Yep - we've changed our name.  Just a little.  But in order to avoid all of the ensuing confusion - you may now follow the fun on our New Blog . . . manhattandesignboutique.blogspot.com.  

Look forward to seeing you there! xox Victoria


manhattandesignboutique.blogspot.com

As I climb out from under a mountain of Christmas lights and wrapping paper, I am stunned to see the year has come to an end.   It's not just the end of 2012, but it's the end of my first year with the Boutique.  Holy Guacamole!!  So much has been going on, it's hard to know where to start.  But, as always, my heart is filled with gratitude at having spent so many glorious hours with this awesomely clever bunch!  Seeing the growth in these Designers as they sharpen their eye and create more complex and spectacular designs has taught me sooooo much.  YeeeeHaw - these kids are talented!!  

So stay tuned.  Big things are happening.  We're building a gorgeous website.  Changing our name . . . a little.  And soooo busy making friends, learning skills and creating fantastic Fashion!  Of course, there's a million people I'd like to thank for this amazing year, but I don't want to be that actress who gets yanked off the stage at the Oscars . . . so Thanks Everyone and See Ya'll Next Year.  (*sniff*)

Click on the link below and experience some of the fun!

https://vimeo.com/56564600

Being involved with the Design Boutique has taught me a whole bunch!  Just watch me thread a machine or finish a neckline.  

But my most valuable lesson has been to appreciate the character of these amazing Designers.

Not knowing what to expect, these kids jump into each challenge with enthusiasm and commitment.  

 You should know that these Designers are not just talented artists, but they're athletes, run for school office and are hard working students too.  

 Seeing their creations take shape,

 friendships made, 

and skills learned

 . . . well it's just another day at the Boutique!

I have to admit that when I was invited to hang out at the LJT Design Boutique, I thought I'd be lending a  hand with some sewing and make a few snacks and see some budding creativity.  This experience has been all that - for sure - and MUCH MORE!!!  Come spend a moment with these kids.  It's just fun.

It is astounding to see how these Designers have really stepped up their game!  You're not gonna believe some of the stuff they've come up with.  So here's a peek at where it all begins . . .

Meet the Designers of Summer Camp Week 4

Big drum roll please . . . . Introducing the Designers of Summer Camp Week 4!!

I know school has already started . . . but my head is still in Summer.  And once I start looking at our pictures and videos I start laughing and remembering and . . . well, it's hard to get back to work!

Hope this video brings back some great memories!  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHw6OCCq150&feature=plcp

Summer Camp - Week Three

These ladies constantly amaze me.  This week, for sure, there were the usual fantastic designs and impressive technical skills and fun and shenanigans. . . . But we had a truly defining moment where the Designers all came together and showed their fine character. 

On Friday – Show Day – we simply lost track of the time (there are always a zillion last minute details) when SUDDENLY we noticed that the Show was supposed to start in FIFTEEN MINUTES and we hadn’t done our usual transformation of the Sewing Room into Glamorous Theatre.  OH NO!!!!!!  The Girls (who are typically doing the finishing touches on their hair and makeup at this time) threw it into WARP SPEED x 100!! Sewing machines, scissors, chairs, tables, brooms, plates of cookies, ramps and stage were all tossed into the air and landed in perfect position . . . and we were only about 20 minutes late.  Un-BELIEVABLE!  What an extraordinary group of poised, talented, big-hearted, Team Players!

Summer Camp - Week 2

Whew!  Finally back.  I’ve been LAGGING . . . ‘cause every day at Summer Camp has been CHOCK FULL of fun and fashion and new friends.  Week Two was AWESOME – not just because the Designers ROCKED! – but the Boutique had a morning and an afternoon session.  Do the math kids – that’s a whole lotta Sewing going on!  This week some of the Designers attempted to re-purpose old clothes into something completely different and I think you’re gonna be amazed at the results.  I sure was.  Talk about CREATIVITY!!!!  

Just finished our first week of Summer Camp – and phew!! That was a BLAST! My biggest surprise was seeing how these Designers – many of whom have never even touched a sewing machine in their lives – can jump in and create something spectacular.  Starting with a just a table full of fabric and their imagination – they designed and completely finished a whole outfit in just one week!  WOW!  What they came up with was ambitious, Summery and totally unique.  On that last Friday, everyone went home with some new skills, a dynamite new outfit, a bunch of new friends and great memories of a week spent designing and creating with fellow Fashionistas. 

Meet the Designers

Welcome to the LJT Design Boutique where the Designers are hard working and creative and fun loving and talented and . . . silly. 

Miss Lisa

I’ve been blogging a lot about the kids at the Design Boutique, because they’re really our heart.  The soul however, is Miss Lisa.  Her dream to teach Fashion Design AND Sewing AND Honor Creativity AND keep it fun . . .  well it’s a dream come true for us. 

Last Friday was probably the most fun I have ever had with the Designers.  There is a lot of stress as everyone is putting the finishing touches on the garments that will be shown at the show next weekend.  Did I say NEXT weekend?  How will everything get done in time?!!!  There is so much excitement in the air because what was just an idea and then a pile of cut pieces is now becoming something to try on and fit and - HOLY COW!! - it is GORGEOUS!! and we LOVE it!!!       

            

 Creativity is EVERYWHERE!!  Adding an exposed bright pink zipper to a royal blue dress?  AWESOME touch!!

 I love seeing everyone help and encourage each other.  

Just gotta stay focused and keep sewing!!!

Stay tuned . . .

The Young Designers at LJT are all about Creativity!  and Personal Style! and being Fabulous!! What's with all of this annoying pinning?  With a nod of gratitude toward Mr. Beethoven, we present our own "Ode to Pinning".

So it’s not just about the design . . . or learning to how to work a sewing machine.  It’s about what happens when you get a room full of Artists together – and let them loose!

OK.  These iMovie templates are a little too much fun.  What does this clip do for you?  Me?  I'm getting sooooo excited as we are getting close to the Show.  There's still a long way to go.  Stay tuned!

We are getting really close!  You can feel the momentum build.  Our designs are getting ready for the Runway and it is very, very exciting.  Every day brings a new twist and turn and we’re meeting those challenges head on.  What keeps our hearts pounding is we are Friends, we are Finishing and we are Fashionistas!

Last week I learned sooooo much.  Not just about sewing, but about what it takes to stay focused on your project.  Some of the techniques are really, really hard . . . I mean “challenging”.  Dang!  But through all the hard work, what I left with is seeing hard work turn into fun.  I guess that’s what happens when you’re with your best friends, and doing something you love.

Now we’re smack dab in the middle of our projects.  For my money, it’s the most challenging time.  We’re kind of over the flush and excitement of something NEW and now facing the real sewing challenges our bold creativity has led us to.  That amazing tangerine lace that looked so tempting on the bolt is causing as much trouble as a cranky little sister.  But this is where we are learning to pull up our socks and face the twists and turns of our designs.  In the meantime, seeing our visions slowly take shape is that wonderful moment where frustrations are turning into excitement and pride.  

Just had to share a few of the drawings.  I am so astonished and proud and excited when I see all of the creative energy . .  just explode!  Who is their inspiration?  Do these ideas just bounce out of the air? Will the finished garment look like the drawing?  I can hardly wait to see what happens next!

A Trip to the Garment District

Every Session begins with a trip to our favorite fabric store in the Garment District - Michael Levine's.  This store is incredible, massive and inspirational!!!  Some of us showed up knowing exactly what we wanted - and found just what we were looking for.  Some of us came and were inspired by what we discovered and this led us to our final design.  Everyone left with a bag full of fabric and a huge smile. What inspires you?