Fit for Art Patterns
Fit for Art Patterns was created out of our own desire to sew comfortable, creative clothing that fits real bodies and busy lives. Our patterns offer thoughtful construction, clear guidance and ample opportunity for personal expression. (Read more about our sewing philosophy.)
Our journey began in 2011 with the Tabula Rasa Jacket, a flattering “blank slate” pattern designed for sewists, quilters, and wearable artists. From there, our core wardrobe grew naturally to include Eureka! Pants that Fit, the Tabula Rasa Knit Tee & Tunic and the Carpe Diem Dress & Tunic.
Once you’ve fitted our core patterns to your figure, they become the foundation for a handmade wardrobe that can evolve over time. Our Variation and Detail patterns allow you to change silhouettes, add design features, and create endless custom looks. All of our patterns are supported by tutorials and inspiration in our long-running blog, Sew! Let’s Get Dressed.
In 2023, we introduced our first pattern for kids, the Tabby Jacket, written with kid-friendly instructions and designed to help young sewists learn garment construction with confidence.
Our work with quilted garments came together in 2024 with the publication of our book, Sewing Quilted Patchwork Jackets, produced by Fox Chapel Press. The book includes the Opus Jacket pattern for adults and children and reflects years of experience designing comfortable, well-fitting quilted outerwear.
Also in 2024, we expanded our teaching online with two on-demand virtual classes: one focused on sewing and fitting the Tabula Rasa Jacket and one dedicated to the Tabula Rasa Knit Tee & Tunic. These courses allow sewists to learn directly from Rae, with step-by-step instruction, fitting guidance and practical techniques that support confident garment sewing at home.
In addition to online teaching, we enjoy teaching in person to sewing groups and at Fit for Art retreats, where we can work directly with sewists in a hands-on setting.
Fit for Art Patterns reflects our combined experience in garment sewing, pattern design, and teaching—experience we bring to every pattern, class, and resource we create.
Rae Cumbie, Creative Director
Rae Cumbie has woven her creative magic into the fabric of the fashion industry for more than three decades. Rae began by crafting custom clothing for women and children in her home-based studio. Soon she became one of Baltimore’s most sought-after dressmakers, earning the title of “Baltimore’s Best Tailor” from Baltimore Magazine.
Her passion for wearable art and her expertise in jacket construction led Rae to begin teaching jacket making to weavers. She envisioned a pattern that offered the versatility and fit textile artists wanted. This vision led to a grant from the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild, which ultimately resulted in the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern.
In 2011, Rae and Carrie Emerson founded Fit For Art Patterns. Rae’s role as Creative Director allows her to educate and inspire a community of sewists with her popular weekly blog, “Sew! Let’s get Dressed,” and through her contributions to notable publications like Threads Magazine. Her dedication to the craft has been further evidenced by her leadership roles, including serving as president of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals.
Rae and her husband Jim have two daughters. She divides her time between her studios in Baltimore and Durfort, France.
A nationally respected teacher and author, Rae inspires sewists and the Fit for Art community to learn new skills, express their creativity, and sew themselves the wardrobe of their dreams.
You can find out more about Rae and her work at RaeCumbie.com. Contact Rae directly at rae@fitforartpatterns.com.
Carrie Emerson, Managing Director
Carrie Emerson, the Managing Director of Fit for Art Patterns, skillfully blends her legal expertise and passion for sewing to run and grow the thriving independent pattern company. Her sewing projects began with a simple quilt in middle school home economics and have evolved through the years into sophisticated garments that integrate piecing, quilting, and elements of her mother’s weaving.
Before turning to more creative pursuits, Carrie dedicated a decade to serving as an Assistant Attorney General in Maryland. Her transition to the arts included 10 years as a docent at the Walters Art Museum, giving tours to school groups. It was during this time that Carrie and Rae Cumbie, whose husbands both started at the same law firm on the same day, formed a deep bond. This friendship laid the foundation for Fit for Art Patterns, which they launched together in 2011.
At Fit for Art Patterns, Carrie has refined her skills in sewing, pattern drafting, and garment fitting. The meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills she developed during her legal career have proven to be instrumental in managing the business side of the company.
Carrie and her husband, Darrell, live in Baltimore. They have two children.
Carrie’s unique ability to manage the company’s operations while embracing her creative side has played a crucial role in shaping the success of Fit for Art Patterns. Contact Carrie directly at carrie@fitforartpatterns.com.
