About Me

My grandma taught me to sew when I was eight years old.  She sewed my mom and aunts clothing in the 1940-50s, and they sewed their kids clothes in the 60s and 70s. Deep memory unlocked of my yellow cotton gingham bloomer "swimsuit" I wore in 1974 for the mandatory 4th grade school swim lessons at the town community pool. I don't think I knew the word cringe then but I felt it for sure. Note: I did not pass beginning swimming class but I survived, and carried on the family tradition. I sewed all through school: from stuffed toys to costumes, real bathing suits from stretchy lycra, pleated plaid skirts, and more. I was so proud when my projects won blue ribbons at our rural county fair! I'm volunteering with my local county fair this year, helping with the home ec category and boosting sewing and needlework into the future. 

When I became a parent, I was inspired to sew toys, blankets, clothing, and even cloth diapers. I ended up creating a lot of my own patterns and sewing nearly everything from pajamas & underwear to appliqued jeans. I also shared and purchased many secondhand baby things from other families, keeping the mutual aid cycle going. Look around your community for opportunities to share and support other parents!

I started sewing for friends and family too, and eventually opened my own children’s store in Portland, Oregon, focusing on handmade, natural fiber products. I also sold my products wholesale. What an adventure! Then the recession hit and I had to close the business.

I worked at a crazy fun baby & kid business for five years before relocating to the Oregon coast for a life reset as a non-profit public lands executive. Now retired after six years in that position, I'm volunteering for local creative ventures, giving back, creating connections, living an authentic life with people, plants and pets. After 50 years working for small businesses, corporations, and my own ventures, I'm reading more books & sewing more pillows instead. I'll be posting links to my assorted projects...

Rainy Day Studio is my slow fashion venture, offering vintage, handmade, and upcycled clothing and home goods.  Look here for wool, cashmere, hemp, linen, and organic cotton fabrics reused in a modern way. Always sustainably sourced, and customized in-house, from my hands to yours.