Friday 5 June 2009

Teaching and Learning

Remember how I told you that I have been busy, busy, busy? Well, part of my busy week was demonstrating our fabric printing to a group of fashion design students from MSIT on their Thea & Sami studio tour.



Emily Tappenden is a graduate of the same fashion program and her skills are impressive. I have also taught Emily to screen-print with me. When you consider that it takes two people to screen-print yardage (or meterage) then you begin to appreciate the value of hand-printed fabrics.




These are our lovely visitors from Wednesday afternoon. Numbers had somewhat dwindled from the original group but since their end of year assignments are soon due, it's understandable. The girls were so happy to see that we screen-print our fabrics in Brisbane.



Today it was my turn to learn something new. One of the exciting things that is happening in my world is that we will be printing more eco-interior design fabrics. This decision has come from the increasing enquiries from within the industry, including from one overseas fabric agent. In preparation for this growth, I have ordered new 100% organic cotton twill and canvas for screen-printing.

To better educate myself, I contacted Jacqui McDonough of Macquarie Textiles and asked her to teach me the basics of presenting and selling interior design fabrics. This is where I can't emphasise the power of networking enough. I network a LOT!



I can't thank Jacqui enough for being so generous with her time and sharing of her expertise. I learnt so much today! From what information to include on fabric cards and the difference between a distributor, agent and end-user.

Now to find the time to design new fabrics!

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8 comments:

Nikki said...

Ah.. the value of teaching.. and learning. It's sad that sometimes we get so busy we forget that we can share we what know, and learn from other clever people around us.

Looking froward to seeing the new designs.

Unknown said...

You have a had a very interesting time lately . I enjoyed reading this post , thankyou .

Gillian said...

There is always something to learn and something to share isn't there :) Thats such a special thing about Creating!

Your Blog is just Beautiful, I've enjoyed my visit very much :)

Michelle said...

everytime I read your posts I am amazed by the amount of work you put into your lovely business...
congrats to using eco friendly fabric...

Thea said...

Thank you ladies for your lovely comments. I think it is just as easy to print on eco-friendly fabrics as to not to, don't you?

Jay Dee said...

Thea, sounds like your catch-up with Jacquie was really informative!

Thea said...

Yes, Jacqui was a great help. Will share more when I see you next weekend!

Malinda said...

oh that looks like so much fun!! wish I could have had the tour!

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