Sneak Peak of New Fabrics

Posted: July 27, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Baton, Occasional Updates | Comments Off

I love going to Montreal. In a heat wave. Driving on the Metropolitan like a crazy Quebecoise. In a heat wave. But the best part about going to Montreal in July is that Suzi Spandex has their preview samples of their new lines. Here’s a preview of a spangle that has Baton written all over it, so much so that I’ve placed an order  (white, fuschia, purple) because I know someone will love it. It will arrive in August, as it’s on the boat from Korea.

And then some new colours in Coloured Dreams, a popular pattern for the past several years.

Alas, I did not take samples of the new Coloured Dreams colours but I do have that blue and purple on the table behind. A yellow too, not in the photo. The shiny blue too, it’s new. The red is last year’s Spirographix, but they’ve still got stock.  I have an idea for a Canadian iconic costume inspired by that red.

Why I will tell you to order that dress from China via eBay

Posted: July 13, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Design, The Workroom | Comments Off

Yes I can make anything.    With enough time and materials nothing is impossible.  But it would be so much easier with a $4,000 sequin sewing machine.  Or high temp dye vats.     Or a factory of workers equipped with all these things and a fabric mill next door.    That’s the reality of the economic zones of China.  Take advantage of it.    What?  Shouldn’t I support Catherine, the local dressmaker?    Yes, but be smart and use globalization to your advantage.    It’s all about Economics, and  if they’ve got an entire factory and can make dresses for $49.99 go for it!

 

Buy a dress from China via eBay.  I can provide advice on the good and not so good sellers.    Then, bring it to me for the final alteration.   Sometimes they get it right and it fits perfectly, but not always, and it’s not a large expense (starting at $30) to have it custom fit, as well as personalized to you.

 

Also, think about customization.  It’s great to have the dress for $19.99 (plus $35 shipping) from a high profile seller on eBay, but chances are, someone else is going to have that same dress or something similar.    Last year at a competition I saw three dresses from the same very distinctive Chinese factory.

 

Trends come and go, but I’m always here, ready to make something unique, custom, or simply inspired from a photograph.

 

Skating, Baton, Gymnastics, if it’s got spandex in it, I can do it.

CNBTA Canadian Championships

Posted: July 9, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Baton | Comments Off

Good Luck everyone!    Check out my ad in the program.  I’m excited about starting into Baton and would like to work with you.