Producer of L.A’s Swap O Rama Rama,
creator of Hip Line Media and local ASG group leader.



I was a little nervous attending the first American Sewing Guild meeting here in our studio. The word guild sounded very noble, and I had only sewn a couple of basic projects. I imagined the guild looking at my slightly crooked pillows and raw fabric edges, only to pat me on the head and banish me for good. I perked up when Lori began the meeting by reassuring us that the ASG is a place of supportive people of all ages and skill levels, which was clear when I looked around the room. Guys and girls, sassy older women and ambitious younger sewers, all sincerely inspired by each others’ interests.

I got the chance this week to interview Lori and found that she is a very dedicated crafter and above all, a constant promoter of empowering people through the support of community. Enjoy!


What have you enjoyed most about hosting ASG meetings here at The U.C.C?

Being at the Urban Craft Center has been inspiring for our local ASG group. We all love wandering around the store and checking out the fabrics, kits, notions and class projects. In the past, most of the ASG activities happened in the more traditional fabric stores but our group is an urban group, diverse in age, experience and with a good population of males. To be in a creative venue like this makes us feel like we’re truly a part of the new crafter community.

Why is the American Sewing Guild (ASG) important to the crafting community?

The ASG mission statement is “Advancing sewing as an art form and life skill.” The do-it-yourself movement has become increasingly popular and the ASG provides an outlet for people to come together, learn and inspire others. It’s about reaching out to potential new sewers, former sewers and general crafters so we can all share ideas and learn new things. The ASG encourages its’ members to support the local retailers, get involved in charity work and volunteer for non-profit events. All these things build a stronger crafting community.



What is your crafting background?

I learned to sew as a young girl from my mother. She was uber talented and could look at a Vogue magazine and rip off any outfit. She was always fabulously dressed and made clothes for my Barbie dolls from her scraps. She let me in her sewing room during the summers to make bikinis and halter tops but when school started again, it was her territory.

Like many people, I went to college, got a career and didn’t have time to sew. I was re-inspired about 8 years ago with the introduction of the new computerized machines and have been hooked ever since. I became so interested in learning new things that I took all the classes I could and even used my career skills as a television producer to create a line of instructional DVD’s on sewing and quilting. My DVD’s are in most libraries and high schools across the country and that is very rewarding to me (Hip Line Media).

For the last four years I have been producing Swap O Rama Rama (SORR) in LA. This is a giant clothing swap with sewing stations, silk screening and other DIY stations that encourage people to re-create and re-use unwanted clothing. We attract up to 400 people at the event and it’s very inspiring for anyone who wants to express their creativity.

Your next Swap O Rama Rama is Halloween themed, what can people expect from this one?

We are all looking forward to the Halloween SORR. There must be a zillion old halloween costumes out there just begging to be swapped and re-vamped! What a great way to recycle them. For $5 and a bag of clothes you can swap and create all you want at the event! We will have some innovative silk-screening designs, a trick or treat bag station, finger puppets, super heroes, hats and more. Can you imagine how much more fun Halloween would be if we all made our own costumes!?! We are hosting the SORR in a small funky space in Venice and I think this will only add to the fun!


(photo from http://www.hiplinemedia.com/swaporamarama.html)

The next ASG meeting is this Thursday, September 10th from 6:30-8:30, here in our studio. Meetings are always free and open to everyone!

The next Swap O Rama Rama is on Saturday October 10th.
More more information about Lori and the Swap please visit: http://www.hiplinemedia.com/swaporamarama.html

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