Friday, May 6, 2016

Behind the Scenes with Jennifer Taylor!


Jennifer Taylor of Coppell Texas is the Sarah Jane Sommer Dress Challenge winner! 
Here are a few photos of her winning looks...


 To read more about Jennifer's photoshoot, visit her blog!
*Dress patterns used-
Hourglass Dress pattern by Rabbit Rabbit Creation 
Trendsetter by Little Lizard King 
 We wanted to learn more about Jennifer so let's go behind the  
scenes!
Q: Let's start with a little background about yourself? 
A: I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Judd, for almost 14 years. We have two children, Evie (6) and Katy (3). Although I was born and raised in sunny Florida, I call Texas my home. We've lived in Dallas for ten years. It's a great place to have a family. For twelve years I taught elementary school, primarily 3rd and 4th grades. Recently, I took a break from teaching to stay home with my children and pursue other interests like sewing! 

Q: What's your favorite piece of work that you have created, your favorite project or your favorite part of the day?
A: Last winter I collaborated with a photographer, Elizabeth Nicole Photography. She created a hot cocoa stand for her photo shoot. The dresses I created were perfect for the setting. 

A year ago I created Easter dresses for my daughters as well as for my friend's children. We decided to take photos together of the girls.


Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I just completed a fourth of July collection inspired by summer picnics and strawberries! We took photos by a creek, in front of an American flag, and in an open field. We had so much fun!
Q: What are your goals for the future- both work wise and life?
A: As I continue to develop my sewing repertoire, I aspire to network with fellow seamstresses through social media and locally. I would love to share ideas and learn from one another. Also, I would like to further develop my blog and Instagram accounts. I am always on the lookout for talented photographers to photograph my work. On a personal note, I stepped away from teaching full time to allow more time to devote to my family, others, and myself. I look forward to volunteering at my children's school and helping those in need.

Q: What are you doing when you're not creating?
A: I've always enjoyed the reward of creating. I find cooking to be relaxing and exciting. I would call myself a foodie! Also, I enjoy hiking or riding bikes with my family. My husband and I went on a beautiful scenic hike through the Rocky Mountains. I think about that all the time! Another calling I have is gardening. At one time, I had a vegetable garden in our backyard. Now, I plant flowers. Fitness and health are important to me, as well. When I have a chance, I enjoy Zumba, Yoga, running, and bike riding. I also enjoy music! Going to concerts is something my husband and I enjoy. He actually plays the fiddle and the mandolin in a bluegrass band, Bluestem.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I am a self taught seamstress. My husband surprised me for my birthday with a Bernina sewing machine three years ago. Knowing that was a really great machine, I was determined to learn how to use it! Naturally, I started sewing dresses for my two girls. I'm really grateful for YouTube and PDF patterns! I sew in my children's playroom and cut fabric on my dining room table. 
Q: Do you have any favorite blogs that you read?
A: I enjoy reading several blogs about various topics:
My Sweet Sunshine Blog
See Kate Sew
Made Everyday (Formerly Dana Made It)
Ann Voskamp: A Holy Experience

Q: Do you admire any artists / photographers / people? (Famous or not!)
A: My grandma and great grandmother were seamstresses. My great grandmother was a head seamstress during World War II. My grandmother sewed her own wardrobe after she retired. They did not teach me to sew, but I know they would be proud to know I have carried on their legacy.

I admire Ann Voskamp and Logan Wolfram, christian bloggers/authors that teach wisdom in walking through the various paths, ups and downs of daily life.

In the creative world, I am drawn to Alexis Wright of Violette Field Threads and My Sweet Sunshine. Her style and use of fabric appeals to me. Also, she is self taught. She's a mom and wife, too.

Q: What else should we know about you and your work?
A: I enjoy using bright colors, mixing prints and whimsical fabrics. A lot of my inspiration is driven from growing up in Florida as well as my children's interests.

Q: Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
A: Listen to the desire of your heart. If you feel a nudge to step into a new opportunity, take the chance. Look forward to the future, and seek people who will help you grow in wisdom and knowledge. Do what you love, and always self check to make sure you are feeding your soul.

Q: What is your favorite...
Color: any shade of blue
Animal: don't really have one
Season: summer
Movie: The Hunger Games
Book: Curious Faith
Vacation spot: the beach or the mountains
Food: sushi, international cuisine
Q: Where else can we find you?
Lillian Kate Custom Clothing
Facebook
Instagram
And, my Shopify site

............... 
Thanks so much Jennifer and congratulations on winning the Sommer Dress Challenge!

To view the entire Sommer fabric collection, please visit michaelmillerfabrics.com
  








 

1 comment:

Jennifer said...

I love everything about the Sommer Collection. I can't get enough!