I have been sewing since age 5, when my Mother taught me to hand embroider using yarn on rough woven cloth. I have always loved clothing, and history- making costumes was a natural progression.
My first professional sewing job was making fitted bodices for Renaissance Faire costumes, working with a small family owned company in my late teens. From there I went to Patagonia outdoor clothing, where I assembled prototypes and samples of all manner of clothing and soft goods- using a wide variety of specialty industrial sewing machines. In my free time I delved into corset making, using the local library for research, and experimenting with construction techniques and materials.
I attended college at Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, graduating with an AA in Accessories Design. I learned to design and make shoes, handbags, hats and more!
From there I worked for a variety of small boutique. and fetish designers, while also creating custom corsets and club attire for my own clientele from home.
I also got involved in the Burlesque scene in Los Angeles, designing and building stage wear for myself and many performers there, before switching gears entirely and moving into the aerospace world.
For 12 years I worked at a small rocket company in California, first constructing thermal components for rocket engines and space capsules. I moved into the Space Suit Development program at its inception, where for 10 years I was part of a small team to design, build and manufacture spacesuits- I specialized in airtight construction techniques, and teaching others to use the specialized machines.
Along the way, I continued being interested in historical clothing and costumes, and a few years ago began deep diving into making elaborate costumes for myself, inspired by 18th and 19th century fashions.
Another interest that blossomed for me was vintage sewing machines- I have a small collection of machines from many decades!
My oldest machine is a hand crank from the 1890s, and my daily driver is from the 1950’s! I specialize in single needle stitching-where an entire project is sewn with a straight stitch machine and specialty feet on that machine.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills with others-I believe that anybody who wants to sew, can learn to sew! Whether it’s sewing a button back on your shirt, mending your favorite jeans, or creating a fancy costume or event look- I am here to help you-Sew Your Dreams With Bree!