Hi, I’m brand new here. I’m honored to be a finalist in the “Inspired By Threads” competition. I have plans to attend and model my garment. However I still need more sponsors to help financially or I’ll  have to cancel my plans. Do any of you have any ideas of who I may approach about this? I’ve already contacted approx 45 shops and organizations.  I hope you may have an idea I haven’t thought of yet. And time is ticking, my flight leaves Sep 30 (if I go).

I’m including something about myself here so you may know me better:

Please Read this, I think I have an unusual story

Sewing was learned early in the home, taught through generations at a very young age. Sewing has been a constant during my life.

I am a “fiber-nut”, an experienced sewer, designer, book-artist, hand papermaker, paper decorator, and knitter. I find that somehow all these mediums have cross-over techniques as they all begin with fiber and construction. The array of experience makes my work rich and unusual, my teaching style informational and unique.

In the 1980’s, my fiber arts enthusiasm veered into fibers for hand papermaking. Grass Roots Paper Company began in 1991, and gained international notoriety with my work in using noxious weeds as alternative fiber sources for papermaking. (articles are still on various web sites, keyword: Denise DeMarie)

1999, I began having problems with my legs and walking, leaving me wheelchair bound for a year before reaching some balance with the new disability. Work with hand papermaking had to stop. But creativity didn’t stop and once again I found an outlet with fabric and sewing. I avidly began quilting too and joined Oregon Coastal Quilter’s Guild. I am an officer and chair the membership committee as well as organize our field trips and some of the special projects for the community. I belong to “knotty ladies”, a weekly sewing group, we also tie community quilts on a regular basis.

Sewing was an obvious choice for me. I had never not sewn so it felt right, comfortable, and fulfilling. Now I design clothing and accessories. Some of my work is in experimenting with the surface effects of heat stressing certain fibers. Fabric collage, quilting, applicae and surface stitching all influence her finished pieces. I have won a few awards so far, but will continue with it because of the joy I feel while sewing.

The following is part of what I’ve sent out to people:

THREADS magazine just chosen one of my garments as a finalist in their “Inspired By THREADS” international competition. This is a great honor as only 27 garments made the cut (so to speak). The fashion show, awards, et al, will take place at the American Sewing Expo in Novi MI, Oct 1-3, 2004. I am looking for a sponsor(s) so I may be there in person. If I get several sponsors for only $100 each, I could attend the event. In turn I would promote anything you wish, even do an ad in exchange for your sponsorship. I am also a disable adult, (often in wheelchair), so I can speak up for sewing/art from a unique perspective. Please let me know either way if you will be able to sponsor me, I have many details to attend to in the next weeks if I am to go. I need approx $1100 for all my expenses. I can provide contest verification plus a budget upon request.  

Ironically almost all my donations so far are from my former collegues in the hand papermaking and book arts business.

Thank you so much everyone for your time, Denise DeMarie [email protected]