Designer Interview: Amanda of Deriving Mommyhood

 This designer interview is really fun because we're sitting down with Amanda of Deriving Mommyhood, and she was just on in the latest regular Season, so her memories are very fresh!

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

Pushing myself to create my own unique looks rather than stick to the page. I learned lots of patterning techniques I never would have if not for competition!!

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

Not stressed so much!!! And get started much earlier 🤣

Funny behind the scenes story?

I have almost another full week of looks that I didn’t use because I scrapped them for other ideas or I thought I could do better. Also week 1 was the only week I wasn’t on full lockdown, and so could leave my street for pics. I went to a local park and my youngest fell in mud ten minutes in and was a mess for the rest of the day (emotionally and physically 🤣) I ended up using her siblings for the following weeks. You can see muddy knees in the photo above!

What did you learn sewing skill-wise from your challenge?

How to make a blazer coat, how to calculate pleats, how to slash and spread patterns....

How did your family react/help during your experience?

They were very glad when it was over! ;)

Any make-it-work moments?

The yellow cape I did for the final week replaced my cape blazer that I didn’t use, and I made it hours before I took pics. It ended up being one of my favourites for the whole challenge.

Advice for future competitors?

Stick to what you love doing and enjoy every moment!

Did you have any ideas that totally bombed and you had to switch gears?

Yes yes yes!!! My oldest son was supposed to be in week 2. I finished his look but my daughter stole the bottoms. It just didn’t ‘work’ and I thought my younger sons look was far better alone.

Anything else you want to share?

I was ready to quit after my judging scores from week 1. I thought I had absolutely nailed it and loved everything I made and was beside myself when I scored in the bottom in every category!!

Can you share a photo shoot story or any photoshoot outtakes?

The entire country locked down for Covid the day after the week 2 shoot so there were no more last minute trips out for supplies or fun spots to take photos.....

And for week 4 I took photos on my street, and it was a capsule so there was lots of running in and out to change. The farmer was doing farmer things the whole time so I was able to awkwardly chat about cows with him as the pictures were pretty much right next to where he was working.

Thank you so much, Amanda!  Besides following along with Amanda at Deriving Mommyhood, you can be inspired by following her on Instagram too.

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Designer Interview: Tami of SewSophieLynn

 Let's sit down for a chat with another one of our designers!  We LOVE hearing from the past Designers of Project Run & Play Seasons so much, that we occasionally bring them back and pick their brains about their time.

Today' featured designer is Tami of SewSophieLynn, who participated in TWO full Seasons, Season 12, Season 15 and stepped in at the last minute on Mini Season 2.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

I'm still working for Raspberry Creek Fabrics and testing patterns when I can. After the calm of quarantine life, my kids are back to the crazy evenings of juggling homework, sports, dance, and friends.

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

I loved the community I became a part of! From the friendships with the other contestants my season to the amazing alumni that I get to work with, what a talented group of sewists to get to be with!

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

Plan, plan, plan! I participated in two seasons and I thought by the second time around I would have gotten better at coming up with a firm plan early in the season for each week. Nope- I made up each look as I went along, sometimes the day before pics!

Funny behind the scenes story?

On the second season, it became almost hysterical all of the little things that went wrong. Photo shoot days were the best! Gemia, Cassie, and I would just laugh because one of us always had crazy weather or a sick model when it came time to shoot our looks. You'd never know it though because their looks always were AMAZING!

What did you learn sewing skill-wise from your challenge?

It taught me to trust myself a little more. I'm such a quick, easy project sewist but I learned that those thought out, time consuming projects are actually the ones you remember and cherish the most.

How did your family react/help during your experience?

My family was amazing. My little models were the rockstars of the whole experience. We were dealing with freezing cold Utah winter and they put on their best smiling faces and were true super models.

Any make-it-work moments?

My first look for the second season was a definite make it work moment! I had spent so much time with the detail of the blue Mayan inspired dress that my daughter didn't try it on until the afternoon of the shoot. Wouldn't you know, it was way too big for my youngest daughter to wear! Luckily it fit my oldest perfectly and my younger daughter got the fun separates instead. It was one of those times I was grateful they are so close in age and size!

Advice for future competitors?

Go for it! Project Run and Play is the perfect chance to really let loose and have fun. Enjoy the experience because it goes super fast and you'll have the best memories when it ends!

Did you have any ideas that totally bombed and you had to switch gears?

My very first look ever, the Pokemon challenge was a tough one for us. We were not familiar at all with Pokemon and were really struggling to come up with a plan. I made multiple tops and finally went with the simple red crop top after lots of trial and error.

Do you have any outtake photos you can share?

I dug up a few and it's no surprise that they're all of my youngest daughter.  She keeps us laughing through all of our shoots and always has to throw in a few dance moves!

Thank you so much, Tami! Besides following along with Tami at SewSophieLynn, you can find loads of inspiration by following her on Instagram too.

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Designer Interview: Gail of Sunflower Seams (also Boo+Lu)

 We're back with another installment of the Designer Interviews series.  We LOVE the designers of Project Run & Play Seasons so much, that we bring them back occasionally and ask them questions.  

Today's featured designer is Gail of Sunflower Seams (and Boo+Lu).  She was a designer on Season 23.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

Launching my own pattern company with my sewing bestie Becca Plymale! We are launching our brand new company, Sunflower Seams.

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

The themes! I love creating based on a theme. I feel like it helps push me out of my comfort zone.

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

I wouldn't do anything differently, I stayed true to my style and I think that's most important.

How did your family react/help during your experience?

My husband kept the kids busy and actually gave me uninterrupted sewing time!

Advice for future competitors?

Remember to have fun and don't take any criticism personally.

Thank you so much, Anne! Besides following along with her over at Boo & Lu and Sunflower Seams, you can find Gail on Instagram too.

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Designer Interview: Heidi of Elegance and Elephants

 It's time to interview another talented Designer from a past Project Run & Play Season!  Today we get to go behind the scenes with Heidi of Elegance and Elephants.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

I've been keeping busy designing for E&E Patterns and homeschooling my children for the past seven years.

Season 5 Week 1: Pattern Remix Challenge

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

It was a lot of fun to design creative pieces to fit the weekly themes. That would have to be my favourite part of the PR&P.

Season 5 Week 4: Boys Week

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

If I could do it over, I'd try to manage my time better. I cut it a little too close some weeks (literally!)!

Season 5 Week 5: Fall-Inspired Holiday Wear 

Funny behind the scenes story?

My daughter (who was two at the time) had her very first lollipop during the Apple of My Eye photoshoot. Not sure what I was thinking, but you can imagine what it was like trying to keep her outfit and face clean as she proceeded to drip and drool all over everything. But, she enjoyed it!

Season 5 Week 2: Fashion Icon Challenge

What did you learn sewing skill-wise from your challenge?

I think designing the Fedora Hat was probably my greatest sewing challenge. I'd never sewn anything like it before. It really pushed me to think outside the box to make it work.

Season 5 Week 3: White Sheet Challenge

How did your family react/help during your experience?

My children were a huge help as my little models. Couldn't have done it without them!

Season 5 Week 6: Signature Style

Advice for future competitors?

Keep to your aesthetic and sew what you love.

Thank you so much, Heidi!!!  Besides following along on Elegance and Elephants, you can be inspired by Heidi on Instagram here.  

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Designer Interview: Jenny of Made of Starlite

 It's time to interview another talented designer!!!  Today we get to go in depth with Jenny of Made of Starlite.  She was a designer on Season 21.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

Pattern testing, working on the awesome PRP Lookbooks, replenishing my fabric stash, and hanging out with my awesome family.

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

Designing collections! I completely LOVE designing collections. Multiple pieces that mix and match and coordinate just gives me all the happy feelings, and makes buying fabric even more exciting 😆

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

Hmm, I probably would have edited my last collection and done the photoshoot sooner. It was absolutely insane, coordinating six families, battling rain, sewing pieces right down to the night before, and then cramming the shoot into one hour! I don't like feeling that frazzled, so I would definitely have been a little more rigid about getting things done early to give myself breathing room.

What did you learn sewing skill-wise from your challenge?

I conquered sewing vinyl! I did a raincoat and a vinyl backpack, both of which I have wanted to try for quite a while. It was both more challenging than anticipated, and simple! What worked for me was using tissue paper to wrap the seams. The scotch tape trick did squat 😜

Any make-it-work moments?

For my final photoshoot, I have 5 little girls coming over, one of the dads setting up a studio in the living room, two other moms doing hair and make up in the kitchen, and the "Elsa" model shows up in ratty, hot pink slippers. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I had carefully gone over footwear with all the other families, but completely forgot to talk about it with my sister-in-law, who had dropped her daughter off on the way to an appointment across town. So my little niece ended up wearing my son's black crocs!! Later, I bought her a neutral pair of shoes to keep at my house for future photoshoots 😏

Advice for future competitors?

Design things YOU love! You are the one putting in the time and effort. It doesn't matter how many people vote for your look if you aren't happy with what you produced.

Can you share a photo shoot story or any photoshoot outtakes?

My kids playing on the floor next to me while I worked!

Here's one of my awful "straight out of carmera" photos from week 3 that I spend HOURS editing so that they were usable!

Did you have any ideas that totally bombed and you had to switch gears?

In week 3, I originally planned a sequin sheath dress! But the more I worked on it, it just wasn't looking age appropriate. Really, where is an 8 year old going to wear that? So I ended up chopping it in half and turning it into a crop top and skirt with biker shorts; both of which have gotten plenty of wear between my daughter and my niece! No one has ever accused us of being underdressed 🙃

Thank you so much, Jenny!!!  Besides following along on Made of Starlite, you can be inspired by Jenny on Instagram here.  

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Designer Interview: Kari of That's Sew Kari

 It's time for another Designer Interview!  This week we go to ask Kari of That's Sew Kari a few questions.  She was a designer on the most recent Season, Season 23.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

I have been sewing up a storm (promoting fabrics and patterns) and really enjoying keeping busy with it. My girls are also loving all the new clothes!!

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

My favorite part of PRP was seeing everything come together each week, albeit sometimes at the very last minute. My presentation of Fairytale Week was probably the most fun when I made up fake social media to show the pictures.

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

I wish I had heeded the advice to start early!! HAHA. I literally sewed like crazy to make each deadline.

What did you learn sewing skill-wise from your challenge?

I got really good at inserting zippers! I used 7 zippers in 3 of the 4 weeks.

How did your family react/help during your experience?

They were very supportive! I was lucky my girls indulged me for all the photos and countless fittings. (It helped that I compensated them...haha!!)

Any make-it-work moments?

I couldn't find any stretch denim in the color I wanted for Week 3 so I turned the denim inside out so it was a lighter color.

Advice for future competitors?

Don't overthink the themes. I spent way too much time second-guessing whether I was headed in the right direction with the prompts.

Did you have any ideas that totally bombed and you had to switch gears?

I switched gears every single week. LOL I literally had a pile of "discarded" projects by the end of the four weeks. My biggest was changing the entire color scheme of Week 1 a few days before it was due.

Anything else you want to share?

This was the craziest, stressful, most fun whirlwind of 4 weeks, but I'm glad I took a chance. I'd definitely do it all over again!!

Thank you so much, Kari! Besides following along on That's Sew Kari, you can be inspired by her on Instagram here.

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Designer Interview: Monica of MaMeMiMo

We're back with another installment of our new series...Designer Interviews!  We LOVE the designers of Project Run & Play Seasons so much, that we decided to bring them back occasionally and ask them questions.

Next up is Monica of MaMeMiMo.  She was a designer on Season 20.

What have you been doing since your Season on Project Run & Play?

I’ve been sewing a lot, but nothing different from what I was doing before the contest.

What was your favorite part of your experience on Project Run & Play?

Seeing what the other participants made. It is amazing how can the same theme become such different amazing outfits.

What would you have done differently on your Season if you could do it over?

I think that I should have planned more and earlier. I never though that I would pass to the second round and my last week outfit was a little improvised.

Funny behind the scenes story?

For my first outfits we went to the Park Guell to take beautiful pictures of the kids with the Barcelona skyline on the background. My daughters skirt fabric was so much wrinkling that I didn’t let her sit on our 20 minutes bus trip! On our last outfit we decided it would be fun to use my sons new roller skates, that’s why he is never stand up in any picture... he just could not!

How did your family react/help during your experience?

They were absolutely committed and focused on the contest.

Advice for future competitors?

Plan everything. Even though you think you won’t get to the second week because you can do it, too.

Very well said, thank you Monica!  Besides reading her MaMeMiMo blog, you can find Monica on Instagram.

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