About Rae

baltmagphotoRae Cumbie began her professional sewing career creating clothing for women and children in her home-based studio over 30 years ago.

In 2011 she and Caroline Emerson established Tabula Rasa Patterns LLC and the Fit For Art™ pattern line. It offers a line of patterns for modern wardrobe essentials that focus on fit and include artful design options. Rae serves as the company’s Creative Director.  Her popular weekly blog is entitled “Sew! Lets get Dressed”.  You can also follow Fit for Art patterns on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  Fit for Art Patterns offers sewing and educational opportunities through  Baltimore based retreats, American Sewing Guild events and more.  Sign up to receive the blog and newsletter to stay informed about all the upcoming events.

In 2019 she led her first Sewing adventure to La Cascade, Artists Retreat in Durfort, France.  The next fabric embellishment and tourism event at La Cascade is scheduled for July 16-23, 2024.

Rae is a  regular contributor to Threads Magazine, Classic Sewing Magazine and Sew News Magazine. She has several video series created and sponsored by Sew Daily. Visit the publications page to see a listing of her writings and videos.

Rae is a popular teacher and has taught numerous virtual and in person classes.  She has taught for the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo 2013-2022, Baltimore Chapter of ASDP, has led workshops at the 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023 ASDP National Educational Conferences,  The American Sewing Guild (ASG) National Conference in 2012,2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and the virtual 2020 conference.  The Creative Strands Conference in 2004, Susan Khalje’s Couture Sewing School, the Greater Baltimore Weavers Guild, Blue Ridge Weavers and Spinners, the Mannings Hand-Weaving Center, Red Stone Glen,  the Bears Paw, The Sassy Sewer Stitch Lounge, Capital Quilts, Lilies of the Field,  the Lehigh Valley Couturier Society,  Glorie Bee’s, Danner’s Bernina Shop, Artistic Artifacts and American Sewing Guild chapters , Fiber Arts Guilds and Quilt Guilds around the country. In 2008 Rae was awarded the Susan M. Conant Grant from the Potomac Craftsmen to study Jacket Construction for Weavers and Quilters and presented her findings at their September 2010 meeting which led to the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern.

Rae is a past president of The Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) and a founding member and past president of the Baltimore Chapter of the organization.  She is also a past President and active member of the  ASDP Charitable Foundation.  She is also a member of Studio Art Quilt Association and the American Sewing Guild.

During her career as a Custom Dressmaker, her custom gowns for weddings and special occasions earned her a place as one of Baltimore’s most sought-after dressmakers, and the title of Baltimore’s Best Tailor by Baltimore Magazine in 2005.  Visit the portfolio pages to see Rae’s custom artful wearables and limited-edition jackets that were shown at galleries and craft shows including the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Strathmore Hall Juried Member Artists Exhibit, Baltimore’s Artscape summer festival, Creative Craft Council’s 2007 Biannual Exhibition and Bazaart at the American Visionary Arts Museum. Her Little Black Dress entry was named Most Creative in the Threads Magazine/PACC 2007 Little Black Dress Challenge.

Rae and her husband Jim, an attorney, have two daughters. She is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology.  She now divides her time between her studios in Baltimore and Durfort France.