From Michelle

 

My love and talent for apparel design comes from generations of creative women in my family. My French Canadian grandmother was a talented seamstress and knitter. Every Christmas she made flannel nightgowns with lace trim for all the girls in the family, and she knitted mittens for all the boys. My grandmother had both creative hands and a generous heart: she always had homemade soup and bread ready for family and guests at her home on the top floor of a double-decker in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

 

My mother is also an expert seamstress and quilter. She sewed all my ballet costumes for recitals when I was a child with her talented and motherly dedication. She has also made quilts for her grandchildren with fabrics chosen just for them — from wildlife patterns to old-fashioned 1930's prints.

My own love for apparel design blossomed after I graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Clothing Studies. After working in retail, I became the assistant designer at Carter's in Needham, Massachusetts, where I happily designed swimwear and other apparel for children. Later, I worked at the Boston Design Center on Newbury Street, focusing on fabrics.

After marrying, raising a family, and enjoying being a doula for many years, I've now returned to my creative roots. As founder of Petite Belle Designs in New Hampshire, I design and create handmade apparel from high-quality fabrics and yarns.

 

Thank you for visiting my Petite Belle Designs website. I hope to meet you at an upcoming craft show, or feel free to contact me with questions or requests.

 

Michelle