Edna's Bio

Edna, formerly of New York, graduated from Syracuse University. She also has a certificate in women's tailoring from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, as well as a certification in bridal design, pattern making and draping from author Connie Amaden-Crawford, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing - Los Angeles California. Edna also, studied privately the Ultra Fit Method developed by Professor Debbi Goiello of FIT.

Edna's celebrated bridal designed have been featured in Connecticut and Florida newspapers. Her work has been featured on the PBS 'Creative Living Show', hosted by Sheryl Borden in Portales, New Mexico - for her characteristic designer approach to achieving exquisite fit. Edna's Custom tutus have been featured in Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Pointe and Dance Retailer magazines.

In 1993 she started teaching tailoring and her special method of fitting and designing Edna has taught all levels from basic sewing to college fashion design. Including subjects: tailoring, bridal design, sewing construction, fitting and alterations. She has also, taught both on a local and national levels. Including International Academy of Design in Tampa, American Sewing Expo, and the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers Annual Conference.

 She has had the opportunity to help create costumes for many of Busch Garden's shows including: the World Rhythms on Ice, Voices of Australian Aboriginal at the University of South Florida (Dance Department), and Rico and Roza's Musical Feast show at Sea World of Florida.

Finally, she met Anzia Arsenault, a former ballerina, dance instructor at the University of Tampa, Director of the Tampa Ballet, and Costumer. After completing a program with Anzia, Edna received a certification in Ballet Costuming with an emphasis in tutus construction. Edna continued to develop her skills in the area of dancewear working with Milliskin. She uses this four-way stretch fabric to make tights, dance leotards and professional skating apparel.

Edna has made custom tutus for individual performers, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Classical Ballet Program, Tacoma Ballet of Tacoma Washington and the Coca Ballet of St. Louis, Missouri. She has also worked for the Brandon Ballet as costume manager for their annual Nutcracker Ballet.

Edna lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and is a member of the Florida Dance Association. She is the owner of Sophisticated Tailoring for Women - which designs ballet costumes and embroidery for dancers through her websites: Sophisticated Tailoring or Tutu's by Edna or Low Cost Digitizing.

All costumes used in this ballet performed at the Cocoa Ballet of St. Louis, MO were made by Edna.