Lagniappe Peddler
  • LAGNIAPPE PEDDLER BLOG
  • ABOUT OUR DESIGNS
  • DESIGNS BY CATEGORY
  • SALE SALE SALE
  • FREE EMBROIDERY DESIGNS
  • CONTACT LAGNIAPPE PEDDLER
  • ABOUT LAGNIAPPE PEDDLER
  • VIDEO TUTORIALS AND SEW FOR A CAUSE

Networking at a Sewing Retreat

8/17/2016

 
Picture
If you have been lucky enough to attend a sewing retreat you know that it is both relaxing and energizing at the same time.  To be in an environment with people that have your interests while learning together is truly a great thing.  When you are attending any function for the first time, you may be nervous especially if you are going alone.  It shouldn't take long for you to meet a few friends because after all, you already have something in common.  Recently, while planning my trip, I decided that having something to use as an invitation to mingle would make networking easier.  So I sewed a little fabric basket that would hold some important items.
Picture
This basket has spaces on either side that allow business cards and blank paper to be stored until you want to give them out.  There are also folds on each corner that can accommodate pens and pencils.  Inside the basket, of course is the teaser, some yummy chocolate.  If you can imagine while at a retreat, you will be so busy learning new things and keeping up with your neighbors, visiting, eating and doing it all over again each day.  It might be hard to get the names and numbers of your new friends and keep up with them.  This little basket really helped me to stay organized.
Picture
Some of the other important things to think about is your luggage and how you are going to keep up with all of your sewing gear.  I was driving so I did not have to worry about weight limits for airplanes but keep that in mind.  Some of the ladies at my retreat brought an extra suitcase to hold all of their sewing projects once completed for their return trip. Others packaged everything and shipped home from the retreat. 
Picture
Not knowing what the room conditions will be you may want to bring a sweater to layer.  Also, the chairs may not be as comfortable as you are accustomed to at home, so a nice chair pad helped me a lot.
Picture
I was interested to see what everyone else used for their tools.  Since I had never attended, I didn't know how much working space I would have.  These stackable bins worked perfectly for me.  I was able to divide them according to the tool size and when I needed something, it was right at my fingertips.
Picture
See how neat they are. You can attach them on top of each other and move them as a group or by themselves.  They sat nicely on the corner of my work station and didn't interfere with everything else I had going on.
Picture
Here you can see that I used a sewing machine cart for all of my notions.  The stackable bins slid in easily.  I also printed out itineraries, maps, stashed my chocolate and fabric basket. Everything was portable because it has wheels.  This is important of you are trying to wrangle luggage and all of your sewing gear.  If you are staying in a hotel and have to transport your things each day, wheels will be your best friend.  I was lucky and once set up, our things stayed in our sewing area for the week.
Picture
Most sewing retreats will include some kind of prepared meals.  You may not eat at those specific times normally so planning a few snacks will be a good idea. I carried a large purse that held my snacks, cell phone, I pad, chargers, wallet and odds and ends. This was easy to carry back and forth from my hotel room each day. I knew everything would stay organized and in one place.
Picture
If you are thinking about attending a sewing retreat you might be concerned that you won't be able to keep up with the projects offered, or that you may not fit in. I can tell you from my experience that Sewists are some of the most generous people I have met.  They are eager to show their own tips and love to learn new things.  It is a joy to wake up each day knowing you only have to get dressed and create until it is time to eat, sleep and do it all over again.  I am already planning my next trip.  I have a download below that you can use to sew your own networking basket.  The basic shape has been around for a long time so you have probably seen it used in other ways, but it goes together quickly and easily. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.  Happy Sewing Travels!
sweet_networking_basket.pdf
File Size: 650 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Personalized Costume and Spats

8/1/2016

 
Picture
We have had a lot of fun sewing a costume for a LARP or Live Adult Role Play Event.  Our attendee wanted a costume that he could move around in easily and be comfortable.  So we went in search of a Standard Industry Pattern at our local big box store.  We found Simplicity 1582. It is an easy pattern to sew and has several different options in the lengths of the tunic and cape.
Picture
We did a few simple alterations to personalize it like adding sleeves, belt loops and a collar.
Picture
Instead of wearing regular shoes, our attendee is going in style with a homemade pair of spats custom fitted to him.  We found many patterns and DIY tutorials on the internet but the best one that gave us the most inspiration was from Niler Taylor on You tube.  She has a two part video detailing a pair of Spats that look like cowboy boots. It is really worth checking out along with her many other video tutorials.
Picture
We have included a couple of documents you can download below.  They do not include any patterns but they do have a lot of techniques you can incorporate if you are looking for ideas to alter a costume. 
Picture
This was a fun project and as you can see, he is really getting into playing the part.  We hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
personalized_costume.pdf
File Size: 1101 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

customized_boot_covers.pdf
File Size: 2676 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

    Follow Me On Facebook

    Author

    Lagniappe Peddler believes that the process of working with our hands can be one of the best forms of healing the hurts in our lives and welcomes all who visit this safe little corner of the world.

    What is a Lagniappe Peddler?

    ˌlanˈyap,ˈlanˌyap - something given as a bonus or extra gift
    ped-ler - a person who offers merchandise for sale or promotes something

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

    Blog Categories

    All
    Amore Restore
    Home And Garden
    Knitting
    Machine Embroidery
    Quilting
    Sewing

    Picture

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies

Lagniappe Peddler LLC

Picture
© COPYRIGHT 2015-2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.