Resume
My name is Bobbi Smith, and I am a Family and Consumer Science Professional. I have a B.S. degree in Textiles and Clothing with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising from Ohio University and an A.S. degree in Retailing. I also have a certificate in Industrial Fashion Methods from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.
I started Fascination in Fabrics 25 years ago as an heirloom sewing business making heirloom christening gowns and classic children's clothing. Today, I teach both kids and adults in my home classroom in Upper Chichester, PA. Private, semi-private, and small group classes are available. I specialize in starting all my students on their sewing journey with a good basic knowledge of skills and techniques in hand or machine sewing. Building on these basics, we explore all types of sewing and needle arts depending on interests and skill level.
If you don't have a machine, I have one you can use. Sewing is so much fun, a lifelong skill, and truly a creative and fulfilling endeavor — let me share my passion for sewing with you! Call (610) 368-8392 or email bobbismith59@gmail.com.
Education
Foundation degree in textiles, clothing construction, and fashion merchandising that underpins every aspect of Bobbi's professional and teaching work.
Certifications
Professional Experience
Started and grew a home-based business specializing in heirloom sewing, christening gowns, and classic children's clothing. Expanded in 2000 to teaching adults and children the joys of sewing and needle arts. Added soft home furnishings, traveling sewing school, and kids' sewing camps over the years.
Teaching children ages 5–12 the joys of sewing in the Tower Hill aftercare enrichment program. Programming doubled in size from 2005 to 2006. Summer sewing camps with a variety of themes for kids ages 5 and up, running for 9 weeks each summer.
"Fascination in Fabrics was an outstanding addition to the Tower Hill Enrichment Program lineup. Ms. Bobbi taught our students the fundamentals of sewing as they created the most adorable projects adored by the children and their families. Plus, her knowledge of sewing is incredible!"
Cindy Sardo Director of Auxiliary Programs, Tower Hill School
Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington Christian School, Ursuline Academy, and Sanford School — sewing instruction as part of extended day and enrichment programming.
Sewing classes for children ages 5–12.
Successful home alterations business spanning over 50 years serving the Upper Chichester and Wilmington, DE area.
Theater & Costume Work
Dresser and/or seamstress for major Broadway touring productions through IATSE Locals 787 (Pittsburgh), 284 (Wilmington), and 8 (Philadelphia), 1990–present.
Broadway touring productions include: Cats, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Hairspray, The Color Purple, Hamilton, Hadestown, Dreamgirls, Grease, South Pacific, Beauty and the Beast, Pippin, Memphis, Shrek, and many more.
Productions include La Traviata, Carmen, Macbeth, and Pirates of Penzance.
Constructed 18 party dresses for The Nutcracker.
Designed and graded a hospital gown for nursing mothers, XS–XXL.
Restored a Neapolitan Nativity scene from the 1750s.
Designed costumes for topiary bunnies for the Peter Rabbit Exhibit.
Honors
- Merit Scholarship Award, Boyce Campus, 1983 — Dean's List
- Member, Phi Theta Kappa — National Junior College Honor Society
- Listed in Who's Who in American Junior Colleges, 1986
- Kappa Omicron Nu — Honor Fraternity, Home Economics
Volunteer & Leadership
National and international organization of approximately 2,000 members dedicated to preserving the art of smocking and related needlework.
Pittsburgh Ballet Guild, Civic Light Opera Guild, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Pittsburgh Children's Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, Darlington Art Center (Teacher Liaison).
Member Organizations
- American Sewing Guild
- Smocking Arts Guild of America (SAGA)
Ready to learn to sew with one of Delaware County's most experienced sewing educators? Book a lesson or call to get started.