Janet Blood, Fashion Merchandising

Dr. Janet Blood, assistant professor of fashion merchandising, Human Development and Environmental Studies Department, won top prize, Best Overall, in the 2010 Association of Sewing and Design Professionals “Suit Your Style” design challenge.

The challenge, sponsored by Threads Magazine, involved transforming a commercial sewing pattern (Vogue 2898) through pattern-making techniques. Her winning ensemble is featured in the April/May 2011 issue of Threads.

The design challenge had thirty-two entries, with eighteen finalists. Blood had two entries in the finals, winning first place for her denim ensemble.

“I enter design competitions in order to extend my skills and creativity. In turn, this helps excite my students about the apparel industry,” Blood said. “I'm very passionate about fashion, design, and consumer preferences, and I feel very, very lucky that I get to teach what I love.”

Blood was recently elected to a two-year term as vice president of Education for the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, a group that supports people in sewing and design-related businesses in both commercial and home-based settings. Members are involved in professional sewing in a variety of garment-sewing specialties, including custom clothing, formal and bridal wear, design, pattern making, tailoring and alterations, accessories, costumes, wearable art, image consulting, production sewing, teaching, and other industry-related avenues.

Blood has been at IUP since 2004.