Meet the Makers:Barb

If you’ve ever admired the perfect fit and fine detail of a Gaspard vestment, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Barb’s handiwork in action. For 24 years, Barb has been the creative force behind our garment patterns—quietly shaping the traditions and craftsmanship that set Gaspard apart.

Barb’s journey with us began in a unique way: she was personally recruited by the previous patternmaker, drawn in by the beauty and tradition of ecclesiastical garments. The artistry and history stitched into every piece captured her imagination, and she’s been an integral part of our team ever since.

A typical day for Barb doesn’t look like what you might expect from someone working in a sewing shop. Most of her time is spent working on specialized garment pattern software, making detailed adjustments based on customer requests. She’s the go-to expert when it comes to custom projects—whether it’s tweaking a design for a perfect fit or helping out in the cutting room when needed.

One of Barb’s favorite projects happened about four years ago, when a customer asked us to incorporate lace from their mother’s wedding dress into a new vestment. The sentimental value and the challenge of working with such a meaningful material made this project truly special for Barb, and it’s one she still remembers fondly.

Barb is especially proud of her knack for taking existing garments and repatterning them to fit anyone—no matter the shape or size. Her secret to consistently high-quality work? A laser focus on accuracy. Barb double-checks every pattern before it heads to the sewing team, making sure every detail is just right.

Here’s something you might not know: Even though Barb works in a sewing shop, she rarely touches fabric during her workday. Most of her job happens on the computer, perfecting patterns before a single piece of fabric is cut.

Outside of work, Barb’s creativity doesn’t stop. She loves sewing Halloween costumes, making decorative pillows, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

And here’s a fun fact: Despite being part of the Gaspard family for 24 years, Barb only comes into work every other Friday. When you do the math, that adds up to just about two and a half years of hours—proof that impact isn’t always measured in days at the desk, but in the legacy you leave behind.

Barb, thank you for your decades of dedication, artistry, and heart. Gaspard wouldn’t be the same without you!