Oh, what a bittersweet post to write! I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the opportunity to co-host Sew Colette. It truly has been such a wonderful experience.
I want to thank the lovely and talented Sarai Mitnick, maven behind Colette Patterns, for kindly allowing Erin and I to charge ahead with this project and also providing her wonderful support. I knew the first moment I laid eyes on The Colette Sewing Handbook that it was a wonderful tool for skill-building, but little did I know how many wonderful new friends it would bring me. Thank you, Sarai, for writing such an amazing tome that has fueled my passion for sewing even more!
My thanks also goes out to my fantastic co-host, the amazing Erin of Miss Crayola Creepy. Did you know that when Erin began the sew-along she was an experienced quilter, yet she had not sewn many garments for herself? I certainly can't! Every garment she turned out for this project was superbly crafted and I thoroughly enjoyed her forthrightness and creativity. Thank you, Erin, for being an absolutely amazing co-host and friend! I am so looking forward to our next project together.
I am sending my gratitude and thanks to each and every one of you who participated in this sew-along. As with any new project, I am often consumed with an irrational fear that no one will sign up and I am overwhelmed (and not so secretly tickled) to see that as of today, 133 of you thought Sew Colette was something you wanted to join. Thank you so much for making me feel much less than the wallflower I am accustomed to be.
I have learned so much from this project. Prior to starting, I avoided 'slippery' and 'difficult' fabrics like the plague! Even though I will not be wearing my Taffy blouse anytime soon, I am very proud that I completed a personally challenging project. I have plans to use a similar poly-chiffon fabric in a gloriously floaty summer dress this year.
Through the skills learned and built on in this project, my confidence as a seamstress has certainly grown, as well as my comfort level with my own sewing styles and preferences. While I will always enjoy salivating over the couturier-style creations fashioned by Laura Mae and Gertie, I am more than content with being a simple and kitschy seamstress. Prior to beginning the sew-along, I would often find myself questioning my love of cottons, prints, and clothing styles, but no longer! It was Sew Colette that finally gave me the courage to make my Home Sewing is Easy dress and I am amazed every time I wear it how many compliments I receive.
Sewing is such a magnificent skill. It empowers people to make real their dreams of fashion, embrace our diverse figures, and encourages independence from ill-fitting, mass-produced garments.
I am so delighted to have been able to create along with you and hope you will join Erin, Rochelle, and I for our new project! All will be revealed on June 1, 2012!
I am also thrilled to be partnering with Ali and Alessa again for a delightful summer-themed sew along. Stay tuned for details!
9 comments:
I think the best part of this sew-along was making new friends, especially you and Rochelle! Thank YOU for putting this all together and for always being so patient with me. You are the best!! xo
What a wonderful blog post, Sarah!
I´ve been watching you from the sideline as you´ve produced garment after garment, each and everyone so beautiful!
You are such a wonderfully resourceful person, and I admire your sparkle and initiative!
The first five months of this year didn´t turn out quite the way I planned, and my blogging has suffered from it, but it´s been so fun to see what you´ve been up to, even though I haven´t been able to always comment. Keep up the good work! :-)
Aww it's been such a pleasure sewing with you amazing ladies and even more importantly, I now feel like I have some new friends :)
Thank you so much for all your hard work hosting this sewalong - it's been a blast, and I'm pleased to say my first sewalong experience has been a great learning opportunity and I feel like I'm part of a community now! :)
I can't wait to join in the next one! XO
I have been lurking on the sidelines, i got as far as making my meringue skirt muslin before life got in the way of my sewing time. However I have really enjoyed seeing everyones amazing creations and adaptations. They have certainly made me look at some of the patterns i wasn't as keen on in a new way!
Thank you for bringing it all together! :)
When I signed up for Sew Colette, I didn't realize I'd be making some awesome new friends as well as new clothes ;) Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. All of this.
xo
I've had a fab time sewing along with all of you. The sewalong forced me to take some time out for myself. So selfish and so enjoyable!!!!
Thanks for making me feel so welcome. Being older at 48, I thought I was a bit over the hill to wear some of these garments. The sewalong has given me a chance to see things with a new lense and now I have 5 beautiful new garments.
Looking forward to the next chance to work together in this amazing sewing community.
Cheers, Catherine xx
Sarah - Thank You for putting this together for us, and for your help and encouragement throughout. It has been a fantastic experience for me. I am definitely looking forward to next month's plans!
oooooooh???!! new projects??? i'm waiting on pins and needles!!!
I have been enjoying the sew-along. It was great to see what everybody came up with. I haven't been able to follow the schedule but I managed to make the meringue skirt. I will certainly be looking back at the posts as I tackle other projects on the book...so thanks to the three of you.
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