I am a visual artist who uses textiles as my medium under the brand name “abbydid." My humble origins in this business came from teaching myself to sew as a new mother, then hitting the indie craft show circuit as a plush artist, designing and hand making stuffed monsters and other creatures. These days I primarily specialize in millinery, or hat making, creating wearable art for special events as well as everyday use using both traditional and innovative techniques. I also create gallery work such as embroidered photography and soft sculptures.
My husband’s graphic design business and abbydid are joined under the Association of Makers LLC. Creative work is our family business, and we often collaborate on each others projects as well as bring our (adult or nearly adult) children on board as employees whenever possible.
I lead workshops in embroidery, hand sewing, and hatmaking to teenagers and adults, and have taught children to both hand sew and machine sew in the past as well. I’m a Girl Scout leader of over 10 years to the same troop of outstanding young women, so mentoring youth and being involved in the community is a big part of what I do. I also host open studios on a regular basis. I was previously at Essex Art Studios and was open for every Art Walk they held during my 8 years there.