Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads"

Episode 89: "Diving into a Design Challenge" with Debby Spence and Michelle Loggins

Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Threads Magazine Podcast, host Threads Magazine welcomes seasoned designers Debby Spence and Michelle Loggins to discuss their experiences with the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) Design Challenge. The conversation delves into their motivations, design processes, favorite challenges, and insights gained from both participating in and judging the challenges.

Understanding the ASDP Design Challenge

The host begins by explaining the ASDP Design Challenge timeline and structure:

• October: Threads posts the design challenge to ASDP members.
• October to April: Designers organize their thoughts and declare their intent to enter.
• August: Entries are submitted, followed by initial judging based on photos and artist statements.
• Final Judging: Conducted with actual garments at the ASDP annual conference in October.
• Publication: Winners are featured in Threads’ summer issue.

This comprehensive process ensures that each design is thoroughly developed and evaluated, highlighting the dedication and creativity of participating designers.

Motivations for Participating

Debby Spence [04:21]:
"I wanted to make a connection with other people in that way. I also like to make things that I wouldn't normally make, and I learn new things."

Debby, a long-time ASDP member and Challenge Coordinator, shares that her initial motivation stemmed from a desire to connect with the ASDP community. She also enjoys creating garments that push her boundaries beyond client work, fostering continuous learning and creativity.

Michelle Loggins [05:38]:
"I wanted to push the limits of what I could create under the pressure and purpose of the challenge... it's a great way to relate to the wider professional sewing and design community."

Michelle, a three-time challenge winner, was drawn to the challenge for the creative freedom it offered. Participating allowed her to explore storytelling through design and connect with a broader community of sewing professionals, enhancing her visibility and fostering professional relationships.

Design Processes and Techniques

Michelle Loggins [07:40]:
"The challenge sharpens everything I already know and allows me to learn new techniques to incorporate into my work."

Michelle emphasizes that the challenges not only hone her existing skills but also introduce her to new techniques and creative ideas. Managing time effectively while running a studio is crucial, as the challenges require disciplined time management and focused effort.

Debbie Spence [09:47]:
"With the quilted garment challenge, I used four different types of quilting... I had to practice until I got it the way I wanted."

Debbie highlights the technical growth she experiences through each challenge. For instance, the quilted garment challenge pushed her to master free motion quilting, a technique she had not previously explored. This hands-on learning process is integral to her development as a designer.

Creative Process and Time Management

Debbie Spence [12:37]:
"I use Pinterest and fashion magazines for inspiration... sometimes coming up with an idea takes longer than executing it."

Debbie describes her creative process as a blend of inspiration and practical execution. She often spends considerable time ideating before moving to sketching or draping fabrics, ensuring each design is thoughtfully developed.

Michelle Loggins [14:02]:
"I start with pencil sketches and let the ideas evolve over the year... time blocking helps me meet deadlines."

Michelle begins her process with initial sketches, allowing ideas to evolve organically. Balancing studio work with the challenge necessitates meticulous time management, often allocating specific blocks of time each day to work on her designs.

Favorite Challenges and Personal Highlights

Debbie Spence [29:07]:
"The quilted garment challenge was my favorite because it fit into my wardrobe and allowed me to use a special shibori-dyed fabric I had."

Debbie’s favorite challenge involved creating a quilted garment, which not only aligned with her personal style but also allowed her to utilize a unique fabric she cherished. This project stands out for its personal significance and the technical skills it helped her develop.

Michelle Loggins [29:56]:
"Last year's challenge was my favorite because it involved elaborate embellishments and storytelling through design. It was emotionally impactful."

Michelle reflects fondly on last year's challenge, which required intricate hand techniques and embellishments. The emotional depth and the complex storytelling aspect of her design made it a memorable and fulfilling project.

Experiences as Judges and Insights Gained

Michelle Loggins [33:46]:
"Judging helped me realize the importance of time management and the significance of focusing solely on my garment to avoid it looking rushed."

Serving as a judge provided Michelle with a deeper appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail required in design challenges. It reinforced the importance of dedicating undivided attention to each project to ensure quality and coherence.

Debbie Spence [35:50]:
"Paying attention to details and perfecting techniques are crucial since judges often decide based on small construction elements."

Debbie concurs, emphasizing that subtle details and impeccable techniques can be the deciding factors in the judging process. This perspective underscores the necessity of precision and excellence in every aspect of garment construction.

Showcasing and Utilizing Challenge Garments

Debbie Spence [25:11]:
"I keep my challenge garments hanging at home to showcase my range of work to clients and use them as examples when explaining design choices."

Debbie utilizes her challenge creations as a portfolio to demonstrate her capabilities to clients. Keeping garments on display not only serves as inspiration but also as a tangible representation of her skills and design philosophy.

Michelle Loggins [26:10]:
"I plan to create a neighborhood fashion trunk show to display my garments, helping clients visualize and get inspired."

Michelle envisions hosting a fashion trunk show to exhibit her challenge pieces, providing clients with visual references that can inspire their own creative ideas. This strategy aims to bridge her challenge work with client projects, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

Final Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode draws to a close, the host expresses excitement about Debby’s new role as Challenge Coordinator and looks forward to continued collaboration. Both Debby and Michelle reflect on the enriching experiences and personal growth the ASDP Design Challenge has facilitated in their professional lives.

Host [38:15]:
"Debbie, your tenure as coordinator will be around two to three years, and I hope Michelle continues to share her beautiful garments with us."

The host highlights the ongoing contributions of both designers to the ASDP community, celebrating their dedication and the vibrant creativity they bring to each challenge.

Conclusion

This episode of Threads Magazine Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the ASDP Design Challenge through the experiences of Debby Spence and Michelle Loggins. Their stories underscore the challenges and rewards of participating in such a prestigious competition, emphasizing continuous learning, community connection, and the pursuit of creative excellence. For sewing enthusiasts and professional designers alike, their insights provide valuable inspiration and practical advice for embracing design challenges.

For more information and to view the featured garments, visit threadsmagazine.com and search for ASDP or PACC.

Notable Quotes:

• Debbie Spence [04:21]: "I wanted to make a connection with other people in that way. I also like to make things that I wouldn't normally make, and I learn new things."

• Michelle Loggins [05:38]: "I wanted to push the limits of what I could create under the pressure and purpose of the challenge... it's a great way to relate to the wider professional sewing and design community."

• Michelle Loggins [07:40]: "The challenge sharpens everything I already know and allows me to learn new techniques to incorporate into my work."

• Debbie Spence [29:07]: "The quilted garment challenge was my favorite because it fit into my wardrobe and allowed me to use a special shibori-dyed fabric I had."

• Michelle Loggins [29:56]: "Last year's challenge was my favorite because it involved elaborate embellishments and storytelling through design. It was emotionally impactful."

• Michelle Loggins [33:46]: "Judging helped me realize the importance of time management and the significance of focusing solely on my garment to avoid it looking rushed."

• Debbie Spence [35:50]: "Paying attention to details and perfecting techniques are crucial since judges often decide based on small construction elements."

Stay Connected: For additional insights and to explore previous episodes, visit threadsmagazine.com and navigate to the podcast section. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to stay updated with the latest in the sewing world!