What’s a convention without some classes along the way?? When we heard Liesl was going to be teaching, we were intrigued!! But, when we heard her subject matter, the deal was sealed…and we began to make plans to attend the 2014 SAGA Convention…

So, our journey began….with a little fabric shopping along the way! What’s a trip south without heading to TJ’s Fabrics and visiting with the wonderful ladies that “make it all happen” there??!? Unfortunately, we couldn’t make a day of it {like we typically do}, but still left with some goodies before continuing on our adventure.

Day One’s class was titled, “Simple Pattern Alteration Techniques.” Liesl designed a dress for the direct purpose of teaching “Simple Pattern Alteration Techniques” to the ladies of SAGA.

We know, we know…..we host a fun, monthly series, “Flip this Pattern” where guest bloggers alter patterns HEAVILY at times. Yet, when it is all said and done, alteration techniques are not our forte. As in, we take a stab at it….and hope for the best!

Yes, we ABSOLUTELY needed this class! And, we learned LOTS from it….the techniques were extremely simple and straightforward, and yet we had been doing many incorrectly. Hello, A-line dresses :)….

So, Liesl taught us….using “paper doll” type patterns – easier for manipulation and experimentation.

It was fun, and eye-opening! Now, we hope to utilize these in upcoming projects. So, stay tuned {because those “paper doll pattern pieces” were an actual pattern….just for us}!!

That afternoon / evening held another treat for us! Teresa {of Dandelion Drift} met us for Liesl’s public lecture, some shopping, and dinner!

It was especially neat to introduce Teresa to Liesl….given the fact she was the winner of July’s “Flip this Pattern” with this Oliver and S, Croquet Dress! Pretty awesome, huh? Teresa has recently celebrated her one year “blogiversary” and is continuing to grow and share her creations globally!!

Hey…and during the lectureship, “Flip this Pattern” got a shout-out….

AND….so many of our friends’ {virtually speaking of course, although we consider each and every one of them a dear friend} children were showcased throughout it. Check out this cute twosome….EA and Julia would be some sort of buddies, wouldn’t they, Janice??

After the lectureship, we headed to the SAGA Market for a little shopping and talking with other Convention attendees. And, yes, we bought a few things….

Liberty….SWOON!!

And the book, Tantalizing Tucks, is a PLETHORA of INFORMATION!

Let’s just say, this book came HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and doesn’t disappoint…

There are so many uncharted {for us} options and opportunities for us to use tucks in our nieces’ daily wear…we can’t wait to give them a try!

Before eating dinner with Teresa, we headed to one of her favorite fabric shops and bought….wait for it…wait for it…SWIMWEAR FABRIC!! If anyone should know their swimwear fabric, it should be Floridians…right??  Three semi-coordinating fabrics were bought for the nieces, and will be tucked away for Spring 2015 {and our nerves to catch up with this purchase :)}.

Day Two’s Class continued with the specially designed dress for the SAGA classes, but was titled “The Details Make the Difference.” Again, a PERFECT class for us…because, as many of you know, we LOVE our details!! We focused on collars, pockets, and facings to create one-of-a-kind garments. It was another informative day, and gave us LOTS to discuss on our 9.5 hour journey home!!

Before calling it a night {and after the SAGA Banquet had come to a close}, we met up with yet another blogging friend – Harmony, of Sew in Harmony!  Such a fun way to end an already spectacular weekend….although Harmony caught us as we were fading fast!

It’s so exciting {and addicting} to meet the ladies behind the businesses and blogs we love. Their voices have been added to the typed words, making it a three-dimensional sort of experience now. And, as with all the friends we’ve met in similar situations, we find that we’re just ladies getting together, talking about what we love, and getting enjoyment through one another’s creative aspirations. Who could ask for more??

You can read more about the upcoming 2015 SAGA Retreats HERE…and possibly make plans to attend one {or more} through the course of the year!

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