about

How my story began

I spent years trying to find a way to make my passion for textiles and learning my job…

I’ve always loved art, sewing, and generally being creative. So, when it was time to go to college, I decided to study fashion design. I loved the process of sewing and learning about design. However, I graduated just as the financial crisis of 2008 hit, and had a hard time finding a job.

I bounced around for a long time, trying out lots of different careers. I worked in a bridal shop sewing alterations for a summer. I got a degree in Library Science and sorted archival documents in Alaska. I spent a few years sewing theater costumes and learning about costume design.

Eventually this lead me to pursing a PhD in Design at the University of Minnesota. As part of the Apparel Studies Department, I focused my studies on fashion history. I was even lucky enough to co-curate two exhibits at the departments museum! For my dissertation, I developed a method for learning about sewing skills through the process of making reproduction garments.

I loved my time in graduate school, however, I decided that the cut-throat world of academics at the university level wasn’t for me. So, I looked for a gentler path.

Now, I teach surface design, embellishment, weaving, knitting, and sewing at a community college while writing this blog. Both of these jobs let me share my love of making, which is the perfect life for me!

xx Sarah