Unleash Your Inner Designer!

Project Runway is one of my favorite reality TV shows. A selection of 15 designers compete with each other to create the best clothes and are judged. One or more designers are eliminated each week. The designers are given a budgeted stipend to select and purchase fabric and most of the time the budget is as low as $50.00!! After a number of challenges, the three remaining designers are given a budgeted stipend of $500 and the opportunity to show their collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The winner of Project Runway receives a compilation of prizes including a few thousand dollars to start their own clothing line!

I am always amazed at some of the fashions these designers come up with and execute in such a short period of time and on a $50.00 budget! I’m even more amazed at some of the collections (12 garments) made on a budge of $500!! Have you ever tried to design a fabulous outfit from nothing? Yeah, neither have I. I’m guessing the first step would be coming up with the concept. The second step would be to sketch it and the third would be executing the pattern. I, like most people wouldn’t get past the third, and most important, step. The designers on Project Runway are usually only give a day to come up with a concept, sketch, cut patterns, and sew the garments and they do everything without the help of any modern technology although new software and design feature are being introduced every year! That takes talent!

HOORAY! for modern Technology! For all you recession conscious people who actually have the desire and time to create your own clothes, there are new software packages you can purchase that will assist you in pattern making! From any computer you can select the version that suits your style, priced from $29.00 to $2,500 depending on the level of support you need. Then you simply type in your measurements to create custom patterns and print the pattern from any computer! 

I absolutely LOVE this new technology! I shop ALL the time and most of the time I can’t find a basic button down shirt under $50.00! Then add in an extra $20.00 or $30.00 for tailoring and I’ve just spent over $70.00 on a button down shirt! The thought of having an entire outfit for the same price, if not cheaper, and it being an original Cari Carter design puts little stars in my eyes and a smiley face on my wallet. Now all I have to do is find a software package that will sew it for me! Is that wishful thinking? I guess we’ll see! Stay tuned, Fashionistas!