Meet Our Certified Educators

Aldridge  <>   Austin  <>   Baker <>   Bieri

Brown   <>  Doyal  <>  Greco  <>   House

Keranen    <>  McCray  <>  Premeau-Miles  

Olsen  <>  Pressley  <>  Robinson  <> 

Sisson  <>  Solanki  <>  Starnes  <>   Vinyard

Rowena Aldridge - rostitchery@comcast.net

Rowena is the costumer for the vanderbilt university opera. she came to costuming via her first career as a professional dancer. after 22 years on the stage, she felt the inevitable need to rest, so she began to look for something that would keep her close to the performing life she loved, but would use her life-long interest in sewing as well. she ended up in the costume shop of the tour she was on at the time, and she has stayed in costume shops ever since. Rowena is the proud wife of her best friend, Rudi Aldridge, and mama to the light of their lives, baby Ella. Rowena is known on the internet by her trademark "babalu!" but she goes only by her first name, in the time-honored tradition of such artists as salome, michelangelo, and flipper. Visit her websites at www.ella-echo.com and www.rostitchery.com

"when was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Terri Austin - tla@ptialaska.net

I grew up surrounded by fabric pieces, pins, and the sound of a sewing machine. My mother, a dressmaker, always assumed that I would sew and love it. And I do! Sewing continues to be constant source of joy in my life. I’ve had my own sewing business where I designed and constructed wedding gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses. When my husband and I moved to Alaska 30 years ago, I became an elementary teacher and carried that love of sewing into the classroom. In my charter school, all students learn to hand sew, make minor clothing repairs, and use the sewing machine. Every graduate is given a personally designed quilt made by a team of younger students.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy from the University of Alaska. I also have a PhD in Education from the University of Bath in England. In addition, I’m a certified Montessori Educator and an Alaskan Certified Reading Specialist. I’m also a published author and find writing an exciting mental challenge.

I love to sew, write, and teach so being a Wild Ginger Certified Educator is the perfect combination. When I’m not teaching at my school or at the University of Alaska, I love to travel and show others the joys of using Wild Ginger.

Marjorie Baker - mbake4@uky.edu

Becky has been sewing all of her life. She sewed for the public for a couple of years, mainly formals and bridesmaids dresses. Sewing for herself was not difficult when using a standard size 8 or 10, only adjusting for a petite size. She also sewed a lot for her daughter when she was very young. She gave up on sewing for herself when wearing a size 16-18 Women's petite in ready-to-wear, which was hard to find, but sewing for oneself was even more difficult with the way patterns are graded. She tried the body scan method for patterns, but they could never get the body scan to work. Then a friend introduced her to Pattern Master Boutique. She now enjoys sewing for her teenage daughter and herself again, now that she can get a good fit for a petite size. Her daughter has very creative ideas, which can be duplicated using PMB. She is also confident, by using Pattern Master Boutique, that she will be able to continue sewing for her daughter while she is away at college.

As a Certified Educator for Wild Ginger Software, Becky offers private measuring, fittings, and instruction. She is also available for classes, workshops, retreats, and software purchases. She will be happy to give a software demonstration for your sewing organization or school group.

Christine Brown, B.A., B.Ed - christine.brown@cogeco.ca

Christine began sewing on her mother's treadle Singer, but her first formal lessons began with 4-H. Since then, she has taught sewing, fit and flat pattern drafting through 4-H, local Kingston stores and her own studio. She recently retired from teaching Computer Science and English at the secondary school level. Christine is available for group and individual instruction in Wild Ginger Software products and garment sewing, as well as custom design and dressmaking.

Shelley Doyal -ocalasewingctr@earthlink.net

Wild Ginger Software allows Shelley to combine her love of sewing with her love of teaching. As a daughter of a seamstress, she grew up sewing and has over 35 years sewing experience. Shelley has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design, has judged clothing construction for many years, owned a bridalwear/alterations/costume business and currently owns two Sewing Centers in Florida. Her goal is to help you attain the "perfect fit" for all of your garments.

To achieve this, you may choose from several packages: 1) private measuring and fitting of slopers, 2) a fun filled class with your friends at one of my locations or a location of your choice. or, 3) if you have a favorite sewing store in your area, have them contact Shelley to arrange a seminar or class. She is also willing to do guilds, sewing groups and clubs. Remember, her goal is to have garments that fit you.

If you are a store owner, Shelley offers 1 or 2 day hands-on classes, or a lecture demo with a trunk show. She is willing to customize classes for your particular needs. The objective is to bring customers to your store. Please call or e-mail her with any questions regarding scheduling and fees. She is willing to travel anywhere and to work with you on expenses.

Sonja Greco - sewsnowy@sbcglobal.net

Sonja is a self-taught sewist and pattern drafter with over 25 years experience. Five years ago, she was delighted to discover PMB. Since then, she has been happily using PMB and its siblings to design and create everything from bathing suits to wedding gowns. As the costumer for a local theater company, she has successfully measured and sewn for all shapes and sizes of bodies. Sonja is willing to measure, evaluate slopers and teach the program. She is also willing to demonstrate the program or guide workshops. She will work one on one or with groups. Traveling is always an option. Sonja lives in Olathe, Kansas with her husband, fabric enabler, and hobby supporter of 20+ years, three grown children and beloved button chewing pup, Piper.

Mariette House -marietterose@insightbb.com

I learned to sew from my mother and mandatory home ec classes in junior high school. I am trained in Bishop Method of Clothing Construction. I’ve taught sewing and knitting to students all ages and background levels at independent fabric stores, yarn stores, summer enrichment programs, college adult education programs, and private lessons. Since earning my Wild Ginger certification, I have presented seminars on Pattern Master programs and am currently scheduling fitting classes. I welcome the chance to travel to promote Pattern Master through seminars, classes, and workshop.

Joellyn Keranen - jvkeranen@msn.com

Joellyn learned to sew in Junior High School, and has been sewing for over fifty years. Mostly self-taught until her move to Denver from Michigan 6 years ago, Joellyn’s passion is making garments. In Denver, she has taken many art-to-wear and professional sewing classes, including 2 ½ years of pattern drafting. A retired music teacher and guidance counselor, she was encouraged by her friends to teach sewing classes. A ballroom dance student, Joellyn likes clothes that move with the body, so many of her designs are for garments made with knit fabrics. She especially enjoys creating and embossing her elegant slinky knit designs. Having learned traditional pattern drafting techniques, Joellyn is thrilled to have Wild Ginger patternmaking software to help her fit and create garments more quickly.

Nora McCray - nora_mccray@yahoo.com

In the 1970's Nora's idea of the Tilt'able was born and a few years ago she invited a friend to join her, she patented the ideas and together they developed a line of products that now many people are using to alleviate back and neck pain while they sew. They developed The Perfect Sewing Chair, The Sure Foot, and the Tilt'able II for Sergers. After leaving her company, Sew Ergo, she managed a Boulder Viking store for a few years and continued teaching garment and home dec sewing. She then managed a trendy women's clothing store but returned to her first love of sewing. She specializes in making elegant formal wear, consulting for new clothing entrepreneurs, designing for commercial clothing companies, and teaching all levels of garment sewing. She loves to hike the Rockies, and volunteer in her community. You can reach Nora at www.sewfreshstudio.com

Heather Premeau-Miles -Heather@PremeauEnterprises.com

Heather Premeau-Miles taught herself to sew in the late 1980's using satin because she refused to buy a Mother-of-the-Bride looking dress and wear it to her prom.  She found Wild Ginger Software in 2000 and could finally make practical patterns that fit.  She is a computer network specialist by trade and a computer consultant professionally.

As a Certified Educator for Wild Ginger Software, Heather offers private or group classes, workshops, retreats, software purchases, private measuring, fittings, and instruction. She will cheerfully give a software demonstration for your sewing organization, school or group, just be sure to let her know the time limit!

Jan Olsen - Jan-O-boutique@swbell.net

I am a software junkie. I had stopped sewing for myself because it was too difficult to fit myself. I then found Wild Ginger. Pattern Master are some of my favorite programs. I love teaching others to use these programs, as well as embroidery program software and basic computer usage. With a BBA in Information Systems and Accounting I have more computer training than pattern drafting training. I love playing with the programs and printing patterns, knowing they will fit and have the style I want, without all the work of changing a purchased pattern. I have sewn all my life, starting with my grandmother’s treadle sewing machine, with time out when I audited computer systems.

I am available for private lessons on software (and computer) usage along with measuring and fittings. I can sell you the software and teach you how to use it. I am happy to do demonstrations of the Pattern Master Software to interested parties.

Rebecca Pressley -rebeccasew@comcast.net

Hi! My name is Rebecca Pressley and I've been sewing for oh, 20+ years. I'm 44 years old, I have one husband, two kids 14 & 10, 3 dogs, 2 cats and various other critters. I studied geology in college and came to my present sewing obsession after the birth of my first child. I started teaching about 10 years ago and I have been using the Wild Ginger software products since they started. I specialize in being able to fit anyone with this software, and I'm on a mission to help women enjoy sewing clothing again. I have taught pattern drafting and pattern alterations in the past and seeing how frustrated women were with fit, especially with pants led me to Wild Ginger. I've tried all of the software out there, and I truly believe that PatternMaster is the only program to fit everyone.

Beverly Robinson -fotofashion@gmail.com

Welmoed Sisson - greatfit@sewingseamseasy.com

Welmoed Sisson learned to sew when she was eight years old. Her first project, self-selected, was a satin-lined velour ice skating dress. It took so long to finish that by the time it was done she had outgrown it. Fortunately the experience didn't deter her future sewing efforts. She continued sewing, teaching herself new techniques and methods over the years. A true technogeek, she embraced computerized software design when it was still in its infancy, and has been using PatternMaster Boutique since shortly after it was introduced. Her many projects include the annual "Smithson Gown" project, which she shares with the online PMB community from concept to completion. As a Certified Educator for Wild Ginger Software, Welmoed is an authorized dealer for all Wild Ginger products, including the Click and Sew line. Her services include one-on-one measuring sessions, sloper evaluation and private software training. She is also available for classes and seminars in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

Brenda Solanki - brenda@sewfittingdesigns.com

A life long love of sewing and a passion for excellence in fit led Brenda Solanki to create her company Sew Fitting Designs, a Canadian distributor of Wild Ginger Software. Using Pattern Master Boutique, Celebrations, Tailor Made and Child’s Play, Brenda has created garments for theatrical productions such as Oliver, Anne of Green Gables and Peter Pan. Of course she also uses it personally. As a founding member of the Canadian Association of Professional Bra Makers, Brenda provides a custom fit bra service, Bras By Design. Her chosen tool for that is Curves software. As a Certified Educator of Wild Ginger Software, Brenda also offers classes at sewing shows and private one on one fitting workshops in her Waterloo studio.

Jane Starnes - jane.starnes@comcast.net

Jane started sewing with wooden blocks strapped to her feet so her 6-year-old legs could reach the pedal on the treadle sewing machine. She is self taught and has taken many classes at sewing expos, etc. across the years. She was part of a custom sewing business for several years, mostly doing pageant gowns, debutante gowns, and weddings. Her personal sewing interest in garment sewing for her family, quilting, and liturgical banners.

Wild Ginger was a great discovery because nothing in ready-to-wear is meant for short, plus-sized people! Really tall, skinny men suffer in the market place, too. Properly proportioned patterns are much more fun to sew with! Jane is the “mother hen” for the Oregon PMB users group which generally meets in her sewing room. She is also the web spinner for the User website http://home.comcast.net/~pmbusers/ Jane is available to measure, evaluate slopers and teach the program. She is also willing to demonstrate the program or guide workshops. She will work one on one or with groups.

Watch for Jane to be offering classes through community colleges in Washington and Oregon.

Carol Vinyard - cvinyard@uky.edu