• Home
  • Blog
    • Frances Suzanne
    • Flip this Pattern
  • Flip this Pattern
    • Overview
    • Competitor Flips
    • Sew-Alongs
  • Tutorials
    • Sewing
    • Smocking
    • Free Patterns
  • Heirloom
  • Recipes
  • Contact



Feb
7

26 Comments

Our Final Chapter: Project Run and Play, Season 8


So….another season of Project Run and Play has come and gone! And while it’s been some sort of roller coaster ride, we’d like to think we’ve grown through it all! Competition isn’t for the faint of heart – we’ve definitely had our fair share of the jitters / nerves, second guesses, elation, stresses, deadlines, etc. over the past few months!!

While we’ve shared our “Behind the Scenes” posts over the past four weeks, today is all about reflection on the journey….small tidbits about our time on Project Run and Play, that didn’t necessarily fit in a particular week or category.

This entire experience has been an honor….and an extremely humbling one! Project Run and Play was our first ‘taste’ of the graciousness of the sewing community. The comments shared among fellow sewing enthusiasts was flat-out addicting, and we were hooked… The faithful PR&P sew-alongers are still some of our best blogging buddies, and ones we turn to when needing answers! One sweet friend answered a random Bimaa question one day, while another went on a frantic online search for princess seam coat patterns….both with no questions asked…. Then, a third friend became ‘our conscience’ through it all. We loved giving her our progression updates through the weeks – without showing her a single picture, and her never asking either….a friend indeed!!

When we entered this season, liZ and Elizabeth {the dynamic duo behind Simple Simon and hostesses to Project Run and Play} mentioned the camaraderie among the competitors that takes place behind the scenes. SO. VERY. TRUE. We don’t take a moment of sewing together for granted, nor would we want to sew without the other one…..time and time again we made the comment, “How in the world do these ladies compete alone???” 

We’ve made some new friends along this journey, and even a few connections shared {think: six degrees of separation…..but lessened by five degrees}. Louise, of I’m Feelin’ Crafty, actually knows someone, non-sewing related, from our hometown – of whom we know…..or at least her family. Did you catch that?? Alabama to Washington State = SMALL WORLD. That….and her “boy style” is such an inspiration to the blogging community!! Irene’s {Froo and Boo} chic style and common love for Oliver and S patterns really caught our eye in her many looks…not to mention her adorable children. Jacq’s {begin with b} mad “skill set” had us swooning and her degree of sewing difficulty….was, well …. impressive! We were envious of Jenn’s {a jennuine life} speed, completion, and delivery of challenges, while Karly {Paisley Roots} was an accessorizing queen. 

This season was all about community for us!! It went far beyond the sewing community …. Friends, family, college, and work/school friends were “ALL IN” this process. They faithfully voted each week, supported us, and asked for updates throughout the weeks’ challenges. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have been in the final three. Thanks really isn’t enough…..but we hope each and every one of them knows how much we appreciate them and their support through this process!! They were FANTASTIC!! Then….throw in our local community support….and we were, once again, honored and humbled. We’ve heard that the winter seasons of Project Run and Play are the ‘beast’ as far as photos are concerned, but Loft 212 and our family’s printing business made the perfect backdrops for two of the challenges – signature style and refashion.

Before the season began, we brainstormed a list of “possible sewing techniques” to utilize through the course of the challenges {we also had a list of potential patterns to modify}. It’s interesting to look back and see what we actually used, and what wasn’t incorporated….


Japanese smocking, smocked coat, sashiko embroidery, wide sweater gauge,
negative space embroidery, twisted pleats, fagoting, ruched sleeves, 

corduroy nap, double collar, reverse applique, corded texturing, 
handstitched collar, shadow embroidery, French knots

Detailing is our niche….and creating unique garments from established patterns is our “specialty.” We actually started a series, Flip this Pattern, in an effort to help us see the hidden potential of some already fantastic patterns {check the “Flip this Pattern” tab at the top of the page for more information}. As 2014 progresses, we hope to continue honing into those techniques and would love for you to share your inspirations with us as well….
It’s a nice feeling to look back over our creations and honestly say, “we wouldn’t have done it any differently.” Given our “current skill set”, we gave Project Run and Play, Season 8 our best shot!! Now, with that statement comes some regrets. Such as, we wish we had a larger “skill set” and also been more familiar with various pattern companies and their clothing fit on our nieces. Since EA and CL live an hour away, it posed a major problem on sizing at times. We went with what we knew, loved….and felt the most confident in completing. To put this in perspective: there wasn’t a single piece of our signature style that the girls tried on prior to meeting at the “photo shoot” location. Stressful? Yeah….just a bit….

Our lack of communication with the sew-along participants also made us sad…since it is an aspect we LOVE to do, but found ourselves running behind through the challenges and barely staying afloat – week in and week out! That made following the sew-along very delayed for us, and one we missed….

As far as other regrets?? Weeeellllllll……now that you mention it, we are a tiny bit sad that “B3″ didn’t get to have his/her debut on Project Run and Play. Although it would have been nearly impossible to do three looks per week, it would have been nice to share a new face with you along the way. 

This summer, Sister Momma {and hubby} will officially have THREE, THREE AND UNDER! 
SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! SURPRISE!!! 
**No offense, liZ and Elizabeth….BUT….that’s better than a “finishing spot” {1st, 2nd, or 3rd}
on Project Run and Play any day, right?!?!?

As for our plans and participation in future Project Run and Play seasons?? 
Get ready, sew-along friends…we’ll be back…..



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...




Tweet


26 Comments



christina
9 yearss ago


what a beautiful post! i really enjoyed watching you throughout the whole season. and congrats to sister momma!

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks, Christina!! It was pretty intense….. YOU KNOW the feeling. Now, to begin thinking about the upcoming addition to the family :)…

    (Reply)

Michelle Martini
9 yearss ago


I loved reading this!! You guys are such an inspiration, and seeing your gorgeous creations and cheering along has been an honor.

On an unrelated-to-sewing note, we had three under three, too! Blessings to your sister, her beautiful family, both of you, and all of yours. You guys are winners for sure!!

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks for being so supportive through this! One day we ARE going to meet up “in real life.”

    (Reply)

Michelle Martini
9 yearss ago


^^^Hahaha! *three three and under*

That’s what having three kids will do to your brain. Also, just hopped on the PR&P website and saw the delay in announcing results. If I’m anxious, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling!

This season was awesome! Good luck!

(Reply)

Ashleigh Jackson
9 yearss ago


I have loved your looks this season, just like always! I had three under four when my youngest was born too. Now they are 4, 2, and 18 months. Good luck to sister momma, it’s a fun ride!

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks Ashleigh!! We are gearing up for added excitement with the latest addition….

    (Reply)

sallyavena
9 yearss ago


Well put! The agony of waiting now…

(Reply)

Cindy
9 yearss ago


That is a wonderful news!:)

I’ve really enjoyed your behind the scene posts on the thought process and struggles of each week’s challenge. You all did a wonderful job on each of your looks! Are you burned out at all or raring to start a new project?

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Ummmm, we’re pretty tired and have begun to ‘dig out’ of the mess!! We’ll slack off for a while…and re-energize eventually.

    (Reply)

Suzanne Winter
9 yearss ago


what exciting and fun news!!!! You ladies did such an amazing job all season long!

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks Suzanne! You know the feeling of completion…..

    (Reply)

Joy Candrian
9 yearss ago


Around 30 years ago, I had three under three…#2 & #3 were twins but with sisters like you two, I’m sure she’ll have help & breaks from time to time. You designs are always an inspiration.
http://xoxograndma.blogspot.com

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks Joy!! We probably don’t give her breaks as often as she’d like…. :). Can’t imagine twins!!

    (Reply)

Martha
9 yearss ago


Congratulations on the new victim, uh baby! I love seeing what you both come up with. I totally get the not having the model close by during construction. It causes some sweaty palms sometimes. Great job. I admit to having a difficult time understanding the PRP format. I am missing something. Love what I see, just not sure how it works. :)

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Ha ha!! Thanks Martha!! Your classic, heirloom looks are always such an inspiration to us…. :).

    (Reply)

Charity
9 yearss ago


Congratulations! A new niece/nephew to sew for… =)
Not being able to try anything on until the photo shoot… that would be difficult! It all worked beautifully though.
All of the communication between people is one of my favorite parts of the sewing/blogging world. =)

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Yep….we felt as if we were always playing catch up on the communication end of things, and missed that aspect of the season {who really cares when we comment 3 weeks after the fact, right??}

    (Reply)

RaeAnna Goss
9 yearss ago


Congrats to your sister!!! That is wonderful news!!! It will be fun to see 3 coordinating outfits from you!

(Reply)

    Frances Suzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Thanks RaeAnna!! Sister Momma isn’t into the HIGHLY coordinated outfits, so we have some ‘wiggle room’ to coordinate – but not match :)…

    (Reply)

Paisley Roots
9 yearss ago


Congratulations to your sister!! Our 3 girls are just under 3 years apart and it is crazy and so much fun! Dreading the highschool years a bit…..ha ha!
It was an honor being on this season with you guys! I envy your embroidery skills so much!

(Reply)

frooandboo
9 yearss ago


Sometimes feedly messes with me–all I saw in my reader was an ultrasound photo and was wondering, “whose baby???”. Congrats! You two are amazing!!! Your work is something special and shows all of your attention to detail and loving care that goes into each piece. An honour, indeed!

(Reply)

    Simple Simon and Company
    9 yearss ago


    Irene, I totally did the same thing! I even called Elizabeth before I read the post…danged feedly….
    -liZ

    (Reply)

Kimmie Wilmes
9 yearss ago


Fun! Yay! A new baby : ) congratulations aunties! Your outfits and photography were amazing each week. I loved the Pantone set and especially the embroidery on everything. Congratulations again to your family

(Reply)

Simple Simon and Company
9 yearss ago


Love you ladies.
-liZ

(Reply)

Sarah Seufert
9 yearss ago


CONGRATS on being the 2nd place winner in PROJECT RUN AND PLAY! Sarah Helene, Minneapolis

(Reply)


Leave a Reply









  Cancel Reply

  • Recent Comments

    • Broadway Fabrics on The Building Block Dress: Design Challenge
    • FrancesSuzanne on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • designdreamer on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • Lightning McStitch on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • Jenny on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
  • Subscribe Via Email

  • Find us on Facebook

  • Follow Us on Pinterest

    2280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 443132280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 44313White melamine craft room with raised panel door and drawer fronts and crown molding. Multiple workstations and large island for crafting while standing.
    This is carol byert fallerts studio plans, i like the sitting area, sometimes you just need to think, or read, or look at reference books ds or a laptop.note open space around island work areas.
    Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via FlickrYUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins
  • Oldies, But Goodies

    <
    2021
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    ▼
    >
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb1 Post
    Mar4 Posts
    Apr6 Posts
    May0 Posts
    Jun0 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep0 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb7 Posts
    Mar7 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May1 Post
    Jun1 Post
    Jul1 Post
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun12 Posts
    Jul12 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep6 Posts
    Oct3 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec11 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb1 Post
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr4 Posts
    May7 Posts
    Jun5 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep0 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan3 Posts
    Feb4 Posts
    Mar5 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun4 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep2 Posts
    Oct1 Post
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan1 Post
    Feb2 Posts
    Mar2 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May4 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug10 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov3 Posts
    Dec3 Posts
    Jan6 Posts
    Feb16 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr15 Posts
    May5 Posts
    Jun8 Posts
    Jul11 Posts
    Aug2 Posts
    Sep1 Post
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec5 Posts
    Jan18 Posts
    Feb12 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr16 Posts
    May12 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul18 Posts
    Aug16 Posts
    Sep21 Posts
    Oct15 Posts
    Nov10 Posts
    Dec6 Posts
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb6 Posts
    Mar6 Posts
    Apr6 Posts
    May11 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul19 Posts
    Aug14 Posts
    Sep18 Posts
    Oct10 Posts
    Nov16 Posts
    Dec17 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May0 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug5 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct11 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec10 Posts


  • About Us

    PeekABooAboutUs

    Hi everyone! We are two sisters who lovingly sew for our youngest sister’s children. We are so glad you are here and invite you to join our many sewing adventures! It would be an absolute honor to call you our friend!

  • Follow Us on IG

    No images found!
    Try some other hashtag or username
  • Recent Posts

    • An Oliver + S, Carousel Dress for the Oldest

      An Oliver + S, Carousel Dress for the Oldest

      April 22, 2021
    • A Carousel in the Zoo

      A Carousel in the Zoo

      April 19, 2021
    • And then there were more: Oliver + S, Playtime Tunics for a Tween

      And then there were more: Oliver + S, Playtime Tunics for a Tween

      April 15, 2021
    • Knit Playtimes for the Win!

      Knit Playtimes for the Win!

      April 12, 2021
  • Need Inspiration? Help?

    2280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 443132280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 44313White melamine craft room with raised panel door and drawer fronts and crown molding. Multiple workstations and large island for crafting while standing.
    This is carol byert fallerts studio plans, i like the sitting area, sometimes you just need to think, or read, or look at reference books ds or a laptop.note open space around island work areas.
    Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via FlickrYUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!
    McCalls 7929 Vintage 1960s Girls Dress pattern Size by bellaloona, $6.001960's girl's dress My Grandma made this pattern for my sisters and I!!!1960s McCall's 7994 Cutest Mad Men Era Girl's Five Panel Dress 60s Vintage Sewing Pattern Size 4 UNCUT
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins

Copyright © 2012 Nemesis Theme. Powered by Wordpress.
Wordpress theme by Peerapong
All images are copyrighted to their respective owners.