Welcome Speakers’ Bio Event Schedule Resources: Fabric Shops Transportation Acknowledgements Participant Bios HyattPlaceAustinDowntown 211 E 3rd St Austin, TX, 78701 sponsored by page 2 2 3 9 11 14 16 Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Welcome!
The Austin-based members of Pattern Review are thrilled to invite you to our city for the 2014 Pattern Review
Weekend! This weekend promises to be an adventure in fabric, food, and fun with fellow sewing enthusiasts.
We know our fellow members from the boards, and now we have the opportunity to get acquainted in person.
Pattern Review Weekend is a very different kind of event than other sewing conferences. It's always about
getting together with our sewing sisters (and brothers!), fabric shopping, having a big group dinner, and later
sharing our shopping finds. This year, though, we have a wealth of Austin-based talent to share as well. So for
the first time ever, we’ve added a few optional classes and are having multiple speakers, including hometown
favorite, Project Runway All-Star Daniel Esquivel. To add to the fun, we’ve also scheduled our Weekend to
coincide with Austin Fashion Week to give those of us who might not get a chance to attend fashion weeks in
NYC or Paris the opportunity to taste that experience — Austin style.
&
FeaturedSpeakers
DanielEsquivel–FashionDesigner
Daniel started sewing at 8 years old and has been designing since he was 16. He was a
Season 11 finalist on Project Runway, as well as an All-Star. This exposure has
catapulted his career as an independent designer and given him the opportunity to give
back to his community. Says Daniel, “From here the sky is the limit!”
JenniferLava–ProfessionalOrganizer
Since 2006, Jennifer has been working with creative, and not so creative people, who
are ready for a one of a kind organizing system for their home or office that reflects
their uniqueness. Jennifer is currently the President of the Austin Chapter of the
National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and in 2012, she was
presented the NAPO-Austin President’s award for Exemplary Service to the Chapter.
Along with serving on the NAPO National Marketing Committee, she is proud to be a
member of NAPO’s Golden Circle.
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Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin EventSchedule
Thursday, May 1 (optional) On your own schedule Fabric Shopping! OR Arrange your own transportation to:
The Fabric Shop 316 E Oltorf St Cloth Pocket 5448 Burnet Rd, Suite 106 Form&Fabric 508 E 53rd St, Suite 102 Bunny’s Designs 1604 Rio Grande St Or any of our other fine local shops—
see the Resources section for info Boot Shopping! Allen’s Boots 1522 South Congress Avenue Heritage Boot 1200 S Congress Ave See the Thursday shopping appendix for info on volunteer drivers and who wants to shop when! 3:00 – 5:00 pm PR Weekend packet pickup Hyatt Place Hotel 211 E 3rd 5:30 pm Group 1: Southern Comfort Food* Threadgill’s (Check your badge to see what group you’re in) 301 West Riverside Dr (Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:15; reservations for 5:30) 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Group 2 Mexican Dinner* El Sol y La Luna (Check your badge to see what group you’re in) 600 E 6th St (Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45; to walk over as a group; reservations for 7:00) Group 3: Southern Comfort Food* Threadgill’s (Check your badge to see what group you’re in) 301 West Riverside Dr (Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:45; reservations for 7:00) 3
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin 7:30 pm Austin Fashion Week Runway Show* Austin Music Hall 208 Nueces St (doors open at 6 pm) From Threadgill’s, it’s walkable to the AMH, but a cab will be very cheap and a short ride. There is no hailing a taxi in Austin, call for one 45 minutes in advance. See Transportation Section for phone numbers. Friday, May 2 6:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast on your own Hyatt Place Downtown Austin 211 E 3rd St 9:00 am – 9:30 am PR Weekend packet pickup Palm Door 401 Sabine St Pattern Swap Leave your patterns on the bar, feel free to peruse throughout the day 9:45am – 10:00 am Welcome Deepika Prakash Palm Door 401 Sabine St 10:15 am – noon Guest speaker: Daniel Esquivel Palm Door 401 Sabine St Austin‐based designer and Project Runway Season 11 and Project Runway All‐Star Noon – 1:30 pm Lunch on your own Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill 303 Red River St El Sol Y La Luna 600 E 6th St Carmelo’s 504 E 5th St Koriente 621 E 7th St Piranha Killer Sushi 207 San Jacinto Blvd Liberty Tavern 500 E 4th St Iron Cactus Mexican Grill 606 Trinity St Iron Works BBQ 100 Red River St Daruma Ramen 612‐B E 6th St Cedar Door 201 Brazos St La Café Crepe 200 San Jacinto Blvd Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden 709 E 6th St 4
1:45 pm – 3:30 pm Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Guest speaker: Jennifer Lava Palm Door “Creative professional organizer for creative people” 401 Sabine St 4:00 pm– 5:30 pm Free Time! 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Group Dinner Palm Door Appetizers & wine ‐ 5:30‐6:15 Seated for dinner ‐ 6:15 401 Sabine St 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm Pattern Review Show‐off and Tell 9:30 pm – bus departs from Palm Door for Hyatt Place Downtown (you’re welcome to stay until 10:00 pm if you wish to walk, drive, or take a cab back to the hotel) Project Runway Live!* Austin Music Hall Six full runway collections from Project Runway All Stars Daniel Esquivel, Korto Momolu, Melissa Fleiss, Michelle Lesniak, Mychael Knight, and Jeffrey Sebelia 208 Nueces St Doors: 6:30 pm; Show: 8:30 pm 7:45 pm – bus departs with first group Palm Door for Austin Music Hall 8:15 pm – bus departs with second group from Palm Door for Austin Music Hall 10:30 pm – bus departs Austin Music Hall for Hyatt Place Downtown Saturday, May 3 – Bus 1 Schedule (check your badge to see what group you’re in) Bus Sherpas: Deepika Prakash and Leslie Lawson 7:00 am – 8:30 am Breakfast on your own Hyatt Place Downtown Austin 211 E 3rd St 8:30 am – noon North Route AM/South Route PM shopping group Meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Place – Bus Departs at 8:30 am sharp and Sew Much More Professional Quality Bra‐making Techniques with Megan Summerville – AM class (9:00 am – noon) 3010 W Anderson Ln (8:45 – drop off class registrants) Austin Fabric Co‐op / Stitched 6601 N Lamar Blvd (9:15 – 10:15 am) 5
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Common Thread 701 S Lamar Blvd (10:45 – 11:45) At 11:45 am, bus departs Common Thread for lunch Noon – 1:30pm Lunch on your own Shopping group rejoins morning Lingerie Class registrants Einstein Brothers 3010 W Anderson Ln Alborz 3300 W Anderson Ln Texadelphia 7849 Shoal Creek Blvd Satay 3202 W Anderson Ln and more shopping Sew Much More 3010 W Anderson Ln 1:30 – 4:15 pm North Route AM/South Route PM shopping group Meet in front of Sew Much More – Bus Departs at 1:30 pm sharp and Stitch Lab Zen and the Art of Sewing Machine Maintenance (2:00 – 4:00 pm) 1000 S 1st St (1:50 – 2:55pm) TexStyles 2605 Jones Rd (3:15 – 4:15 pm) 4:15 pm Shoppers: Bus departs TexStyles for Hyatt Place Downtown Machine Maintenance Class participants: Van departs Stitch Lab for Hyatt Place downtown 6
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Saturday, May 3 – Bus 2 Schedule (check your badge to see what group you’re in)
Bus Sherpas: Pam Dozler and Roseana Auten 8:50 am – noon South Route AM/North Route PM shopping group and Hand Embroidered Covered Buttons Make & Take with Leslie Bonnell Class*
(11:15 am– 2:00 pm) Meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Place – Bus Departs at 8:50 am sharp Common Thread 701 S Lamar Blvd (9:00 – 10:00 am) Stitch Lab 1000 S 1st St (10:15 – 11:15 am) TexStyles 2605 Jones Rd (11:30 am– 12:30 pm) Noon Registrants for afternoon Lingerie Techniques Class: Van departs TexStyles for lunch north and class at Sew Much More (see lunch suggestions for Bus 1) 12:30 – 2:00 pm Lunch on your own Bus departs TexStyles for Westgate Center Central Market ‐ Westgate Shopping Buffet Palace Center 4477 S Lamar Blvd 4608 West Gate Blvd Hyde Park Bar & Grill – Westgate 4521 W Gate Blvd 1:00 – 2:30 pm Sap's Fine Thai Cuisine 4514 W Gate Blvd Registrants of Buttons Class: Van departs Stitch Lab for lunch and to meet up with group at Austin Fabric Co‐op 1:30 – 4:30 pm Professional Quality Bra‐making Techniques with Megan Summerville – PM class (1:30 – 4:30 pm) 2:00– 4:45 pm Shopping! Sew Much More 3010 W Anderson Ln Meet in front of Central Market ‐ Westgate – Bus Departs at 2:00 pm sharp Austin Fabric Co‐op / Stitched 6601 N Lamar Blvd (2:20 – 3:20 pm) 7
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Sew Much More 3010 W Anderson Ln (4:00 – 4:45 pm) At 4:45 pm, bus departs Sew Much More for Hyatt Place Downtown 5:00 – 6:00 pm Free Time 6:00 – 8:00 pm Pattern Review Party Hyatt Place Downtown Austin Cash bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres 211 E 3rd St Door prizes Fabric Show and Tell will take place in Meeting Room One, just off the lobby Show and Tell Although our hors d’oeuvres buffet and our rental of the private room end at 8:00 pm, you are welcome to hang out in the lobby and bar as long as you’d like! Sunday, May 4 7:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast on your own Hyatt Place Downtown Austin 211 E 3rd St OR 10:30 am – 11:55 am Austin‐Style Gospel Brunch Stubb’s BBQ 801 Red River St noon – until all your money is gone Fabric Shopping! Arrange your own transportation to: Cloth Pocket These local stores will be offering special Sunday hours for PatternReview members. 5448 Burnet Rd, Suite 106 Form&Fabric 508 E 53rd St, Suite 102 The Fabric Shop 316 E Oltorf St Austin Fabric Co‐op 6601 N Lamar Blvd Common Thread, TexStyles, and Stitch Lab are also open on Sunday 8
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin OR Boot Shopping! Allen’s Boots 1522 South Congress Ave Heritage Boot 1200 S Congress Ave See the Sunday shopping appendix for info on volunteer drivers and who wants to shop when! * Optional event, limited to pre-registrants only.
Resources
Fabric Shops ♥ Show our local shops some love! ♥ Austin Fabric Co‐op / Stitched 6601 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 646‐1245 ♥ Sew Much More 3010 W Anderson Ln # J (512) 452‐3166 Austin Fabric Co‐op is the sharing of physical space by multiple fabric/fashion‐oriented business. Currently under the Austin Fabric Co‐op roof are Stitched Fabric, Lilia Balli ‐classic tailoring, and an unnamed textile printing business (part of Stitched). Stitched: high quality, extraordinarily fashionable and designer knits. They and specialize in jersey, modal, tencel, pro‐modal, sweater knits, stretch lace and more! They also have various machines and the knowledge to actually use them in conjunction with this fabric and they make both of these available to the customer. Sew Much More has been one of the most successful sewing machine stores in America. An award winning Baby Lock, Elna and Bernina dealer, Sew Much More offers a wide variety of sewing, serging accessories, add‐ons, notions, fabrics and machines. ♥ Stitch Lab 1000 S 1st St (512) 440‐0712 Japanese Imported Fabrics, Ribbons and Crafty Kits Run by a former costume designer, Stitch Lab has got you covered for all your crafty projects. They carry a wide array of fun, funky and fabulous fabrics as well as Austin’s largest collection of primo wool blend felt in more than 35 yummy colors. They also offer thread, DMC Embroidery Floss, Sublime Stitching embroidery patterns, garment sewing patterns, books, French wired, velvet & grosgrain ribbons, zippers, vintage button & trim assortments, webbing, interfacing and our fave staple sewing notions, all housed in their cozy and inviting 1920s era bungalow. ♥ Form and Fabric ♥ Cloth Pocket 508 E 53rd St #105 (512) 522‐6614 5448 Burnet Road, Suite 106 (512) 524‐5684 ♥ Bunny’s Designs 1604 Rio Grande #100 512‐537‐1333 Thursdays 11am ‐ 6pm Form & Fabric is a fabric boutique selling a discreet and thoughtful selection of beautiful, modern fabrics for home décor, apparel sewing, quilting and crafting. ♥ Quilt Store Inc 2700 W Anderson Ln # 301 (512) 453‐1145 The Cloth Pocket aims to procure and supply an ever‐refreshed, carefully curated stock of textiles for use mainly in craft & quilting, with some canvas, knits, and laminates thrown in for good measure. On Saturday, from 10 am – 2 pm only, April from our dearly‐
departed Fabricker will be on hand selling the remainder of her inventory at name‐your‐price! Anything that remains will be available at tagged prices on Sunday. 9
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin ♥ TexStyles ♥ The Fabric Shop 2605 Jones Road (512) 212‐4733 Mon ‐ Sat: Noon ‐ 8PM Sun by Appointment Only 316 E Oltorf St (512) 442‐5065 Small shop PACKED with fabric and trims‐‐lots of knits in various blends, silk charmeuse, italian wool and lots of fun novelty fabrics. They have a great selection of pre‐made collars/appliques ♥ The Common Thread 701 South Lamar Blvd, #E (512) 445‐7270 Tue‐Sat 10‐6, Sun 12‐5 An inspiring collection of natural fiber fabrics ‐‐ cotton, silk, linen, rayon, wool, knits, organics, Japanese and Italian imports, patterns, notions, books, and more. Mon – Fri 10‐5 Special PRW hours: Saturday 10 ‐3 and Sunday 12‐4 A small boutique offering domestic and imported cottons, rayons, linens, knits, as well as Gutermann thread, Dritz sewing notions and beautiful buttons. Their fashion fabrics are perfect for your artistic apparel creations. Since 1966, the Fabric Shop has been providing personal service and guidance to their customers. Hancock Fabrics 13450 North Highway 183 # 150 Jo‐Ann Fabric and Craft 10515 N Mo Pac Expy, Bldg 1, Shops At Arbor Walk Additional Shops of Interest: ♥ Austin School of Fashion Design 6001 Burnet Rd The Austin School of Fashion Design is devoted to providing an array of courses that foster personal and professional development. Their mission is to provide an education in fashion design to anyone that has the desire and willingness to learn industry techniques in a friendly and creative environment. ♥ Nomadic Notions 3010 W Anderson Ln # C (512) 454‐0001 Bead and Jewelry store: beads, crystals, semi‐precious stones, Swarovski, Czech glass, and more. ♥ Spruce Upholstery 6607 North Lamar Blvd ♥ Gauge Knits Custom upholstery, bold, eye‐catching fabrics, tailored selection of gifts, housewares, and furniture care products available for purchase. 5406 Parkcrest Dr Yarn and knitting shop ♥ Hill Country Weavers Calico Corners 3010 West Anderson Ln 512‐467‐9462 1701 South Congress Ave (512) 707‐7396 Hobby Lobby 8000 Research Blvd 512‐454‐8701 ♥ Knitting Nest 8708 South Congress Ave at the KinderCare Learning Center
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Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Transportation
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) to Hyatt Place: There is a dedicated MetroAirport bus service that runs from the airport to downtown every 1/2 hour, takes 20 minutes, costs just $1.50, and stops just around the corner from the hotel. Downtown Austin Transportation Taxi Service There is no hailing a taxi in Austin. Your best bet is to stop by a Taxi stand at any of the downtown hotels or call for one 45 minutes in advance.
Yellow Cab Austin Cab 512‐452‐9999 512‐478‐2222 Lone Star Cab 512‐836‐4900 Pedi‐Cab Service You’ll see pedicabs throughout downtown, especially in the entertainment districts of E. 6th Street, the Warehouse District and W. 6th Street. Rates vary – be sure to ask your driver about the price per rider or per trip before hopping in. Capital Pedicabs DirtNail Pedicab Metrocycle Pedicabs 512‐448‐2227 512‐844‐4444 512‐825‐1276 Red Devil Rides Roadkill Pedicab 866‐366‐9666 512‐300‐3784 Parking Downtown: Street Parking: During the hours below, metered parking costs $1 per hour and is limited to 3 hours. Metered parking is free during the hours not listed. Meters take MasterCard, Visa, debit cards or coins. Meter Hours: Thursday & Friday: 8 a.m.‐Midnight Saturdays: 11 a.m. – Midnight A free app from ParkMe can help you find real‐time parking availability in the form of "heat maps" that show the most likely availability for parking on a block‐by‐block basis. Parking at the Hyatt Place Downtown and Palm Door Hyatt Place Downtown Valet 
 $15/day $29/overnight with unlimited in/out privileges 5th Street Garage (closest) The 5‐story, 685‐space garage is located at 601 E. 5th Street, the northeast corner of facility at Red River and 4th Street, with the entrance on 5th Street. 2nd Street Garage The 10‐story, 1,000‐space garage is located at 201 East 2nd Street, 2 blocks west of facility, between Cesar Chavez and 2nd Street. Entrances are on Brazos and San Jacinto streets. 11
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin “Pay on Exit” Method – all day Thursday, until 6:00pm Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday 0‐15 minutes: $0.00
15 minutes – 1 hour: $3.00
1 – 2 hours: $5.00
2 – 7 hours: $7.00
7 – 9 hours: $9.00
9 – 12 hours: $13.00
Additional hours: $1.00/hr. with daily max. $25.00
Lost ticket: $30.00
“Pay on Entry” Method –Friday and Saturday, 6:00 pm – 2:00 am, and during special events Rates will be as posted Overnight parking is not available in 2nd or 5th Street garages Parking at the Austin Music Hall Parking is available at the Austin Music Hall, but is typically in high demand and short supply. Most parking areas charge for parking. Parking garages are also available in the area, and one of the most commonly used is the City Hall parking garage, which charges $5.00 on evenings after 5 p.m. and is located (for entrance) on Lavaca Street with an exit on Guadalupe Street. Thursday Shopping Transportation: You’re on your own for shopping on Thursday, but the following people have offered to drive to boot or fabric shopping: Catarina Sigerfoos Becky Bieri Betty Rust Mary Sprayberry Lillian Martin The following people have offered to drive to fabric shopping only: Andrea Davis Sherry Doty Dixie Davis Bianca Springer Friday Transporation Between Hyatt Place Downtown and Palm Door Friday morning and before dinner: It is a short walk from the official hotel, Hyatt Place Downtown, to the Palm Door. If you prefer not to walk, it’s easy to grab a pedicab, taxicab or even horse drawn carriage! Friday night after dinner: Shuttle bus departs at 9:30 from Palm Door for Hyatt Place Downtown (you’re welcome to stay until 10:00 pm if you wish to walk, drive, or take a cab back to the hotel) 12
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Palm Door to Austin Music Hall, Friday night: Shuttle bus departs at 7:45 from Palm Door for Austin Music Hall and will return to Palm Door at 8:15 to pick up a second load of passengers Austin Music Hall to Hyatt Place, Friday night: Shuttle bus departs at 10:30 from for Austin Music Hall for Hyatt Place Downtown and will return to Austin Music Hall 11pm to pick up a second load of passengers Saturday Class and Shopping Transportation: Transportation to fabric stores and classes on Saturday by private shuttle bus is included as part of your Pattern Review Weekend registration. Bus assignments are as follows. If you are taking a class at any time on Saturday, you must ride your assigned bus or find your own transportation—no bus swapping for you! If you’re not taking a class and want to switch buses, you must find someone from the other bus to swap with you, and you need to do it before Saturday at 8:30 am (you’re on your own to do that—don’t even think about asking a volunteer to help with bus assignments!) Are you here with your own vehicle, and prefer to tour the shops at your own pace — or cash in the day earlier than the bus tour ends? Feel free. Just tell us that you’re taking your own car and let us know if you’ve got friends with you. Bus Group 1 (Bus Sherpa: Pam Dozler; Support Vehicle: Roseana Auten) Bus Group 2 (Bus Sherpa: Deepika Prakash; Support Vehicle: Leslie Lawson) Ruth Blackstone Claudine Celebuski Markita Hall‐Gumble Rachel Steele Barbara Soule Jeanette Price Andrea Peart Andrea Davis Annalisa Tay Diane Egelston Jacqui Lovelace Susie Brown Betty Rust Michelle Hanson Lillian Martin Sue Vite Melissa Haenke Jacqueline Williams Erin Tucker Bianca Springer Nisha Williams Nancy H Karin Mantefors Linda Makelki Patty Dunn Sue Schwartz Sherril Doty Mary Sprayberry Lisette Albano Becki Chitwood Sharon Madsen Sherrie Virdell Rebecca Bieri Rachel Jiang Charlotte Mashaw Lauren Moler Melissa Nieburger Rina Rivera Eve Schuyler Bonnie Ossege Wendy Baschkopf Tina Wong Connie Bontje Sherril Miller Melody Gardner Claire Shannon Glenda Zwick Doreen Moore Elizabeth Bewley Mary Whitehead Additional Saturday Special Delivery Shuttle Service Afternoon Bra Techniques Class participants: Van will pick you up at TexStyles at 12:00 pm and take you to lunch up near the class location Button Class participants: Van will pick you up at Stitch Lab at 1:00pm, take you to lunch, and then to join the shopping group at Austin Fabric Co‐op Machine Maintenance Class participants: Van will pick you up at Stitch Lab at 4:15 to take you to Hyatt Place Downtown 13
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Sunday Brunch Transportation: It is a short walk from the official hotel, Hyatt Place Downtown, to Stubb’s. If you prefer not to walk, it’s easy to grab a pedicab, taxicab or even horse drawn carriage! Sunday Shopping Transportation: You’re on your own for shopping on Sunday, but the following people have offered to drive to boot or fabric shopping: Mary Sprayberry and Catarina Sigerfoos The following people have offered to drive Sunday to fabric shopping only: Jennifer Davis Sherry Doty Dixie Davis Susan Menta OurAwesomeAustinVolunteers
Weekend Directors:
Roseana Auten and Leslie Lawson Doers of Anything & Everything That Needed To Be Done:
Margaret Kendrick and Jennifer Davis Goodie Bags, Fashion Show, and Door Prize Mistress:
Kellie Noaks Assistants to the Goodie Bag Mistress
Sherril Miller and Jeanette Price Bus Sherpa:
Pam Dozler Street Team:
Dixie Davis A/V Master and Your Friendly Supplemental Van Driver:
Scot Friedman (aka, Mr. Leslie in Austin) Photography and Videography:
Tony Noaks (aka, Mr. Kellie R.) Badge Benefactor
Roland Swenson (aka, Mr. Sewrose) Swag Schlepper
James Barnes (aka Mr. Jennifer Davis) PatternReview2014–Austinhasbeensponsoredby:
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Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin VenueHostsandIn‐KindDonors
Annalisa Tay
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Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin ParticipantBios
(Alphabetical by first name) Andrea Davis
SewToFit Houston, TX
Mobile: (713)301‐9402 Email: [email protected] Twitter: sewtofit Facebook: sewtofit Blog: www.sewtofit.com Nice to meet you, I'm Andrea Davis, better known as Sew‐To‐Fit... Sewing is my outlet for the volcano that burns within me...I am a high functioning creativity driven, DIYer who loves anything to do with sewing. I have a Men's Tailoring Certificate from Houston Community College, and Pattern Design training in pattern customization, grading and drafting. I specialize in fit and pattern customization with either the store bought commercial patterns or I can custom draft a pattern block or sloper for personal use and design. I teach sewing from beginners to tailoring and fitting to those who sew. I am a trained sewing instructor and am well versed in the many systems of fitting and sewing techniques. (I look forward to celebrating my 50th birthday this July 2014 training for my teacher certification with the Palmer/Pletsch Fitting System in Portland, Oregan.) My love for all things technical helps my understanding of patterns and drives my desire to study the art and fit of patterns on the body. I live with my Husband, Reginald in the Northwest side of Houston. We have been married 30 years with 3 grown children and one 6 year old granddaughter. I love blogging about my sewing adventures and I have a passion for telling everyone I meet about what I love. My favorite thing to sew is: Clothes....plain and simple. Jackets mostly. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I can't believe how much fun it is to know the many people that are a part of Pattern Review. It's like having a party everyday. Where else can you talk about sewing and people understand your ranting and techy talk. Foremost, is the ability to load up anytime online and check out what someone is working on and asking questions of anyone....and they actually respond!!!! So cool. The sewing room can be the best place in the world to be at one point and then become the loneliest place at another point.... With Pattern Review, all you have to do is log‐in and there you are...in a group of fellow sewing friends. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 16
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Andrea Peart
Andrea670 Willingboro, NJ
Email: [email protected] Twitter: Andrea670 Facebook: Andrea Peart Blog: knit‐knac.blogspot.com I learned how to sew in home economics in junior high school. I loved it then and I still love it now. I love wearing everything I sew. If I want something new to wear I tend to make it instead of going to the mall and shopping for it. Now if only I could slow down on the fabric shopping, I'm a major addict. My focus these days is on jacket construction, detailed garments and I'm reading a lot about construction of garments and pattern design. I'm always on the hunt for finding new ways to do and make something and if there isn't a technique I know, I want to master it. My other hobbies are knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, card making, reading, cooking, music and exercise. My favorite thing to sew is: Knits and structured/tailored garments The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: If there is a pattern I'm not sure about, I love that I can go to Pattern Review and check to see if anyone else has made it. Pattern Review takes the guess work out and alerts you if there is a problem with a certain pattern. I love that. It's a great site and there is a wealth of information on it. I like the different contests and the discounts on the patterns. I have attended 3 Pattern Review Weekends. Annalisa Tay
Annavontay Oakland, CA
Mobile: (510)506‐8597 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Annalisa Tay Like most of us, I started sewing at an early age. I also started making patterns when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I was always inspired by figuring out how it was made, taking apart clothes to see how it was done. Some kids took apart old radios, I took part old clothes. I graduated from the Fashion Institute in 1980 with a degree in Design and have been in the fashion industry every since. My passion is the technical side of fashion. I’ve worked on most product categories and all types of materials. Making patterns for O’Neill wetsuits, Leather Coats and Jackets for J.Foss Designs is just a small sampling. I’ve also done a lot of custom work including a group of 5 prom girls all at once. That was fun. Currently I am the Sr. Technical Designer for Old Navy Maternity. I manage all product categories for the maternity department. Making patterns, writing specifications, doing technical sketches in illustrator. Grading and fitting the live models. As well as working with our global vendors to perfect fit. I’ve been with Gap Inc for 15 years and in the 17
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Maternity department for 11. I have written 3 articles for Threads in the Master Class section of the magazine. I met Roseana via my skirt article in issue #150, page 79. By the way, those are my technical sketches too. I enjoy writing and am currently working on a book. Simple pattern making for the home sewer. I have taught classes on techniques for the American Sewing Guild and I am the treasurer of the Alameda Chapter of the American Sewing Guild in California. My favorite thing to sew is: Complicated or unusual designs The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Hearing other's experiences with a particular pattern before I dive in. I have attended 1 Pattern Review Weekend. Antoinette Perez
phthooey Austin, TX
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @phthooey Facebook: antoinette.perez Blog: www.tangerinetrees.org I love sewing! I was self‐taught for a bit, and after finally taking classes I obsessed over sewing clothes for several years. I also dabbled in refashioning. In recent years, quite a few friends have had babies, luring me into the dark world of quilting. I loved being able to create while taking a break from fitting. :) Just the last few months I've found myself incorporating elements of quilting in my dreams of new clothes. I also love to read, travel, work, hang out with my friends and family, and otherwise enjoy life! My favorite thing to sew is: Dresses The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Getting a heads‐up on a pattern BEFORE I sew it, from someone with similar fit / sizing issues. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 18
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Barbara Soule
swany Pine Island, MN
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Barbara Soule I have been sewing since fourth grade. My grandmother was a seamstress and I learned many techniques from her. I love sewing all kinds of garments. My favorite is formal wear. I have learned many new techniques through pattern review and craftsy. I am going to retire soon from nursing and plan to do alterations and sew garments. I also enjoy making purses and some home dec items. My favorite thing to sew is: formal gowns The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love looking through the message board. I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. Becki Chitwood
ReBecca Houston, TX
Facebook: Becki Chitwood Blog: beccabeckstuff.blogspot.com
Mild mannered CPA by day, wicked seamstress by night! I grew up sewing, my mother got the ball rolling from a very early age. I love sewing stylish dresses and jackets that are the total envy of the office. I also make my own pants, shirts and I've started making my own jeans. I still sew with my grandma's old 1977 elna and my mom's old White 534 Serger (when it is in the mood). I'm in the market for a good, used Bernina 830 or 930 record if anyone has one laying around the house that they would like to part with. I am a confirmed pattern and fabric snob. I don't like artificial fibers, I prefer silk, cotton and wool. My favorite thing to sew is: I love my leather jackets! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: i love being around people who can carry on an intelligent conversation about crotch curves! There is just something about the creativity and problem solving skills about sewers that make them the best people on Earth! I have attended 2 Pattern Review Weekends. 19
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Becky Bieri
Becky in Frisco Frisco, TX
Mobile: (972)679‐2609 My favorite thing to sew is: Garmetns This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Email: [email protected] Betty Rust
BettyMikie Arlington, TX
Mobile: (817)247‐8506 Email: [email protected] Twitter: bettyrust Facebook: Betty Mikie Bocell Rust
I work full‐time as a program manager in a corporate fitness center. I've been married for 29 years to a wonderful man. We have 2 crazy indoor cats and 2 almost feral cats living in our backyard. The sewing gene runs in my family, my grandmother was a quilter and my mother made most of my clothes. My parents owned a fabric store in the early '60's so my love of fabric started early. One of my fondest memories is when my mother would bring the pattern books home on Saturday night and we would look through them page by page. Of course I had no interest in sewing then. Unfortunately my mother died before I started sewing. I like to think that she and my grandmother would be very proud of me now. I ran into my 8th grade homemaking teacher several years ago, at a quilt shop no less, and we decided mom would be proud of both of us! My favorite thing to sew is: I love sewing tops of all kinds! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I don't think I would have progressed as far as I have without the unbelievable knowledge I have gained from being a PR member. The support is fantastic. And I never would have dared to question the instructions on patterns. Who knew there were better ways to do things! And I can't say enough about the wonderful friends I have made on PR. I also didn't know you could buy fabric and patterns and keep them in your closet for months and now years! This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 20
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Bianca Springer
Beanchor Houston, TX
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Thanksimadethem Blog: thanksimadethem.blogspot.com I am a stay‐at‐home mom of a 5 and 2 year old. I teach beginner sewing lessons and make custom embroidery from children's art. I am in the process of opening an Etsy store to sell vintage clothing. My favorite thing to sew is: Anything that poses a challenge. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: It is a place where my sewing obsession is normalized and put into perspective by others who are more obsessed! This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Bonnie Ossege
BonnieO Blue Ash (Cincinnati), OH
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @bonniecrocker Facebook: Bonnie Ossege Blog: tresbonbabble.blogspot.com I'm married to my best friend and am so thankful for all the laughs and hugs we share. Between us, we have been blessed with five successful children, three spouses and five wonderful grandchildren. I have been an Aviation Consultant for almost 18 years. I travel a bunch for my job ‐ every week, in fact. I love meeting new people but I sure do wish I had more time at home. When I'm not spending time with my family, working or sewing, I enjoy reading, cooking/baking and riding on the back of my hubby's Harley! My favorite thing to sew is: I love sewing knits. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The people! I have made some wonderful friends via PR. The sewing knowledge is amazing. I'm just thrilled to have a "place" to go where people share my enthusiasm for sewing. I have attended 5 Pattern Review Weekends. 21
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Catarina Sigerfoos
Moneyfinger Austin, TX
Email: [email protected] Twitter: Moneyfinger Facebook: Moneyfinger I am heavily involved in development and fundraising for a musicians' nonprofit called The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians; HAAM. www.myhaam.org. My husband and I have been married 28 years! We travel to the west coast several times a year and I am very passionate about PETA and taking care of all animals‐ including my Chihuahuas Mimzy and Barksdale Evans! My favorite thing to sew is: I make skirts and tanks for myself; jams and pants for my hubs. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: A wide range of services and interesting learning opportunities This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Claire Shannon
Claire in Montreal Chateauguay, Canada Canada
Email: [email protected] Blog: www.1seamatatime.blogspot.com I'm a transplanted Maritimer (born and bred in New Brunswick) living in Montreal with an enabling husband, a chihuahua and a pomeranian. Hubby likes working on the mechanical sewing machines so the machine collection is growing by leaps and bounds along with the fabric, notions, etc, etc, etc. There is also the yarn and needle addiction that must be fed as I'm not often without a knitting project. My Grammy was a seamstress and my Mom sewed, but I learned the basics in Jr. High Home Ec. Back then, in our house anyway, sewing machines were not for children so I didn't really sew again til I was on my own. I borrowed a friend's sewing machine to make a pair of curtains after which my husband decided I needed a machine of my own (Looking back, the signs of Sewing Machine Acquisition started early). He has bought every machine in the house, I've run out of fingers to count them *smile* Since the sewing bug has taken hold, I've spent a lot of enjoyable time creating wadders ! This fitting thing is quite the adventure. LOL Yes, there have been many garments I wear regularly, but I'm pretty sure that no‐one I've met in real life would believe that ! Pretty sure that I've not worn anything but RTW at any meet‐up with other sewists (that record will be broken this time round !) This will be my 2nd PR Weekend ‐ helping to organize PR Montreal was so much fun and meeting everyone was a great experience. 22
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin My favorite thing to sew is: Skirts
The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The frienships that develop. There is so much knowledge that others are willing to share ‐ whether it be sewing related or not. As you need help it's available. If you can give help, it's appreciated. It is quite an amazing thing to feel such a closeness with a worldwide group of people. At PR Montreal I met a wonderful group of ladies and we've continued the real life friendship and meet regularly a couple times per year. I'm so blessed to call these ladies friends but without PR that just would never have happened. I have attended 1 Pattern Review Weekend. Connie Bontje
ConnieBJ Thorndale, Canada Canada
Email: [email protected] Twitter: Connie Bontje Facebook: Connie Bontje Blog: couturesmith.com I sew therefore I am!! I've sewn everything from scarves to drapes to wedding dresses. I don't think there is anything I won't try at least once. I try to eek out some time every day to ,sew a little bit, but sometimes life gets in the way. I am many things‐ a farmer, a mom, a grandmother of 6, an actor, a wardrobe master to name but a few. I love to read, ski, cycle, and troubleshoot computer problems. I hate gardening, washing floors ‐ anything that takes me away from my sewing room! My favorite thing to sew is: Right now toddler type things are fun and quick to sew! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The friendships I have made are what I treasure most about PR. Yes, the Reviews are great, the Message Board is so helpful, and being able to help out others with what I know and have learned about sewing is wonderful, but I value the many friends I have made from being a member of Pattern Review the most. (I will share my cell# when I get my US phone) I have attended 8 Pattern Review Weekends. 23
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Deepika Prakash
Deepika Acton, MA
Twitter: deepikapr Facebook: deepikap Blog: sewing.patternreview.com In one short word, I am a MAKER. I love to make things of all kinds. I've dabbled in gardening, watercolor painting, photography, Knitting, Glue Gunning :) I've even made my own jewelery. My first love was and still is SEWING! My recent most proud moment .. When my 3‐year old was flipping the pages of a cooking magazine with me, she points to a dish and said "Mummy WE should make that". She cooks with me everyday and loves to help me SEW. I am teaching her the importance of making vs buying and I think she gets it! My favorite thing to sew is: Tops and dresses! Knits of course. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love that I get to share my love of sewing with people who understand! I love that people care enough to comment on my reviews and offer suggestions and creative advice! But most of all I love PR because it feels like FAMILY! I have attended 10 Pattern Review Weekends. Diane Egelston
Diane E Kensington, CA
Email: [email protected] I love making things ‐‐ to wear, to eat, to decorate, and to give away. I'm looking forward to spending PR Weekend with people who are as excited about art and craft as I am. My favorite thing to sew is: When it fits and looks good, it's my favorite. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The camaraderie and sharing. I have attended 3 Pattern Review Weekends. 24
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Erin Tucker
TwirlDesigns San Antonio, TX
Email: [email protected] Twitter: twirldesigns Facebook: TwirlDesigns Blog: twirldesigns.wordpress.com I've been sewing since I was a little kid. I learned the majority of my skills from my mother who still sews at a level of expertise that leaves me astonished. I love to sew and see a garment come together. I plan on attending a fashion design school to further my skills. I'm married to an amazing man and we have a cat and a dog that share the house with us. My favorite thing to sew is: Anything I can sew out of a knit! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The pattern and sewing machine reviews!
This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Eve Schuyler
EveS Traverse City, MI
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Eve Schuyler SAHM to an 8 yr old and twin almost‐5 yr old boys, sewer of very little. Hobbies (as I recall) are sewing, gardening, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, yoga. I sewed my first skirt ‐ a beautiful velvet number (poor Mom!) ‐ when I was 8. I continued to sew off and on as a young adult, but never garments. I discovered garment sewing (and PR) when my oldest was an infant and continued my hobby with great enthusiasm until my twins became mobile. Since then, my productivity has declined to the point of feeling accomplished when I complete a project while still in the same season it is intended for. I hope this trip and the twins' entrance into kindergarten in the fall will be the boost my sewing needs. I miss it (and all of you PR'ers) so!!! My favorite thing to sew is: At this point? Anything. But with my sewing groove on...dresses. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: PR has brought me from an occasional home dec sewer to a full‐fledged garment sewing addict. The knowledge, encouragement, and humor shared between sewing sisters and brothers on PR has been invaluable to me. And in my journey, I have made some of the best lifelong friends I could ever ask for. I have attended 2 Pattern Review Weekends. 25
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Jackie Williams
NewRibena Fort Worth, TX
Email: [email protected] I attended Singer sewing school in the 70s for a few years up until age 11. I didn't sew for almost 30 years then started again about 3 years ago and am now addicted. I've got more fabric and patterns than I know what to do with but...whatever. My hubby and grown kids support my sewing by providing me with paid trips to sewing events/conferences and gift cards to do my online shopping. My favorite thing to sew is: Knits The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The opportunity to review patterns beforehand and learn interesting things from the message boards are priceless. I have attended 1 Pattern Review Weekend. Jacqui Lovelace
Jacqui315 Poulsbo, WA
Mobile: (360)908‐2376 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Jacqui Rocha Lovelace I'm a Navy wife and mom to two teenagers. I love my family and I love to sew. But I find it hard to combine the two since I'm such a slow sewist. At least I'm a fast fabric shopper, though. My favorite thing to sew is: Knit tops The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love that I can keep up to date with the newest patterns, notions and anything sewing related all in one place. I have attended 5 Pattern Review Weekends. 26
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Jeanette Price
LadyBeGood Los Angeles, CA
Twitter: jeanettemprice Facebook: LadyBeGood I have been in love with all things vintage for as long as I can remember. My style is vintage‐inspired with an edgy, kitschy twist (Dibs on the skull fabric!). My earliest influences are _The Twilight Zone_, _The Family Film Festival_ (Anybody else remember this?!), and Dolly Dingle. Aside from sewing, I love classic or horror/sci‐
fi/action movies, live music, and classic or sci‐fi literture. My favorite thing to sew is: You'd think it was muslins, but really I love to sew garments from vintage patterns or staples based on my personal blocks. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love the people I've been able to meet through PR, and all the support and inspiration they offer. I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. Jennifer Davis
Austin, TX
Mobile: (512)923‐2387 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Jennifer Davis I am a self employed artist that mostly does masks, costumes, and music for theatrical productions. I hope to eventually sew my own modern clothes. My favorite thing to sew is: Costumes for Theater This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 27
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Joanie Zwick
PurpleTurtle Sour Lake, TX
I am a retired 3rd grade teacher in Sour Lake, a little town about 70 miles east of Houston, TX. In the early 1900s, during the oil boom, Sour Lake was know for its healing sulphur springs. Our claim to fame is that Sam Houston, the first elected president of the Republic of Texas, would come here to bathe in the warm salty springs. I was raised in Houston and love to go back for visiting or shopping. Hubby and I have been married 48 years, he is retired from Mobil Oil Co. We have 2 beautiful daughters, 2 precious son‐in‐laws, and 2 perfect granddarlings.:‐) We became big hockey fans when a team was located near here several years ago. Now we travel to Austin to see the Texas Stars play. Hubby and I enjoy weekend trips and rarely have all the bags unpacked at the same time. As a young girl, I started sewing with needle, thread, fabric, and a doll. Now I'm working to wrap my head around the advances in sewing machines and the learning opportunities through the Internet. My favorite thing to sew is: When not sewing for DGD, I enjoy sewing blouses for myself. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love that we can post any question about sewing, and within a short time, helpful answers and encouragement start coming in from all over the world (amazing). Also, when I find a pattern that looks interesting, I can look it up on PR to get honest reviews with pictures of possibilities. I can read the treads to learn tips to make my sewing successful. Also, I enjoy the threads that have nothing to do with sewing. Just like a family...we can discuss anything. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Juliette Kimes
JKimes Henly, TX
Email: [email protected] Blog: sewsewnerdy.blogspot.com I've been sewing on a machine since about age 7. My family has a long history of sewing, so I was also surround by the tools and materials. I earned a BS in Textiles & Clothing from UC Davis, and have sewn professionally off and on since Junior High School. I have been a member of ASDP (Association of Sewing & Design Professionals) since 2005. I love the process and the products of sewing, and the time I get to spend with beautiful fabrics. My favorite thing to sew is: Chanel style jackets The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I started using PR for the reviews‐‐
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Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin absolutely invaluable when you are picking up a pattern for the first time, but now I love it most for the forums‐‐so nice to be able to get advice/opinions when you need them and help others avoid mistakes so many of us made because there was no one to ask. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Karin Mantefors
Karin Mantefors Malmö, Sweden Sweden
Mobile: (073)335‐8247 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Karin Mantefors Blog: karinskammare.blogspot.com
I´m a 50+ woman who likes to combine sewing with travelling. I work as a train trafic controller and live with my cat in a small appartment, I rent a room in the basement there I sew and keep my other fiberrelated things ( part for my spinningwheel ) I am very interested in folkart and what people eat in other parts of the world, still miss the chinese food from SF and looking forward tasting the texmex of Austin and the frozen drinks... I also like to stroll around looking at houses, I read a lot and don´t mind a nice cup of java or tea, preferably al fresco. I can´t load a Picture but feel free to pick my FB photo! My favorite thing to sew is: skirts and jackets, lately also dresses The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: PR weekend and the fact that you can meet people and Three seconds later are into a Deep discussion about seam allowanses and nobody think you´re weird. PR also means that there´s Always someone to ask if you get stuck I have attended 5 Pattern Review Weekends. Kathi Rank
Kathi R Huntington Beach, CA
Mobile: (562)301‐8457 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Kathi Rank I have been sewing forever (looking back in time) and have enough sewing stuff stashed to last forever (looking forward). I enjoy mastering the craft and have way too many projects on my to do list than I have time ‐‐ but if I ever find the time I have the stuff I need. I consult as a business systems analyst, I like working and I'm really happy that at this point in my life I don't have to work full time. I live my life without an alarm clock, have no problem filling my days with interesting things to do and wonder how I ever managed a real career. 29
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin My favorite thing to sew is: Shirts ‐ men, women or children The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I enjoy reading about what others are working on and hearing about great sales. I have attended 6 Pattern Review Weekends. Kellie Noaks
Kellie R. Austin, TX
Mobile: (512)481‐8060 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Kellie Richert Noaks I wish I had more time to sew! It seems to go in phases. When life gets busy, no sewing. Then I get my fix and binge sew! I'm a proud mom of two boys, ages 16 and 12, a lucky wife and Realtor in Austin. My favorite thing to sew is: Dresses, in particular vintage '40's‐50's The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Meeting so many fantastic like minded people. I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. Kyle Burkhardt
BlossomKyle Franklin Park, NJ
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @BlossomKyle Blog: vacuumingthelawn.blogspot.com I've sewn since I was 12. I still struggle with fit! Now that I'm feeling more comfortable with my serger, I'm thinking about buying a coverstitch machine before the end of the year. My favorite thing to sew is: Dresses. I need to get back to making dresses. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The reviews! I read the reviews before I sew a pattern and if the pattern generally has bad reviews, I won't sew it. I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. 30
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Lauren Moler
rosiewednesday Austin, TX
Email: [email protected] Twitter: rosie_wednesday Blog: rosiewednesday.blogspot.com I'm a vintage‐loving seamstress with a dapper dog named Oxford. I live locally in Austin and work in user experience for PayPal. My favorite thing to sew is: Dresses! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Getting a chance to sew how others have sewn the pattern for inspiration, and see what modifications may be needed. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Leslie Lawson
Leslie in Austin Austin, TX
Email: [email protected] Facebook: leslieolawson I'm a no‐longer‐30‐something web development geek with a 12‐step worthy fabric addiction. When I was a child, my mother, an incredible sewist, always made me a new custom dress for every recital, dance, or special occasion. After many adult years of wishing I could do the same thing, I finally focused my attention on learning to sew, to drape and to pattern draft. Today, I sew the vast majority of my clothes from both patterns and my original designs, and I always have a new dress for special occasions. My husband and I share our vintage 1940s home in Central Austin with a feline crew, a new puppy and several sickly houseplants. I'm a political junkie, a smitten auntie to 17, and have recently discovered the joy of having a beer while running on the treadmill. My favorite thing to sew is: Jeans. I love the methodical nature of the process, that I’ve done it enough to be routine, and they always turn out great. This is my 6th PR Weekend, and it’s the companionship of my sewing sisters‐‐not the need to buy more fabric‐‐that keeps me coming back. I have concluded that if you attend often enough they let you host! 31
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Lillian Martin
Lillian Martin Lakeway, TX
Mobile: (512)363‐9255 Facebook: Lillian Martin This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Email: [email protected] Linda Makelki
maklinda Corpus Christi, TX
I have been a member of ASG‐‐Corpus Christi, TX for almost 14 years. I was the founder of the neighborhood group called Sew! It's Saturday! in Corpus Christi, TX about 10 years ago, served as a co‐leader for 5 years, and it's still going strong under new leadership! I have served as Vice President of Programs and am currently serving as the Secretary for the ASG‐Corpus Christi, TX chapter. I have been sewing most of my life, from hand‐sewn doll clothes to my own clothing to purses to decorator items for my home. This is my first time attending the Pattern Review and look forward to discovering what it is all about. My favorite thing to sew is: Probably handbags and totes The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Will find out when I attend the weekend in May! This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 32
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Lisette Albano
Lisette Ellicott City, MD
Email: [email protected] Blog: lacubanitacose.blogspot.com
I love to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, cook, read, dance, teach... For the past 3 years I have been volunteering at my son's high school in the theater department; I design, make, fit, repair costumes for 2 productions each year. My favorite thing to sew is: I love to make dresses and jackets The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I have made so many friends! And of course checking out reviews before making a pattern. PR weekends!!! I have attended 3 Pattern Review Weekends. Liz Bewley
mrsbewley Dayton, OH
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Liz Bewley I work part‐time as a technical writer for an online scientific journal publishing company in Dayton, OH, where I live with my husband and two kitties. Like many, I learned to sew from my mother who made most of her own clothes. I enjoy sewing lined jackets, dresses, and knit tops. In the past few years, thanks to the tremendous knowledge and support on Pattern Review, I have found the confidence to sew jeans! My current favorite pattern company is StyleArc. This is my 5th PatternReview weekend! My favorite thing to sew is: Knit tops The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love the sense of community and the generous nature of all the members. I have learned so much from them! I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. 33
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Margaret Kendrick
LoneStarLady Austin, TX
Mobile: (512)422‐1339 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Margaret Kendrick I am a 64 year‐old mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. I've been an RN since 1971, and also have a degree in Journalism. I am currently working as a case manager for Medicaid clients and don't plan on retiring until I am 70. My first sewing project was at age 8 when I sewed pants by hand for the toads my brother and I would catch and keep in shoe boxes. I am not sure why that particular species seemed in need of clothing, because we captured all sorts of other critters ‐ ground squirrels, baby jack rabbits, field mice, and horny toads ‐ and I don't recall being compelled to sew for any other mammal or amphibian. But I distinctly remember scrounging scraps of fabric from my mother and sitting outside in the yard stitching up little pants for them. And no, the toads did not cooperate in keeping them on. Nor did my mother allow the toads in her house. My favorite thing to sew is: I prefer sewing garments for my daughter and myself, but also do a lot of home dec sewing The thing I love most about Pattern Review is Communicating with like‐minded folks who understand what it is like to get excited about fabric This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Markita Hall‐Gumble
Markita mckinney, TX
Mobile: (972)824‐1637 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @markitahg Facebook: Markita Hall Gumble I am the current president of the Plano, TX chapter of the American Sewing Guild. I work part time in my own business that is a bit of a jack of all trades, By Markita. It is a little bit art (teaching, originals and prints of watercolors, oils, and acrylics) a little bit decorating, home improvement consulting and a little bit sewing related (teaching, home dec, custom clothing and alterations) I live in McKinney, TX a historic suburb just north of Dallas with my supportive husband, Skip and my youngest son, Merrick. I have 3 other sons ‐ two in college at Texas Tech in Lubbock, and my oldest is living and working here in Austin. My grandmothers taught me to sew at a young age. I sewed my own clothes in middle and high school, and started college with a major in fashion design. After a year, I was lured by the glamour and high salaries of the emerging computer market and changed my school and major to systems analysis. I spent 15 years at Hewlett Packard, then 5 years owning and operating a faux finishing and decorative painting business, followed by several years of working with an interior design firm. I am now happily semi retired working. I love all things artistic, and belong to a group of artists named "the sisterhood of traveling paints". 34
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin My favorite thing to sew is: everything! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: "real" reviews of machines, patterns and all things sewing related. I can always count on the pattern review crowd to give me the "been there ‐ done that" experience. I am also enjoying the contests, and seeing everyone's creativity. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Mary Sprayberry
Mmmberry San Antonio, TX
One day I noticed that my boyfriend's pajama pants have pockets. Cool, right? I spent the next two years looking for pajama pants for women with pockets. Two years. I even tried on the men's pajama pants. You probably already know that a girl shaped like a pear will not fit into pajama pants designed for men with no hips. Not to mention, the fabric isn't exactly cute and girly. So ... I bought a sewing machine in September 2012 and made some myself! Everything I know, I picked up off the internet, and I'm grateful for all the information on Pattern Review. My favorite thing to sew is: Things I can finish in one day The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Looking at the projects and getting new ideas. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Mary Whitehead
Mary Clarksdale, MS
Mobile: (210)884‐5713 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Mary Whitehead I am married to Milton Whitehead, retired Air force and we have three children ages 51, 48, 38. At present, I am a college professor at San Antonio College in San Antonio, TX. I have been teaching there since 1974. Before arriving in San Antonio, I taught school in Memphis, Tenessee. Sewing is a hobby for me. I learned how to sew when I was 10 years old. One of my elementary school teachers saw that I had an interest in sewing, We were so poor. My mother could not afford to purchase fabric for me so I would sew feed sack and make skirts. Now, I have my own sewing room and I travel to most of the sewing conventions. My favorite thing to sew is: I am a garment sewer 35
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I don't know, I have never attend before
This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Melissa Haenke
lissa0269 washington, DC
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @lissa0269 Facebook: Melissa 'Stephen' Haenke Army spouse, mother of two daughters. I'm a crafting fanatic when I'm not in school. I"m currently studying to achieve my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mathematics. My favorite thing to sew is: clothing for my daughers This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Nancy Miller
Hauteaway Walnut Creek, CA
Email: [email protected] I'm a retired college biology instructor from California. I'm married with no kids. There's usually a dog or cat in our lives. I've sewn since I was a child, but decided to get serious about it a year ago. I am very slow to get started on a project, and extremely slow in finishing up the little details like buttonholes and hems. Fitting is an issue. I am eternally grateful that PR folks don't run me out of town for being a brazen sewist imposter. I have a lot to learn which is what puts me in the catbird seat ‐ it will be years before I'm bored! This will be my second Pattern Review Weekend. My favorite thing to sew is: I should be able to figure this out by the 20th annual PR Weekend. Stay tuned. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: There's always someone to help if I have questions, but I learn so much just by reading the answers to other people's questions. I have attended 2 Pattern Review Weekends. 36
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Nisha Williams
Blue Sunday Plano, TX
Email: [email protected] Twitter: nishawilliams Blog: bluesundayblog.com I am totally new to this world of sewing and crafting. I was gifted a sewing machine a few years ago and that obsessive/compulsive part of me kicked into gear and needed to learn! The first few years of sewing totally sucked (can I be honest?). I took a few classes at community colleges and though I could put a garment together, it wasn't something I would wear in public or much less feel great in! I learned about the American Sewing Guild (ASG) and that's where my passion for sewing was ignited. I learned about valuable resources (online and off line) and I was able to join this wonderful community of Sewists! I'm originally from Louisiana, but I have called Dallas my home for the last 20 years. I am a Project Manager for Hewlett Packard. I also moonlight at Times Ten Cellars, a great Texas winery. I'm passionate about sewing, wine, sugar (in any form but chocolate is my favorite) and my family. I am an active member of ASG and I contribute to their website and I'm one of the volunteer teachers for Teaching Another Generation (TAG). I created a blog to hold myself accountable in my sewing projects. I can be found at bluesundayblog.com. I'm brutally honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of sewing and crafting. But mostly I bring readers along on my (mis)adventures. My favorite thing to sew is: Garment Sewing The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The guidance I receive from other reviewers. I can count on both their experience and their expertise. I can learn about pattern adjustments I need to make in advance. Along with any errors in the pattern. I can count on their experience, an area that I lack greatly to help me be a better sewist!
This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 37
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Patty Dunn
Corpus Christi, TX
Email: [email protected] Facebook: alldunndesigns Blog: alldunndesigns.com I am the owner of alldunndesigns.com a pattern company for clothing, dolls, purses and instructional DVD's. I also own patternmd.com, a source for information on fitting and changing patterns into new designs. My goal is to encourage sewing in every way possible including online and in my community. I have produced over 25 sewing programs on a wide range of subjects for our local PBS station. These have aired during fund drives over a period of 9 years. Currently I am the President of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the American Sewing Guild and teach sewing nationally for guilds and stores.
My favorite thing to sew is: EVERYTHING ‐ #1 Dolls #2 Clothing The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: New design and pattern information. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Rachel Jiang
lehcarmi Long Beach, CA
Mobile: (310)842‐8109 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Rachel Jiang Hi, I am Rachel from Long Beach CA, about 20 miles south of the Los Angeles fabric district. I learned to sew out of necessity – RTW business suits are too expensive! Until I was introduced to PR, I learned how to sew mostly from reading books and lots of trial and errors. I like to spend my vacation sewing next season’s outfits. I like to call it the ultimate staycation. My favorite thing to sew is: Wrap dresses for now ‐ check out my DVF knock off!! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love the reviews and photos everyone posts. The tips are just priceless. Whenever I find new patterns to try, PR is the first place I visit. The pattern wish list and catalog keep me organized...and I am not telling how many I have. I also love meeting PR members during the PR weekends. Are we going to have the next PR weekend in Los Angeles??? I have attended 4 Pattern Review Weekends. 38
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Rachel Steele
Tigerlile Sugar Land, TX
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Rachel Steele Blog: sewbegins.wordpress.com Native Texan; newsletter editor for Houston Sewing Guild. I sew for the kids and sometimes for me! My day job keeps me busy. I blog, write and sew whenever I can. I love sewing trips to new places for fabric finds and shabby chic stuff. My favorite thing to sew is: Skirts‐Skirts‐Skirts! The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The wide variety of interests and that there's always something on a board, thread or review that I'm interested in. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Rina Rivera
RinaRivera Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
Mobile: (512)294‐3642 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Rina Isabel Rivera I am originally from Puerto Rico but I've lived in Austin for the past 18 years. I am a wife (23 years and counting), a mother of a 16 year old boy, a computer engineer, an amateur singer, a second degree black belt in Taekwondo and an intermediate sewer. I started sewing when I was a teenager and have accumulated a lot of patterns over the years‐‐ many still unopened. I love the planning stages of sewing but I hesitate before starting execution. It does not help that I am a bit of a perfectionist and a procrastinator. That is why I have so many projects ready‐to‐go in my closet waiting for me to feel daring. The last time I felt really daring I did a tunic for a pregnant friend of mine. I learned to make adjustments for a full bust, a full belly, a sway back and uneven shoulders. The process was arduous but I enjoyed it thoroughly. In the end, my friend was very happy. These days I am more interested in combining my sewing interests with my career‐‐
maybe not in the way you might expect. I am auditing courses on Computer Graphics at UT hoping to learn enough to understand 3D cloth modeling. If you have ever heard of VStitcher or Optitex, you know what I am talking about. Big retailers pay upwards of $25K for these technologies. I believe that these and other 2D/3D technologies should be democratized, not just be accessible to those that can pay the big bucks. Wouldn't it be great if you could go to Joann Fabrics and get a 3D body scan and have them generate a pattern for your unique measurements right there at the store. What if they 39
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin could show you what that pattern would look on you using different fabrics at the store? The technology already exists, it just has to be made more accessible. My favorite thing to sew is: Anything that will teach me new skills. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: What I enjoy the most about Pattern Review are the galleries. It is great to get ideas about fabrics that may (or may not) work for a project. Another thing I like are the pattern reviews themselves. Everybody in the community makes an effort to describe the process that they went through and any problems they had in making their project. It is very useful when deciding to buy a pattern or just in planning how to tackle a project. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Roseana Auten
sewrose Austin, TX
Mobile: (512)784‐6314 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Roseana Auten I grew up with lots of homemade clothes — it was the economical option then. By the time I was 11 or 12 I grew impatient for my mother to finish her sewing for me, so I got her to teach me how to use my grandmother's 1947 Kenmore machine (which is still with us) and lay out a pattern. From then on, whenever I had a moment to call my own, I was either in a fabric store, buying patterns, sewing, or rummaging around a thrift store or vintage clothing shop. But those moments never came often enough. The birth of my daughter 16 years ago gave me a good excuse to dive back in (so fun to make those teeny little clothes and Halloween costumes), which led me back to sewing for myself again. Problem was, now I wanted the clothes to actually fit. Luckily, there were many resources. How to name them all? Sandra Betzina, the late Shannon Gifford, Sarah Veblen, PatternReview, Gertie's blog, Vintage Fashion Library, Decades of Style, eBay, and Etsy. The last 13‐14 years have been an adventure in moving houses, supporting my husband as he grows his business, raising a child, finishing growing up myself, being treated for breast cancer, and best of all, making lots of new sewing friends as I continue to work at and love this pursuit that brings me so much satisfaction. I am a host and planner of this PR Weekend. Welcome to Austin! Please let me know how I can help you and make your stay more enjoyable. I have attended 3 Pattern Review Weekends. 40
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Ruth Cooper
rusewcute2 Jackson, CA
Mobile: (661)733‐5126 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Ruth Cooper I have worked in the garment industry for over 20 years. Specializing in denim. I have taught sewing at the local community college and taught Gerber PDS at LATTC and various individuals and companies. The last 3 years have been a change in scenery since going to work for CALPIA as the Superintendent II of Fabric Engineering. This change has opened me up to a whole new world of fabric products. I began sewing on the sewing machine at age 10, prior to that was only hand sewing. My Great‐Grandmother taught me at the early stages of my sewing with needle and thread. My grandmother took over and taught me how to sew on the machine and always supported and encouraged me to stretch my talents. I worked my way through design school custom sewing. Now my sewing is for fun, my family, friends, the grand baby and a little quilting on the side. My favorite thing to sew is: Wedding Dresses The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I am new to Pattern Review. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Sharon Madsen
Sharon M Lakeville, MN
Email: [email protected] Twitter: Sharon_Sews Facebook: SharonSews Blog: sharonsews.blogspot.com City communications manager by day, sewing enthusiast (and group fitness instructor) by night. Self‐taught sewer since the age of 8. Started blogging in 2006. Contributor to Sew News and Sew It All magazines and few craft/sewing books. Had a dream come true when asked to tape an episode of Sew It All TV (season 7 ‐ Apron in Reverse) and am still pinching myself as I'm certainly not one of the great talents in the sewing world. Happily married to my best friend and ninth grade sweetheart. After dating and breaking up twice (first as teens, then as twenty‐somethings) we finally got it right and married after reconnecting at our 20‐year class reunion. I have two fabulous adult children and two lovable dogs. My favorite thing to sew is: Skirts! I don't know why, but I do. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I discovered Pattern Review early in its existence and would look at each and every review daily. I know my sewing improved as I pushed myself to master skills so I wouldn't embarrass myself online! The generous spirit ‐ and talent ‐ of everyone on Pattern Review is amazing and I find their creative 41
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin takes on patterns to inspire me with my own sewing projects This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Sherrie Virdell
LlanoGirl Llano, TX
Mobile: (325)248‐4866 Email: [email protected] I learned to sew from my mother when I was around 10, and sewed only clothing for myself for several years. When my children came along, I sewed for them, too. As life got busier with three little ones, my sewing machine did not get much use except for home decor projects. Now that we are empty nesters, I have started sewing for myself again and am enjoying it very much! I have converted one of our bedrooms into a sewing room, so I no longer have to sew on my kitchen table ‐ it is wonderful! I have some fitting issues and have learned so much in the past year from the internet and more advanced sewists that share their skills. I now have a more realistic idea of what types of patterns look best on me, and the fabrics that I love to sew. My husband and I have two CENTURY 21 real estate offices and I work full time, although I have started taking more time for myself. We live on a ranch north of Llano, in the middle of nowhere. We love the solitude, even though it is not very convenient and I rely on the internet to do most of my fabric shopping. Our small town of 3,500 people has a very active quilting community with two quilting fabric stores. I have made two quilts for grandchildren, but my true love is sewing clothing. I am an avid cook and gardener, and my husband and I enjoy traveling the magnificent country we live in and still have much to see. We have two silly dogs and two cats, and 3 beautiful grandchildren that we adore. My favorite thing to sew is: Nice tops to go with my work uniform ‐ dressy jeans The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: When I am ready to begin a project, the first thing I do is look at the pattern on Pattern Review and see what others have experienced with that pattern. It is so helpful to see their results, and be aware of any potential problems. I also love browsing patterns and putting them in my wishlist, which has become quite large, especially considering that I have a lot of patterns in my stash already! This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 42
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Sherril Miller
Sherril Miller Pomona, CA
Mobile: (909)754‐0260 Email: sherril@rock‐art.com Facebook: Sherril Miller Blog: sewingsaga.blogspot.com Sewing has been my passion for more years than I can remember. I "met" Deepika on Sewingworld a very long time ago, and then she invented a wonderful place for all of us to join. I'm so grateful because Patternreview.com is very near and dear to me. I've been a member since the first year it was created.While I haven't been sewing much since I started my Master's Program trying to earn a Educational Specialist Teaching Credential, I still squeeze it in every chance I can. I have time to sew during the summer but that has been taken up sewing costumes for my son's theater group the last 5 years. Since he no longer is in the group, this summer is all mine to sew and study for the CSET exam. My favorite thing to sew is: Easy to wear knits. However, I do harder projects as the need arises. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: The PR weekends are so very special. I have friends here that truly understand that sewing, fabric, and patterns can be an obsession. They don't think I'm weird that I have a million sewing pins on Pinterest and when I need advice on anything not sewing related, I can come to them for that as well. Patternreview isn't a website, it's a living, breathing entity made up of the most wonderful people in the whole world! I have attended 5 Pattern Review Weekends. Sherry Doty
SherryD Houston, TX
Email: [email protected] I've been sewing for over 50 years, I tend to think I can make anything. Recently I haven't been sewing as much. For a few years I was knitting, then due to pain in my left thumb I had to take a break from knitting. I discovered Alabama Chanin, collected her books, an air brush, and began hand sewing her amazing garments. I have now gotten out my sewing machine and am making garments much faster with it again. I do some fabric, yarn, and roving dyeing and some wet felting. My day job is as a computer programmer for an oil company in Houston. I will be retiring next year and plan to move to Portland, OR where my Hospice Social Worker daughter lives. She is very concerned about her mother growing older far, far away. Good thing there are many fiber opportunites in Portland. My favorite thing to sew is: jackets The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: the pattern reviews 43
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin I have attended 1 Pattern Review Weekend. Sue Vite
SueV La Crescenta, CA
Facebook: Sue Kirchner Vite When not at work dealing with figures, formulas, math, and scientific language (ick), I can be found, sewing, hiking, gardening, and traveling. I love to sew because I love clothes, fabrics, and being creative. I also volunteer teach youth sewing at the local YMCA. I really enjoy teaching these kids sewing. They have no fear and are so proud of their creations. Their parents are always amazed at what their kids can do. Everyone should share their skill with our youth since it is no longer taught in schools! It is very rewarding. My favorite thing to sew is: I have always been drawn to jackets. I have way too many for sunny southern California. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Inspiration and the people! PatternReview never ceases to inspire me with all the patterns, fabrics, techniques and ideas. I am constantly being introduced to new ideas and new independent patterns. I also have met some really great people that I probably would never have met in my day to day life. It is so much fun being around others who love to sew and understand the love of sewing. I have attended 5 Pattern Review Weekends. Susan Menta
SusanMenta Austin, TX
Blog: www.misslulusews.com This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! 44
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin Susie Birden Brown
mssewsue Newark, CA
Email: [email protected] Facebook: Susiebirdenbrown Blog: susiesquiltsandembroidery.com My name is Susie Brown. I have been sewing basically since I was in 4th grade. I am currently the President of the Alameda County American Sewing Guild Chapter. I am also a certified Palmer Pletsch sewing instructor. I love hand sewing and love to make the Classic French Couture Jackets. I also love sewing complex sewing patterns. I love to fit patterns and assist others be successful with their fitting issues. I also love to quilt, knit, crochet and make jewelry. I am basically an all‐around textile creative person. I love to travel and take classes across the country. I love to meet others who love sewing. My favorite place that I have traveled related to sewing was to Paris with Susan Khalje. A trip of a life time. My favorite thing to sew is: Classic French Jackets and Pants The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I love reading the reviews and I have taken a few classes they were all very good. This is my first Pattern Review Weekend! Tina Wong
craftinginmycave2 Chicago!, IL
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @sewchicago Facebook: Tina Wong I'm a lifelong crafty‐do‐something‐with‐my‐hands chick. I love sewing garments, crafts, home goods, doll clothes and...Halloween costumes! My golden rule is: enjoy thyself. I don't always make a winner, but I enjoy the process. I have more designs than time or energy. My one wish in sewing is that magic elves would come and do all the cutting for me; I hate that part. I love to buy trims, but have never really used any. My mom has declared that I need to buy a bigger condo, so she doesn't sleep in the same room as my stash when she and dad come to visit. My stash is in my bedroom; my sewing room is my closet and my dining room is my always‐present cutting table. I think this is why I haven't thrown a dinner party in years. :) By day, I'm an IT Business Architect consultant. My role in the software implementation is to translate what the business client wants to the technical team. This uses both sides of my brain. And I love what I do. I just wish it didn't take so much of my day (and night.) 45
Pattern Review Weekend 2014 – Austin My favorite thing to sew is: Anything that makes me smile The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: I have to admit that while I enjoy the online sharing of information, since going to my first PR Weekend, I really enjoy the camaraderie of seeing everyone at PR Weekend. It's been fun to meet the people behind the reviews and tips shared. I have attended 2 Pattern Review Weekends. Wendy Baschkopf
wendyrb San Francisco, CA
Email: [email protected] My favorite thing to sew is: Sportswear‐ skirts, pants, tops in either lightweight knits or wovens. Also dresses for special events. The thing I love most about Pattern Review is: Folks are so warm and generous in offering helpful suggestions from many vantage points‐ I'm always learning and often surprised. How great to read reviews before buying small things like patterns or taking the plunge on a pricey sewing machine. The posts get me laughing and sometimes crying. I have attended 1 Pattern Review Weekend. AdditionalParticipants:
Claudine Celebuski Doreen Moore ‐Claudine‐ dotes Michelle Hanson Charlotte Mashaw mickielh Cicisews Sue Schwartz Sandra Navarrete Cougars10 navarres1 Kathryn Martin Dixie Davis KathySews dixiediy Melissa Nieburger Pamela Dozler Melissa5862 MelaD Ody Gardner Ody 46