At heart, I've always been a costumer. It is the hobby which has made me nocturnal, starting when I learned to sew and would stay up late at night by the dim light coming from my closet and work on finishing a Chrismas dress for my Barbie doll or an apron bag for my American Girl. For some reason, it was easiest to focus on my work at night - and still is.

I honed my self-taught sewing skills during high school. For one show in particular, I crafted new costumes for a 30 person cast alongside two other students and a master costumer. A few of our actors needed two or even three costumes! The workload was heavy and busy, and I loved it. For the last few years, I have specialized in making Renaissance garb for the Festival here in Minnesota - a challenge I continue to take on every year to improve my skills on something for myself.

This year, I am continuing to build up my Etsy shop and find where I fit in in the grand scheme of artisans out there.  My crocheting abilities have improved greatly, and I have started writing my own patterns.  I am attending several weddings this year (including that of my own sister!), which means I may soon have more garter listings as I start to experiment with that process.  I am also looking to experiment with recycled tees and upcycled garments from the '80s and '90s.  For now, my Etsy shop is dedicated to keeping my hands warm in the winter and busy in the summer.  Personally, I have a bodice I am working on for myself (completely reversible with interchangeable panels, and can, in itself be 16 different combinations), which I hope to have the time to complete before the Minnesota Renaissance Festival returns in August.

Take a look at my gallery of previous works, at my Etsy shop of the things I do to keep my hands busy, and think of the many possibilities. Questions, thoughts, concerns? Let me know!