Why all the fuss about Laminated Cottons?

rolls & rolls of laminated cotton fabrics

Recently, we released a line of rainwear and umbrellas on the runway during Baltimore FashionWeek, created from an amazing new fabric called Laminated Cotton, provided to us by Riley Blake Designs.

Our designs were very, very well received by all those who attended FashionWeek.

We were asked a number of questions, including:

    "what do you use for these products?"
    "how are these different from regular raincoats and umbrellas?"
    "you can put these in the dryer?  really?"
    "is this new fabric safe for children?"
    "how are these products better than what we already can buy in the stores?"

So ... for all of those not familiar with the new Laminated Cotton fabrics ... which, by the way, beats hands-down the vinyl products found in stores around the world ... I am providing you with a few details.

Laminated Cotton:

• PVC-free
• BPA-free
• Lead-free
• Slight sheen
• Waterproof and easy to clean
• Edges do not fray
• CPSIA compliant - this is a biggie!

Laminated cotton is a high quality cotton sheeting with a thin layer of polyurethane film adhered to the right side of the fabric. It's soft and has a very nice hand to it, it drapes very nicely and it even does gathers well!  It allows the cotton fabric to "breathe", while keeping moisture away from whatever is on the inside.  This fabric makes great baby bibs, raincoats, umbrellas, shower curtains, tablecloths, splat mats, diaper bags, food packaging products, and so much more.

The rain products currently found in stores are created using a polyurethane vinyl for the outer shell.  Most linings are created from polyester or polyester-blend fabrics.  Polyester does not allow the skin to breathe as easily as natural fibers do.  The vinyl outer lining rarely allows for your coat or pants to be tossed into the dryer.

Yes, products made using Laminated Cottons will cost more than what you've been used to buying in stores.  The offset to this is that you can toss your garments in the washing machine & dryer ... and your clothing will last longer than clothing made from vinyl.  You are more likely to hand down clothing made from Laminated Cotton instead of sending it to your local thrift store or throwing it away.

Laminated Cotton products are the fashionable future for rainwear and umbrellas, home decorating, and all kinds of wonderful products that are safe for your children.

~ C

The Name Game

With the dust from 2012 Baltimore FashionWeek still settling around our machines, we've been trying to come up with a name for next year's collection.  You see ... we've been asked to showcase next year ... and instead of just children's clothing, we'll be adding an entire line of eco-friendly clothing ... for grown-ups.

Two collections.

30+ total "looks".

And with consideration for the grown-up line of clothing, we've selected a name for that collection ...

Eco Art Wear

Sounds pretty cool!

We might just use the same name for both collections and just add "for kids" at the end of the second line.

Because it's cool enough for both ... and with the new name, design ideas are just falling out of my head.

Literally.

Now ... all I need is the fabric to put these clothing lines together.

Can't wait to get started!!!

~ C

Jumping Off the High Board ... and into the Design Pool

In January, we received notification that we were accepted as the only children's clothing designer for Baltimore Fashion Week.

As a small-town, creative person ... the news was exciting and scary
all at the same time
'cuz we've never really looked at ourselves
as anything more than a Small Town Creative Person.


Considering that this is the coolest thing to happen to our biz,
we decided to jump in ... with both feet.


We have been fortunate enough to have a sponsor.

Riley Blake Designs has been generous enough to provide us with an incredible amount of fabric to be used in our clothing & accessory designs for Baltimore Fashion Week.

Cottons and cotton laminates will be paired with organic cotton, bamboo, and soy knits in an incredible combination of style, color & texture.
Personally, I just LOVE their fabrics ... the brightness of the colors, the fun prints, the lovely hand the fabrics have ... it makes the designing and the putting together of the designs fun!


Finally ... we're at a point to begin creating!

Spring Pixie #1 - hooded dress with leggings


I think ric-rac has become my trim of choice ... pockets, too!


Our intent with this blog is to keep you posted on our progress
from start to finish ... through every stage of the design process.


Thank you for being an amazing part of our Greatest Adventure yet!