creating an attitude
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What is a piece of clothing? Is it the sum of its parts? Some thread and some fabric, stitched together with care? Is it versatile? Is it comfortable? Is it breathable? Who made it? What do they look like? Why did they make this terrible blouse and who in their right mind matches a Paisley print with a dark and contrasting houndstooth cuff?
For most people, making clothes is about which fabric is the cutest. Should I Serge this hem or top stitch it? How will it look with jeans? And how much would somebody pay for this? Do these colors match? What fabric is on sale? It's always been a different experience for me. Since I was a child I enjoyed helping others. I found sewing and made it my craft, but helping people, reaching out, that is my passion. It is my art. I started teaching so that I could help , but a funny thing happened along the way. The more I taught others, the more I learned about myself. I've taught so much that I think I've learned more than I've mentored! When I design an outfit, I build a persona. I build a vivid image in my mind of a woman. A brunette woman who is about to go on an anniversary date with her husband. A beautiful, blond apprentice who is about to one up her mentor. And then I set about crafting their look. A flowy dress with thin straps, a tight dress, a peplum top that hugs her body perfectly and each one, with a small piece of leather. A symbol of strength, and a reminder to be cool, each time it is worn. When you put on my pants and you look in the mirror, I want you to feel something. I want you to feel a little bit dangerous and flash yourself the coyest of grins. I want to be the pair of jeans you rush to clean the day before you go horse back riding through the canyons, because you know the horse appreciates a great looking pair of pants. I want you to put on my blazer and know that nobody, and nothing can stop you from getting what you want. When you put on my clothes, I want you to learn something about... You. I don't make these for me, I make them for you. These are not clothes, they are not garments, they are battle gear. I want an army. I dream of a day when every one of you in this room can put on an outfit and feel something. Something new, something different, to feel inspired. And when you do, I want you to remember this speech and go do something new. Do it until it's done, and don't back down. Be. Fearless. |
who she is |
Rebecca is a clothing designer from Whitby Ontario. With 23 years of sewing and design experience she enjoys every aspect of creating clothing, from sketch to production. She teaches others to sew on a weekly basis and in her (limited) down time enjoys spending time creating with her friends and family.
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