Brother™ Dealer Draws on Inspiration From
Thomas Jefferson For Local Sewing Challenge
When you hear the name Thomas Jefferson,
you might think of one of our country’s
founding fathers, the author of the
Declaration of Independence and the third
President of the United States of America.
Nowhere in recent history was he ever noted
as being an influence in fashion design,
but for the first time in his hometown of
Charlottesville, Virginia, his vast repertoire of
accolades will be the inspiration for a local
sewing shop’s summer sewing challenge.
Les Fabriques, an Authorized Brother
Innov-ís dealer, will be hosting its third annual
‘Project Reveal,’ a Project Runway-inspired
event created by owner Carla Quenneville
and her daughter, Leslie. Spearheading the
event is Kimberly Ramburg, Les Fabriques’
Director of Education, who holds a degree
in Fashion Design and coordinates the
development and execution of the ‘Project
Reveal’ design workshops. The event
mirrors the reality television show by
setting
a
theme
and
challenging
contestants to develop, design and sew
a unique ensemble to be showcased at a
fashion show in the fall. All contestants will be
sewing on Brother Project Runway Limited
Edition sewing machines, as Brother is the
exclusive sewing and embroidery licensee of
Project Runway. Their designs will be judged
by a professional panel of local and national
fashion experts to determine the top three
winners. All prizes are generously provided
by Les Fabriques and include a new Brother
Project Runway Limited Edition sewing
machine for the Grand Prize Winner and
other valuable prizes to be determined
for the subsequent winners. This year’s
summer-long event challenges contestants
to design their creations based on the life and
innovations of Thomas Jefferson.
“We are surrounded by the wonder and historical 17, and says their designs will be judged on originality,
memory of Thomas Jefferson in our town of creative use of materials and, for the first time, execution
Charlottesville,” said Carla. “With his home of of the garment. “Since this year’s challenge is so unique,
Monticello in our backyards, we Virginians are we decided the judges should have an opportunity to
reminded of the many hobbies and achievements inspect the garments off the runway as well,” explained
of Thomas Jefferson. This challenge is not only a Carla. “We’re expecting some over-the-top creations
sewing experience but a learning experience for our and we want to give every contestant’s design the time
contestants.” Many of us haven’t brushed up on our and attention it deserves.”
history lessons in quite some time, but it’s interesting For the past 33 years, Carla has celebrated her passion
to note that Jefferson was not only a politician and for sewing by offering her clients outstanding customer
ambassador to France, but
service and the finest
“The quality of Brother sewing machines and
an architect, inventor and
products in the industry. “The
success of Project Runway has proven to be a
accomplished horticulturist.
quality of Brother sewing
winning combination for my business.”
It’s from among these
machines and success of
- Carla Quenneville
uncelebrated achievements
Project Runway has proven to
that the contestants will
be a winning combination for my business,” Carla explains.
draw their inspiration. Develoing an idea for this “The show’s popularity with the younger generation has
challenge takes a vivid imagination, and Carla is sparked a renewed interest in sewing. I have young men
ready to guide her contestants by discovering their and women visit my shop who have never touched a
talents and nurturing their passions. Seven contestants sewing machine, and want to learn about Brother.”
have already signed up, but Carla is hoping to reach
her goal of 18. She discovered some clever ideas that Last year’s winner of ‘Project Reveal’ was a young man
a few of her contestants have already begun working who aspires to be a contestant on Project Runway and
on. One of these contestants visited Monticello and have his own line of clothing some day. Carla said his
noticed a particular tree which Jefferson had planted design was the unanimous winner and she was excited
hundreds of years ago. This tree blooms a most to see a young man win.
interesting flower that resembles a tassel. So, this Passion for any goal begins with conquering a challenge.
particular contestant decided to incorporate tassels This year’s theme of Thomas Jefferson has instilled a
into her design, drawing on Jefferson’s passion for unique level of excitement not only for the contestants,
gardening and love for horticulture. Another creative but for Les Fabriques as well. “It seems we all want to
idea was a hoop skirt which was inspired from the embrace the memory of one of our founding fathers
dome structure that Jefferson designed for his home at and somehow earn his respect by creating designs
Monticello. Carla encourages her contestants to think that would make him proud,” Carla said. “I can feel the
beyond the ordinary, and describes the challenge as excitement building as all these wonderful ideas are
the ‘House of Jefferson,’ by emulating the couture of brewing. It’s going to be one of our best challenges yet.”
famous fashion designers.
Carla opens the challenge to anyone over the age of
*Brother is not a participant in or sponsor of this program.