Hi I’m Chelsea Harriman. Welcome to Sew Montclair!

Many roads have led me here to Sew Montclair! From learning to sew in 7th grade Home Ec class, to receiving my MFA in Costume Design from Rutgers University, to working professionally in fashion, costuming opera, theatre & dance on Broadway and beyond.

Currently I teach Apparel Design at Montclair State University, Fashion History at FIT, and Visual Merchandising & Marketing at Berkeley College.

My greatest joys are teaching, building my students’ skills and vision, and inspiring creative passion for fashion in people of all ages.

I live in Montclair NJ with my husband and 2 teenagers. This is a special town - full of people and places so unique and so creative. That’s why I’ve opened my studio here. It’s Sew Montclair!

Here’s SOME OF MY FAVORITE WORK

Wedding dresses:

It’s so amazing & rewarding to be part of a beautiful bride’s special day. This is Louise, a dear friend, who is still gorgeous 14 years & 2 children later.

Make-up design:

I’ve taught make-up at Montclair State University for years. I also ran the MSU costume shop and designed many productions there.

Costume Design:

I’ve designed hundreds of productions from Broadway to the Hillside school musical. This is from Sister Carrie, at People’s Light & Theatre, Philadelphia, where I met my husband, McPaul Smith.

Dresses, skirts, jackets pants, you name it-I’ve made it:

I’ve sewn pretty much anything you can think of. I love the craft of sewing and am so happy to pass my skills and expertise along.