Chapter 4 #2
I still couldn’t believe they were actually pets.
When I’d told Aspen, his response had been to roll his eyes and grumble that ‘of course they were, that I’d been divinely blessed while he was cursed to bruise his fingers scrolling through dating apps.
’ Commenting that he blocked more than he swiped right on these days had earned me a scathing look, which I’d laughed about all the way back to my sewing table.
He really needed to get his head out of his ass, and Parker did too, so maybe they’d finally figure out that they were perfect for one another.
“Here we are,” I said as we stepped into the warm, well-lit open floor design of my studio.
“Whoa, this place is huge,” Raleigh muttered. “I thought it was just going to be the same size as the shop downstairs.”
“Nope,” I said as I started leading them deeper into the space.
Gleaming wood, high windows, I’d gone all out, including having the plaster walls gutted and replaced with wood polished to a deep, high sheen. Bright lights against dark wood created a warm, natural vibe perfect for creating in.
“I own the entire building, including the storefront next to mine,” I explained. “Someday I hope to expand my shop into that area too, but for now, I rent it out. Up here is all mine, however.”
I led them into a workspace I’d specifically laid out so that each part of the process, from drafting the designs to producing the finished products, had its own dedicated space.
I hated clutter almost as much as I hated running back and forth between stations hunting for something that should have been close at hand.
“This is where I work on the concepts for each line,” I explained, showing them the large drawing table, with its dual monitors, drawing tablet, sketchbooks, and drawing pens.
“I tend to start on paper and move to digital when I’m ready to create 3D mockups of each design.
Digital lets me change color palettes and patterns with far more ease than having to constantly resketch, so I spend a great deal of time working the details out here before I ever put my hands on fabric. ”
“This is really cool,” Murry said. “Did you have to go to school to learn how to design clothing, or was it a trial-and-error kind of thing?”
“I have a master’s degree in fashion design,” I explained.
“I actually grew up in the modeling industry, from the time I was an infant appearing in baby clothes ads to my final gig modeling menswear. Along the way I fell as much in love with the process of creating clothing as I did with wearing it. Modeling allowed me to afford my educational pursuits while also providing me with an insider’s view of every aspect of the industry from start to finish.
Now I get to be a part of it from the other side and see people walking runways in my creations. ”
The way they watched me while they listened, with big eyes and rapt attention, was a breath of fresh air.
Most of the models I worked with cared nothing for the process; they just wanted to put the gear on, get their pictures taken, and get paid.
Nothing wrong with that. But I was chomping at the bit to work with individuals whose excitement would spark my own and lead to true collaborative efforts.
“So, what happens after you get done in here?” Raleigh asked.
I was glad he was interacting more and not relying on Murry to do all the talking for them. The cautious, guarded look he’d arrived with was beginning to slip, allowing his curiosity to peek through.
“Then I take the final printouts of the designs over here,” I explained, leading them to the textiles wall.
“These are the most common fabrics and materials I work with. Sometimes I need something that I don’t already have, which means a trip to the fabric store or putting in an order with my online supplier.
One of the things I like to do is put together a collection of swatches so I can feel how they go together on a smaller scale and make any adjustments and changes.
I can’t start working on a prototype until I have all the materials I need, so if I have to wait on an order, I go back to the drawing board and start working on the next design until it arrives. ”
“I’ve never thought much about what goes into designing gear,” Murry admitted. “That’s a lot of fabric.”
“That it is, but it’s more than worth it to have things on hand when the muse is loud,” I explained. “Sometimes the design part goes so quickly and with such a flood of inspiration that it’s actually jarring not to be able to just jump into the construction process.”
I gestured to the table that held my two sewing machines, mannequins, massive sewing kit, pattern table, and more.
“This is where the magic actually happens,” I explained.
“I’ll be fitting the pieces on you two as I complete them and making all the necessary adjustments before we move into the testing phase.
It’s also the first opportunity you’ll have to weigh in on how everything feels.
Like I mentioned downstairs, I want to know about even the slightest bit of rubbing, discomfort, restrictions, or anything that doesn’t feel right.
That way I can make modifications before we get to the play space.
“That’s the part I’m curious to see,” Raleigh admitted.
“Well then, please come right this way.”
It was interesting to note that even Phoenix looked impressed at what he saw in my workspace.
I was immensely proud of the collections I’d created and the discipline that had gone into setting up a fluid area that took every piece of the process into consideration.
I hoped that the attention to detail, especially when he saw the play space, was more than enough to alleviate some of his concerns about my intentions.
“Holy…” Raleigh muttered when he caught his first glimpse of the brightly colored space.
“Wow.” Murry supplied, “You’ve got everything in here.”
“And I’m constantly adding more,” I explained. “The cabinets in the back of the room are filled with a variety of toys, and as you can see along the walls, there is quite the collection of collapsible tunnels, which are such fun for ferret play.
“F-ferrets,” Raleigh stammered. “I didn’t know people played as ferrets. I love watching them in the pet store.”
“I’m coming to discover that people play as a great many things,” I said. “So, I add a bit to the pet space with every new design, so they have some props to go with the gear.”
“And we get to just play in here and tell you how the clothes feel?” Raleigh said. “I can do that.”
“Same,” Murry replied.
“Yup, in the prototype phase, you just play and let me know how the outfits feel. Once the finished versions are complete, we do photoshoots in here as well as in front of the green screen, by the windows, and anywhere else Coby, who is the photographer that works with me, feels the lighting is right.”
“I think we’re going to like this job,” Murry declared.
“I hope so. I’m already looking forward to working with you both, and you, Phoenix, if you’d ever like to play the part of their handler during a runway show.”
His eyebrows shot up some at my offer, and I could tell I’d truly caught him off guard by including him. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good. I truly do hope you’ll consider it.”
“I think we’re ready to check out the contracts now,” Murry said, still looking around, taking in all the different props as well as the two adult-sized pet beds that were resting in each corner of the space.
“In that case, let me show you to my least favorite part of the loft,” I said, and lead them to the office.
“Why’s it your least favorite space?” Murry asked.
“Probably because it’s where he pays the bills,” Raleigh remarked. “That’s not fun no matter who you are.”
Chuckling, I turned and nodded at them. “Exactly.”