Lorraine Teigland is the founder of ikatbag, a blog she started in 2010 to document her many craft ideas and design ideas. Lorraine was originally a high school Physics teacher, and now uses her teaching skills to educate her readers with her craft tutorials and workshops. She used to sew as a full-time hobby but now just sews on the sly, whilst caring for her three children. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lorraine Teigland.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My kids inspire a lot of my fabric and cardboard projects, which are colorful and playful. I like clean, classic lines and solids in garments, and modern prints and textured fabrics in my craft sewing.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
My ideas often percolate for some time. Sometimes I lose interest but when one stays and haunts me, I know it’s worth developing into a sketch, a design and, finally, a finished project.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
My dad is one of the most creative people I know. He has an incredibly broad artistic skill set, including drawing, painting, music, carpentry and sewing. He likes using traditional tools - treadle sewing machines and manual woodworking tools - and believes that it is not the equipment but the artist’s skill that makes a great product. I’ve loved watching him evolve and streamline his art alongside his changing natural hobbies and pursuits.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Watching my kids at play is my biggest source of inspiration right now, but I also feed off pinterest, clothing catalogs and whatever I see in my favorites stores.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I believe in making each project and post count, even if I don’t have the time to be a prolific crafter. A creative career rides on your platform - your niche, target audience and market, so take the time to develop those before launching your first book, pattern or clothing line - you’ll get more mileage on your effort.
