Thursday, May 19, 2016

Pattern Review Weekend 2016: Chicago

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Deepika took this picture of me explaining my neoprene binary backpack during the Accessories Contest

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Stephanie embodies the spirit of PR weekend!

Here are some personal and/or random notes from the weekend:
  • This was my 7th PR weekend in a row
  • My best advice to any PR weekend newbie is to take the week off afterward.  I've taken the week before off, the week after off, and no time before/after off, and honestly, taking the week after off is best.  Take the week off before, and you're madly sewing in your personal sweatshop before the conference, then attending the conference, and subsequently finding yourself back at your desk at work, wondering what just happened, why you are so tired, and what happened to your vacation time.  Taking the week afterward off is pure bliss.
  • I did not go crazy with fabric purchases this year.  My fabric closet was already bursting, I felt strangely overwhelmed in Vogue Fabrics, and I had left behind my PR shopping satchel in the hotel room.  I regained focus at Fishman's Fabrics, but still did not go crazy.
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  • I bought two pieces of leather at Fishman's Fabrics.  I'm targeting bags for both.
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  • My only other purchase was 1 yard of this gold floral print denim from New Rainbow Fabrics.  This will be either a bag or a skirt.
  • I didn't buy anything else!  No patterns, no elastic, no notions.  That was it!  #restrained
  • I won second prize in the accessories contest for my neoprene backpack.  Yay!
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  • My prize was two pieces of fabric from Emma One Sock, pictured above. The curve ruler was a prize for Instagramming #prw2016 a lot.  And the patterned bag was our shopping satchel.
  • I sewed red pull-on jeans like a crazy person the week before the contest to wear during the shopping day.  Yay!
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  • I loved seeing my sewing friends again and meeting new ones!
  • Thank you to Deepika for founding PR and to all the volunteers for making it such a great weekend!  Read her recap here.
  • Next year PR weekend will be in NYC.  See you there?  I will lead a group through the Garment District!

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Wore my PR weekend shopping day outfit today to visit my Great Aunt Iris in assisted living.  She's 100.  She never sewed, but she did crochet that blanket in the background!

Be well!

19 comments:

  1. So much fun to remember the weekend through your pictures. Your backpack was exceptional!

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    1. Thanks so much Anne! The weekend was fun!

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  2. That such good advice to have the week off after to digest it all. You will make great bags with that leather as you always make a terrific bag. Looking forward to seeing those come about. So lots to blog about then!

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    1. Thanks! I just started taking a Craftsy class about sewing leather bags--am taking notes on what I need to buy! :)

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  3. Looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your experience. I am hoping to make it next year!

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  4. You always do such a great re-cap!! It looks like another year of fun, friends, and sewing!! Congrats on winning second place. Your bag is lovely!

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  5. What a great time you had and congrats on the win! I knew your bag was a winner! I will definitely attend next year's PRW.

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    1. Thanks Tomasa! That is great that you'll attend next year.

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  6. that looks like so much fun. it was great to finally meet you when the PR weekend was in San Francisco. New York next year? I might just have to join you.

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    1. It was fun meeting you too in SF! That would be awesome if you attended next year! You should stay a few extra days to see it all!

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  7. I'm in there next year since its here.

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  8. Looks like you had a ball! I was so looking forward to meeting you. Wah! NEXT YEAR!!!!!

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    1. I was looking forward to meeting you too!! See you next year!!

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  9. I love that you wore your red jeans to visit your Great Aunt Iris!

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    1. She seemed to love them too! :) She said the fit was good. :)

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  10. I love your binary backpack. Congratulations on the accessory prize! Shout out to Stephanie, who can design an awesome fashion show collection!!! I also now have gold floral denim fabric envy! :) Nice choice!

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    1. Thanks Pencil Girl! I haven't washed the gold floral denim but I will soon. I hope the gold doesn't all rub off. :)

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