Textile Designer

When I studied Fashion Design in Montreal, Quebec, I was most interested in textile design and the fabrics themselves. Clothing construction was secondary (and that reflected in my grades….sewing 101 was a repeat class) and I thought textile design was where my focus was. Unfortunately, in the 80’s that meant a move to NYC where most of the fabric design houses were. Spoonflower didn’t exist nor did telecommuting. So I pursued illustration for a bit and then ended up moving away from the industry.

Move ahead many years where I started a family. And a textile studio. In between feedings and burpings I explored paint and fabric. I taught myself how to make stamps by applying glue beads to cardboard. And how to make my own silk screens with common hardware stuff (still my favourite store to wander and become inspired). I started a small clothing company and did trunk shows in people’s homes.

Jump ahead again as my experiments became more refined and my interests became more art object focused and less about making clothing. More pillows and room screens. Table runners and tote bags.

Then the process became more about the exploration of pattern and colour and less about what to do with the fabric after. (That leads to many storage bins)

I was officially a textile designer.

I am still a textile designer. If I’m lucky, I will know what to do with my creations and make some useful things that others might like. That’s what you will find in my shop. And at the odd craft show…

Below are various experiments…..some made it into actual products. Some I have given away. And yes, I might still have quite a few in a bin somewhere….

More random factoids……

I live in Ottawa with my husband. Two little people call me Gramma.

I have been creating with textiles since I graduated from Fashion Design in 1984.

I love colour. I love texture.

I love camping even more. And a starry sky.

My favourite colour is the transitional inky blue tinged with pink that appears at twilight.

I worked in a quilt shop where I learned to quilt, got to play with colour all day.

I also sold yarn in same shop (it’s an awesome place) and learned to knit and crochet. I can teach you to knit but don’t ask me to knit you a sweater.

I’m terrible at math but I can figure out fabric yardage for a king size quilt with two borders in metric and imperial measurements.

I taught myself how to make stamps from fun foam and cardboard, and how to make printing screens out of curtain sheers and stretcher bars.

I have a bad habit trying out a new painting technique which covers my hands in paint while not using gloves right before a fancy dinner date.

This is my first official website.

I hate writing bios.

Be creative every day.

Email me for more info, collabs, what’s it like in your world…..the usual.

Lori