Just when I thought I was getting back on track with my Kickstarter packages after overcoming some obstacles with screen printing I found out I was pregnant!  At first I thought my life was over since it was not planned and I had so many things I wanted to accomplish before my world revolved around a little one.  Once the initial shock sunk in I started to get excited and now I am completely thrilled to meet my baby in January!  

Soon after I found out I was pregnant the morning (or all day) sickness began.  I felt like I was hung over for at least a month straight and was just trying to make it through each day of work as Store Manager of Reyn Spooner at the Sheraton Waikiki.  Working retail is tough, especially while you are pregnant, because not only are you on your feet all day, but you also have to greet and help customers with a smile on your face no matter what you feel like inside.  Usually I would work from 7:30am until 4:00pm, come home, chill out or go surf, make dinner, then work on my clothing line from 8:00pm until 12:00am and get up the next day and do it all over again.  Once the pregnancy began I was coming home at 4:30 and going straight to bed!  

Now I am almost four months along and almost half way there!  I feel back to normal again and have re-gained most of my energy.  Even though I can't work as hard as I used to, I'm getting a lot more accomplished each day and am slowly catching up on everything that had to be put on hold.  

I've been waiting anxiously to share my BIG news with my loyal Kickstarter backers and now that the time has arrived I feel really proud.  You have been on this journey with me since the very beginning and it's not over yet!  I want you all to know that I haven't forgotten about you and now that I'm up and sewing again the rest of my Kickstarter packages are on their way!!! 

Lots of love and Aloha,
Katrina

I've been known to bite off more than I can chew, so naturally I thought it would be fun to screen print my own T-shirts... Unfortunately I didn't realize what a time consuming project this would be.  I spent the next few weeks problem solving each step of the way and visiting my local screen printing shop numerous times to pick up supplies and find answers to my questions.  Luckily I was introduced to an expert, named Domi, who guided me through the process.  

After building a flash dryer stand, replacing the flash dryer switch, learning how to apply liquid emulsion to a screen, finding the right mesh screen for the type of ink I was using, and mixing my own paint I started to get the hang of it.  At this point it would have been cheaper and more time efficient to have sent the shirts to a professional screen printer, but it was too late for that.  Next time I will be hiring someone to do the dirty work for me!

I apologize that my Kickstarter packages are behind on their estimated delivery dates and am working hard to make sure they get to you as soon as possible.  Screen printing has turned out to be no walk in the park, but I have learned a lot along the way.  Please enjoy some of the photos I took on my journey and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  

Mahalo for all of your support!

Katrina Langford      

Printing Katrina Langford's new logo onto transparent paper to burn onto the screen  

A yellow light bulb was used to turn the "Man Cave" into a dark room

After applying emulsion to the screen the logo was burned out by exposing it to light

A stand needed to be built for the flash dryer to cure the T-shirts properly

Testing out the first print

Curing the ink with the flash dryer so it doesn't wash out

The back of the black shirts are complete!

Mixing the right shade of pink for the next order of shirts

Hi everyone! 

I hope this update finds you well and you are enjoying life.  It will be an extra special day when your Katrina Langford Kickstarter package arrives in the mail! 

I've been working hard creating the first two packages for my loyal backers as the materials have arrived.  Collaborating with local photographer Kelli Bullock, her assistant Dru Saunders, and our talented model Charleen Ocariza we created a beautiful Mahalo (or Thank You) card set.  To view behind the scenes images from the Mahalo themed photo shoot visit the Katrina Langford Facebook Page.  While you're there don't forget to "Like" us! 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.317554588306671.76654.263445847050879&type=3

So far I have sent out the Mahalo cards & sticker pack and was excited to mail the garment bags today!  I'm still waiting for some survey responses so if you haven't replies yet please do so as soon as possible.  It will take only a few minutes of your time and will help me make sure you get exactly what you want.

The next step is screen printing the T-shirts so that I can get the third package in the mail.  I've received the blanks and am impressed with the quality and comfort of the shirt.  It's really soft and made out of organic cotton, recycled soda bottles, and plant cellulose.  The manufacturer claims that unisex styles run oversized for women, but after washing mine it was pretty true to size.  Keep that in mind if you haven't placed your order yet.

I hope that you enjoy these items featuring my new brand and logo.  After I complete the first three packages I will start working on the one-of-a-kind scarf collection packages, which should ship out close to their expected delivery dates.  

Thank you for making this all possible through your generous donations.  My small business is already growing thanks to this experience and it's not even close to being complete.  Here's to what the future will bring!

Mahalo,
Katrina Langford

Howdy Kickstarter backers (I got sick of saying Aloha!),

As you know, I recently sent out a survey to collect the information I need to order materials for your packages.  Thank you to those who have responded.  It's only been a few days and I know you are all busy, but the sooner I get your reply the sooner you will get your package in the mail!

Each phase of my Kickstarter has been a different learning experience.  I am lucky to have this opportunity to grow as a designer and learn more about sourcing materials and production.  What I'm observing now is that sourcing, placing the order, turn around time to manufacture the goods, and shipping is taking a lot longer than I expected.  That's why I'm asking that if you haven't done so already, please complete your survey as soon as possible.

Your timely response is greatly appreciated and will allow me to stay on track with my estimated delivery dates (or at least as close as possible!).  I will be updating you on my progress as my orders arrive and let you know when you can expect your special delivery.  

Thanks again for making this all possible!  

Katrina