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Member in Focus - nicegirl
Deepika   Intermediate MA USA Member since 11/28/01 Posts: 10911 Founder	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/16/10 3:21 PM Member in Focus: nicegirl Member Since: May 2006 PR Name: nicegirl Full Name: Katrina, but I go by Trena Birthday: August 31 Blog: http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com How did you learn to sew: I learned to sew from the time I was old enough to hold a needle! My mom loved to sew and I was hand-sewing her scraps into Barbie clothes by the time I was 5 or so (wish I still had some of them). I did my first sewing machine project when I was around 12, a self-drafted nightgown...without my mom's supervision or, um, permission. By the time I graduated from high school, I was fairly proficient and made my own prom dress. What aspect of sewing do you find most challenging: I do not have a 3-D mind. So if it's not totally obvious how pattern pieces go together, it takes a lot of concentration and mind power to figure out how to assemble the piece. But that is a big part of why I like sewing...it challenges my brain. I am also not into precision, as my blog name attests! So steps that require me to be exact take extra concentration for me. Which sewing book do you refer to most often: Believe it or not I don't own any sewing books! I keep meaning to pick one up but I haven't. You can find a lot of information on the Internet! I think I would probably like Fit for Real People as I need many alterations. What are your sewing goals for this year: Hmmm, well I finished the "Tuxedo Jacket of Doom" (Burda Magazine 12-2008-116), which was a goal for the year. For Fall/Winter 2009, I made several pieces in a tailored, professional style and I think I would like to make my Spring/Summer wardrobe a little more professional as well, with some structured sheath dresses rather than comfy knit dresses as I usually make. Ironing is such a bother, though, which is why I love knits! What are you sewing right now: I have a skirt (to go with the tuxedo jacket) that needs some hand finishing, which I save for when I am hanging out or watching a movie. I am also working on Burda Magazine 2-2008-119 tie neck blouse, also to go with the tuxedo jacket suit. Next up is Simplicity 2497 to wear to a wedding next month. Pick your favorite pattern: OK, that's hard! I've written 160+ pattern reviews and have made many more patterns than that in my life (there are usually a dozen or more items each year that I don't get a chance to review). I really can't choose a favorite pattern of all time, so I will choose my favorite pattern of 2010 so far, Burda Magazine 02-2009-123 wrap blouse. I can't wait to make this for Spring with flutter sleeves! What you love most about PatternReview?: I really love the camaraderie and being with people who share my interests. Although I was an early adopter of "Web 2.0" Internet participation, for some reason it never occurred to me to look for a sewing community. I googled a pattern number in 2006 for some reason and found PR and haven't left since. I went to my first PR Weekend in NYC shortly after finding the site and was so excited to meet other people. And of course I met MissCelie through PR and we are now good friends in real life. Any other hobbies? I started making jewelry after I graduated law school and had time to myself in the evening for the first time ever. I never enjoyed sewing during the week because I like to do a project in one fell swoop. Lately I have adopted the "30 minutes a day" philosophy for sewing during the week and it is working for me. I still make all my own jewelry, though. I also love to cook (I'm a vegetarian) and I spend a lot of time at the gym. I read a lot. Your profession, where do you live, etc. I am a lawyer and I work for the federal government in the area of data security and privacy. I like sewing as a contrast to my profession because I produce something tangible from the sewing machine in a matter of hours, rather than something intangible after months or years! I've lived in Washington D.C. for about 7 1/2 years, the longest I've lived in any city since I was 9 years old. I've also lived in Southern California, Texas, and Louisiana. I live by myself with no pets, yet it is somehow mysteriously very messy in my condo. Hmm, what else? I hate pants. Although I like jeans and wear them on Fridays and for weekend grocery runs, I just don't wear non-jeans pants. In Fall/Winter 2009, I wore pants one time when it was just too cold to wear a skirt. ------ - Deepika Founder, PatternReview.com Blog: http://www.deepikablogs.com
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8909	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/16/10 10:53 PM Kudos on this choice!Great blog, great reviews, great sewer. m ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
loti   Advanced FL USA Member since 5/27/04 Posts: 3507	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 0:28 AM Trena always has great photo shoots and knows how to accessorize (she must have a stash of glasses, tights & footwear)! She also does the neatest job of sewing & designing hats. Congrats!! ------ "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” Coco Chanel Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting... http://adonising.blogspot.com
Gelbean Intermediate PA USA Member since 2/17/08 Posts: 855	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 9:24 AM Nicegirl is one of my favorite reviewers! I'm always interested to see what she comes up with next. ------ Bonnie
MissCelie   MD USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 2126 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 10:16 AM It seems like just yesterday that Trena and I were arranging our first blind date. Three years later she continues to inspire me online and off! Great spotlight! ------ Cidell www.missceliespants.com
frame Advanced USA Member since 2/19/04 Posts: 2039	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 10:29 AM From her purple fur coat to her mermaid outfits, Trena always sews fun! And she writes some of my favorite reviews. Always a pleasure to see what she is sewing. ------ "framed" was taken
Peter in NYC Intermediate USA Member since 6/9/09 Posts: 323	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 11:09 AM Trena is so incredibly productive -- it's just not right! ;) ------ You'll be in stitches at malepatternboldness.com!
petro   Intermediate FRANCE Member since 6/24/07 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 1:54 PM The slapdash sewist is one blog I check out regularly, written by someone who puts creative ideas first. Thanks Trena. ------ so many patterns, clamouring to be sewn http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
pterion   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 11/29/04 Posts: 767	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 1:59 PM I love Trena's reviews! They are always fun, thorough, and well-photographed.
SueV   Intermediate CA USA Member since 1/29/04 Posts: 595	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/17/10 2:32 PM You've inspired me to make more dresses AND to coordinate my glasses to my outfits :0 I am also a regular visitor to your 'blog great reviews and information ------ Sue V http://sewqwk.blogspot.com/ http://seweasyknits.com/

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