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PatternReview Blog > Archives May 2013
| Tip 271: Details to Draft | By DianeSev on 12/30/11 1:23 PM |
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I love making knit tees like the beautiful ones that run $50-plus in ready-to-wear. I have found that I can redesign the neckline shape easily with waxed paper. It's fun to get creative and try different shapes:
- Cut a piece of waxed paper large enough to span from shoulder to shoulder.
- Draw a line perpendicular to the "shoulders" down the center with a Sharpie - this is your center front line.
- Fold the paper in half on the line and cut a 4" (10.2 cm)-deep wedge out at the top to create room for your neck. Unfold.
- Press the waxed paper against your collarbone area - it will stick to your skin if you wear only your bra.
- Stand in front of mirror and with the Sharpie, draw a neckline shape you like. If the paper isn't smooth, click it more at the neckline area. Mark the top of the "shoulder seam" at the base of your neck on each side.
- Transfer the shape to your pattern. Remember to add seam allowances.
Submitted by ryansmum.
Deepika adds: To be more accurate, you might want to trace your original pattern neckline, shoulders, and armscye onto the waxed paper first.
This tip is from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips.
Download a full chapter.
1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips
makes a great gift for you or another sewer in your life!
Order it now, signed by Deepika!
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| PR Day Winnipeg/Manitoba | By DianeSev on 12/22/11 10:51 AM |
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by barebear
So, ages ago (on November 19 to be exact), sewists around the world gathered to celebrate PatternReview's 10th anniversary. While we were a small crowd (of three: SheBear0320, goal100 and myself), a gathering did occur here in Winnipeg.
Photo taken by SheBear0320. Bag owned by goal100.
That is, until I can sneak it into my purse without her noticing.
From left to right: goal100, me (barebear), and SheBear0320.
Photo by SheBear0320's husband, who was a good sport, an ice cream enabler, and
basically hid in his man-cave the entire time, poor man.
The celebration included:
- Tasty scones (a la me, extremely fresh out of the oven when goal100 arrived a bit early to pick me up while they were still baking away in the oven)
Mmm, scones. Photo by SheBear0320.
- Tasty coffee (a la SheBear0320)
- Sewing chatter and oogling SheBear0320's sewing studio (I WANT HOMG)
- Full body measurements (Yay! I finally know how wide my shoulders are and what my crotch curve measurements are - the latter of which was extremely awkward to take, btw)
- An excellent lunch at Mongo's Grill
- FABRIC SHOPPING!
Our fabric haul. Photo by SheBear0320.
- Bubbly back at SheBear0320's place, then a tasty pizza dinner to stave off the effects of the bubbly
Mmm, bubbly. Photo by SheBear0320.
- And finally, an excursion for ice cream (Did I mention it was something like -25C outside? That's just how we 'Peggers roll)
All in all, it was a fantastic day! Exhausting, but so much fun. The best part was meeting two awesome and talented Winnipeg sewists, even if they are horrible enablers. (Stop tempting me to go back to Northwest Fabrics, SheBear0320!)
Also, it turns out that SheBear0320 has the best job in the world and sews for a living (hence her amazing sewing studio). She makes athletic apparel, most notably figure skating outfits, but is branching out to other sports as well. Please go check out her website Chianto by Sheila to see what she gets up to. Someday I'm going to convince her to hire me so that I can spend my days sewing too!
So we hit up three fabric stores that I didn't even know existed in Winnipeg. I'll bet you're wondering what I come home with, eh? I didn't go crazy, but I think I won the fabric race out of the three of us. I found some pretty black underwear elastic, ridiculously priced at 10 cents/m at Economy Textile, as well as a stack of quilting cotton. Need to go back there, because the prices are out of this world!
I found this lingerie pattern for wovens from a local woman at ...uh, I can't remember the name of the place. Not a huge selection of fabric, but they had some unique stuff, and the man who runs the place is apparently a wizard with sewing machine repairs. They also had a room in the back with some lovely pelts and leather pieces. Very cool.
Finally, I was done in at Marshall/North West Fabrics., which is the biggest fabric store I've ever seen! Maybe it's about the same size at Mitchell's, but it's all laid out on one big floor, and everything is sorted according to fabric type. I obviously need to spend more time here, to uh...learn more about different fabric types. Yeah, that's it...
Despite being completely overwhelmed, I managed to pull my wits together enough to track down the wool and lining I wanted to make a winter coat. Aren't they pretty! I love the burgundy. That was entirely goal100, because I was going to make myself get the black wool, and she talked me into going with what I was drawn to, which was the burgundy. It's a melton wool, and the black is a flannel-backed satin.
Obviously I need to fabric shop with other sewists more often. OR NOT, because, youch, I bought a lot of fabric! Thanks, SheBear0320 and goal100!
And thanks, PatternReview, for encouraging your members to celebrate and have fun for your 10th anniversary. Congrats on reaching such a milestone!
Read barebear's blog, Sewing on Pins.
Talk about PR Day with other members!
See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.
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| Are You Ready for New Simplicity? | By DianeSev on 12/19/11 3:46 PM |
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December 22 is the first day of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, so it's a little funny to see that Simplicity has just released their 2012 Early Spring Collection.
So after you've wrapped those holiday presents, move aside those sugarplum fairies to dream of what you'll sew for the spring!
While dresses have been all the rage with PR members this year (see the Best Patterns voting to know what I mean), correct fit is always uppermost in PR members' minds. Here are two Amazing Fit patterns in this collection:
Simplicity 1914 Misses' & Plus Size Amazing Fit Dresses
Click image to enlarge.
Simplicity 1918 Misses' & Miss Petite Amazing Fit Pants
Click image to enlarge.
Knit tops never have a season, do they? With this pattern, you can sew a multiplicity of tops for all seasons!
Simplicity 1915 Misses' Tunic or Top
Click image to enlarge.
And you can never be too early to sew a wardrobe. Check out this Threads design.
Simplicity 1919 Misses' Sportswear
Click image to enlarge.
It's not too early to think about proms and weddings and Sweet 16 parties!
Simplicity 1908 Misses' Dresses
Click image to enlarge.
Simplicity 1909 Misses' Dresses
Click image to enlarge.
Simplicity 1910 Misses' & Miss Petite Dresses
Click image to enlarge.
Simplicity hasn't forgotten the children!
Pictured: Simplicity 1922 Toddler's Dresses Disney Princess
Pictured: Simplicity 1923 Toddler's Sportswear
Pictured: Simplicity 1924 Toddler's & Child's Dresses Project Runway Collection
And here are some standouts in the collection!
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Simplicity 1907 Misses' Dresses
Jessica McClintock
Sizes 4-12, 12-20
Make this strapless or with an around-the-neck tie and show the world your great shape! Choose long or very short, depending on your mood.
Suggested Fabrics: Sateen, Crepe Back Satin, Satin, Shantung, Taffeta.
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Simplicity 1916 Misses' Knit Tops
American Sewing Guild
Sizes 6-14, 16-24
With this pattern, you get six tops. That's right, six! All feature a front cross design, but each varies the sleeve type, sleeve length and bodice.
FABRICS: Sized for stretch-knits only.
Suggested Fabrics: Jerseys, matte jerseys, lightweight soft knits, novelty knit fabrics, stretch lace.
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Simplicity 1938 Misses' & Plus Size Sportswear
Khaliah Ali
Sizes 10-18, 20W-28W
Misses' & Plus Size coat, jacket, pants and knit dress or top sewing pattern…coat & jacket includes separate patterns for B, C, D cup sizes for miss & C, D, DD cup sizes for plus sizes.
Suggested Fabrics: A,B: Sized for stretch-knits only. Cotton interlock, jerseys, two-way stretch, lightweight knit. C,D,E: Crepe, sueded silks/rayons, silk linen, pique, poplin, sateen. C,D also in laundered cottons, batiks, brocade, satin, shantung.
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See all the latest Simplicity patterns.
See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
Please tell me when new patterns come out!
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| PR Day California | By DianeSev on 12/19/11 10:21 AM |
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by Deepika
What happens when a bunch of PR members meet up for lunch? A lot of talking, inspection of each other’s garments, fabric and pattern swaps and of course a lot of good conversation over equally good food.
I just described PR Day California!
Hosted by Kathi R at her lovely Orange County home was everything I just said and more! PR Day California attracted quite a few new members to her home for a friendly potluck lunch.
Sue V distributed Los Angeles Fabric Shopping guides to everyone who attended. Kathi R organized a fabric swap which was really fun.
And look at all this good food! I wish I was there.
The afternoon ended with a scrumptious cake and raffle of the PR Book.
This proves that you don’t even need to step outside the house to have fun.
Want to have me over, Kathi R?
Photos by Cat MacGregor
Talk about PR Day with other members!
See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.
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| Tips 392 - 398: Sewing with Fleece 101 | By DianeSev on 12/16/11 12:25 PM |
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These are all the things I learned while sewing yards and yards and yards of fleece one Christmas.
- Spend money on good fleece. Splurge on anti-pill. (The pilling doesn't damage the fabric, but it certainly isn't attractive.)
- Fleece has a nap! Follow the layout on that pattern guideline.
- Use a zigzag stitch or a serger.
- Most fleece can be used on either side. If you really want to know the intended right side, sprinkle water on both sides of the fabric (in different spots.) The side that wicks the water the fastest is the right side.
- I used a size 14 ballpoint needle and it worked like a charm.
- If pressing is necessary, use a cool iron and a pressing cloth. Test the setting!
- An easy way to tell the right or wrong side of fleece is to hold your fabric by the horizontal cut edge (the cross-grain) and pull slightly. The cut edge will curl to the wrong side of the fabric. it is sometimes hard to tell just by looking, but this little test works really well.
Submitted by Sew it seams.
This tip is from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips.
Download a full chapter.
1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips
makes a great Christmas gift for you or another sewer in your life!
Order it now, signed by Deepika!
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| PR Day DC | By DianeSev on 12/15/11 3:16 PM |
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by Nikki
PR Day DC started off at the Textile Museum. The Textile Museum is located in a 100-year old house in the Kalorama neighborhood, nestled in between the Woodrow Wilson House and the Embassy of Myanmar. The Museum has two floors of exhibits, a gift shop, gardens, and a lecture room.
We started to assemble in the tea room and chatted for at least half an hour. Then we headed over into the main exhibits. The first floor exhibit was "Kuba Textiles and the Woven Art of Central Africa", with ceremonial skirts, tribute cloths, and baskets from the Kuba kingdom. The second floor had both a temporary exhibit on recycled textiles, and a permanent Learning Center with hands-on activities about fibers and textiles.
After touring the museum, we of course checked out the gift shop!
Before heading out for lunch, we got a group shot in front of the museum.
Then we walked a few blocks to Dupont Circle to have lunch at Bistrot du Coin. A few more folks joined the group during lunch. After ordering lunch, we started a swap by passing bags of goodies around the tables. All kinds of patterns, fabric, and notions found new homes, and we also had a raffle of PR-sponsored goodies during lunch.
Due to a snafu at the bakery, the full-size PR cake was not ready for pickup on Friday, so we ended up with a selection of mini cakes instead. We headed down to the park in Dupont Circle to eat cakes; luckily the weather was pretty nice for November!
A smaller contingent decided to head on to Exquisite Fabrics in Georgetown, where the store was having a big sale because they are moving locations. We took the Circulator bus from Dupont to Georgetown and started shopping!
I was good and stuck to my shopping list of linings, but I think everyone found at least some fabric to take home!
We had enough fun that there was interest in having another group outing to go fabric shopping at Michael's in Baltimore. We are planning a trip after the holidays; you can join in the group via this thread on the boards.
Talk about PR Day with other members!
See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.
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| December Giveaway, November Winner, Contest Survey | By DianeSev on 12/13/11 10:07 AM |
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Happy 10th Anniversary to us!
November was a month of fun and excitement during which we celebrated PR Day.
Let's continue the fun by announcing the winner of November's Giveaway!
Every member who had a non-generic avatar or uploaded an avatar to his or her PR account in November was eligible for this random drawing.
The lucky winner is SewingontheSide! And here is a blow-up of her avatar:
She wins Helen Joseph-Armstrong's "Draping for Apparel Design" book and a Seam Allowance Guide, donated by Seam Allowance Guide by Hollie.
Congratulations, SewingontheSide!
And thank you, Seam Allowance Guide by Hollie, for donating this great giveaway!
But the fun's not over yet...
We have one last giveaway to cap off our 10th Anniversary year!
This month, we want to you to "like" us on Facebook! Everyone who "likes" us on Facebook this month is eligible for a drawing to win the Threads DVD archive, donated by Threads.
How do you "like" us?
First go to our wall on Facebook by clicking on the Facebook icon on our blog page (or below):
Then click on the Like button at the top of our Facebook page.
Voila! You have "liked" us!
You must have a Facebook account to "like" us, but getting an account is easy...simply follow the directions when Facebook prompts you to sign up. Sign-up is free.
And before we finish this blog entry, there's one more winner to announce...the winner of the 2012 contest survey!
That is ChoctawCharli, who wins a copy of 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips, signed by Deepika. Congratulations, ChoctawCharli!
Thanks to everyone who answered the contest survey!
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| PR Day 2011 Indianapolis | By DianeSev on 12/12/11 12:09 PM |
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by Dana Mullin, Marketing & Communications Director, The French Seam
The French Seam co-owners, Courtney Young and Linda Compton, were proud hosts of Pattern Review Day 2011 Indianapolis. The 10th Anniversary of Pattern Review Day coincided with the 6-month birthday of Indianapolis fabric store, The French Seam, giving even more reason to celebrate! It was a sincere pleasure to host local guests of PatternReview Day 2011 Indianapolis, as well as those from Ohio and Kentucky.
Activities were planned throughout the day by our PatternReview Day Coordinator, lbreton. Festivities began with a champagne toast. Attendees supported a local food bank with non-perishable food donations and enjoyed newly-found treasures during our pattern swap!
Hosts and owners of The French Seam, Courtney Young and Linda Compton (Mother/Daughter). Photo taken by Dana Mullin, Marketing Director
Special guests included Joan Stoicheff, presenting "Colors, Textures and Patterns." Joan is a Palmer/Pletsch Certified Teacher, trained by Marcy Tilton and was trained in flat pattern design by Margaret Islander. Joan is also author of Fabriholic's Treasure Chest, an organizational tool for patterns and fabrics.
Guests sitting with guest speaker, Joan Stoicheff, presenting "Colors, Textures and Patterns". Photo taken by Dana Mullin, Marketing Director for The French Seam
Pattern Patti owner and designer Cindy Wright debuted the first trunk show of Pattern Patti, displaying patterns and examples of work using a combination of her patterns and fabrics from The French Seam.
Guest vendor, Cindy Wright, owner and designer of Pattern Patti (debut trunk show). Photo taken by Dana Mullin, Marketing Director of The French Seam
The day came to a close with cake and amazing door prize drawings from PatternReview and The French Seam.
Decisions, decisions. Photo taken by Dana Mullin, Marketing Director for The French Seam
Talk about PR Day with other members!
See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.
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| Accessorize With the Scarf for Any Season By Angela Wolf | By Angela Wolf on 12/9/11 11:27 AM |
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A preview into Fall/Winter of 2012 will reveal a love for the "blanket scarf". These scarves are shown in various fabrics and very long, as the name suggests. Two of my favorites are the cashmere with fringed edge and the crocheted afghan, shown below. Yes, you heard me correctly, crocheted afghan - the granny squares just like the handmade afghans we throw on our couch. Thankfully, the asymmetrical design is still in. The only blanket I've ever crocheted definitely would not qualify as an even rectangle. By giving you a heads-up of this trend now, you'll be finished crocheting by next fall :). If crochet is not your forte, with the gorgeous cashmere fabrics available it will not be hard to create your own look.
Here are some fabric ideas for a warm scarf:
- Lightweight Worsted Wool: This fabric does not fray and comes in gorgeous colors. You can easily add trim or a color block design for a couture look.
- Polar Fleece: Just looking for a fun, fast, easy scarf to throw together? Fleece is a great option. This fabric does not fray, it's easy to cut and sew, and it makes a great gift for those of you looking for a few extra ideas this season.
- Faux Fur: If you have not jumped on the faux fur bandwagon for the season yet, a scarf id your perfect opportunity. Remember that faux fur that I purchased from Haberman Fabrics? In one hour, I made the fun scarf shown below. (Check out my blog for a step-by-step tutorial on how to cut this particular faux fur.)
Fashion Designer: Angela Wolf. Photographer: Johnson-Rauhoff. Model: Jennifer Knapp. Hair & Makeup: Shawn Frandsen and Sarah Schilling.
Fashionable Scarves for Summer
Scarves are not just for winter anymore either. Gorgeous scarves and wraps are being shown for the Spring/Summer 2012 season. I am thrilled to see that many of these scarves are hand-dyed and embellished with unique treatments. There are many fabrics you might consider for the warmer climate.
If you plan on hand-dyeing your own fabric, my top three choices would be silk charmeuse, sueded silk, and silk chiffon. Silk dyes beautifully, creating rich colors along with a luxurious finish.
Hand-dye a silk scarf. Create Original Hand-Dyed Fabrics in an Afternoon online class on PatternReview.com begins January 26th.
Novelty fabrics are another idea for lightweight, fashionable scarves.
- Loosely Woven Knits: Picture a colorful, loosely woven knit scarf wrapped around a simple black tank top.
- Printed Fabric Featuring Birds: If you are a bird lover, you will love the prints shown for the Spring/Summer 2012 season. Many of them feature exotic birds either with a small print, hand-painted, or embroidered.
- Color Blocking: We saw color blocking all over the runways for Fall/Winter 2011, yet this trend is not leaving anytime soon. Create a color blocked scarf with a rolled surged edge for high fashion look.
Need some inspiration for new scarf designs? Check out these patterns:
McCall's 6214 Hats, Scarves, Cowl, Fingerless Gloves and Leg Warmers
Simplicity 2170 Scarves by Andrea Schewe
Vogue 8702 Scarves
Happy Sewing! Join me on Facebook, Twitter, or follow my blog for more sewing tips. :)
 Angela Wolf is the designer and founder behind ABO Apparel, Angela Wolf Ready-to-Wear and ABO Sport. An A-list clientele has given Angela more than fifteen years of experience dressing and fitting many diverse women and has enabled her to understand the different styles that compliment each individual woman. Join Angela on Facebook, Twitter and her blog.
Sign up for a class with Angela!
Starts January 5
Classic French Jacket
Starts January 15:
Fashion Club with Angela Wolf - Embellish with Pleats
Starts January 26:
Create Original Hand-Dyed Fabrics in an Afternoon
Missed Angela's previous columns? You can still read them!
Fabrics for the Holiday Season
Faux Fur
A Few Fall 2011 Fashion Trends
The 70's
White, it's Everywhere... How to Wear It
How Will the Royal Wedding Affect Fashion?
A Touch of Glamour
The Love/Hate Relationship With the Popular Trends...Wide Leg Pant and the Skinny Jean!
Fashion Tips & Trends with Angela Wolf
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| Vote for the Best Patterns of 2011 | By Deepika on 12/8/11 2:43 PM |
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 | Can you believe the year is coming to an end? Like every year, it's time to vote for the Top 10 Patterns of the year. As is the tradition, once your votes are in, we will publish the results in our Best Patterns Article next year. The patterns below are the nominees for this year. Click on the photo to see more info on each pattern and pick your top 10 list.
 (Voting ends December 31st ) |
New This year!
We're going to do two more titles this year. Member's Favorite : Big 4+ and Members' Favorite: Independent.
Voting ID: 1
New Look: 6648 Misses Knit Tops
 | Voting ID: 21
Colette: 1013 Crepe
 | Voting ID: 3
Simplicity: 2497 Misses Dresses
 | Voting ID: 4
Simplicity: 2443 Misses' Dresses
 | | | Voting ID: 5
Simplicity: 2444 Misses' Dresses
 | Voting ID: 6
McCall's: 6078 Misses' Tops
 | Voting ID: 7
Simplicity: 2406 Misses Dresses
 | Voting ID: 8
Vogue Patterns: 1179 Misses' Dress
 | | | Voting ID: 9
BurdaStyle Magazine: 09-2010-121 Turtleneck Top
 | Voting ID: 10
Butterick: 5562 Misses' Top
 | Voting ID: 11
Simplicity: 2250 misses dresses
 | Voting ID: 12
Vogue Patterns: 1220 misses dress and belt
 | | | Voting ID: 13
Vogue Patterns: 1224 misses dress
 | Voting ID: 14
Simplicity: 2209 Misses' Dresses & Jacket
 | Voting ID: 15
Simplicity: 2246 Misses' & Miss Petite Sportswear
 | Voting ID: 16
Simplicity: 2245 Misses' Sportswear
 | | | Voting ID: 17
Vogue Patterns: 1236 Misses' Dress and Belt
 | Voting ID: 18
Vogue Patterns: 1250 Misses Dress
 | Voting ID: 19
Vogue Patterns: 1247 Misses' Top and Skirt
 | Voting ID: 20
Collete Patterns: 3 Sorbetto
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| PR Day: Seattle | By DianeSev on 12/5/11 4:19 PM |
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by Jacqui315
When I saw that PatternReview was celebrating its 10th Anniversary by holding worldwide gatherings, I jumped at the chance to organize one in my area. It was the only way to ensure that we’d be celebrating in Seattle. My daughter just finished with her first Nutcracker season, so I finally have a moment to write about it. She danced beautifully in her parts as one of the big mice and in waltz of the flowers. I wish I was as successful in my first year volunteering behind the scenes – I volunteered in another committee in addition to my assigned one (apparently a big no no), ran out of big nutcrackers (who knew they would sell after sitting unsold the last few years), made the coffee a bit too strong (no one knew how much to use) and ran short of ranch salad dressing (that one is totally my bad – of course everyone prefers ranch to French.) Now I’m an experienced volunteer all ready to start again in nine months.
As November 19th approached, the forecast started showing possible snow showers in our area. Snow in Seattle generally spells chaos on the roads as we are not accustomed to getting much snowfall. Our vehicles are not very snow compatible. Nor are we used to driving on it. I had started receiving messages of cancellations, understandably so. The snowed stayed away but we kept the chilly temperatures. I thrilled when I walked into Nancy's Sewing Basket and saw that several people were able to make it.
There were fourteen of us to greet our special guests, Liz Pursley and Gina Moorhead of Sewn Square One Patterns. If you haven’t heard of this line, maybe it’s because it’s only one year old. I learned of these patterns at work, where I have a trendy boss who discovered these patterns right from the beginning. We learned that the Sewn Square One pattern line was launched with six patterns and a seventh one was just introduced. We were treated to a trunk show of all their patterns sewn up. What I absolutely love about these patterns is that they can be dressed up or down. It’s the perfect Northwest wardrobe. I wore the Go Anywhere dress. I wore it with flats that day, but I also have the perfect ankle booties to dress it up.
I saw beautiful fabrics purchased by our attendees. I stocked up on specialty ribbons and notions I can’t find locally. I can’t wait to bring my daughter back to the ribbon room when it comes time to make her confirmation dress. I spotted some beautiful heirloom style trims.
After shopping at Nancy's Sewing Basket (where the staff is as kind as ever!), the majority of us continued onto brunch/ lunch at Emmer and Rye. We had a chance to chat some more with Liz and Gina.
Our tour continued to Seattle Fabrics. It’s the go-to place for ALL activewear fabrics.
There were huge rolls on tall walls. We found all kinds of Polar Tech fleeces and rain wear like Gore Tex available in great colors.
The glittered upholstery fabrics weren’t limited for use on boats only – they had a great sample of the upholstery fabric sewn up into a messenger bag. Too bad I didn’t think of taking a picture of it. They also have an impressive selection of patterns from leotards to sleeping bags to horse capes. I bought a Jalie leotard pattern I had missed seeing before. It looks perfect for my daughter’s ballet classes.
Finally, we ended our day at Pacific Fabrics in Northgate. We found a beautiful variety of fabrics for quilting, apparel and special occasion as well as a big and colorful selection of trims. Again, I wish I would have remembered to take more pictures. I would’ve liked to show you everything these shops have to offer. I stocked up on corset making supplies at Pacific Fabrics. I was able to find steel boning in a variety of lengths and steel busks.
The staff at Pacific Fabrics was kind enough to let us use their classroom. There we enjoyed our PattternReview celebration cupcake cake. We also held our drawing for an autographed PatternReview Tips book and a 10th Anniversary Patternreview Tote and had a swap. There was a lot of fabric and patterns (including Burda magazines) for the swap thanks to the generous offering of our attendees.
It was a long and chilly day, but I was happy to spend it with a great group of fellow sewists.
Visit Jacqui315's blog.
Read the other blog posts about Seattle PR Day:
Sewn Square One
Sew Maris
Talk about PR Day with other members!
See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.
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| Vote in the Refashion Contest | By Deepika on 12/2/11 3:55 PM |
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Refashioning, reconstructing, recycling or upcycling. It's good for the planet and it makes a fun contest.
We asked our members to take an item and create a new and different garment or and accessory from it. A before and after photo was one of the requirements and we asked that the new item must be a garment to qualify for this contest. So take a look at these entries and pick a winner!
See the rules
Go to the Contest Gallery to Vote
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| PR Day Minneapolis | By Deepika on 12/1/11 12:36 PM |
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- by Sharon M
Every year, after the PatternReview weekends I would lurk among the PR boards reading about all the fun.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I was green with envy.
After all- I was reading about late nights filled with wine and laughter, shared dinners and inside jokes, fashion shows and fabric shopping, and of course the bonding between sewing friends. As much as I've wanted to attend one of these events, finances just haven't allowed it.
Which is why I jumped at a chance to take part in the PR Day 2011 being held worldwide Saturday, Nov. 19.
Ten of us began the celebration early and met for dinner at the Mall of America the night before. Dotes wore her lovely animal print coat making it easy for us to spot her outside the restaurant. We let out squeals of delight when we reconized one another and finally had the chance to meet face-to-face.
The bond was immediate and 10 almost-strangers began friendships that night.
The conversation over dinner could have lasted all night. Now I really understand all those late nights during the PR weekends.
On Saturday - THE BIG DAY - we met at our favorite fabric warehouse, SR Harris.
Everyone was greeted with a lovely little welcome packet.
We then got down to business-after all we had less than three hours to get through the entire building!
By the time we were ready to head to our next destination - the uber-cool Crafty Planet - the first snowstorm of the season had begun.
With some discussion as to whether or not we should reschedule the group, in true hardy Minnesota fashion,we plowed ahead. (No pun intended...but it would have been nice if the plows had been out as the roads were getting icy. )
The short commute from SR Harris to Crafty Planet took a bit longer than usual but everyone made it safely.
And only one person almost had an accident. Me! On the cloverleaf to enter one freeway a car spun out in front of me and came to a stop sideways on the road. While I was trying to stop my car on icy road I was also trying to decide which ditch would be less likely to cause my car to rollover. Fortunately my car came to a stop partially off the road, the car behind me managed to stop and the car that had slid slowly manuevered their way back onto the freeway. And that was my welcome to Minnesota winter driving.
Okay, back to fun stuff.
We were able to participate in the Fabric-by-Fabric One Yard Wonders book release party being held at Crafty Planet. This second book is just as great as the first one! I'll have a review and a giveaway of the book in the near future as part of the book blog tour.
After signing books and posing with the authors, Rebecca Yaker and Trish Hoskins (Crafty Planet owner),
I rejoined the rest of the group who was busy oohing and aahing over all the great cotton fabrics, designer patterns, yarns and trims that fill the store.
We regrouped at Fat Lorenzo's for drinks and show and tell...
And celebratory chocolate cake...
Which we ate BEFORE dinner :-)
I've long known that the online sewing community is (for the most part) warm, friendly, giving and talented. And this group is no exception. The projects that were shared would amaze you - there is a lot of talent in this small group.
Due to the weather, we had a smaller group than what was originally planned and ended the evening sooner than we might have otherwise. But we've already begun talking about a gathering after the holidays. Although we're not too sure we can wait that long.
Now, not only do we have our own inside jokes but we have the beginnings of life-long friendships due to PR Day 2011.
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Wow, great tip!
1/4/12 12:09 PM