. Any other skills I have acquired since leaving home, have been self taught. I have been sewing as a business for about 7 years. I love my customers and I love sending them off happy.

What professional title do you use?

I prefer seamstress

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Pattern making and fitting patterns a little better.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Delivering finished wedding gowns and seeing the bride smile - or sometimes cry.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I think I would like to work a little faster - even though I work fairly fast. I would also like to develop some garment illustration and design.

What else should we know about you or your business?

My business is small, but I am extremely busy. I still offer sewing services for almost anything but the weddings are my main income. I enjoy sewing bags and have offered them in the past but I have shelved those for now.

Website ~ Lorriesalterations.weebly.com

Instagram ~ @lorraine.k.rogers

Andrew Carroll ~ Versatile Sewing Solutions LLC

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Andrew Carroll

Emerging Member

Welcome to new Emerging member Andrew!

Where can people find you?

Word of mouth (I'm just starting and only serve two families)

What professional title do you use?

Tailor / Seamster

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Wedding dress alterations.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Sewing difficult items to repair.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Obtain an Associate Degree in Apparel / Fashion Design.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I'm trying to have less of a carbon footprint; most of the time I'm using an electric scooter when visiting my customers. I'm also designing a backpack / garment bag so that I can transport clothes more effectively on the scooter.

Gia Chahal

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Gia Chahal

Student Member

Welcome to new student member Gia Chahal who calls themselves an "Enthusiast Creator".

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Couture methods, start my own brand line.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Creating new garments, colors, brainstorming ideas

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Start my own brand line, gain satisfactory knowledge/experience for this.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I would love to know about sourcing materials.

Zelda Tuazama ~ Dezigning Ideaz

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Zelda Tuazama

Emerging Member

Zelda Tuazama is owner and operator of Dezigning Ideaz, a design and fabrication studio established in 2021 in Raleigh NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing Textiles and Fashion Merchandising from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro NC. The vision is to use skills, and abilities to bring joy and beauty into the lives of others through exquisite design, and sharing my passion for beauty through textiles.

Do you work alone?

Yes

What professional title do you use?

Sewing Professional

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

I want to earn the title of Master Sewing & Design Professional

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

I enjoy sewing soft furnishing items and formal/wedding dresses.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I want to earn the recognition as a Master Sewing & Design Professional.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I have been sewing for family and friends for decades, but as I approach retirement from a 28 year career in higher education, I have decided to officially establish a business for this next phase in life.

Instagram @Dezigning Ideaz

Facebook @Dezigning Ideaz

Twitter Dezigning Ideaz

Shawne Jacobs ~ Anne Barge

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Shawne Jacobs

Formal Member

Shawne Jacobs serves as Creative Director of Anne Barge and President of its parent company, S. Jacobs, Inc. Her duties include leading the design, marketing, and business development of the bridal lines Anne Barge, Blue Willow Bride by Anne Barge, and Curve Couture as well as its evening wear line, Anne Barge Black Label.

Shawne began her career at Anne Barge in 2002, learning every aspect of the bridal business and honing her design skills under the tutelage of the company’s namesake, Anne Barge. Since assuming her role as Creative Director in 2014, Shawne continues to evolve the Anne Barge aesthetic of “modern classical” with new fabrics, details, and silhouettes. “Anne Barge designs are timeless and memorable,” noted Shawne. “Each gown is created to make a woman feel confident and beautiful.”

Originally from Kentucky, Shawne currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Steven Jacobs, and their three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family, exploring Atlanta’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes, and going to yoga. Shawne also supports charities dedicated to improving the environment, fighting hunger, empowering women, and helping children. Two organizations particularly close to her heart are CARE and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

Do you work alone?

No, I have employees, contractors or coworkers

How long have you been sewing professionally?

10-15 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

CAD

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Sketch and work with brides

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I would like to bring back some of our production to the US.

What else should we know about you or your business?

My business was founded in 1999 and I purchased the company in 2014. Our brand is recognized worldwide amongst the bridal community.

Website www.annebarge.com

Instagram @annebarge

YouTube Anne Barge

Xiao-Yin Byrom ~ Tang's Alterations

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:00:44 GMT

Xiao-Yin Byrom

Formal Member

Welcome Xiao-Yin from Tang's Alterations!

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

Do you work alone?

No, I have employees.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Always interested in Sewing Techniques

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

interfacing with customers/love being creative

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To develop more trained staff to allow me more free time.

What else should we know about you or your business?

We are continuing to expand our Bridal Sales business as well as our roots in full-service alterations.

We have a great staff and great customers here in Manassas, Va. When not working I love to give back to the community through Rotary. Favorite hobby is hiking and travel and try to combine them when possible.

Websites ~ www.tangsalterations.com www.tangsbridal.com

Instagram ~ @Tangs_Alterations @TangsBridal

Facebook ~ Tang's Alterations Bridal and Bespoke

Pinterest ~ @TangsBridal

Jacquelyne Robinson - Sewing with JClarke

Jennifer Phillips — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Jacquelyne Robinson

Emerging Member

Please join me in welcoming Jacquelyne Robinson to ASDP!

Jacquelyne is a Sewing Instructor who is building her new LLC. Sewing with JClarke, LLC offers a better understanding of design & sewing that helps elevate different groups of people than what we usually see in the fashion industry.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

How to open my own sewing school.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Teach kids that are financially challenged.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

My own sewing school with about 3 sewing instructors and a revolving door of students.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I offer basic sewing skills, pattern reading, fashion illustration (CAD), draping, and pattern construction.

Check out Jacquelyne on social media! Like, comment, and share to help her expand her business reach.

Instagram @sewingwithjclarkellc

Facebook @jaccquelyne.clarke

LinkedIn @jacquelyne-clarke

Twitter @__jclarke__

Theresa Alexander ~ Elephant Embellishments

Jennifer Phillips — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Theresa Alexander

Formal Member

Let's welcome Theresa Alexander!

Theresa, tell us about yourself. (And why does your name sound familiar?)

I have two roles in the fashion industry. First, I am an associate professor in the Fashion Management program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. There, I specialize in teaching patternmaking (hand and digital, stretch and woven), pattern grading, illustration (hand and digital), technical drawing, and design.

My second role is as an embroidery instructor and professional embroiderer for Elephant Embellishments, the company I co-own with my sister. We specialize in teaching both tambour and traditional hand embroidery. I took lessons at Ecole Lesage in Paris and am still taking lessons at the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta, GA to further my professional skills.

What professional title do you use?

Associate professor or professional embroiderer (depending on role). I'm fine w/ my titles as I earned them.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

How to get better at machine repair and how to drive stick.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

teach

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

get more students

Website ~ University - Fashion Management

Website ~ elephantembellishments.com

Audrey Clark ~ Rose Fine Alterations

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Audrey Clark

Formal Member

Welcome Audrey! Will you share about your sewing business?

I began sewing in elementary school and haven't stopped since. After completing an apprenticeship focusing on formal wear alterations I hit the ground running and opened Rose Fine Alterations. I come from a long line of seamstress' including my great great grandmother Rose. Her name and legacy inspired my business and I love following in her footsteps.

What professional title do you use?

Seamstress but I am not attached to any particular title.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

How to price well.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Working with lace. I absolutely love it. Lace hems are my favorite!

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Move from taking all types of alterations to just brides, maids, and prom.

What else should we know about you or your business?

Hopefully next bridal season (spring 2022) I will be carrying custom-made accessories!

Website rosefinealterations.square.site

Facebook Rose Fine Alterations

Instagram @rosefinealterations

Terry Braddy

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Terry Braddy

Formal Member

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Color forecasting, not wardrobe or image consulting

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Creativity, fashion sustainability

Do you work alone? How can people find you?

I have a home studio, but am not seeking customers. Re: social media- I am a conscientious objector, use it for outgoing business only

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Stay retired

Mackinley Motzer

Jennifer Phillips — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Mackinley Motzer ~ Oregon Chapter

Formal Member

Welcome Mackinley! Tell us about your sewing business.

Specializing in custom sewing, alterations, and lessons, my mission as the Fibrarian is to take my clients’ dreams and make them “sew”. It is my intent to be the magician behind the machine; to take every detail into consideration and bring the idea to fruition.

In the world of sewing, my primary niche lies in the realm of interior design/home decor.

My other preferred sewing avenues include cosplay, product creation, alterations (both client and contractual work), and wholesale orders for local businesses.

What professional title do you use?

I refer to myself as the Fibrarian in an effort to encompass all aspects of my practice. I am a fiber artist, seamstress, teacher, and alterations specialist. The only title I do not enjoy would be "crafter".

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

As it's been said many times before, "we don't know what we don't know". I am always excited at the opportunity to learn from those in my sewing community.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

I love to take my clients' dreams and make them "sew". It is my pleasure to bring their dream to physical fruition and share the creative journey with them.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

It is my goal to move my home studio into a brick-and-mortar location in order to expand my offerings, especially in the realm of teaching.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I recently celebrated one year as an LLC in June! While I've been sewing for 15 years and a few of those years professionally, this last year was my first as a full-time Fibrarian.

Website woobiesewing.com

Instagram @Woobie_the_Fibrarian

Facebook Mackenzie Motzer

Bianca Raimo

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Bianca Raimo

Student Member

Bianca Raimo is a student at FIT in NYC working on opening a shop within the next year.

Where can people find you?

I have not set up my shop or social media yet, it is in the works.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Fashion illustration

Rachel Myers ~ Rachel's Sewing & Upholstery

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Rachel Myers ~ Concord, California

Formal Member

President of the Home Décor Learning Center (HDLC), opened her business in June of 2012. For more than thirty years, Rachel has been doing custom dressmaking, alterations, and many unusual projects including costumes and other specialty items as well as home décor.

Rachel learned upholstery under the instruction of Master Journeyman and Teacher, Siegfried Wroebel through the Mt. Diablo Adult Education program. In 2007 she was asked to teach the upholstery class at Mt. Diablo Adult Education and Acalanes Adult Education. When these programs were discontinued, the concept of the HDLC was developed in response to the community's need for upholstery classes. There is no other business quite like the HDLC, making it a unique place for students to learn upholstery, home décor sewing and have space to work on their projects.

Rachel is a long-time member of the American Sewing Guild (ASG), having served as Chapter President, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, and Fundraising Chair over the years. She is also a previous member of ASDP.

Rachel, through HDLC, aspires to teach people to become self-sufficient in creating interior design projects to decorate their homes, customize autos, boats, and RV’s and prepare those students who wish to pursue a career in the industry. She enjoys teaching and watching the accomplishments and satisfaction of students realizing they have produced a quality project.

With the advent of COVID, HDLC was forced to close its doors in 2020. Rachel is now in a period of redefining what she wants to do going forward.

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Pricing, Better Marketing, improve social media skills, tambour beading (just for fun), any new techniques in sewing and fitting, approaches to writing.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Sewing, seeing students "get it", seeing an idea actually materialize.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Gain more brand recognition, be more profitable, define which I like to do best, find/train someone to replace me, write a book on Upholstery.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I started teaching upholstery in 2008, and I am now sewing home decor in addition to garments.

Website homedecorlc.com

Email rachelm@homedecorlc.com ramyers@ix.netcom.com

Jennifer Wiese - Workroom Social

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Wiese ~ Brooklyn, New York

Formal Member

Jennifer Wiese is founder of Workroom Social, a Brooklyn, NY-based sewing studio. At Workroom Social, we teach adults how to sew clothes that fit their unique styles and individual body shapes + sizes. Through sewing we build communities, stimulate creativity, & help improve women’s self-esteem & confidence by empowering them to sew the clothes they want to wear. Together we learn from each #sewingfail & celebrate every #sewingwin, no matter how small. We use our shared passion for sewing to connect with those we might not meet otherwise, & we create opportunities for our students to develop relationships that go far beyond sewing itself.

Jennifer believes that every woman can lead a joyful, creative, & confident life. She knows that sewing your own clothes (& wearing these you-made clothes) is a surefire way to cultivate these things every day.

Do you work alone?

I work alone most of the time, but I do hire contractors sometimes for events and other needs.

What professional title do you use?

I never know what title to use. Founder, owner, CEO, educator...I wear all the hats, but never quite know how to refer to my job position.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

10-15 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

I love learning new things always! And I actively work to learn new things constantly. Not sure if there's something specific that I can point to at this time.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Running my large-scale retreats. I love logistics!

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

In 5 years time I hope to have a library of digital sewing patterns for sale, a popular YouTube channel, and 4 large-scale retreats running annually (currently I have 1 retreat that runs annually).

What else should we know about you or your business?

Right now I am focused on building my company's YouTube channel.

Website workroomsocial.com

Youtube @workroomsocial

Instagram @workroomsocial

Twitter @workroomsocial

LinkedIn Jennifer Wiese

Amy Henson - The Fitting Room

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 14 May 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Amy Henson ~ Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Formal Member

I have been sewing professionally for over 20 years. I specialize in alterations - especially bridal and formalwear and love the challenge of making a garment fit perfectly.

Do you work alone?

No, I have employees, contractors or coworkers

What professional title do you use?

Seamstress, Alterations Specialist

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Networking, marketing

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Work with brides

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Hire and teach to expand our business and have it continue after I retire.

What else should we know about you or your business?

We specialize in bridal alterations.

Website fittingroomligonier.com

Instagram @TheFittingRoomLigonier

Facebook @TheFittingRoomLigonier

LinkedIn Amy Henson

Heather Zager - MADE Apparel Services

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 14 May 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Heather Zager ~ Renton, WA

Formal Member

MADE is a Seattle based apparel design and development company created to help designers bring their sewn product ideas into production.

Do you work alone?

No, I have employees, contractors or coworkers

What professional title do you use?

Owner

How long have you been sewing professionally?

5-10 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Become proficient at pattern grading and alterations.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Oh, all of it!

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To move to a retail location.

What else should we know about you or your business?

Nothing at this time, still in the early stages of growth.

Website MADEApparelServices.com

Instagram @MADEApparelServices

Facebook @MADEApparelServices

LinkedIn @MADEApparelServices

Tiana Weidert - Mystia UNU Clothing

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 07 May 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Tiana Weidert ~ Longmont, Colorado

Formal Member

Today we welcome Tiana Weidert! She is a Formal Member and is also a member of the ASDP Colorado Chapter. Tiana is Designer and seamstress for her company Mystia UNU Clothing.

Tiana, tells us about your business!

Mystia UNU Clothing is geared towards sustainable fashion that utilizes vintage and recycled fabrics to create modern styles.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

10-15 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Digitization of patterns, and tech packs

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

I love making custom patterns from design drawings, and pockets, closures and hand sewing.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I would like my clothing brand to be featured in boutiques, and to be making online sales.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I also do short runs of manufacturing and design consulting.

Website MystiaUNUclothing.com

Instagram @mystia_clothing

Twitter @mystiaunu

Anna Timm

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Anna Timm ~ Boise, Idaho

Patron Member

I work at sewBoise for fellow ASDP member Erin Retelle

What professional title do you use?

I usually call myself a Sewist/sewing teacher, but am fine with whatever title makes sense to people

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Couture Tailoring.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Altering tailored jackets.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To be a skilled pattern maker.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I recently learned about working with velveteen and a few new-to-me quick tailoring methods.

Instagram @annageorgina_makes

'Chelle Lanz ~ Green Door Creations

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMT

'Chelle Lanz ~ Columbia City, Oregon

Formal Member

Green Door Creations is a boutique custom sewing shop and my strongest talents are taking a client's idea from pictures and ideas to creating a unique piece to wear or to use for home decor.

I have been sewing professionally for over 40 years and have created wedding gowns, dance outfits, party dresses, formal vests and custom dress shirts for men and women. I started with making doll clothes and doing repairs on my friends clothes when I was in middle school. Since then I have expanded to making costumes for live theatre, ComiCon, and Halloween. I make props and set dressings for theatre as well as memory pillows, flags and curtains for interior decorating in the home and also giant puppets, banners and altar dressings for churches. I can repair some camping gear and am able to clean, oil, repair and set the timing on sewing machines.

Safety and comfort is my number one concern. I am a BLM and LGBTQI+ ally and my pronouns are she/her. Until Covid-19 is completely behind us, I will always wear a mask, practice social distancing as much as possible and use hand sanitizer all during the fitting. My process is to first meet with you at a public location and talk with you about all the aspects of your project. Once we have a plan for moving ahead with your project, I will work with you out of the comfort of your own home (or where ever you choose).

I look forward to projects of constructing a special occasion piece from scratch, altering a piece of clothing or home decor to give it new life or putting the finishing touches on a piece that has already been started. I am also happy to work through a pile of mending that you might have sitting around (for longer than you care to admit?) or to repurpose a piece that you just can't bear to part with yet.

What professional title do you use?

Custom Sewer

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Couture pattern drafting and tailoring

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Taking a client's idea into a wearable garment.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To make enough money to bring in half of my family income.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I am now a certified sewing repairperson

Website greendoorsewing.squarespace.com

Facebook @greendoorcreationsLLC

Instagram @chelle.lanz

Twitter @sew_green_door

Suzie Gruber

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Suzie Gruber ~ Charlotte, North Carolina

Emerging Member

I am certified in Professional Alterations. I work at home doing alterations and other sewing projects for friends, neighbors, and word of mouth referrals. I also freelance as an on-set tailor for local TV/Commercial/Film. I would like to make my at home business more professional and also freelance on sets more often.

Do you work alone?

Sometimes, but I also freelance on commercial/tv/film sets

What professional title do you use?

Seamstress, on set tailor...those are the ones I use, but I'm not particular about what people call me.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

Less than 5 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Professional Wedding Dress fitting

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Dress alterations

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To work more consistently and to continue to grow my sewing skills.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I have had some opportunities to sew for wardrobe stylists and production designers on TV, film, and commercials. I love the exciting pace and the variety of sewing projects.

Instagram @sewzie12

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/suzie-gruber-b3b7751bb/

Renee Pinell ~ Geneva Lake Alterations and Design

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Renee Pinell ~ Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Formal Member

Sewing for 55+ years. And still love it!

What professional title do you use?

Alteration Specialist

How long have you been sewing professionally?

10-15 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

How to expand my business.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Completing gowns for women and seeing their faces light up with joy with the results.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

Contract work out and/or expand my social networking to build a brand.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I offer shortcut zipper replacements.

Website genevaalterations.com

Jennifer Varner ~ That Sew Fits!

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Varner ~ Canby, Oregon

Formal Member

In 2020, Jennifer Varner launched That Sew Fits by Jen, out of her original business in 2007, That Sew Fits!. Sewing has been a passion for Jennifer since the age of 12. For Jennifer, creating garments is a blend of creative problem solving, technical skill, and sculpting with textiles! Refashioning garments and making ideas come to life through custom sewing services is on the top of her list as most rewarding but Jennifer enjoys using her skills as a tailor to alter and repair clothing. Sewing education, clothing preservation and restoration, and textile waste reduction are other important focuses of her business.

What professional title do you use?

Professional Tailor and Seamstress

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Bespoke tailoring

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Customer interaction

What goals do you have for your business in the next 5 years?

My goal is to open a community sewing space that meets more than just the sewing needs of customers. I want to have in house childcare, small cafe, and alterations along with the community sewing space. This business model is based on the home-welcoming, meeting needs, and learning together.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I have been in business now for almost one year. I am a part of a great community and am looking forward to expanding soon! I have new product ready to go online and am in the beginning stages of building curriculum and finding a place to start sewing classes.

Website thatsewfitsbyjen.com

Facebook facebook.com/thatsewfitsbyjen

Instagram instagram.com/thatsewfitsbyjen/

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/jennifer-varner

YouTube youtube.com/channel/

BBB https://www.bbb.org/us/or/canby/profile/tailor/that-sew-fits-by-jen-llc-1296-1000105391

Mimi Jackson ~ As You Wish

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Mimi Jackson ~ Hollis, New York

Formal Member

Mimi Jackson is a collaborative custom clothing designer and dressmaker who has owned her own custom clothing business since 1997. A native New Yorker, she studied fashion design at Fashion Institute of Technology, and later supplemented that training with costume design experience while studying at Washington University in St. Louis. As the creator of findadressmaker.com, (a dressmaker and sewing teacher referral website) she helps potential clients find appropriate sewing professionals to execute their projects. Her experiences working for the Butterick/Vogue pattern company, textile companies, high end designers, and wardrobe and costume for movie and television productions, have all fueled her insatiable appetite for many aspects of the custom sewing profession. As a member of the board of MSDP/MAS certification program, she hopes to help facilitate, inspire, encourage, and encourage other sewing and design professionals to pursue the mastery of their craft.

What professional title do you use?

Collaborative custom designer

How long have you been sewing professionally?

20+ years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Bra-making.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Draping.

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

To have an assistant.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I am the NYC tour leader for the American Sewing Guild once the pandemic lifts.

Website mimijackson.com

Website findadressmaker.com

Website shopthegarmentdistrictnyc.com

Instagram @shop_the_garment_district

Facebook I Love My Dressmaker

Facebook Shop the Garment District

Anna Light

Jennifer Phillips — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Anna Light ~ Lititz, Pennsylvania

Emerging Member

I'm Anna Light. I'm a patternmaker and draper for live theatre, television and film. I have a master's degree in costume production from Boston University. For the last 8 years I have been a draper for the New York City Ballet. I also work as an independent contractor for a variety of industries; making soft good props for Broadway shows, working as a tailor on photo and video shoots, tailoring and wardrobe maintenance for live musical performances as well as costuming for television and film productions. Recently, my family and I moved from NYC to Lititz, PA where I am working on establishing my tailoring business.

What professional title do you use?

Draper, tailor, patternmaker.

How long have you been sewing professionally?

10-15 years

What is something that you have always wanted to learn?

Small business marketing, pattern grading, technical design for fashion.

What is your favorite task to do in your business?

Patternmaking and construction

What goals do you have for your business (or yourself professionally) in the next 5 years?

I'd like to purchase a house that will allow for a dedicated professional studio and fitting space, develop a strong marketing & adverting plan and buy an industrial blind hemmer, coverstitch and serger.

What else should we know about you or your business?

I am transitioning from my career in NYC working for NYC Ballet and TV/Film to starting and operating my own small business in Lititz, PA. I am hoping to find a balance between my tailoring and costume business and raising my 5-year-old son. It's important to me to keep in touch with my professional contacts and to stay relevant in the costuming industry even though I am no longer working in a major metropolitan area.

Website annalight.com