Where has the Year gone? It seems like yesterday that we were ringing in 2023 and now 2024 is here. But like many of us, we love to look back on the full year with nostalgia and to see what we tackled, learned and accomplished. SEW MUCH goes on at PatternReview and it's time again for us to walk you through the ins and outs in what makes our sewing community so special. I know the end of the year can either come with anticipation or apprehension, but either way PatternReview is here for you to help move forward into the New Year by setting new sewing goals.
The purpose of PatternReview's Year in Review is to look back at the prior year, and revisit what we have learned and achieved in our sewing journeys and hopefully been inspired along the way. It is always nice to see what our members have accomplished this year. The inspiration, the camaraderie, the new projects and skills, and the yards and yards of new fabric we have added to our stashes! We are happy to present to you our 4 Part Series, A Year in Review, to go over some enjoyable memories made throughout this past year. Our first part, Members, is a look back at some of our members that made it extra special this year.
Members in Focus
This year we featured 5 Members in Focus from across the US, Canada and UK. Our MIFs are outstanding members that we get to know a little better through their sewing journeys. We are beyond appreciative that they are willing to share a bit of their lives with us. It is quite amazing how we can relate and be inspired with all their stories. This is one extremely talented and accomplished group of sewists!
First Row: ClaudC, hpsauce, marusya grace
Second Row: Seamingly Simple, LoveLucie
*Click on the name to read each interview
Maker Stories
I am so honored that these talented makers and movers & shakers trust me to share their story on PatternReview.com. From listening to them and sharing their journey, it is evident that there is a lot of work to be done in the sewing industry. This is just the first step. Representation is the key to growth and I promise to work hard and be consistent in this work. Thank you for reading and supporting my vision. - Deepika
*Click on the name to read each interview
12 Days of Giving Thanks
Over the 12 days before Thanksgiving, we had 434 comments of thanks written by countless members participating in our Annual 12 Days of Giving Thanks. You all let us know a PatternReview members that have helped you or raised your spirits recently. Along with each comment came the opportunity for twelve participating members, to win some REALLY great prizes. Those of you who shared with us had your name entered into a drawing to win the above prizes. Check out what our members had to say about each other in the comments section of the 12 Days of Giving Thanks Blog, so much generosity and kindness that the community possess for one another is forever uplifting!
indigo_sue thanked all our reviewers at PatternReview,
"I am so grateful to everyone who writes pattern reviews so I can research my projects before I buy patterns. By coming on PR, I can find new pattern ideas for a particular fabric type, answer 'will this look good on someone of my body type?', and find out whether the instructions and drafting are going to cause me joy or pain. I've discovered new pattern designers and made new friends through PR in the past year and I am so so very grateful!"
and Kikulina simply commented,
"I'd like to thank TeeGee for being compassionate and so kind."
Members inspiring members, this is what PatternReview is all about.
However the PatternReview Community fits into your life, Thank you!
PatternReview On Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
We have been continuing our presence on Social Media. If this is the platform you follow, then connect with our members, events and activities on Facebook, Instagram or Pintrest.
PatternReview Weekend was Back!!!
Lowell, MA - June 9 &10, 2023
Our 18th Annual PR Weekend was held in the history city of Lowell, MA which was once the largest planned textile centers in the country! As we came together after 3 years, it was a natural choice to be in the place where it all began. Literally and figuratively. It was a matter of great pride for me to welcome PatternReview members to one of my favorite cities in Massachusetts. The weekend was full of events from greetings and guest speaker Queen Allottey Pappoe to touring textile museums and artists studios, the only thing we could have wished for was more time together.
I found it so wonderful to meet the many I have only seen in text and photos online and what fun we had! I am now so invigorated to sew. It was so special to visit the museums and with the artists. The ideas are popping all over and Queen was such a joy to be around.
- solosmocker
Couldn't make it this year? This years' location is still TBD. Read about this years and Past PR Weekends here.
PatternReview Meet-ups - Popping up in Your Region!!!
The reviews for the 7 Regional Meet-ups that happened in the last 6 months
First: PR Day - Chicago, Illinois
Second: PR Day - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Third: PR Day - Central Florida
Fourth: PR Day - South West Ontario, Canada
Fifth: PR DAY - Garment District, New York City
Sixth: PR Day - DC/NOVA/MD (DC, N. Virginia and Maryland
Seventh: PR Day - Boston, MA
*Click on the name to read each Post
PatternReview would like to thank all our members (OG and new), volunteers, teachers and sponsors for making our site a safe and unbiased platform for sewists around the world. Cheers! This is just Part 1 of our 4 Part series. 3 more Parts to come before the end of 2023, stay tuned!
Related:
Part 2 - Contests
Part 3 - Classes And Trends
Part 4 - Patterns
