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An interview with fabric designer Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom
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Admit it. As sewers, if we’re without fabric, we’ve got nothing. We depend on the creativity and talent of textile artists to supply us with the fabrics necessary to ply our craft. Of course, there are the basics – twills, denims, muslins. There are the special-occasion fabrics – embroidered organzas, dupioni silks, sequined laces. Then there are the ones that are so versatile and appealing, that they lend themselves to almost every type of sewing project. These are the quality printed cottons coveted by quilters, apparel designers, decorators and crafters. There is a huge range of these out in the marketplace, but there are just a few collections that rise to the top in terms of artistry, creativity and flair.
One company that offers such a fabric collection is Sis Boom. The talented and creative designer behind it all is Jennifer Paganelli. Her company name .jpg)
comes from the nickname her twin brother bestowed upon her when they were kids. Sis Boom’s fanciful style is “brilliant color with bits of nostalgia thrown in”. Well known for her vibrant fabric collections, clothing line and home dec items, Jennifer also designs Sis Boom’s “Fancy Goods” items – gifts and decorating pieces that are playfully collaged from vintage ephemera, velvet ribbons, old greeting cards…you name it. And glitter…lots of glitter.
Jennifer admits that her influences come from everywhere. A few that are apparent – the colors of the Caribbean, the old-world aesthetic of Paris, and anything "vintage” – add pop and sparkle to every project she undertakes. Jennifer was kind enough to take a break from designing to answer some questions about her creative process. Here is what she told me.
When someone views your work, the first thing they would notice is your
bold, unbridled use of color. I definitely see the Caribbean influence and
wonder what colors are exciting you right now?
JP: JoAnn, it seems to always come back to the turquoise blue of the sea I was fortunate to see it everyday and it never looked the same twice. The colors over the depths of the sea would undulate in the tide and reveal all the subtleties of blue and green you can ever imagine. It is an enormous paint set that is constantly revealing itself.
Your "Kayla" fabric in your "Dance with Me" collection reminds me of the
wallpaper in my childhood bedroom and I see the hints of vintage wallpapers
and textiles in the scrollwork and florals in some of your prints. What is
inspiring you today - right this very moment?
JP: Right this very moment I am intrigued with Indian influences and Parisian Holiday, my next collection, hints at that direction. I love to surprise, to have the collections be different but all working together. I travelled to Paris and focused on architectural elements and ironwork that covered the city. You’re right -- as a child I had roses in my bedroom so I tried to recreate that here. Kayla has a wonderful soothing movement that is so comforting and definitely a throwback to earlier times.
How do you actually design your fabrics - canvas and paint, paper and
pen, mouse and computer? How long does it take until a collection feels
complete and "just right"?
JP: I use a light box and colored pencils and felt markers to create images then scan them into the computer to manipulate and put in repeat. Because I'm constantly filling the computer with designs when it comes time for a collection I simply choose the designs and start coloring and making changes to the design to finalize so a collection takes about two weeks. But the process has been unfolding for a month or so.
There are so many creative women out there that just need a little push
to bring their vision into the public eye and the marketplace. What bit of
advice would you give to someone who has the talent and passion and wants to
make the leap into starting a business, but hasn't?
JP: Believe in your vision and yourself and know that no one has a corner on anything there is room for everyone...I think our biggest issue is the negative thinking and as woman we have to be vigilant in not letting the negative consume us...It's a fact, nothing we do will be perfect the most important thing is to make peace with that.
I know when you are working from the perspective and standpoint of
"passion", it can sometimes be difficult to "break for dinner", especially
if your studio is in your home. How do you balance Sis Boom and all it
entails with the rest of your life?
JP: I don't wait for perfect moments (they never show up) and it truly is life on life’s terms so it's my attitude and expectations that need to constantly be adjusted.
On the flip side of that coin: When your business depends 100% upon your
creativity, how do you "prime the pump" when you're having one of those days
where you're not really "feeling it"?
JP: I follow the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and I'll collage or go on an artist’s date so I am constantly looking for a visual stimulus. Sometimes reading other blogs or going to a trade show or walking in NYC can get me totally pumped. Sometimes when I'm earnest about showing up and being open to playing and not focusing on an outcome the creativity finds an outlet. I also find that mistakes are my best teachers and can take me to wonderful places.
Besides your textile designs, you also design and produce a Sis Boom
clothing line. Your hand-made "fancy goods" line reflects an appreciation
for vintage while adding your own colorful and contemporary twist. Glitter
is often involved and the resulting creations often evoke memories and
always bring a smile. How did that line come about?
JP: I have always loved glitter and I always say before you throw it out, glitter it!! I have always embellished paper and love working with vintage items I became known by Country Living Magazine for the vintage embellished wreathes I do at Christmas time. I so appreciate the things I handled as a child they keep me so intrigued. Vintage anything can make my heart beat faster.
Your new "Pretty Please" collection is a kaleidoscope of sweet, candy
colors suitable for so many projects: apparel, quilting, accessories, home
dec...Your pairing of damask-style florals and multicolored stripes is
lively and fresh. What can we look forward to and what's coming next?
JP: You’re right. Pretty Please is all that and I think it really beautifully links all the fabrics and helps repurpose older lines. After Parisian Holiday, comes Caribbean Queen, which is reminiscent of Three Kings Day in the Virgin Islands – very colorful and vibrant – can almost hear the steel band.
Your business, your products and your creative approach to them are
inspiring. It is so obvious that you do what you love and love what you do.
If you were allowed only one sentence to sum up your most important "words
to live by", what would it be?
JP: Be good to people!
Getting the chance to talk to someone so creative and imaginative is inspiring. Jennifer’s whimsical vision, exhilarating use of color and her playful approach to her art has me heading to me sewing room right this very minute. I’m not coming out til I’m done.
Thank you, Jennifer.
Keep up with Jennifer via her blog.
Be sure to click on the Photo Slide Show below.
Be prepared to be inspired.
Jennifer’s popular work appears regularly in such nationally known publications as Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, and Romantic Homes.
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