Sewing with Leslie S.

Inspired by hours paging through the French Vogue with my grandmother who would read the text for me and tell me about all the designers and what made each of them special, I set my sights on Fashion Design at the age of 9. I studied sewing throughout high school and then went on to get a degree in Clothing/Costume design at Brooks College of Design in Los Angeles and apprenticed under the beading master to Hollywoods Costumers (Bob Mackie, Nolan Miller) and learned a rare and dying art of French Embroidery beadwork. After years working for designers making everything from leather/suede beaded evening gowns for the Country Music Awards to wedding dresses I slowly became more interested in Interiors and soft furnishings. I became a subcontractor for Interior Designers in San Diego and later San Francisco and continued such work in New York. Later I added carpentry to my list of skills and became a Green remodeler until the Crash. Today I most enjoy being free to follow my whims. I like to refurbish old furniture, upholster, slipcover and also do the same with clothing. I love vintage and vintage inspired clothes as well as anything finely made. I imagined being a couturier and costume designer for Broadway, but alas I am a humble artisan in my free time only. I am not a quilter or crafter, but I can do it if required. I prefer detailed handwork, funnily, whimsical or high fashion sewing. I enjoy helping people with beginning to advanced projects and can bring the classroom to you.