You know how on Project Runway they give the designers a half-hour to choose their fabrics at Mood in NYC's Garment District?
Well yesterday it took four sewing bloggers four times that long to pick out a single print. (But, I believe, we had 10 times as much fun doing it). Witness:
In the end the consensus was on two prints, to be used together. I'm not revealing here what they were — this was not my challenge after all. Oonabaloona dared Gingermakes (both Mood Sewing Network bloggers, so they have the luxury of shopping monthly at this incredible, three-floor fabric store. Jealous much? Yeah, me too) to let her choose the fabric for her next project. If you know Oona's work, then you know she's a print-mixing Sewasaurus Rex. Put her in charge of your next project and you could just end up in this (please don't adjust your computer monitors):
We made quite a mess, and in the end I don't think Gingermakes was too apprehensive about the challenge. I can't wait to see what she does.
Nettie of Sown Brooklyn was also on hand to offer her honest critique of Oona's sometimes-very-out-there choices. It could have easily ended up too-many-cooks-in-the-kitchen, but civility reigned:
Peter of Male Pattern Boldness popped by to direct me to the lovely blue cotton flannel he used to make Michael a shirt a while back (I've been wanting to buy some ever since — for a shirt for Ryan). He ran away at some point because he prefers doing his fabric shopping in dives. But lucky for us, he made some time later for Color Me Beautiful consultations over lunch:
Meanwhile at home, my daughter was apparently playing "going fabric shopping and then sewing a dress to wear to a wedding" with her dad. Here's the garment she made, sent to me via BlackBerry (very avant garde, non?):
It was a wonderful day, and I came home with a bag full of goodies: the blue plaid cotton flannel and pearly snaps for Ryan's shirt; a bird-print cream and grayish-purple silk chiffon for a top for me (I already bought Pattern Runway's Pussy Bow Blouse pattern to use with it), and all the cheap poly satin, tulle and trimming I need to make my daughter a Cinderella dress.
(I should note when I showed it to her, she sighed deeply and said, "Well, I guess it's OK if you make me a Cinderella dress." WTF, my dear daughter? Apparently she's into the arrow-slinging Merida — from the Disney movie "Brave" — now. When will I ever learn?)
Hope you're all having an amazing weekend too!
i'd say it was 100% a group concensus. good team, man.
ReplyDeleteyou've got me thinking about that endless no repeat print now...
You're going back for it, aren't you?!
DeleteAHH!! How fun! Yes, I'm incredibly jealous over their monthly allowance.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is adorable. That's a stunning dress.
Her dress is fantastic. I'm rooting for you with the Cinderella dress!
ReplyDeleteShe's got a vision, that's for sure!
DeleteIt was such a FUN day!! And we DID make a mess, lol. But what fun we had doing it ;o) I love to spend time with sewists. Even when you haven't met you can spend the day laughing like old friends.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your daughter's reaction is priceless!
EY! and don't forget your sewing dare, miss Show Us Yer Guts!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes....contemplating a blazer for Spring — sewn to your exacting specifications!
DeleteOh my gah, Lucy is too funny! I love how strong her opinions are! I can't wait to see your pussybow blouse (but doesn't that word just sound... dirty?)!
ReplyDeleteSO awesome meeting you in real life!
I know. "Pussy Bow Blouse." Ick. What an awful name. But the design is cute. IN FACT, it would look great in a certain high-contrast print with a bow done in another certain print...
DeleteI like where you're going with this! Hmm...
DeleteSo jealous that you all get to meet up and talk with each other.. Wish there was other Adelaide sewers I knew about:)
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Sounds like an awesome day and I love how your daughter wanted to do just what mummy does for fun! Play dress ups with fabric! She's so cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fabulous time was had by all! I look forward to coming to NYC again...hopefully before too long!
ReplyDeleteHope I can meet you when you do!
DeleteNote to self: Move to New York to be close to amazing fabric and people. ;)
ReplyDeleteIf you ever visit, you know who to contact for some fun in the fabric district!
DeleteYour daughter's dress is awesome! What a fun day.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteAnd if your kid is anything like my 2 year old, she will "allow you" to make her a Cinderella dress, then start putting her orders in for all the other princesses... (I have been informed that I need to make a Sleeping Beauty dress this weekend and Snow White next week. Seriously. I am dreading the teenage years!)
i'm so jealous! you all look like you had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteVery informative and useful historical post. I see you have a lot of other cool stuff available at your website, simply bookmarking it to check in spare time. Thanks and keep the good work up.
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ReplyDeleteHi Gerry.
Nice to see you build out from the thoughts I shared on Google+ yesterday.You make some very god points regarding the value of Home Design Ideas.
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Wow, what a blog! I mean, you just have so much guts to go ahead and tell it like it is. Youre what blogging needs, an open minded superhero who isnt afraid to tell it like it is. This is definitely something people need to be up on. Good luck in the future, man
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