This past weekend, Kent State University fashion design students participated in the 2nd annual Coats & Clark Design Challenge for the chance to win prizes, scholarship money and lots of designer cred. Each contestant was given only five yards of cotton, four yards of trim and 18 hours to design and create a fabulous ensemble.
One student’s brainstorming-in-progress:
Sophomore Sean Rice took the Best in Show prize for his design, even though he was initially “mortified” by the colorful fabric he received. To subdue the bright colors, he dip-dyed the fabric and utilized the fabric wrong side in his design. He also knitted some of the fabric into a coordinating choker to complement the skirt:
Sean at work:
A peek at the dress:
Sean with his winning look:
It’s so much fun to see the amazing things that can be done with a little time, fabric and inspiration. Congratulations to Sean and all of the winners! No one in the challenge went home empty-handed, as every participant received a Bernina goody bag that included gifts from Wrights and Coats & Clark and a copy of Sew News. For more information on the challenge, as well as lots of great sewing tips, check out Coats & Clark Sewing Secrets.
