I was fortunate to grow up in a creative home with very talented parents and siblings. Not only did my mother make amazing clothing, but she filled our home with beautiful drapery, slip covers, and other home décor. I honestly thought magic was happening in my mother’s sewing room. In 2004, I began designing and selling ms.elaineous purses in boutiques, galleries, and arts festivals. In early 2009, I put into place my dream of opening a sewing studio and teaching sewing. In May 2009, SewYouCan was born.

In a few short months, I learned a lot about the art of teaching sewing. Due to a lack of fun, well-made, affordable patterns, I created my own simple projects that I turned into classes. It's been so successful, that in August 2009 I decided to quit making purses and focus on creating patterns and helping others learn to sew. I will be selling these items in my GoZabo store and in my studio. I also plan to combine my teaching background with my love for sewing and put together a series of lesson plans for those who teach sewing.

I live in Corning, NY with my two fun-loving cats. When I'm not teaching communication at Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA, I'm sewing, designing patterns, teaching classes and taking classes. And other than a handful of students named Elaine, I have no connection to the name. It just came to me. It’s what I like…a bunch of different things.