thank you

Seriously.

When I was asked to participate in Project Run and Play I was so shocked.
I just wanted to make it past week one....four weeks later and I made it through the finale.
So thank you for your support, your comments, your willingness to go through this journey with me.

The one thing I told myself prior to starting this season was I wanted to challenge myself.
I wanted this to be a learning experience for me. Yes I had some sewing skills coming in but I was making lots of shirts and pants for my boys, because that is what they wear everyday. This was my chance to push myself to do more.

Week one was maybe the biggest challenge of all. Working with a fabric I knew nothing about and taking on a project that was way over my skill. But after multiple hours I learned so many new things from just making this one jacket.

Week two was a whole different story. A look for a girl. Not only did finding a model turn out to be an interesting project, but its just so different to embellish an outfit with girly touches. This is something I rarely do since I have three boys but it turned out to be a lot of fun. Plus I am hoping to copycat a few of these pieces for myself.

Week three was my element- refashioning. To push myself this week I worked with some different techniques. Welt pockets, drafting from measurements, dying a colored fabric, and of course adding a crochet element. There were many points this week where I had to make it work because of the new skills I was working with but apparently it came together because I won this week....wow!

The finale.
This week I worked with some wovens for a challenge. My fabric of choice is definitely knit because of the comfort factor for my boys. But I stepped out on a limb and chose some wovens and dove in. Definitely different than knits- at one point when hemming Case's pants I was wishing I hadn't chosen a woven but I figured it out.

What can I say after finishing it all?
I loved the chance to participate. I loved how my community stepped up and made it apparent that they love and support my work. This wouldn't have happened without a few people. My husband who rallied not only for support but also stepped up to take our boys for hours on end. My good friend Kara who walked with me step by step and was honest when things were not looking good. And each and every one of you who took the time to vote and get me through all four weeks.
So thank you.
I am unsure what direction I will go next. Will for sure keep sewing for my boys and hoping to sew more for myself. (Suggestions on good women's patterns?!)

But should probably clean up the mess that I created the last four weeks....oh...my.