Sewing since the age of 7, she learned from her mother and aunt who worked as seamstresses in factories in the United States and in Puerto Rico for over 50 years.  She loves to make all of her "dress" clothes, and frequently makes things for others to use on special occasions.  After retiring from the Philadelphia Department of Welfare she wanted to get back into her favorite activity- sewing.  She came to Steve's as a customer to buy her dream machine and was transformed into an employee and teacher.  She now teaches club our monthly sewing club.  She  has also been sewing mummers costumes for the Murray Comics Sometimes Mummers group for the past 3 years.  She enjoys sharing her knowledge of sewing and patterns with Steve's customers,  especially the kids that are the future seamstresses.

Juanita Vazquez born in Puerto Rico raised in Brooklyn NY started sewing at the early age of 8 years old. I went to FIT for pattern making and textile printing and launched my clothing line at the age of 32 and opened up my Printing company at the age of 33. I have featured my designes at NYFW ACFW and LFW as well as currently design and do textile printing  for Keihls, Lancome and have done colabs between Keihls and Sephora. When asked what do you see yourself doing in 20 years my response is creating I hope. :) I am super excited to share my knowledge and creativity with you all. 

Phyllis Darrah has a BS Degree and an MS equivalency in Home Economics Education which included clothing and fashion. She started sewing when she was 5-years old, and has taught in Middle School, High School, and College. She’s taught private lessons and, of course, has taught extensively at Steves.

Marie learned to sew when she was about 12 years old.  She was taught by he aunt who was a master seamstress.  As her skills increased she began making most of her own clothes.  She has made every thing from swimwear to faux fur coats.  After retiring from a successful career as a chemistry teacher, Marie began quilting and she now devotes some of her sewing time to this new skill.  She also enjoys machine embroidery and she likes to embellish her clothing.  She still takes classes at Steve’s because there is always something new and exciting to learn.

Shannon has been working in healthcare since the age of 18.  She started as a cardiology technologist at Bethesda Hospital in Florida where she grew up.  She attained in 1985 a Bachelor in Science in Nursing and was a critical care nurse in several hospitals.  In 1990 Shannon received her Doctorate as a Chiropractic Physician from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa.  She was in private practice in Hershey, PA. until her move to Philadelphia in 2005.

Shannon has sewn for over 30 years with interests in all things fiber related.  She started a machine knitters group that continues to meet in Glenside, PA.  She has taught with Steves Sew and Vac since 2006 in a variety of subject matter including quilting, embroidery, garment, serger and coverstitch classes.  Shannon has hosted many special events here at Steves.  She is also the instructor for all embroidery software clubs at Steves, which include Bernina Designer, Floriani, Perfect Embroidery Pro and DesignWorks. 

Amy learned to sew as a child in 4-H, and her wool suit made PA state finals. She continued her path in fashion, earning both Associate and Bachelor degrees in Fashion Design, and a Masters degree in Global Fashion Enterprises.

Amy’s professional fashion experience includes work in Children's wear, Couture, Bridal and Upcycling. Currently, Amy is an Adjunct Professor at Jefferson University (formerly Textile and Philadelphia University), where she earned both undergrad and graduate degrees. She has been instructing in Jefferson’s fashion design department for 14 years, teaching sewing, patternmaking, draping and Jr. Studio courses.

Amy has a particular interest in fashion sustainability – the topic of her graduate capstone project. She is also an active member of Fashion Group International’s Philadelphia chapter.