I was fortunate to grow up in a creative home with very talented parents and siblings. Not only did my mother make amazing clothing, but she filled our home with beautiful drapery, slip covers, and other home décor. I honestly thought magic was happening in my mother’s sewing room. I continued sewing as an adult, making projects here and there. My true passion for the art didn’t come to fruition until 2000, and I have been sewing non-stop since then. In 2004, I started ms.elaineous and began designing and selling my own purses. When people found out I sewed, they would ask, "Do you teach sewing lessons?"
So in 2008, I began exploring the idea of opening a sewing salon where the love of sewing could be shared - as both an art and a science. If you are around me for even a short time, you'll hear me say, "Sewing is math!" I knew that sewing was more than a simple craft - it engaged my mind like nothing else could. I would read patterns, rethink them, contemplate the process, create shortcuts, problem-solve, and redesign.
As a life-long feminist and college professor, I've valued the role of a quality education in the lives of young girls (OK, boys, too!). It is vital for character development and for confidence building. I was fortunate to have supportive family, friends, and teachers who recognized my talent; they encouraged me to excel and they believed in me. I would not be where I am today without the wonderful women (and men) who have been a part of my life.
In March, 2009, I became a Trained Sewing Instructor through the Craft & Sewing Alliance. This put into motion my dream of SewYouCan Sewing Salon. It is based on the principle of quality instruction, so you can sew.
