AM Northwest Design Challenge

As a designer 
I feel that getting out and meeting people
 that share my passion 
for fabric, color and design, 
seeing it  through their eyes, 
expressed in their unique way 
is enriching and creatively invigorating. 

My visit to Portland, Oregon was exactly that.

I was a guest judge for the AM Northwest Design Challenge 
Four finalists from the Art Institute of Portland took part in the 5 week contest. 
They were assigned a new challenge each week
 with a budget and fabric company to select from at Fabric Depot.

 Week 4 assignment:

create a cocktail dress 
using Michael Miller fabrics and a Vogue pattern. 
Cocktail dress - Michael Miller? 
Not what usually comes to mind for our fabric, 
but then again - why not? 

to view the show and winner click here

fyi the winner used Vintage vogue pattern V1084

and fabric  CM822 gold tiles

 on set with the judges
click on their pictures here for their impressive profiles.

I got to meet Patti Palmer (in pink on left) 
and drop in on her custom jeans sewing class (very impressive).

 It's now on my wanna-find-time-to-do list.

backstage before the show

That's me the rookie in turquoise trying to read fast

 and catch up with the other judges 

(they'd all been doing this for 3 weeks!)

Backstage after the show, 
recapping with the designers.

relaxed and relieved.

 All smiles.