My interest in the history of dress began in childhood, as I turned the pages of the illustrations in volume D (for Dress) in our World Book. Clothing has always seemed like the perfect window into the real lives of the past; studying what people wore gives us an intimate look into everyday life. For the last thirty years, I have been focusing on how our clothing conveys our gender, especially for children.

I taught at the University of Maryland from 1976 to 2017, first in the textiles department and later in American studies. In retirement, I have continued writing, with several projects going at once. In my "spare time", I enjoy knitting, train travel and reading -- sometimes all at the same time!