As a child, the matriarchs in my family were always trying to interest me in all things fiber, such as sewing, weaving and crocheting. I always enjoyed making things with my hands. When I went away to college, I decided to major in art, and I was beside myself with joy that Indiana University was offering a textiles program. While there, I learned more about dyeing and I was hooked. I graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in Studio Art, and I have been dyeing ever since. I have experimented with various forms of tie dye and shibori. My friends would always ask me what I was making, which led me to make wearable art, because it was easier for me to explain that I was making "a shirt" rather than "an abstract wall hanging". Once I decided to take the direction of wearable art, I decided to take things a step further by incorporating texture and form. I learned more about sewing by reading a few books and websites about t-shirt surgeries and reconstructed clothing. I am always fascinated by the do it yourself movement, and I take pride whenever I can make an existing garment more useful and exciting. When I get tired of sewing, I have also been known to head to the thrift store to find interesting garments to dye. I always look for something special, whether it be an interesting neckline, a crazy pattern, or a funky texture. I am constantly trying to find ways to bring tie dye into the 21st century and make it my own.