For the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of working with students, sharing my expertise in patterning, fit, and garment construction. I spent 15 years as a professional cutter and draper for Cornell University's theatre program, where I honed my skills in creating costumes for live productions. For the last 11 years, I have been part of the Apparel Design program, guiding students as they refine their techniques and transform their creative designs into finished garments. I find great fulfillment in bringing their 2D drawings to life and take immense pride in seeing many of these designs showcased on the runway during the annual fashion show.
My focus continues to be on improving patterning and fit using custom half scale dress forms.
I interact with students in small groups or one on one. Our interactions are hands-on working side by side to complete projects. I work with the students helping with patterning, fit and CAD programs. I work with students teaching how to program and knit with our industrial knitting machine. In the past, I have worked extensively with students creating half scale forms to aid them in their design process. I also teach FSAD 1450 and FSAD 1140. In 2019 I became the faculty advisor for the Cornell Fashion Collective.
I attend the annual ITAA conference. In 2019 I co-lead a pre-conference workshop with Prof Kristen Morris, entitled Creating Custom Half-Scale Dress Forms From 3D Body Scans. I have also attended the educators' meeting at the annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala.
I continue to work with a community group who is continuing the Days for Girls project.