DIY Sewing Book to Empower Women
Donation protected
My name is Barrie Kaufman, and I am the founder and designer of the San Diego based ladies swimwear brand, Fables by Barrie. Since 2007, I have poured my heart and soul into developing a high-quality, locally produced collection of vintage-inspired swimwear that flatters women in all their glorious forms. I am here to ask for your help, but first - I think you should hear the backstory.
I take great pride in running a fashion business where everything is made is the USA, and I produce my collection entirely in Southern California. I employ local contractors, and pay them fairly for their time. I will never cut corners to sacrifice quality and use only the best available fabrics. I am completely self-taught in the art of sewing and design and through passion and dedication, I have perfected my patterns and construction technique over the years. My commitment to quality and attention to detail when making swimwear is why Fables by Barrie swimsuits fit and flatter so many body types.
I have been fortunate to see Fables swimwear worn and loved by women of all ages, shapes and sizes. I receive letters from gals everywhere who have always felt that finding the perfect swimsuit was a real struggle until they discovered my collection. These women are overjoyed to wear a well-made swimsuit that is cool, true to their unique style and constructed in a way to make them look and feel beautiful. I firmly believe that trying on a swimsuit should lead to joy and smiles instead of tears. Making women feel amazing is the best reward ever.
But lately, things have changed and I am here to ask for your generous support.
Over the past year, some of my best-loved swimwear designs have been deliberately knocked-off and poorly replicated with sub-par fabrics and shoddy construction. This type of “fast fashion” production is outsourced to other countries, where labor is cheap and the practices often unethical. These inexpensive versions of my designs are ill-fitting, fall apart and do not make women feel great about their bodies because of how they are constructed.
If owning a Fables by Barrie or any other well-crafted, flattering swimsuit is cost-prohibitive, I would rather teach a gal how to make the suit of her dreams through the lost art of home-sewing than see a lady struggle with body image misconceptions because she purchased a poor quality “knock-off” that is unflattering.
I never attended fashion school and taught myself how to sew because of my love of vintage clothing. If I could build a company purely out of passion and practice, so could just about anyone, all they need is a little instruction and encouragement.
#FablesByUs
All funds raised will go to the creation of a very special book and video series designed to help women on many levels. This book will teach, inspire and empower ladies to beat fast fashion by taking matters into their own hands. The book and video series will be beautifully produced and include tools to motivate women to believe in the power of their own creativity. Each book will include my best-selling tried and true downloadable swimsuit patterns with my own fool-proof instructions and how-to tips presented in many ways. I will be teaming up with another local swimwear designer to co-write and help on the technical tutorial side of the book. This will encourage women to come together to complete a project, instead of competing with each other. I will also offer great advice and share the beauty and life tips I have learned over the years to inspire and champion every women. I want ladies to truly believe in themselves, to embrace individuality, inspire confidence and promote the idea of women supporting other women.
We hope with a successful public funding campaign that we are able to raise awareness of the effects of fast-fashion on small businesses, while providing the tools to instill confidence. We hope that women find the DIY sewing of the perfect swimsuit to be a new passion they may have not yet discovered.
With enough support through your help and shares, we will be able to raise the funds to support our “outside of the box” idea. We aim to raise enough awareness about our story and this book idea to garner the attention of a potential publisher. If enough funds are raised, we will explore the self-publishing route.
At the end of our journey, a portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Becky’s House of San Diego - for women and children escaping domestic violence. Becky’s House offers a safe haven for victims to improve their economic status, achieve self-sufficiency and ultimately transform their lives.
Thank you for your continued love, and support, and endless encouragement!!
xoxoxoxoBarrie and Friends
I take great pride in running a fashion business where everything is made is the USA, and I produce my collection entirely in Southern California. I employ local contractors, and pay them fairly for their time. I will never cut corners to sacrifice quality and use only the best available fabrics. I am completely self-taught in the art of sewing and design and through passion and dedication, I have perfected my patterns and construction technique over the years. My commitment to quality and attention to detail when making swimwear is why Fables by Barrie swimsuits fit and flatter so many body types.
I have been fortunate to see Fables swimwear worn and loved by women of all ages, shapes and sizes. I receive letters from gals everywhere who have always felt that finding the perfect swimsuit was a real struggle until they discovered my collection. These women are overjoyed to wear a well-made swimsuit that is cool, true to their unique style and constructed in a way to make them look and feel beautiful. I firmly believe that trying on a swimsuit should lead to joy and smiles instead of tears. Making women feel amazing is the best reward ever.
But lately, things have changed and I am here to ask for your generous support.
Over the past year, some of my best-loved swimwear designs have been deliberately knocked-off and poorly replicated with sub-par fabrics and shoddy construction. This type of “fast fashion” production is outsourced to other countries, where labor is cheap and the practices often unethical. These inexpensive versions of my designs are ill-fitting, fall apart and do not make women feel great about their bodies because of how they are constructed.
If owning a Fables by Barrie or any other well-crafted, flattering swimsuit is cost-prohibitive, I would rather teach a gal how to make the suit of her dreams through the lost art of home-sewing than see a lady struggle with body image misconceptions because she purchased a poor quality “knock-off” that is unflattering.
I never attended fashion school and taught myself how to sew because of my love of vintage clothing. If I could build a company purely out of passion and practice, so could just about anyone, all they need is a little instruction and encouragement.
#FablesByUs
All funds raised will go to the creation of a very special book and video series designed to help women on many levels. This book will teach, inspire and empower ladies to beat fast fashion by taking matters into their own hands. The book and video series will be beautifully produced and include tools to motivate women to believe in the power of their own creativity. Each book will include my best-selling tried and true downloadable swimsuit patterns with my own fool-proof instructions and how-to tips presented in many ways. I will be teaming up with another local swimwear designer to co-write and help on the technical tutorial side of the book. This will encourage women to come together to complete a project, instead of competing with each other. I will also offer great advice and share the beauty and life tips I have learned over the years to inspire and champion every women. I want ladies to truly believe in themselves, to embrace individuality, inspire confidence and promote the idea of women supporting other women.
We hope with a successful public funding campaign that we are able to raise awareness of the effects of fast-fashion on small businesses, while providing the tools to instill confidence. We hope that women find the DIY sewing of the perfect swimsuit to be a new passion they may have not yet discovered.
With enough support through your help and shares, we will be able to raise the funds to support our “outside of the box” idea. We aim to raise enough awareness about our story and this book idea to garner the attention of a potential publisher. If enough funds are raised, we will explore the self-publishing route.
At the end of our journey, a portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to Becky’s House of San Diego - for women and children escaping domestic violence. Becky’s House offers a safe haven for victims to improve their economic status, achieve self-sufficiency and ultimately transform their lives.
Thank you for your continued love, and support, and endless encouragement!!
xoxoxoxoBarrie and Friends
Organizer
Barrie Kaufman
Organizer
San Diego, CA
