Friday February 18th was our first taste of spring. The sun was shining, and winter coats were a rare sight. It also marked Freedom Clothing Collectives first day at the Toronto National Home Show. Unfortunately, spring decided that one day of warm fresh weather was enough for Toronto citizens. Luckily, for Freedom CC however, the Home Show was planned to last, and browsers and shoppers alike are able to feel the warmth and freshness of it’s booth until February 27th.
The first day at the National Home Show marked a first of many things for me: my first time to officially represent a fantastic collection of work by local artists and designers. My first time handing out flyers for a booth that so many artists worked so hard at making perfect. The first time I was asked (many times over actually) if I took part in making all the neat products Freedom’s booth had to offer, and the first time I ever felt so guilty about not learning how to properly knit, crochet, or sew. As easy as it would have been to pretend that beautiful quilt was hand sewn by me, it was just as rewarding to hear the compliments and praises of passers by, about how talented these individuals are.
As part of the LiveGreen Toronto initiative, Freedom’s sweet little booth holds the wow factor amongst its super friendly neighbors: the solar panels. Freedom CC got to know so much about solar panels in fact, that an idea was brewed to crochet solar panel covers.
Although the day was somewhat quiet, I learned so much. I experienced Freedom Clothing Collectives pride and spirit in its artists, and I also learned why its so easy to love it. In the corner of a rather uniformed row of booths, stands a bright, unique, strong, and supportive collaboration of ideas that are hard to come by. Freedom Clothing Collective’s booth may take an extra minute to find, but all you have to do is follow the green teal carpet.
Like anything worth while in life, when you see it, you will be glad you took those extra few steps to visit. Whether it be hand painted furniture for yourself; a magnetic chalkboard for your child; a bar of soap for bathtime; a pillow for your head; a tea towel for your party; a wallet for your purse; a portrait of Petite Pete to keep you company; a toy for your favorite pet; or anything else that Freedom CC is showcasing, you will be happy you bought it.
You will be happier that you found it.
And, you will be even happier knowing you are supporting someone that worked so hard tomake you happy.
-Kyla
