Author Biography for Rose McGuire

Coming from a lineage of wood and fabric artisans, my passion for design and technical craftsmanship runs deep. Raised in an environment where creativity and meticulous skill were revered, I developed a profound admiration for the art of creation and restoration from a young age.

My journey began under the guidance of my grandparents, who masterfully crafted exquisite woodwork and textiles for their boat and home, alongside various apparel and restoration projects. My grandmother imparted her sewing expertise and introduced me to the intricacies of patterns when I was just eleven years old. Meanwhile, my father, a skilled carpenter, generously shared his knowledge through hands-on projects, teaching me complexities of angles and engineering parts with accuracy, any vision can be brought to life. My mother’s creative spirit and belief in boundless learning, along with my sister’s encouragement as my dress model, helped me refine my designs and perfect my pattern-making skills.

After years of self-teaching and practice, I pursued formal education at the City College of San Francisco, immersing myself in the intricacies of pattern making and sewing. Mastering the process of creating block patterns and transforming them into custom designs for any size became my specialty. Inspired by the figure-flattering dresses of the 1930s to the 1970s, I began offering custom-made vintage-style dresses and expanded into bridal because of my love for elegant fabric and couture dress making. Focused on crafting timeless garments, I exclusively work with all-natural fabrics for their luxurious feel on the skin and minimal environmental impact. Additionally, I provide custom design services and apparel restoration, utilizing materials that extend beyond those used in my exclusive designs. I also find it heartwarming creating new pieces that can be used and cherished, from garments or heirloom cloth of loved ones lost.

Alongside honing my pattern-making and sewing skills in apparel, I delved into the heavy world of upholstery. Encouraged by my partner’s confidence in our combined abilities, we embarked on creating custom upholstery for boats and automobiles. Starting with an old Singer upholstery machine, known for its quirks and sensitivities, taught me the precision needed to handle large, heavy fabrics and maintain flawless stitches. Over several years, our craftsmanship evolved, prompting us to upgrade our equipment to enhance our capabilities. This journey enabled us to create intricate pleats, tuck ‘n roll designs, diamond tufting and custom car covers for classic cars, boat covers and interiors, luxurious velvet upholstery, and more.

Today, driven by the belief that anything can be created or restored without limits, I continue to shape my journey with a passion for design that pushes boundaries and fosters sustainable practices. My diverse upbringing and dedication to craftsmanship inspire me to create enduring pieces that celebrate artistry while honoring environmental responsibility.