About
JM Designs
I love to sew!! I have been sewing and designing for as long
as I can remember. As a child in the '60s, I was taught to sew
by my mother. It quickly became a passion for me. Be it sewing
on her old machine, embroidering by hand, or creating my own
patterns as only an 8 year old can do, I was happiest when my
hands were busy. By middle school I was taking lessons from
a friend down the street, as I was beyond what my mother wanted
to do. From there it was home-ec in school, and constant sewing
at home. (I think it kind of worried my folks!)
This
passion continued as I disregarded everyone's advice and studied
Fashion Design in college. (Colorado State University, 1975-1979).
There I honed my skills in design.
Married soon after and raising two young children, my career
was put on hold. But I continued to design, create and sell:
bibs, children's costumes and clothes.
My career began in the early 90s designing and making ice skating
costumes. I enjoyed the creativity of doing costumes—each
one unique and made for the individual program and skater. My
business grew to include dance costumes as well. Again, I enjoyed
listening to the music and watching the dancers move to inspire
the design. (I get paid for this! How lucky can a person be!)
Life changes and my business grew from part time to full time.
I got involved with the Cystic Fibrosis fundraising fashion
shows (1999-2004) and started designing and making one of a
kind gowns.My business and clientel is now quite unique and
varied. I love to design custom garments, and love the challenge
of the unusual and unexpected. I also enjoy the variety brought
by being open to new projects. Be it ballroom dance, ice skating,
modern dance or a wedding gown, I love them all!I was one of
the winners in the 2007 national Threads competition “Inspired
by Art”. I won for “the Most Imaginative use of
Materials and Design.” My piece was featured in the spring
issue of Threads magazine.
During this period I added teaching to my busy schedule. I teach
private sewing lessons to children and adults in my studio,
group lessons at a local fabric store, and a class at Emily
Griffith Opportunity School. I discovered I love sharing my
passion of sewing with my students. There is something so rewarding
about seeing the smile of satisfaction on a face when a project
comes together!
