My journey into sewing and fashion began in childhood, sparked by my mother’s thrifty creativity as she crafted matching outfits and Halloween costumes for me and my sister. I inherited the PFAFF sewing machine that she made her wedding dress with and embraced my role as the family’s creative talent… and I am still hemming pants for my sister!
Another pivotal moment in my childhood was receiving a paper doll featuring Princess Diana and her iconic outfits. I designed clothing for my paper dolls, long before I was old enough to use a sewing machine.
At age 16 I landed my first job at a Costume House where I learned to use a serger to construct simple garments for theater productions and Halloween. This experience solidified my love for sewing and made me the go-to costume maker for friends and family.
Everything’s been done before, it’s just how YOU do it. – McQueen
My mother’s PFAFF was loved and heavily used over the years, to the point of all the plastic buttons and levers breaking off. At some point I purchased this lovely PFAFF coverlock which is the Swiss Army Knife of sewing machines. This machine taught me everything I needed to know: 3 4 & 5 thread stitches, what they were used for, how different pieces formed the stitches, how to troubleshoot and various tension settings, etc. This machine was also used until the knobs fell off. PFAFF are really great machines! But plastic does not last forever.
I have worked as a professional seamstress since 2007 including sewing for independent fashion designers, high-end upholstery, large volume production, and contract custom clothing. Over the years I have mastered every industrial machine I could get my hands on! In every workroom I quickly become the machine wizard.
Most recently in 2020 I was hired to sew for a backpack manufacturing company in Toronto, but ended up in a managerial role there for 4.5 years where I combined my technical and creative skills to oversee production, training the sewing team, quality control, and sales.
I learned a lot at YNOT, including how to use a CO2 laser machine for cutting fabric. Sadly the factory shut down in 2023 and since then I’ve been doing contract sewing, costume making, and various creative projects in my home studio.
I still have my old PFAFF but my sewing studio has increased in machines and capacity significantly. Each machine has a different purpose, but I am fully equipped to handle any project!
Today, I remain passionate about creating beautiful pieces that make people feel good. I invite you to join me on this journey of creativity and craftsmanship!
