Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Crowder.
Hi Ellie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Ellie Crowder. I’m a 78-year young Professional Seamstress, Fashion Designer, Sewing Instructor and Artist. I have sewn since the age of seven; and have managed a custom sewing business for 50+ years specializing in custom wear and alterations. I attended FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in NYC and freelanced for Andrew Fezza, a menswear/unisex designer, providing samples of his designs and preparing them for production.
In addition, I was the President of the American Sewing Guild’s, Ft. Lauderdale Chapter from 2006 – 2008 and the Sewing Group Leader for Keiser University’s Fashion Design & Merchandising Departments students. I appeared in Taunton’s Threads Magazine Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008 issue for quality of craftsmanship and handiwork which was held in Sacramento, California. I’m also certified as a Fitting Specialist under Connie Amaden-Crawford of Fashion Patterns by Coni, who is a licensed designer for The McCall Pattern Company under the Butterick label.
My artistic talents flourished when the Pandemic hit in 2020. I found new excitement through drawing and painting. My talents continue to grow through painting landscapes and portraits. I am teaching and promoting my sewing skills to generations; and excitedly exhibiting my paintings at yearly Florida venues.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My obstacles and challenges began when the Pandemic hit. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the onset of the Pandemic in 2020, but it was caught early so I was fortunate in the treatment process not to have chemo or radiation. I had just started painting and learning a language when the Pandemic caused public closures and, therefore, had to continue both classes on Zoom.
I experienced painting and learning a language, a good distraction from the health issues of cancer. I attended and still attend Cleveland Clinic, in Weston, for free classes in Art Therapy, Fitness, and Massages. There are many other classes offered to cancer patients to help decrease pain, decrease anxiety, promote relaxation, enhance self-esteem, improve coping skills, provide sense of choice and control, provide an opportunity for self-expression, improve attention span and to assist with rehabilitation.
During the Pandemic, I spent most of my time at Cleveland Clinic (the last place anyone wanted to be, if not sick). The time and attention from the services were helpful and healing and I’m so very thankful for all the services offered.
In the Art Therapy’s Open Studio Support Group, we call it “Our Happy Place”. Releasing stress is a healing process to the mind, body, and spirit. Cancer has made me aware of things I need to let go and to live each day wiser. No one knows what the future holds, so I’m living life and enjoying my new gifts daily.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Previously, I taught sewing instruction at The American Sewing Guild’s Ft. Lauderdale Chapter’s local groups. Also, for The American Sewing & Design Professionals at an Orlando conference.
I currently teach sewing classes, Sewing Machine Basics, Beginner and Intermediate Sewing skills to seniors at The Carl Shechter S.W. Focal Point Community Center in Pembroke Pines, Fl. I have been teaching there since 2021.
I have had two artistic shows, “Artists and Authors Journey” which exhibited in No. Miami, Fl. 2023 & 2024, given by George Moss of [email protected], the presenter. He’s a very dedicated artist with a desire to help promote and support creative people. I deeply appreciate all his care and efforts.
I have been showing artwork at Cleveland Clinic in their Thrive On Cancer Survivor Celebrations for three years. In July, a larger presentation through the Department of Arts & Medicine, will be provided through the hospital halls for public viewing.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Everything I have done has been a risky situation. I acknowledge fear but do not allow it to hold me down. I have a strong faith in God and know that He will always keep me safe and strong. I continue to have faith in my abilities and my gifts.
I shall sell art works and pricing will be available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 954-806-4351
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellie.crowder.7
Image Credits
The personal photo shows me pointing to my work, the toucan and the landscape, displayed at Cleveland Clinic this year 2025.
Pictures 1 & 2, under Additional Photos, are from a 2007 Fashion Show in Sacaramento, California. I wore a satin blouse and skirt I made. Picture 3 shows a raw silk jacket and skirt worn for the same show, also made by me. In picture 4, I’m wearing a gold crinkle knit, which I created and embellished with crocheted stems and applied flowers and beads for a 3D effect. Picture 5 is a portrait of myself. Picture 6 is my display at the Artists & Authors Journey exhibit in N. Miami, Florida 2024. Pictures 7 through 12 are more of my paintings. Thanks for viewing and may your days be filled with blessings.
