Frances Suzanne | Sewing with Sisters

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Spring Fever Sass

How about a little Project Run & Play 'flashback'?? Before PR&P began their All-Star season, a challenge was announced to remix Jess' {the sewing rabbit} Spring Fever dress.

So, we came up with this 'remix' of the pattern...

Me Sew Crazy Spring Fever Remix {by FrancesSuzanne}

And, you can read more about the process here...

Months after completing the remix challenge, we had the opportunity to pass it on to EA. While the fit was spot-on, the length was not....so we took off the final tier of the dress, and passed it on a second time.....

The verdict?? SUCCESS!

And, now, as we sit twiddling our thumbs {hardly - but it sure sounds good, doesn't it?}....discussions of season 7 themes have commenced! Have any of you had similar conversations, and if so - what do you think liZ and Elizabeth have up their sleeves for the upcoming season??

Only time will tell....but as always, we look forward to the inspiration provided -

week in and week out!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A Continuation: Flip this Pattern {!!!}

Patterns first, shall we? Selecting twelve patterns (one per month) was absolutely heart-wrenching! We took into account various seasons, gender-based, cottons vs. knits, and the potential for “flipping”….and when it was all said and done, here is the "Flip this Pattern" line-up for the year.

We combined large companies with small companies; established ones with ones just beginning pattern sales; etsy shops - several PDF patterns, and others with paper patterns only. Many of these patterns we haven't even sewn before {okay....truth be told: some we don't own....yet...}. All the patterns, though, hold a common thread - ones we felt had endless possibilities for flipping!

And, WOW, what an amazing response received from these companies!! Many have provided their feature month's guest bloggers a complimentary pattern, and are planning some pretty awesome discounts and prizes for YOU during their scheduled month....just saying.

But, wait.....what about the guest bloggers??? Oh, brace yourself.... Are you ready? Sitting down for this??

Speechless, huh?? We were too...as the pieces to the series began to fall into place. Phenomenal was the word that kept coming to mind!! These fabulous bloggers are ready to knock your socks off with their 'flipped' creations. And, YES - the smack-talking between some has fully commenced!

So, don't twiddle your thumbs....crank up those sewing machines, and get to sewing! Heidi's Bubble Pocket Shorts from E&E Patterns is kicking off the series on June 5. And, yes - there will be some pretty exciting announcements regarding June's feature pattern in the weeks to come!!

*Please note: creations sewn within the past six months may be linked and contributed to the monthly sew-along linky parties. These do not have to be completed within the month of the feature pattern.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Introducing: Flip this Pattern {!!!}

Today is the day we've been thrilled to share with you for quite some time....Okay, seriously.....like waiting on the edge of our seats excited!!

It's our first sewing series to host, and we think it is going to be fantastic!!

The “Flip This Pattern” series is a YEAR-LONG SEWING EVENT, running from June 2013 – May 2014! It consists of twelve “flipped patterns,” sew-along linky parties for each one, and some fun prizes along the way….

Why “Flip This Pattern?” It is a loose spin-off on the television series, Flip this House (although unlike the show, each of the chosen patterns is a WONDERFUL, stand-alone pattern). We are dependent on patterns, and love to add details / special features to make outfits more ‘ours’ along the way. We are always intrigued by the way others use a given pattern and create their own ‘take’ to it! “Flipping” can be as simple as fabric selection/s, or as complex as adding various ‘details’ to an outfit. Think of it as “icing on the cake” – making something good, even better!

Three to four guest bloggers will ‘flip' the chosen pattern as the month progresses. Everyone is invited to participate in a monthly sew-along linky party….specifically set up for the 'flipped' pattern of that month.

What will the run-down of a given month look like? Here is a generic ‘flow of events….’

MYSTERY PATTERN ONE: ?????? {is the suspense killing you???}

Final week of the preceding month: discount codes available for the flipped pattern, giveaways of the pattern, and prizes announced for the guest contributor and sew-along winner
{*offers and prizes will vary each month....}

First Wednesday of the month: sew-along linky party opens

Following 3-4 Thursdays (depending on the calendar): guest contributors share a 'flipped version' of the given pattern

Friday (following the final guest contributor's flipped version): public voting of the guest contributors' creations; sew-along linky party closes

Sunday: public voting ends

Final Tuesday of the month: Winners announced

**And the cycle continues with the next month's pattern!

And, since we are such the tease, come back tomorrow to see both the patterns revealed, as well as the phenomenal line-up of "Guest Contributors / Competitors / Flippers" waiting in the wings. And, yes, for the record: there may or may not have already been a little smack-talking going on behind the scenes with some of these ladies.....

Grab a button....and let the countdown to the showdown begin!