I have been sewing for 18 years and studying 19th century clothing construction for 10 years.  Since 2004 I have been teaching sewing and historic costuming.

   My mom was my first sewing teacher, she was also the first to help me decode the historical clothing patterns I found in dusty library books! 

By my late teens my mom had taught me all she knew so I began taking classes from excellent instructors at Fabrications in Kennet Square, PA, Hayes Sewing Machine Co. in Wilmington, DE, Steve's Sew & Vac in King of Prussia, PA, and Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA. 
  
Since highschool historic clothing and accessory knowledge/skills have benefited from excellent teachers online on The Costume Classroom.com: Juanita Leisch, MarnaJean Davis, Jennie Chancey, Penny Ladiner, Elizabeth Stewart Clark.

Carolann Schmitt proprietor of Genteel Arts Academy and Dr. Karin Bohleke director of the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum have expanded my knowledge of Civil War era and 19thC. through early 20thC. clothing since 2006.
  
I believe there will always be something new to learn in the field of sewing and costuming and continue take as many classes as possible every year!