Hello! Welcome to my studio. I have been sewing all of my life. I made my first piece at the age of three. It was a green silk bonnet for my dolly. Sewn by hand of course.

 

I've had the privilege of having had great teachers and instructors, but none better than my Mother. She could have given Chanel a run for her money. She is the reason that I hyphenate my last name.

 

In high-school it didn't occur to me to buy my prom dress off the rack, and stranger still (especially to my girlfriends), it didn't occur to me to purchase a commercial pattern to make my dress with. What I wanted to wear was a dress like Jackie Kennedy wore to her husband's inauguration. And so I did. I'm not at all sure if I knew the correct way to pronounce peau d' seau at the time, but I knew what I wanted. I didn't have a date, and it didn't matter - In my art class I had designed the sets for the prom (we had them in the gym back then) and I had my dress. It was my night!

 

I have always known that I wanted to be a designer, and studied contemporary fashion early in my career. For a number of years I had a couture wedding apparel service, then I inherited several Petersons and Godeys of the American Civil War Era, and I was hooked. These are a treasure. So many accurate gems of information can be gleaned from those pages! The information is the information of the times, and the fashion is the fashion of the times. Very exciting stuff.

 

I worked several years for the State of Missouri as an historic interpreter and was recognized by the Association of Missouri Interpreters in 2006. I have created period clothing closets for various historic sites and worked as a consultant for others, as well as for museums. I began designing historic clothing for the McCall, Butterick Pattern Company several years ago and enjoy that very much.

 

I am not a sutler. I make a few things very well and don't try for volume. Quality is very important to me. My patterns and garments are well thought out and constructed.

 

I try always to share what I have learned, and strive to learn from others. Always.

 

I will make every effort to answer all questions and emails. I hope to get to know you!

 

Nancy