All About Looks!

       In the Depot District of Lubbock, there is a small family owned business that is called All About Looks. The store is owned by a very nice woman and her two daughters. They told the class about their business and the different types of fabrics they have to offer their clients.
       The trip began by the women explaining what they can do for their clients in Lubbock, such as create furniture and reupholster current pieces. Their store was covered from head to toe in books and books of fabric! It was a young designers "Disney World"! They even had pieces they had created on display. The women explained the different types of fabrics in their store and what they could be used for. They also explained which fabrics were man-made or natural and had small samples of each that each student could feel and examine. We were also introduced to new creations that we soon to become popular! Fabrics made out of cork and also new wallpapers were shown to us. One book of textured wallpaper caught my eye. It was fascinating how the texture was created and how it looked on a wall once it was painted. Also, the cork fabric used on an ottoman in the store was very interested to see. I am still trying to figure out how that fabric was created! We also learned about a new technology where a pattern is almost screen printed onto a piece of fabric, but it is still a new technology. Another way of creating a new fabric is by using old pieces of tarp or cover and sew together to make something new. On a side note, everyone was told that for window treatments a designer is not longer allowed to use shown cords. That is a good tip to keep in the back of my mind!
       Later on in the tour, we met the man who gets everything done, Bobby. He was a very nice, older gentleman who shared a few stories about his experiences in the business. It was interesting to see how the back room and everything was created. It was also nice to hear some funny stories about certain projects and learn a little about what can truly go wrong in the real world.
       After the tour, we were allowed to walk around the store and browse through the different fabrics they had. A few girls had found a beautiful piece of metallic fabric that was absolutely gorgeous on both sides! We each wanted to take a piece home with us. A few of us also decided that it would be a great place to have a sleepover and possible make a pillow or two! Sounds like a great adventure and a good idea for next class!