Jennifer Fairbanks, Porcelynne

Jennifer's journey into the world of design began as a precocious 5-year-old who not only learned to sew but also sold her creations at her lemonade stand. After attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, she specialized in intimate apparel design. However, a tough experience post-graduation led her to leave the industry temporarily, and it was this pivot that led her back to school for graphic and web design. Returning to her first love of design but on her own terms, she moved across the country to San Francisco where she became a prominent figure in the design community.

Jennifer’s expertise is not just academic; it is the result of a lifetime of hands-on practice. She launched Porcelynne Lingerie, her first business in San Francisco, and learned business acumen the hard way—by making every possible mistake. Her experience of running her business and her involvement in design collectives gave her unique insights into the industry. She even landed a teaching position at FIDM in San Francisco, gaining formal experience in guiding others through the design process. Jennifer has authored books on design and participated in a pilot for a lingerie design reality show.

After a move to Los Angeles, where she met her husband, Jennifer continued to teach, write, and mentor, ever expanding her repertoire. Her journey has seen various twists and turns, from opening a fabric store to starting a nonprofit design school. Despite the obstacles, Jennifer has continued to thrive and adapt, driven by an insatiable passion for design and teaching. The most remarkable part? She’s achieved all this and more by the age of 40. Now a few years older, she is continuing to do what she loves: design and teach.

So, when you take a class with Jennifer, you're not just learning from a teacher; you're learning from a seasoned designer and entrepreneur who has walked the path she's guiding you on. Jennifer’s classes are an amalgamation of her years of experience, failures, successes, and most importantly, her unwavering passion for design. Whether you choose the full course or individual modules, you're in the most capable hands.

Lily Fong, LilypaDesigns

Lily is the visionary behind LilypaDesigns, on a mission to ensure that every woman has access to bras that are not only comfortable but also supportive, eliminating the daily discomfort and constant readjusting that many experience. With over two decades of experience in sewing and a rich creative background, Lily holds a Master’s Degree in Education, which she utilizes to enhance the lives of women through essential pieces of clothing, education, and a boost of confidence.

Lily's journey into the world of custom-made lingerie was ignited by her personal struggle with ill-fitting bras. Shocked by the lack of proper fitting options, even from reputed stores and specialists, she embarked on a quest for the perfect bra post nursing. Lily’s revelation about DIY bra sewing marked the end of her struggle with uncomfortable bras that were either too big, too small, or the wrong shape, transforming not only her wardrobe but also her well-being and self-perception.

The psychological upliftment Lily experienced from wearing a well-fitted bra post-nursing was monumental. The lifted spirits, an illusion of weight loss due to proper lift and support, and freedom from underwire pain in vibrant and appealing textures and colors were life-changing. This awakening inspired her to delve deeper into the art of bra-making, leading her to attend several sources including an industry-leading UK instructor.

Her newfound passion and skills in bra sewing and designing birthed a company targeting underserved shapes and sizes with the noble aim of sharing the profound joy and comfort derived from perfectly crafted lingerie. Lily’s endeavor is not merely about lingerie creation but about fostering a transformative experience for women, helping them embrace their bodies, and instilling a sense of self-love and acceptance.

Through LilypaDesigns, Lily continues her passionate pursuit of making comfortable, supportive, and aesthetically pleasing bras accessible to all women, ensuring that the essence of femininity is celebrated and respected. Her commitment to education and empowerment through intimate apparel is a beacon of hope for many women, echoing the transformative, uplifting power of a well-made bra.

Lisha Sanders, Stitch Love Studio

Lisha Sanders, co-founder of Stitch Love Studio, has a remarkable journey that reflects her deep passion and expertise in the world of fabrics and sewing. Her love for creating beautiful garments began at a young age, crafting clothes for her Barbie dolls and paper dolls, a passion that was nurtured by her mother and older sister. This early fascination with design and fabric set the stage for a successful and influential career in the fashion industry.

Lisha pursued her passion for fashion design, eventually becoming an Apparel Technical Designer. Her career spanned many top retailers in the industry, including Nordstrom, Belk, Perry Ellis, Chicos, and Soma, where she developed a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to create garments that were both stylish and functional. Her extensive experience in technical design provided her with a solid foundation in the complexities of garment construction and the nuances of fit, making her a sought-after expert in the field.

With a life-long love for pattern making and sourcing unique materials, Lisha co-founded Stitch Love Studio. At Stitch Love Studio, she curated professional, ready-to-wear materials from top manufacturers, often sourcing fabrics and notions that were rarely available outside of the fashion industry. Her dedication to quality and her eye for unique and beautiful materials helped her create a collection of swimwear and lingerie patterns that quickly became popular within the sewing community. These patterns not only showcased her design prowess but also empowered home sewists to create professional-quality garments with ease.

In addition to her traditional design work, Lisha has embraced the future of fashion by mastering 3D apparel design. Her expertise in this cutting-edge technology has allowed her to train many companies in the use and implementation of 3D apparel software, revolutionizing the way garments are designed, prototyped, and brought to market. Her innovative approach has positioned her as a leader in the integration of technology and fashion design, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

Lisha’s workshops at the spring retreat promise to be an enriching experience for all attendees. Her deep passion for the craft, combined with her extensive industry knowledge and innovative techniques, ensures that participants will gain valuable insights and practical skills. Lisha is committed to sharing her expertise and inspiring others to explore the art and science of garment creation, making her workshops a highlight of the retreat.

Lisha Sanders continues to inspire and lead in the world of fashion design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create beautiful, functional, and innovative garments. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

Cassie Castillo, Primrose Dawn

Cassie Castillo, the creative mind behind Primrose Dawn, has a lifelong passion for sewing and design. Her journey into the world of fabrics and fashion began at an early age, inspired by her mother who sewed many of her clothes from vibrant quilting cottons that Cassie handpicked. This early exposure to sewing sparked a deep interest in fashion design, leading her to pursue a degree in Fashion Design from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Cassie’s professional career in the fashion industry began with a focus on sleepwear and underwear, where she honed her skills in designing comfortable yet stylish pieces. She later transitioned to a junior sportswear company, further expanding her expertise. After eight years in the industry, Cassie’s life took a new direction when she got married and moved across the country. During this period, she spent twelve years designing knitting patterns for magazines and yarn companies, developing a keen eye for detail and a love for intricate designs.

Her passion for sewing was reignited when she started creating her own bras, realizing she had spent her adult life in the wrong bra size. This revelation led her to explore the world of lingerie sewing, expanding her repertoire to include bras, panties, sleepwear, and other intimate apparel. In 2019, Cassie launched Primrose Dawn, a brand born out of her lifelong love for lingerie and her joy in creating clear and concise sewing patterns.

Primrose Dawn is dedicated to providing feminine yet practical lingerie sewing patterns in a wide range of sizes, enabling home sewists to create custom lingerie with ease. Cassie’s focus on form, function, beauty, and comfort is evident in every pattern she creates. Her commitment to promoting the beauty and dignity of each individual sewist has fostered a supportive and inclusive community where creativity thrives.

Cassie’s workshops are known for their thorough instruction and inspiring approach, making her a beloved figure in the sewing community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching that empowers others to create beautiful, well-fitting lingerie. Cassie continues to inspire and educate, sharing her expertise and fostering a love for lingerie making among sewists of all levels.