Sunday, May 16, 2010

PR Weekend 2010: Philadelphia

Disclaimer: In addition to being a participant, I was a volunteer/organizer. Opinions expressed are completely biased.

Click photographs to enlarge.


It was wonderful to meet, spend time with, and shop with people who are as obsessed with sewing as I am. I could openly talk about presser feet, bobbins and tracing wheels with people who understand my obsession. Sewing is a solitary pastime. I go in my sewing room, close the door to keep the cats out, and stay locked away, sometimes for hours. I can't even hear the doorbell when I'm in the sewing room. Even though I probably will never use the embellishment technique from Kenneth King's workshop, it was, for me, a high point of the weekend. Sharing the experience with a room full of other enthusiastic sewers was a rare pleasure. Sewers are the most supportive, generous and fun people one could hope to meet.

Friday Morning, May 14
Friday was my favorite day of the weekend. On Friday morning, Kenneth King entertained us while he taught us his embellishment technique using trim, rat tail, beads. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take a workshop with Kenneth. I was thrilled to have my copy of Cool Couture autographed (and to hear the backstory about the cover photograph).

Kenneth King brought inspirational examples of his work.


My embellished sample from the workshop.


Friday Afternoon, May 14
We got up close and personal with garments from the "Great Designers" exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And when I say "up close", I mean up close! My fingers were less than an inch away from Worth, Chanel, Fortuny, and Schiaparelli garments.

My personal favorite was the Schiaparelli dinner jacket.



Saturday, May 15
Saturday was shopping day. We visited three sites. Philadelphia's "garment district" is called "Fabric Row" and is on Fourth Street below South St. Then we traveled to Cherry Hill, NJ to London Textiles for designer and imported fabrics. Finally, we ended our shopping at the fabled JoMar. Since I live in the Philadelphia area, I was familiar with two of the three planned shopping sites. But, I was happy to learn about London Textiles in New Jersey. They sell high end fabrics at not greatly discounted, but reasonable prices. The best bargains were found in the boxes of remnants at the front of the store. Normal business days are Monday - Friday, but they were kind enough to open on a Saturday especially for PR members. I can say without reservation, we made it worth their while. Now that I know about this place, I plan to go back.




Like most attendees, I bought something at every stop. On Sunday morning, I fondled my purchases and gave them their assignments.


lavender linen-look for a blouse
(Fabric Row)

black print lightweight twill for skirt
(London Textiles)

poly-cotton print for summer blouse
(JoMar)

rayon print for summer blouse
(London Textiles)

lightweight cotton twill for dress or pants
(JoMar)

knit print and khaki twill will be saved for fall sewing
(Fabric Row)

Notice – only two of the seven pieces are intended to be coordinates! Quite a change from my usual shopping MO. As of today, I have 13 (OMG!) pieces of fabric in my queue! This is the first time I've reached double digits.

Karen did an outstanding job as organizer and everything ran smoothly. In my official role as "Transportation Manager", I must give special mention to Connie and Andrea! These women selflessly provided transportation for attendees who could not be accommodated on the school bus and who had train connections that could not be missed. Silknmore served as navigator and co-pilot for Connie, our self-proclaimed "token Canadian". I consider these women to be the MVPs of the PR Weekend.

As one the Philadelphia hosts, I hope everyone had as much fun as I did! I look forward to attending another PR Weekend, if geographically feasible.

16 comments:

  1. Sounds like you all had a great weekend.
    Are you going to be stressed because these fabrics don't have partners?

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  2. Thanks for doing such an amazing job! It was a wonderfully organized event and you and the other event planners should be proud of the great job you did. Finally it was awesome to meet you in real life and I'm gonna take credit for those last colorful pieces of fabric you bought...okay! ROTFLOL!

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  3. Beautiful fabrics :)

    Nice to hear you had a wonderful time.

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  4. Sounds like a great weekend. I am extremely jealous. I am now on the hunt for an American husband so I can come live there and join you wonderful ladies for these events!

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  5. I loved every minute of the Philly weekend. Thank you so much for helping to make the weekend so enjoyable. You were a great tour guide!

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  6. It was so nice meeting you, and I was impressed with how graciously you handled the transportation issues. Great job.

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  7. I saw a photo of you on Miss Celies Pants blog in your turquoise top with the trim. I'm glad to see it got an outing - it's a fabulous colour on you.

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  8. Sounds like a great weekend.

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  9. Kisses atcha Lee! I just got home, so my recap will have to wait. Helping out the "transportation manager" was my pleasure!

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  10. It was a pleasure meeting you! It was a wonderful weekend and I know you and all the volunteers made it so.

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  11. Awesome job, Elaray! How is your case of PELS now? Better?

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  12. Wish I could have been there with all of you! It looks like you found some great pattern pieces, and knowing you, they won't sit around in your stash forever like mine do! I can't wait to see what you do with them.

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  13. It was a pleasure meeting you and all of the other sewers btw!! I think you all did a wonderful job!! Eventhough I had an eventful morning (of my own doing). I had a great time!! I cant go to Montreal but I will attend another PR Weekend. Best of all I know have friends who SEW!! Oh and P.S. I found my phone!!!

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  14. It sounds like a fab weekend - I might have to come down if you do another weekend. I've heard nothing but great comments about the job you and your group did in hosting the event.

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  15. I am so glad this weekend turned out so well, and that everyone so far from the posts did have a good time. You did an awesome job, and thanks for the shout out. Girl, we've got to get together for a day and talk shop.

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  16. So jealous here. Sounds like it was some fun weekend!

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