Wednesday, January 18, 2017

1st sewing retreat of the year!!!

Just got back from my first sewing retreat of the year!  It was a wonderful event.  There were only ten of us which meant we had plenty of space to set up and sew!!!!  The center is located off the beat and path so there's plenty of beautiful scenery and quite!!!

I'm happy to say that I accomplished quite a bit at this retreat!!!!  I brought along projects that didn't get started on at the November 2016 retreat.  Pre-cutting is key!!!!!

I also took the time to organize my sewing area at the retreat.  I placed all of my much needed notions:  seam ripper, shears, tape measure, rulers, etc in a basket and placed it at arms length on the table.  I re-organized my tote organizer that I take to classes and retreats.  Over the years it's gotten pretty unorganized, and I didn't really know what all was in it!!!!!  I found that I had too many duplicate items in this organizer.

I have had this coat pattern and fabric for two years.  My sister and I purchased them for her in Savannah, GA when I last visited her.  Why she needs a wool coat I don't know!!!!!  Well anyway I cut it out and started working on it the night before the retreat. 

When she comes this weekend, I'll fit her for the button hole placement.
 
The brocade lining fabric is from my deceased friend's stash.  Looks like a match made in heaven!  Get it!!!  Thanks Yulander!!!
 

This warm coat was started back in October---I was able to complete it at retreat.  Love the way it looks, stylish and warm!  I can wear it to church on Sunday!!!! It looks great on both sides so I was able to use that to my advantage for the facing and sleeves.  It's really too bulky to add a self fabric facing so I just left the edges raw and turned.  I love the results.

 


Because the fabric is beautiful inside and out===there really was no right or wrong side.  The contrast is perfect!




This cute peplum top is made using one of the fabrics I purchased in Barcelona.  It's a soft brushed stretch fabric.





 

 

I also made this simple top for a friend.  I call it the "candy corn" top!  She purchased this fabric in Ghana.

 
 

I was commissioned to make a cushion for the church bench that was recently placed in the vestibule.  I found this beautiful fabric years ago at "Ebad's" on 8th Avenue in New York.



 

  I love the way this turned out.  I used a wool crepe purchased in Metro Textiles in the NY garment district.  I used a rotary cutter to trim the edges---no hem necessary.
 

 
 
This was a very productive sewing retreat!  As always, a great time was had by all!!!

Oh last but not least, the food was scrumptious!  We were served three home-cooked meals a day!

 
Until next time!  Happy sewing!!

3 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

You got a lot done! That's on my list to attend a sewing retreat because I'm always enthralled by what everyone completes on one of these weekends!

Tee said...

Preparation is key!!! You must cut out before the retreat, then you can sew, sew, sew up a storm!!!!

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