My business consists of ladies' dressmaking, including bridal gowns and headpieces, evening wear, career wear, and more. My studio is located in Elkridge, MD, near BWI Airport. Studio hours are by appointment only.
I started sewing over 44 years ago as a young teenager in 4-H, where I learned fine sewing and tailoring from a professional dressmaker and tailor. In 1975 I received a BA in English from Washington State University and later did graduate work at the University of Maryland. I am a widow who is the mother of two young adult children. I have been sewing professionally for over 23 years.
I am an active, charter member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, and have served on its executive board as VP of Public Relations.
I am the author of two books, Sewing for Plus Sizes: Design, Fit and Construction for Ample Apparel (Taunton: 1999) and Sewing 911: Practical and Creative Rescues for Sewing Emergencies (Taunton, 2001. I have written dozens of articles on sewing and fashion for such national magazines as Sew News, Threads, Butterick Home Catalogue, BBW Magazine, and The Wedding Pages. I have been interviewed for dozens of national magazines and newspapers as an expert on sewing and custom clothing, including Women's Wear Daily and Real Simple Magazine. Parts of one of my books have been blatantly plagiarized by a Readers Digest book.
I have appeared as a guest on the television programs America Sews on PBS, Sew Much More on HGTV, and Washington Business Week on the ABC affiliate WJLA.
