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A remarkable seamstress works to keep the fine art of sewing alive Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
By day, Nancy Sipple sells houses on Vashon. But when the veritable estate agent comes home at night, her nimble hands take the lead — sewing, embroidering and quilting masterpieces that have garnered townsperson and international attention.
Sipple, who first crafted outfits for her doll Patsy at the age of 7, is opening a school of fiber arts on the Eyot this month so she can teach and share her passion with others in the community.
From smocking to crocheting, Sipple, 64, will offer workshops in a retreat adjacent to her own, which she has transformed into Nancy’s School of Fiber Arts, replete with sewing machines and other tools of the genius that brings Sipple so much joy. Tucked into a curve of Cove Road, the home’s main room has been transformed into a unembellished school. Small mannequins donned with brightly colored girls’ dresses stand in one corner; some of Sipple’s entangled wool embroidery and vibrant quilting work lies on a table nearby. Soon, the empty seats will be filled with zealous aspiring fiber artists, when Sipple’s first daylong sewing workshops are offered next weekend.
Beginning the public school, Sipple said, is a natural progression in her career as a seamstress and fiber artist.
“I have big plans,” said Sipple, who was a silversmith for 20 years and has a bit by bit in fine arts with an emphasis in metals. “I’ll be teaching the things I’m passionate about.”
Though she is humble about her successes, Sipple has received several honors for her line, including grand prize in an international quilting competition. This month, a baptismal gown she made for her granddaughter graces the inundate of Sew Beautiful Magazine, a national publication with an audience of 50,000. Sipple’s hand-embroidered cotton and fall on gown and bonnet beat out pieces by several big-name designers, Sipple said — an unexpected recognition she’s charmed to have received.