About the Author

Born and raised in Kearny, New Jersey, I became familiar with needles and thread at a young age. I was often gifted discarded scraps of fabric, which I used to make little clothes and trinkets for my beloved dolls.

My adoration and exploration of sewing has since then exploded, partly due to a passion for history. I began making real garments for myself when I was just 16. I am entirely self-taught, and have and continue to rely on resources from the Kearny Library and the Internet to help me explore new techniques. Part of my success in sewing is my willingness to challenge myself. On each garment I make, I practice at least one new skill and at least one couture sewing technique--whether it is a flat-felled seam or a hand-stitched buttonhole. 

I am a student at William Paterson University, where I am double-majoring in Journalism/PR and Writing, with an Honor's Track in History. I have been an active member of my community for many years. I was a folkloric dancer in the Portuguese Cultural Association (located on Schuyler Avenue). In Kearny High, I was a member of numerous clubs and Honor Society. I continued to give back to my community throughout high school, where in my junior year I designed and made dancing costumes for the Italian Club's performance of the Tarantella at International Festival.

You can read my personal sewing blog here.

Wearing a petticoat I designed and sewed for the display of the 1906 Wedding Gown.