I know this is a little late, but I’ve been meaning to recap a bit about my Project Run & Play experience.  Season 3 is officially over.  And it was awesome!!  All the competitors were fantastic and I was inspired every week.  The ladies over at Simple Simon and Co. did an AMAZING job organizing the competition and running the blog and because of the sew-along opportunity they created, I was very much involved for the last 8 weeks or so.  I had a great time participating in the sew along and although I miss it, I’m definitely ready to get back to all the things I was putting off for so long.  But before I do, I wanted to look back on the things that I’ve made and all the things I got out of these challenges.

First and foremost, IT WAS FUN.  I loved having a theme for each week’s project, brainstorming ideas, and searching the web for inspiration.  I loved seeing everyone else’s outfits pop up in the flickr pool and ooh-ing and ahh-ing over how unique and creative all the designs were.  And I loved giving and getting feedback from other people and making new connections, being introduced to awesome new blogs and “meeting” fantastic people.  Seriously, it was so. much. fun.

Week 1: Junebug Remix
Winter Romper

It was great being pushed to try new things.  And I tried a lot of new things!  Like sewing with knits.  And sewing a real jacket with facing.  And trying an illusion neckline.  And lots more!  I loved having a reason to challenge myself week after week.  And it was fun sketching out an idea and coming up with a way to make it happen.  It wasn’t always a complete success, but I learned enough to have the confidence to try again and try other new things too (cuz what’s the worst that can happen?).  I feel like it’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Week 2 – Boys
Boy-cycle Wear

Other benefits – Yuki got a whole bunch of new clothes AND I got a bunch of fun photos of her!  And I feel like I’ve started to define my signature look!  I’m still trying to figure it out, but the more I make clothes, the more it’ll naturally emerge and evolve and that’s kind of exciting.

Week 3 – Sewing Through the Decades
60s Flower Child

Before the season started, I thought it would be great if I could participate in all 5 of the challenges and I did!  PLUS the signature look challenge they added at the end.  There were other goals I set for myself that I met, which was a great feeling.  Two things that were confirmed though were is that I’m indecisive and I’m a procrastinator.  Every week I’d spend most of the time trying to come up with what I wanted to make.  Then I’d rush to the store to get fabric and stay up REEEEALLY late trying to finish in time.  I’d have to cram in a photo shoot in there somewhere and although I got it done, I always felt I could have done better with more time (I guess we all do).

Week 4 – Outerwear
Gray Day Peacoat

While I loved the experience and am so glad that I did it, it’s definitely time for me to move on.  I have been putting off tons of projects, house work was constantly neglected (not that it isn’t normally, but it was especially bad).  My work suffered.  I was sleep deprived, always busy and pretty much obsessed.  There were some moments when I thought that it probably wasn’t healthy.  AND I WASN’T EVEN AN ACTUAL CONTESTANT.  I’ve thought about what it would be like if I was actually competing and trust me, it wouldn’t be pretty.  Plus, I am very competitive, but also very sensitive and the idea of putting such personal work out there for people to judge freaks me out!  I don’t think I’m ready for that yet, so although it’s so great that PR&P is doing open auditions, I’m not planning on trying out.  Maybe in a few years 😛

Week 5 – Special Occasion
Blossom By Blossom Dress

There’s no way I could have participated the way I did without all of the patience, support, encouragement and hard work of my amazing partner, Hideko.  I’m soooo lucky and so grateful!  I also appreciate all my family and friends who have been behind me this entire journey (not just PR&P but for the last half year) and all the people who have reached out to leave feedback and just say hello!  That has truly been one of the best parts about participating in the sew along – connecting with people, making new friends and feeling like I was really joining the blogging community.  So thank you – to all of you!

Week 6 – Signature Look
Starry Beachwear

Ahh – my daughter scribbled all over my notebook!

Project Run & Play may be over, but you can bet you’ll be seeing a lot of kids clothes from me year round.  And I would love to do some tutorials for the pieces I made for the sew-along.  I’ve already had some requests, and really, I’d do it all if I could – but it’s just a matter of finding the time!  But please look out for several tutorials coming up in the coming weeks.  There should be some good ones (I hope)!