TERRI PARKER - Fashion

About the Artist

At least one family of eagles calls Swan Island home, a tiny island nestled in the Kennebec River near the town of Richmond. The island is also known as the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area. Swan Island was originally called SWANGO, translated means ISLAND OF EAGLES.

As a kid, I spent most of my time learning to sew at a treadle sewing machine on that island, under the patient instruction of my Grandmother, Marion Blen, while my Grandfather, Parker, resident caretaker, farmed the island and managed the wildlife there. The sketches I first made began with potholders, aprons and dolly clothes but soon turned into fashions I wore to school.
After many years of designing, creating or re-making my own wardrobe I designed for my family and later, prom gowns for high school friends onto making dresses for wedding parties.

I have experience in doing alterations for Marine &&&& Navy uniforms according to regulation, design formal dresses, career wardrobes, design dance costumes &&&& movie character reproduction ensembles and have done seasonal work in topstitching &&&& monogramming for LL Bean.

Today I manage SWANGO DESIGNS, a Custom Handmade Clothing and Home Decor business located on the Kennebec River in Richmond, Maine, USA. Clothing designs may be seen in the Blue Moose at 52 Main Street, Richmond, ME.

""I strongly believe that we project what we feel. Wearing well-made, comfortable, unique clothing helps us put forth our ''best side''.

Swango Designs provides an affordable alternative to off-the-rack or production-made garments and accessories that may have been made outside the USA. I take pride in selecting a balance of fabric and patterns that is flattering, attractive and comfortable for each one of my customers. All elements are equally important but I personally enjoy the detailed workmanship and creative artistry that goes into each piece.""