PatternVault grew out of my passion for designer sewing patterns and ephemera. I have a humanities Ph.D., so I take pride in researching all the details of the vintage patterns and ephemera in my shop. For discussion of vintage sewing and fashion history check out the PatternVault blog -- recently featured in Vogue Patterns magazine.

I learned to sew from my mother. When I was young, she and my aunt, who was a professional dressmaker, sold the traditional parkas my aunt learned to make up North in what is now Nunavut. I have the garment business on my father's side as well: my paternal grandmother worked as a Spencer Corsetiere to support her young family. I gravitate toward ambitious projects, which sometimes means they hang around the apartment longer than they should.

I'm located in downtown Hamilton, where the Victorian storefronts and converted factories inspire with their vintage textures and indie spirit.