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!