We are excited to Introduce you to our Student of The month Lacie Schwend. She's been taking our Online Fashion Sewing and Beginning Pattern Making with Christine in our Online Fashion Studies program. Lacie lives in Wyoming and has a really interesting background. We love her Cruella Costume that she made, using techniques she learned in class with Christine.

Here is a little more about Lacie in her own words:

I live in Dayton Wyoming with my family. We have a 13-acre hobby farm and I love to garden! I graduated from an engineering school in 2005 and worked in the mining industry for 5 years before getting to stay home with my son. After he was born, I picked up sewing. All of the women in my family were sewists, but I never took the time to learn. I would have never made it without YouTube and helpful blog posts. I am pretty much self-taught when it comes to sewing and I am fortunate enough to have some really nice equipment at my disposal. About 8 years ago my cousin introduced me to an online pattern company that was offering a free legging pattern. I tried clothing for the first time at the age of 32 and was hooked!

I currently work full-time as the Assistant Director for a non-profit community center.

I was challenged by my boss a few years ago to add some youth programs to our offerings. However, I do not do kids well. LOL. I like mine and all, but I was so intimidated by leading a group of children. But, I was given the opportunity to use the Home Ec. Room at the local high school that has 8 sewing machines that were all the same…so I started teaching a youth sewing camp. This is a VERY basic camp where we complete simple projects such as drawstring bags, scrunchies, pillows, etc. We dabble in applique and quilting concepts. I am a bit of a fabric hoarder and have several friends who are, so I am able to get all of the material donated to keep the cost low for this class. The kids get to go “fabric shopping” with donations from everyone’s stash. I have ran 3 summer camps and one after-school camp so far and attendance has increased and just this morning I had a parent come into the center to show me a picture of her daughter's Halloween costume that she made herself! That makes a heart explode, ya know?

I am nearly 5’10’ tall. I wanted to learn how to draft a pattern for myself because most RTW clothing does not fit me.

I have broad shoulders that have me measuring in an XL in most clothing but fit in a M… So I want to be able to make myself some great clothing that is not designed for a 5’5” person. I was SOOOO pleased to find an online class that would offer me help in expanding on these concepts. Wyoming is beautiful, but it is rural. I don’t even know how far away the nearest school would be to where I could learn something like this in person…but I’m guessing its over 1,000 miles So thanks to you and the amazing Christine for offering online options for someone like me. Christine really is phenomenal by the way. She has so many cameras set up for zoom and makes sure to answer all questions. I adore her and I have learned so much from her. Not to mention she could be the kindest person I have ever had the chance to zoom with.

As far as motivation – I am not sure. I love learning. I have also learned…that I love teaching kids how to sew!

There is something so satisfying in watching them figure out how a pattern comes together or figuring out that they need to rethread the machine…again! Ha. I do have aspirations and dreams of drafting patterns that are for ladies who are tall with broad shoulders and having that be the norm. “Lacie’s long-armed patterns.” No adjustments required, ya know? I would really love to be able to make something from a pattern that I don’t have to adjust every single time. I am not a “fashionable” person. I teach fitness classes in the morning and attend my kids' sporting events in the afternoon so it's leggings or jeans most of the time – but there is just something that feels amazing about rocking something you made yourself. Not everyone understands, but I know you do!