#52 - Frances Pusch - I Followed What Made Me Happy

Frances Pusch has worked with textiles in some form her entire professional career. Her training includes art school and a bachelor's degree in textile design from Boston University. She also studied tailoring and fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). During twelve years in New York, Frances worked for two leading textile companies, had a custom tailor shop, was a pattern-maker for outerwear companies, including London Fog, and taught tailoring and pattern-making at FIT. As a business owner, she has made men's and women's custom suits, designed and produced a collection of women's clothing, and later a line of gift items for dog lovers. Her sole focus, starting in 2002, has been creating fine products for home interiors. Frances keeps her business up-to-date by actively participating in online discussion groups and webinars, as well as traveling to conferences and workshops around the country. She is always searching for better techniques, resources and technology—all the while keeping hand stitching alive and well! Her professional affiliations include the Window Coverings Association of America, the Drapery and Design Professional Network, and the Maine Women's Business Network. Frances lives in an 1848 cape-style house, next door to her studio, in a small village in coastal Maine. When not working, she is most often found playing with her rescue dog, Tilly, or on a tennis court, or enjoying the company of art, music, books and friends. You can find photos of Frances's beautiful workroom on her website. One of Frances' favorite tools is the disappearing Purple Pen.