Thursday, September 22, 2011

Anyone Heading to the American Sewing Expo?

Hello friends! I'm packing my bags to head to ASE in the morning, where I'll be competing in Passion for Fashion. (Wish me luck!) Starting Friday morning, I'll be deep in the Project Runway-style competition (though hopefully not behaving in the Project Runway style--you know, throwing hissy fits and breaking down from sleep deprivation and an inflated ego). But tomorrow night I'll have a bit of free time, and it got me thinking . . . anyone up for dinner or a glass of something festive? E-mail me if you are!

Packing for this thing is nerve-wracking. Unlike a certain reality TV show, you're allowed to bring your own fusibles, zippers, etc  . . . and one pattern drafting book. Oh the pressure to decide which one! I decided on Design Your Own Dress Patterns by Adele P. Margolis since my copy has prestigious roots, which must make it lucky, right?

We contestants will get our secret challenge Friday morning, shop for fabric at the show, and then sew all day Friday and Saturday, on the expo floor where attendees can watch (!). The garments will be presented and judged at a fashion show Saturday night. Oh the excitement! And the anxiety, too. Will I choke under the pressure? Burn a hole in my garment? I suppose we shall see. I will report back as soon as possible!

The blog will likely stay pretty quiet until I'm back next week. I have some fun coat and bombshell dress posts planned. Until then--hope to see you in Novi!

P.S. The last step of my skirt sew-along posts is up at BurdaStyle!

40 comments:

  1. that sounds like such a fun event! and an awesome contest! good luck!

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  2. Good luck! Let us know all the details!!

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  3. Oh wow, that sounds so exciting! A live sewing challenge must be so much fun. Hope you have an amazing time.

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  4. This sounds like a fun event! Good luck with the challenge!! I'm sure you will stand up to the pressure. Let us know how it all goes.

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  5. I hope you'll take plenty of pics of the event to share with us (or have a trusty person take them for you!). And good luck!

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  6. Sounds like a lot of fun, though for me it would be really scary. I am such a slow sewer.

    Keeping all fingers and toes crossed for you!!!

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  7. How exciting! I've long maintained I couldn't do a PR-style challenge because I don't really like to drape, and nobody really does flat pattern designing on PR,(which I noticed quickly) but luckily you know how long certain details take and have a strong esthetic. Too bad you might not have enough time to handsew horsehair braid to the hem of a circle skirt..I'm sure you'll astound and delight with your trademarked style and pluck however.

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  8. Good luck sewing. I hope that you enjoy Michigan even though we might have rain this weekend.

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  9. I am planning on going to the expo on Sunday and hope you will still be around. Good Luck at the contest Saturday night!

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  10. I live in MI and can meet you for a short moment in the evening. I'll be at the Expo on Sunday.

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  11. Gertie, where do you get WAXED tracing paper, which you mentioned in a post a while back. I can't source it anywhere and have really looked. Thanks!

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  12. I'm shopping at the expo friday but I'm not attending the fashion show. I've been to the fashion show in previous years-it's fun. I'll have to stop by the sewing area and say "HI".

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  13. Good luck! Wish I was attending.

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  14. Wow, that sounds even more exciting hearing about more details of the competition! Be sure and tell us what designing and sewing under pressure like that is like- I cannot imagine how stressful PR must be. I get the impression that the time goes by so fast! Good luck and have fun!

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  15. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the expo, since we'll be working on house stuff this weekend, but I'm in the area, and I could definitely meet for dinner or a drink. Sending you an e-mail.

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  16. Hi , my post will be off-topic, sorry..
    I would like to thank you so much for this gem-of-a-blog!!.. I loved everything: the sewing, the styles, the awsome tutorials, the positive body image, in short: the works!!.. thanks again, and good luck!..

    Greetings from SaudiArabia, Peace,
    Fatima.

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  17. I just found out about this show and happen to live in south east Michigan. I think I might be stopping by on Saturday to watch you sew like a crazy person!! :D

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  18. Good luck and have fun! We are all rooting for you!

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  19. That sounds like a fun competition! Good luck! Can't wait to see what comes from it. :)

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  20. You will be your FABULOUS self and do great. I'm sending you all the good Karma I can muster. Go get em Gertie! OH....and have fun...:-)
    Lori-alias LaDeeDa

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  21. That sounds like fun! Maybe at the last second, Tim Gunn will show up and let you all know that you'll need a second look made from food vendor items, you can't use napkins, and you have to do it as a team...

    Just kidding! Hope you have a fabulous time. :)

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  22. The competition sounds really challenging! Good luck, I have a feeling you'll win :).

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  23. Cool! I'll be working at the Haberman's booth on Saturday. Good luck!

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  24. How exciting! I am looking forward to pictures...and videos? Have a blast and live up the moment!

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  25. my friend joi is going,a nd I BELIEVE she is judging the competition--she was last year's winner! you must connect with her!

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  26. OOh how exciting! Look forward to hearing how it went and I'm sure you'll be fab, good luck and enjoy!

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  27. can't wait to hear all about it. I hope you did save at least ONE Diva Moment! :)

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  28. Hi Gertie!!!! Good Luck! Although I know that you will not need it!! I Wish I were there! When are you coming to San Francisco? AND when can we expect your book? I am almost finished with your tutorial for the "bombshell dress"- the lesson is simply-"AWESOME"!
    Thanks for all your inspiration!

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  29. Awesome...I'm stopping by the Expo on Saturday afternoon, and I hope to get a chance to meet you. Love your blog!

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  30. Oh, Gertie! I love your blog and it would be such a kick to meet you and see you sew and create. Having a cocktail, well, don't cocktails always make things better? But since I am in NC, it looks like that won't be happening. Good luck and have fun!!

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  31. Good luck, Gertie! I'm sure your garment will be fabulous. Can't wait to hear all about it!

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  32. Best Wishes and have fun with it!

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  33. Good luck Gertie!! I know you'll do just great! Can't wait to see the pics and hear all about the event!

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  34. You go Gertie! I remember how enthusiastic you were when you came to Sew Fast Sew Easy. I love the progress and drive you possess.

    I am doing many modifications to my database and blog in generally over the next week, but would love to write you up. Please email me when you return at gregory@doitdude.com

    Best of luck!

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  35. It was lovely to see you at the Expo and Passion for Fashion show. I loved your contest look. You are excellent under pressure.

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  36. I was at the fashion show!!! I kept saying to my husband "I know her! I think I follow her blog!" So I couldn't wait to get home to see if it was you, and it was! LOLOL Anyway, you did a fantastic job. I loooved your dress!

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  37. Sorry I didn't get to introduce myself properly. Once I realized "Oh hey, that IS her!" We were both really busy.
    ~Trish

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  38. BRAVO! Love the Hemming and the colors are fabulous hunny! What a beaut. I want this in pink polka dot. Lovely

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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