Even as a small child, sewing clothing had a fascination for me and I spent untold hours of my youth creating garments for myself and my dolls, even cutting them apart to make a different garment when fabric wasn't available. Though it completely absorbed me, I thought of sewing as an interesting hobby, not a viable career, and I still believe it is grossly undervalued by contemporary society.
In my late twenties I became a part owner of a cotton clothing business and realized that I had found work that could be creative, useful and fulfilling. Working alongside women who had been "outsourced" from the garment construction industry for lower-wage workers offshore, I learned the multitude of skills required to create good fitting, well constructed clothing. I took every class I could find on design, fit, patternmaking, draping, fashion illustration, grading, fabric and fabric embellishments.
After growing the clothing business until significant investment was required for its continued growth, we sold it in 1993. At that point, I re-doubled my efforts to further educate myself and worked for a variety of endeavors including a nurses' uniform business, a weaver and the costume shop of a regional theater. In 2005, I left the theater to start my woman-owned business, Sympatico Clothing. I was delighted to return to the world of small business, yet another love of mine.
My clothing for women is cut in elegant shapes designed for movement and everyday wear. I incorporate darts and gentle shaping into the seam lines to reflect and compliment the female form. I offer skirts, tops that can double as jackets, a tank top and pants that look great in an office or at home. The clothing feels soft, drapes well and is pre-shrunk, and it can be machine washed and dried.
I choose sustainable fabrics that are processed in environmentally responsible ways. I currently work with a blend of hemp and lyocell (Tencel). It has the sophisticated look of a woven linen without its excessive wrinkles.
The fiber reactive dyes used in my clothing have little or no heavy metals and are processed in small batches that waste less water. Sympatico styles are meant to endure, and the fabrics hold up to everyday wear over time.
My goal is to create products that:
* are made with respect for people and nature
* fulfill my customers' desire for apparel that's unique and comfortable
* are an expression of my creativity
As a woman with many years in the clothing industry, I am focused on creating beautiful apparel using earth-friendly fabrics in shapes designed for movement. I want the clothes to be part of the artwork of the wearer's personal style. They must look good, feel good, be well made, and above all, reflect respect for our Earth.
