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….

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! 

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