On completing my bachelor's degree in fine arts, concentrating in
textiles, I worked from 1984 to 1987 as a costumed interpreter at Colonial
Williamsburg’s spinning and weaving shop. Interacting with the public was
usually fun, and I learned a lot of basic textile history, but soon I was ready
to branch out. So 
in 1988 -- new husband in tow -- I moved back to my hometown,
Richmond, VA to attend Virginia Commonwealth University's program for a
master's degree in museums studies and textiles.
During and subsequent
to completing my degree, I was very fortunate to get further exposure and
continuing education working with arts and crafts institutions and museums
in Richmond, along with a number of prestigious commercial outlets. I taught
weaving classes at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond (then the Hand Workshop),
worked with The Valentine Museum's marvelous textiles collection, and continued
with my own projects, first in tapestry, then increasingly conserving and
repairing vintage garments and sewing my own reproductions from period
patterns. Financial realities directed me back to the museum community and on
into tourism. I eventually found myself promoting Richmond as Director of
Communications for the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Happily, I
remained active in crafts all this time, teaching, serving on several
administrative boards for arts organizations, doing hand sewing for Richmond
vintage clothiers, and, of course, working on my own. I launched
"Nene's Notions" to promote both my seamstress services and whatever
textile projects I've a mind to produce. I’m hoping this will provide a
convenient place to show some of my work and meet people. Maybe I can help meet
your needs for mending and alterations, vintage pattern dresses, accessories,
personal consulting and even custom weaving -- whatever you have a
notion for.
Thanks once
more for looking in!
Visit
my shop at Etsy:
