Home from the sewing frenzy and exhausted. But happy. Barbara and I were sewing demons once again this year at the 5 day retreat our sewing club holds at Lake Tahoe. Such a beautiful setting with fantastic weather and we huddled over our machines the entire time, from 7:30 am to 12:30 at night. 20 minutes for each meal, a little bit of conversation with others but absolutely possessed by the sewing mojo. Between us we created 25 garments. This year we were quite organized ahead of time by planning our projects and cutting them out before going. We found it often congested at the cutting table and hard to concentrate on the important cutting/altering step in the retreat environment. So having our projects prepared before hand really helped.
I found myself really stupid at times and needed Barbara's help figuring out pattern instructions occasionally. What's with that? I think I'm losing it. One project in particular, an Issey Miyake top and skirt that I have made before, was impossible for me to do without her help. Another time she had to help me rip out about 1/2 inch of stitches, black on black, that I couldn't see at all. I spent 45 minutes with no progress and was ready to quit. She worked at it for another 45 minutes while I held a magnifying glass over it and finally got those blasted few stitches out. Thank heavens she was there.
We're already looking forward to next year. I will gradually post about each project. I'm really happy with all of them which is quite surprising to me as about half I considered experiments or possible disasters for a variety of reasons.
10 comments:
That looks like so much fun! Kudos to you to be so organized. When I do this sort of thing, I never get anything accomplished--but it's still fun. I'm also not "agressive" enough to get my turn at the cutting table or the pressing area. Perhaps now that I'm older :-)
Can't wait to see what you made.
What a sweet sewing-sister post! You both look lovely, too.
Sounds like you had a ball! Good for you! I have trouble sewing in a group situation. I lose my concentration. But, I love to go to things like this, regardless.
Sewing retreat! sounds like heaven.
25 garments in 5 days for two women !!!!! This is incredible. Physically you have all my admiration. I don't thing I could do it. Allez hop ! Now you have to show us all the pieces.
What fun. I wish there were a sewing club near me here in Boston. Where did you set up all the sewing machines and equipment? I look forward to seeing all the garments you made.
I love the skirt in the third photo. Which pattern is it from?
JAS, the skirt is from a Linda MacPhee pattern that is one piece shaped sort of like a snail. You cut the piece 6 times at stitch it together. I will post a review and better photos soon.
Looks like a lot of fun!
Ooooohhhh, I would love to do one of those! You look like you had a ball and you were very productive!
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