I began Sense and Sensibility as a newlywed back in 1996, although I had been sewing for others professionally since 1990. My immediate plans for the business were to introduce my own old-fashioned designs (which I had been creating for myself since age 14) and to find a small niche' market. At first, I put out a print catalogue, which I gave away to friends, family members and interested strangers. Then my brother convinced me to put up a website in 1997, and my tiny cottage industry quickly boomed! It has been sheer joy to hear from like-minded ladies all over the world who yearn for beautiful, feminine clothing.

My future plans for Sense and Sensibility were sketchy when I opened shop back in 1996. As a stay-at-home wife and mother, I never planned to devote eight hours a day to my sewing or pattern designing. With the birth of my second child in 1999, I began to think about the direction the business should take in the coming years. While I thoroughly love sewing for others, I am also committed to my family and do not want to rob them of precious time that cannot be recaptured when my children are grown. My husband and I teach our children at home, and with the arrival of our third son in 2001, I took time to refocus my plans and efforts for Sense and Sensibility.

Many customers had asked me to supply copies of my patterns. In 1998, I introduced my Regency Gown Pattern. The immediate success of that pattern convinced me that there was a market for wearable, historical patterns that evoke the grace and charm of times past. I developed subsequent patterns slowly over a period of five years, and today I have 18 patterns available (including two winners of the Young Designer's Pattern Contest). I am so delighted to have met ladies from all over the world who share a passion for lovely, feminine designs.

I've also enjoyed sharing the vintage patterns, graphics, and catalogue art I have collected over the years in my Vintage Images section. I love to study original garments and patterns for inspiration, and it has been fun to put up an online gallery so that others can enjoy what I've found. I also like to show off your work! If you've used my patterns to create an outfit, please feel free to share your photographs for the Show and Tell page. Don't be shy; show us the results of your own adventures in sewing! Haven't tried sewing historical clothing but would like to get your feet wet with some assistance? Check out my Online Sewing Classes!

Now that I've completed five girls' patterns and have added patterns for the Romantic Era and for 18" dolls, I'm "retiring" from the design end of the pattern business for a good stretch. (You can visit my Pattern Info section to see all my patterns.) As much as I've enjoyed designing new patterns, my time with my children is far more precious and important. New designs will be added to the line every other year through the Young Designers' Contest, which I started to encourage newbies to try their own skills at pattern drafting! I'll continue to host the design contest to encourage the next generation to develop their skills and promote beauty and sensibility. It is an honor to be able to help these new designers and encourage them in their craft. Every other year or so, I'll publish the latest winning pattern and add it to the Sense & Sensibility line (giving the designer the option to purchase patterns at cost to sell as well).

Although I've retired from pattern design, my website will still remain online, and I will be happy to answer questions about my patterns through the FAQs section. I've posted online photo-illustrated instructions for my Regency Gown pattern, my Romantic Era Gown pattern, my Regency Spencer/Pelisse pattern, my Edwardian Walking Jacket pattern, my 1910s Tea Gown pattern, my "Beatrix" Skirt pattern, my "Beatrix" Jacket pattern, my 1914 Afternoon Dress pattern, my Girls' Pinafore/Pantaloons pattern, and my "Swing" Dress pattern. In addition, I've posted additional Sewing Tips to show you how easy it is to alter patterns with a little imagination. I hope these online tools prove helpful as you use the patterns!

Feel free also to post a note on my Message Board. It is a community of kindred spirits, all helping one another with sewing ideas and more!

All the best,

Here I am with my girls! (2004)

The whole Chancey family, 2006!

P.S. - A lot of people ask me if I have a college degree in fashion design and wonder how they can get started in a similar business. I do not have a degree in fashion design and never formally studied sewing or pattern design. My mother taught me all that I know, and I've gleaned countless techniques from my collection of vintage sewing books (eBay and BookFinder4U are excellent sources for old books). I believe that the best way to learn this craft is by doing, and I can tell you that making mistakes often leads to brand new designs and ways of doing things! I've apprenticed over a dozen young women in sewing and pattern design in addition to teaching others through my online sewing classes. Many of these young ladies have gone on to start their own successful home sewing and design businesses--one even costuming a small feature film! The secret to success is perseverance and a willingness to study the ways our foremothers did things. I don't use computer-aided design programs, finding them clumsy and difficult when it comes to getting a beautiful fit. Invest in a good dressmaking mannequin and play "dress-up" with her! You can drape outfits just like couture seamstresses have done for hundreds of years. No college degree required! If you're serious about learning pattern drafting, feel free to contact me through my Feedback Form, and I'll be glad to talk with you! I love to see new designers achieving excellence outside of the "system" and getting started at an early age. If you've got the desire, go for it!