I come to you via the wonderful and crazy world of “The Theatre.” I first came to work at the Sewing Studio in 1995, having recently graduated with my BA in Directing. I flitted in and out of the store while working in professional theatre, finishing my MFA in Directing, and globetrotting with Menopause The Musical. I finally came back to my “Happy Place” in 2011, and joined the Machine Department several months later. I love sharing my passion with my students, recognize that everything is a process, love helping people, and aim for my best with seam ripper in hand!

See what Kathryn has been up to.

Hi! I am Katie Leve, named after my great grandmother, who made a living creating bridal gowns and formals in her small community. It was no surprise when I took a job, several years ago, as the alterations manager in a prestigious bridal shop prior to moving to Orlando. I think I learned to sew through osmosis. My grandmothers on both sides of my family were quilters. Growing up in a large family, we altered hand-me-down clothes that were passed from sister to sister. Being short in stature, I found sewing a necessity and I am grateful for it. Sharing our gifts, talents, and tricks of the trade is a special attribute of the sewing community. I am so proud to be a part of this extended family. Happy Sewing!

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I’ve been sewing since I was 5, made my first quilt (plus matching curtains and bedside table cover!) when I was 12. My mom sewed ALL the clothes for me and my 7 siblings, including matching bathing suits and school uniforms. Sitting on that piano bench next to her while she sewed on her 1951 Featherweight…well those are some very special memories. For the past 15 years I’ve been teaching at The Sewing Studio and enjoy the whole process: coming up with class ideas and samples, planning the class and of course, the ‘ah-ha’ moment from the students (the icing on the cake!) I like to look for the best and most efficient ways to put a project together and share those tips and techniques with my students, both in my classes and at the monthly Tips, Tools & Techniques Club. I also teach and lecture at quilt guilds around the state, and will be taking my Stashbuster lectures and a few workshops to Wisconsin and Illinois this summer. Now that hubby is a high school teacher, we look forward to summers traveling the US with our camper.

See what Mary Jeanine has been up to.

I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela to British parents who were residing there. I have one sister, Tita, who was born in Sheffield, England. I began sewing at the age of fifteen. Around that time, my parents opened a retail store in Venezuela and I stitched and sold everything that I made! I also hand-dyed and painted fabric, relying on white cotton sheeting, as pretty fabric was scarce. I made tops, skirts, ties, t-shirts, bags, pillows, sarongs, etc. I even painted furniture! I met Mark in Venezuela as well; he was a traveling salesman from Wisconsin. He came knocking at our door one day, and the rest is history! We left Venezuela, and before I could get my Green Card, I took a Clothing Production Course at OVTC led by Jean Hardy. Jean worked at The Sewing Studio, and was my connection to the store. I began working at the store and never looked back. Mark and I purchased The Sewing Studio in the year of 2000, and happily work here with our two children Eric and Kelsey. We LOVE our store, employees, and all of our wonderful customers!

See what Pat has been up to.

My passion is sewing, music, and dance! I learned how to sew as a child in Cuba, and received a Certificate from Sistema Especial Rocha (a sewing academy in Cuba) in 1962. In this academy, I learned everything from hand stitching to pattern drafting. I am crazy about embroidery, and have extensive knowledge in anything related to sewing. I love to create, and am always ready to teach others how I do what I do!

See what Raquel has been up to.

I began hand sewing around the age of six or seven, mostly for my dolls. In middle school, my mom worked for Singer, and naturally enrolled me in the Kid’s sewing camp they had to offer. This launched me into a lifelong love of fabrics and sewing! I even started a lofty, hand-stitched Cathedral Window quilt in 8th grade. Because of my degree in graphic design, my favorite area of sewing is creating designs for art quilts. I celebrate 6 years with the Sewing Studio in June 2015! I love being surrounded by the amazing machines and seeing what new technology is incorporated each year to spark more inspiring and incredible projects!

See what Shirley has been up to.

I have two passions in life: sewing and Disney , especially Snow White. I try to combine them as often as possible. My mom always sewed for me growing up. She made matching dresses for me and my Cabbage Patch doll; and she sewed the BEST Disney-inspired Halloween costumes. I actually did not start sewing until my Junior year of college. I wanted to sew a Belle ball gown for Halloween that year, and the Costume Shop Manager at the college I attended helped me figure everything out. Something just clicked in my brain and I immediately switched concentrations from Stage Management to Costuming and have been sewing ever since. Between work and pleasure I have learned many different areas of sewing including garments, bags, quilts, and various crafty-ness.

See what Stephanie has been up to.