My name is (insert elegant script font) Amanda Beth Flynn (end of elegant script font ;). I am nineteen years old and a first cousin to Anne (Cordelia) Shirley. If you have met me before, you know that I find it surprisingly (or not so surprisingly?) easy to tell people all about myself, so I hope you appreciate what a small and measly write-up this is ;). But, to take the attention off my self, I must first say that God has been very merciful to me and has blessed me far greater than I deserve. He's given me wonderful parents who have dedicated their lives to raising me and my nine younger siblings in the Lord. Without His Grace, I am nothing.

In the Summer of 2001, I embarked on my first sewing adventures with a dear friend as a teacher – boy did we have fun! After a wonderful year of study, she moved away and I was left to walk the sewing path alone. This was actually a good experience for me, as I was forced to rely on my instincts and gained confidence in my sewing (when there is no one to tell you when you’re wrong, you start to think that you never possibly could be ;). At times it has been difficult and frustrating, but "experience is the best teacher" and I have learned lot through hours of study and research.

One of my greatest sewing passions is historical costuming. If there’s one thing that can knock me senseless (which is pretty hard to do) it’s a gorgeous authentic period reproduction. It takes the cake. Nothing has ever fascinated me so much as the past. That said, gorgeous, historically-inspired, feminine, modern apparel is right up my alley, and 1940s period is a personal favorite. :)

In late '06 through early '07 I was able to grown in my sewing, perfecting my techniques and gaining knowledge from apprenticing and individual study. I am always trying my upmost to improve the quality of my sewing – I believe that the construction of a piece of clothing can never be too fine (unless you are planning to wear it to muck out the barn! ;) and know that I will never stop learning and working harder to obtain true excellence.

I am currently an instructor at Joann’s Fabrics, teaching beginning sewing as well as more-advanced attire classes. I'm not sure what God has for me sewing-wise in the future. I do know that at the moment I have stopped doing custom work and really desire to be able to break from the "fashion bug" for a little while. It has been my desire since childhood to be a singer and I am absolutely amazed at how God has worked in my heart over the past year to give me new vision and a desire to glorify Him through music. Please pray for my family and I as we make decisions regarding our musical future, strive to discover the will of God, and obey it. I am confident that He knows me better than I know myself and has the most amazing plans for my life!

My interests other than sewing include reading; writing novels; drawing; playing the piano and violin; singing; listening to music (Judy Garland being my greatest musical inspiration); working until I can’t see straight; browsing historical costume web sites; designing historical costumes, modern apparel, bridal and skating gowns; vintage, modern and Irish step dancing; ice skating; playing tennis; exercising (sometimes!); working on my web sites; graphic design; film collaboration with NR Productions; taking pictures (or posing); "dressing up" - for balls and any other occasion that gives me an excuse! - and spending time with my family and friends.

In addition to my Sewing Diary, you can check out my new style blog - AmandaBethOnline - and Etsy Store!