Step into The Flip Side — a playful, hands-on experience tucked right behind Kerry’s desk (yes, literally the flip side). Whether you’re waiting around or just dropping by to spark some curiosity, this interactive display is your go-to for a quick hit of inspo. Think of it as a creativity pit stop — designed to stir ideas, flip perspectives, and keep those juices flowing.
I’m a regular at the Edmonton Public Library — hands down one of the city’s best (and free!) resources. I’m constantly hunting through the shelves for gorgeous coffee table books that dive into colour, pattern, design, women in business, and all things sewing. Their ever-evolving displays always catch my eye, and I leave feeling creatively recharged. That kind of magic? I want to channel it right here at Rainbow.
I’ve paired stunning library books with new collections and fabric samples, all tied together with a subtle theme — sometimes it’s colour, other times, bathrooms.
In this photo, my beautiful friend Erin is caught mid-spin, flipping the skirt in such a dynamic way you can practically feel the energy. That patchwork? That’s a story. I made this skirt for SkirtsAfire, an arts festival — but really, it was born from a tough moment that called for deep resolve. And the reason why I am doing this segment.
At the time, I was navigating a tricky client situation. A fabric — the fabric, “the perfect one” — had been discontinued. No stock. Gone. While finding a replacement wasn’t the hard part (I have access to thousands of beautiful options), the real challenge was managing expectations and creating a positive experience. The designer involved needed support, and I found myself unexpectedly stepping in to keep things from unraveling.
Rather than stew in frustration, I channeled it. I tore the original sample book apart — literally. Bit by bit, I deconstructed it into raw, humble patches. It became a metaphor: when the perfect piece disappears, what do you do? You rebuild. You rethink. You flip it.
So, patch by patch, I began again — laying fabric squares across my dining room table with two tiny humans underfoot. (If you’ve worked from home with a 5- and 6-year-old, you know “underfoot” is really just adorable sabotage in action.)
The result? A skirt I named Alberta Girl — a wearable story of grit, grace, and getting through. I shared it with the client, not just as a peace offering, but as a bridge. Creativity turned into connection. I let her know: I was in it, not just for the fix, but for the outcome. And she trusted me.
What makes it even more poignant is the timing. This skirt came to life in Jan/Feb 2020 — showcased at the festival just days before the world shifted into a new era. March 6–16, right on the edge of everything changing. When I look back at photos from that time, I feel it: the “before.” The unknowing. The innocence.
And yet, through all of it — the stretch, the stress, the restrictions — the final result? Better than the original. Her words, not mine. The Flip Side in full effect: what looked like a problem became an opportunity. What could’ve been lost turned into something layered, meaningful, and, honestly, better than before.
Custom Drapery in open position
Custom Drapery in closed position
Before Photo of ready made panels
So you see, The Flip Side isn’t just an idea — it’s a whole vibe. A spark. A reminder that there’s always another way through. Swing by Rainbow and catch some flippin’ inspiration for yourself! It can be tough out there, but we are here, working hard. Let’s do it together.
Oh, and just so you know — I snagged second place that year… edged out only by a skirt made entirely of paper sewing patterns. Yep, paper. I mean, if you’re gonna lose, lose to something that bold.
Skirtsafire Media Launch 2020
Need a sign? This is it. Get flippin’.