Thursday, November 7, 2013

I'm Out!


7th Challenge result:  I’m out! 
A wave of relief swept over me when I read the email during my lunch break. And even after thinking about it on the ride home, I feel the same way.  No disappointment and no regrets.  It had it highs. Two challenge wins. Lows - “of all the fabrics they sell, they sent us this?”  But  I have my life back.  I can play with the cover stitch machine I bought on eBay 3 weeks ago, finish the pair of pants I started back in Sept, read my new book on Draping, get back into my exercise routine, have relaxing weekends, etc. 

There are three young sewists toiling away on their entries for the final competition.  Good Luck to each of you!

 I have to thank the ladies at the Fabricmartblog for running the challenge.  I know it was a lot of work for them.  Like the first time for any online contest, there were a lot of questions, mid stream changes and instructions, and perceived favoritism or unfairness.  If the judges plan to do this again I hope they ask for feedback from the 1st challenge contestants.  It can only make future challenges better.

I also learned some things about myself.  I can sew under crippling time constraints.   When doing so I should plan time for mistakes and unsewing. I should not sew after attending a wine tasting event.  And I should listen to the design voices in my head. When I do everything turns out great

And another high - one of my challenging entries, a non winning one, caught the attention of an editor of a sewing magazine who asked if they could feature it on the sidebar of an article about a technique I used.  More on that in the future.
Now I am off to a relaxing  evening; dinner with a glass of wine, and no sewing!

27 comments:

  1. My gosh I'm sure you are relieved!! I seriously thought you'd win it all after I seen your first entry! I was so impressed with that jacket! I can't believe I've made it as far as I have and I too will be relieved when it's over and be happy to have my life back. I have learned a lot though and I have really enjoyed it. Maybe next time they won't make it so long, have less contestants.

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  2. I'm surprised that you're out -- all of your efforts in this competition have been so very impressive -- but I do understand that it might feel like a relief rather than a disappointment. Looking forward to keeping an eye on what you do on your own time.

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  3. Audrey, I've enjoyed all your garments and contest posts and you did an amazing job each time. I was surprised you were voted out as your mixed fabric outfit was so beautifully made and the fit exquisite. I hope you get a lot of pleasure (and I'm sure compliments) wearing it.

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  4. You should be very proud of what you've accomplished! And I can understand that kind of relief :-)

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  5. It has been amazing watching your creative process even with fabrics that just don't inspire you that much at first. I especially loved your jacket in one of the earlier challenges. Your most recent jacket is impressive--how did you have the time to create a skirt, blouse and jacket all in one week and why didn't you get credit for doing so many pieces and for your flawless execution? In any case your journey has been inspirational.

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  6. congratulations Audrey on all the creativity! (I was amazed at your energy, too!!)

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  7. I don't believe it! You should be very proud. Your entries were wonderful and I am so impressed with how fast you were able to produce them (as opposed to myself who overthinks EVERYTHING). I hope you participate again - I really enjoyed seeing what you created.

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  8. Congratulations on making it as far as you did, and welcome to the world of having your life back! ;-)

    Your post is very well-worded and gracious; I would like to see this challenge run again, and if so, I too hope that the judges listen to feedback, both from the contestants and the public who is watching and voting. :)

    I really loved a number of your entires, and congrats and catching the eye of a magazine!

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  9. I am really surprised by that because I thought your ensemble was fantastic - but you never can tell with these things.

    Congratulations for getting as far as you did and I hope you get to enjoy your next sewing challenge with the ease of time.

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  10. Sorry to hear you're out of the contest, but glad for welcomed rest and relaxation. I really liked the garments you made. Now you can sew what you want!

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  11. I really loved the creativeness you put into each challenge.
    Enjoy the break because it looks like you've got lots ahead of you already

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  12. You created some unique garments and I enjoyed watching your design process. Enjoy your freedom!

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  13. Congrats, Audrey, and exciting news on the magazine! (I can guess which item/technique it was.)

    I also hope they ask for feedback from the folks who lived through it. ;)

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  14. It has been so fun seeing what each contestant does with the challenges...I'll miss admiring your entries. But, I can just enjoy your "regular" sewing. Congratulations on making it so far, and enjoy a restful time from now on!

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  15. I voted for you twice and a positive for me was finding your blog! Enjoy the freedom.

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  16. Oh no! Congratulations on getting so far. Now you can have a rest :)

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  17. Well, I can see Your relieve, but am actually dissapointed. I voted every time only for You. And for me You are the winner, You did a wonderful job. (From all the ... "fabrics" that they sent). B.r.,

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  18. I felt the same way after being cut in the 3rd week, so can just imagine how exhausted you feel. Thanks for sharing your wonderful style and knowledge.....I will be watching for more in your blog!

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  19. I concur with all of your comments.
    Congrats on your achievements and having your life back!

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  20. You are so gracious! Your contest entries were always incredible, thank you so much for sharing your journey and process with us. Enjoy your free time back!

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  21. Oh Audrey. I was really hoping for you to win as a contestant who is more or less in my age group ( I do know you are much younger than me though). Plus I've always admired your work and sense of style.

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  22. You did a wonderful job and oh, how I loved your sheer top. I can hear the sigh of relief and understand the pressure must have been beyond fierce. You held up there with some super competition. Congratulations!

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  23. It was such a joy to see your creativity and talent!
    We were cheering for you!

    Take some time, relax. I hope you get back to joyous sewing soon.

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  24. I really enjoyed seeing your beautiful clothes in this competition -- your creativity and sense of style really sparkled. Congratulations!

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  25. Oh I know the feeling - I felt the same way while attending the TR masterclass. While I enjoyed it so much, I couldn't wait for it to end. You made some really nice pieces during the contest - the weaved jacket being my favorite.

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  26. You did an amazing job! Loved your entries!

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  27. Oh, wow, Audrey! I've been reading and watching with amazement that you could put together such wonderfully fitting garments out of fabric that wasn't actually that inspiring. Your last ensemble was a winner - it fit so well! And you have three separates that hopefully you will wear a lot (if the sight of them doesn't make you tired all over again!)... Enjoy your wine, good books and sewing what you want when you want!

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