I have been sewing since I was a small child. Though most of my early projects were simple and quickly forgotten, in my pre-teen years I began rereading my mother's Nancy Drew books and got bitten by the designing bug.
My desire for 'Nancy's' wardrobe inspired me to begin sewing and designing. My first project showed a flair and style that would soon characterize my sewing for years to come. That would be the 'wing it' style. While my mother knew little about sewing, when she saw me about to cut stripes the WRONG direction, I had my first and essentially last, lesson in sewing. Mom looked at the project on the floor and simply said, "I don't know anything about sewing but I think those arrows are there for a reason…"
Fifteen years ago, I began designing and selling specialty clothing for hand painted porcelain dolls. This took me into the commercial realm and I haven't stopped since. I have designed and created everything from costumes for local plays to outfits for Scottish Balls. I love heirloom and boutique clothing, but still get a lot of pleasure from sitting down and 'whipping out' a jumper in my spare moments.
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Over the years, I have developed my own 'unorthodox' style of sewing. I streamline the process in order to make it faster, easier, and much more enjoyable than the horror stories of Home Economics courses that my friends tell. The result is a sturdy, yet polished garment.
When I am not sewing, I can be found caring for my husband and nine children, chatting on MSN messenger, moderating my message board, enjoying a variety of craft activities, and of course, reading and writing fiction.
Of course, Chautona's Couture could not exist without the support, encouragement, and enthusiasm of my family. I am the wife of Kevin, and the mother of nine incredible children. I am always amazed when I look across the studio my husband has sacrificially worked to provide for me and see my sons wrestling on the floor, or my little girls dreaming up outfits from the bolts on the shelves, or my older girls pulling out patterns to create their own exciting outfits. Seeing our little Rosy Lorna learning to grow into her own little self in this room is a sheer delight!
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