Hello There!  I’m Ellen Lumpkin Brown and I so excited to share my expertise with you!  I am a bit obsessed with sewing. I know that might sound a little odd but it’s true - for me, sewing is power! It is powerful to be able to make what you want. I love imparting this superpower to others through creative and innovative sewing classes offered online and in-person.  Over the past ten years, I have taught hundreds of folks to sew – age 4 to 94! My class range includes those who have never sewn a stitch to advanced sewists. I also teach craft entrepreneurship and business development skills to teens and adults in school-based and after school programs as well as educational programs.  For me, creating an positive environment of FUN and exploration combined with patience and an abiding belief in the success of every student are the hallmarks of great teaching.  I specialize in working with tweens, have written several sewing-related books for the 9 - 13 age range, and hold several teaching certifications.
I love to design simple and clever sewing projects that produce surprising and satisfying results for sewists of all ages.  My books and patterns have been featured online and in a variety of publications.  I love everything having to do with the outdoors and nature and find artistic inspiration by just going outside.  I enjoy gymnastics, good books, swimming and tinker in the glass arts. 
I’ve worked in social justice for most of my life with the Ford Foundation and the NJ Institute for Social Justice.  I hold an MBA from Columbia University and completed my undergraduate work at UCLA.  I have three wonderful sons and one wonderful husband.