Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Hopefully not Oscar-like

I've been away for ten days - Orthodox Easter and then the 1 May holidays. 2 May was the birthday of my grandmother, who turned 80 and we went to see her and tried to make her feel special and spoiled.

When back, the first thing I did was check the Timmel page, to see if the votes were counted. Surprise! Julie said the votes were counted indeed but she won't post the results until Monday (5 May morning). However she did email the five winners to let them know about their prizes. I checked my email... nothing. So I thought I didn't even make it among the top five. I was sad and kind of disappointed but then I came to terms with it because I looked at what I made for the contest and was quite pleased with it - which doesn't happen so often.

And then... the shock! The votes were posted on Monday morning (in Canada, it was evening here) and I found that I have got the first prize! I nearly died and fainted :) It was the biggest happiest shock ever.

Check out the Timmel SWAP page, if you haven't by now. There are great-great wardrobes in there and I don't speak only about the winners. There are at least two wardrobes that I liked very much and aren't among the winners.

I wanted to write about something for a long time but haven't got the time before going away for holidays. It feels kind of stupid and pretentious to write it now because I hate Oscar-like speeches, but please bear with me. I hope you know by now that all that I write comes truly from the heart. And this is especially true for the following.

You have been giving me such heartfelt appreciation during the past year. Every one of your comments and every new person coming to my blog or delurking makes me so happy. After I post something, I check my blog every 5 minutes to see what you think and what you say :) And every word means something for me, even if unhappily, I don't always have the time to thank you for that.

So a big thank you and a big, warm virtual hug for all of you. Your feedback encourages me and pushes me forward and I feel that it is also thanks to this that I have evolved so much during the past year. YOU make me want to be better. YOU make me strive to do more.

But this post is also about giving special thanks to a few persons that have stood by me along this SWAP and whose words and encouragement meant a huge deal:

My beautiful friend Marji - Marji, your warmth, straight-forwardness, sense of humour, great sense of style and I could go on like that for a while... You will always be somebody special for me.
Carolyn - you can't imagine what a great feeling I had whenever I saw your "just checking with you" messages in my inbox. And you know very well that your email when I really felt like giving up encouraged me and pushed me forward.
Lisa Laree - your "you can do it, keep sewing" posts on the SWAP thread and at my blog brought a big-big smile to my face. I felt instantly energized and optimistic.
Cherie - You wrote me your first very nice supportive message when I was participating in the PR wardrobe contest last year and since then, I constantly felt your presence through your emails and your comments at my blog. Your confidence in my talent gave me confidence in my talent and made me feel I could make a difference.

And last but not the least... Julie, the organizer of the SWAP contest. Besides being such a great host for this contest, besides putting a lot of heart, a lot of time, effort and money in it. She and the first SWAP I was in last year catalyzed my evolution. Because of Julie and her 2007 SWAP I started a sewing blog. And starting this blog, as I've tried to explain above, meant a great leap for me so I feel I owe Julie a LOT without her even knowing it probably.

I usually am really good with words (it is part of my job too ha ha) but when I am very emotional, I don't seem to find the adequate words to describe what I want to say. I am quite an intense and warm person (my Latin temperament partly accounts for that) and intense feelings are hard to render. I hope however that even with modest words, I managed to make you feel, you all and not just the five above, my love and my gratitude.
Thank you.

73 comments:

Debbie Cook said...

I knew your wardrobe deserved to win (congratulations!), but after reading this lovely note, I can see that your heart and soul deserve it too. Well done Laura! Enjoy your fabulous clothes and have fun spending your prize money on fabrics to make more.

Shannon said...

Congratulations!! What a great pick me up after all your stress lately!

KayB said...

Congrats! Well deserved, Laura.
I'm visiting your blog now for a few weeks (or month?) and I'm really impressed. Keep on doing what your doing, because it's beautiful!

Lisette M said...

Congratulations! Your swap is beautiful and well constructed and you always took the time to explain your sewing techniques to us.
Enjoy your prize!
PS: Latin? where from? I'm Cuban.

LauraLo said...

Thank you, ladies!
Lisette, I'm Romanian (we are a Latin country surrounded by Slavic countries) and one of my biggest favorites is Buena Vista Social Club. I adore Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo to death.

Adrienne said...

Congrats!!!!! You did an exceptional job!

Lori said...

Laura, congratulations, your wardrobe was beautiful. I enjoy your blog and creations so much, thank you.

Fonville Farm said...

Congratulations Laura! I love coming to your blog, you are such an inspiration to me. Everytime you post something new I call my mom and sister and tell them to check it out. I can sew pretty well, nothing like you. I always blame it on not having enough time, and then I see what you've sewn and how little time you have, and then I just feel bad. You have such a beautiful wardrobe and heart.
Keep sewing,
Robin

Tearsa Smith said...

YOu deserved it! Your wardrobe was spectacular!

Sew-4-Fun said...

Congratulations on your win! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the beautiful clothes you make. Well done!

Bonnie O. said...

Congratulations Laura! What a wonderful post from a truly wonderful lady!

Becky said...

Even though I tend to be more of a lurker than a poster, I did enjoy following the progress of this great wardrobe. Congratulations on winning-- it was well-deserved!

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

Congratulations Laura .- you deserve this award. you are a great seamstress in addition to a great person. I admire. a big hug you and enjoyment of the prize. Greetings. Paco

Lisa Laree said...

Aw, Laura, you made me teary this morning! Congratulations...you did (as always) beautiful work!!!

kasizzle said...

Congratulations! Your wardrobe is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh, congratulations!! You really deserve it, your wardrobe was just awe-inspiring. I'm continually impressed and inspired by the quality of your work, and I learn so much from reading your blog.

Melissa said...

Congratulations on your wardrobe win! I must say that even tho I don't always post a comment on your blog, I enjoy reading it very much. You are so talented and always inspire me with your garments. I agree, there were so many great wardrobes created through the SWAP, I'm sure it was hard to pick winners for the contest.

cidell said...

Congratulations Laura! Very much deserved.

gatorgirl4325 said...

Congratulations on your win! I love your wardrobe and all the special touches you put into it. I can't wait to see what comes out of your sewing room with your Timmel fabrics! :)

You are a huge inspiration to me - my sewing is not where I want it to be, but with every post I read from your blog (and others) it encourages me to keep on trying.

Kris O said...

I'm a big fan, Laura! You made it very easy to decide where to spend my votes. Great job and great blog.

Summerset said...

Congratulations to you! You must be thrilled! You're doing a wonderful job on your blog, and you're a wonderful part of the blog community that inspires and is inspired by.

Anonymous said...

Laura, congratulations for the first place! Your are right, it is so motivating to get a feedback. I only need to see how many have visited my blog. It motivates me to get better - even without special words.
But now i´m courios about your next projekt...
Greetins, Nina

Erica Bunker said...

Congratulations! Your collection was fabulous!

Leslie said...

Laura you are completely deserving of the award and all the compliments I'm sure you will receive! Your garments are inspirational and you take such care in photographing and explaining your techniques, and for me that makes them even more special. Thank you thank you thank you and congratulations!!!

loopylulu said...

*Hug* You did a marvelous job putting together your wardrobe. Congratulations on the win!

Christina said...

Laura, this is so sweet! I know it can be hard to write something personal on a blog which is so public. Congratulations on winning the contest, you absolutely deserve it, and here's to more fabulous fashions!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I am just so glad that my notes and words of encouragement helped when you were feeling low! And I am extremely proud of you for winning first prize in the SWAP competition with that amazing basics wardrobe!

Thank you very much for those very kind words, but that's what friends are for!!!!

Cherie said...

Aw, Laura, you make me teary-eyed also! But what an inspiration you are to everyone - so cool to be in this wonderful "neighborhood" we're in! Go out on the town for this!

Kitty Couture said...

Big hugs to you, ma belle. I am so happy for you. Your wardrobe is amazing and so are you! Gros bisous !

Angelia said...

Awesome!!! I'm so happy for you! You have made an amazing wardrobe and I thought yours was the best :)
I look forward to seeing more and more of your fashions... and being inspired by them.
You know you're the one who inspired me to make jeans and now I'm making my 9th pair and loving it! *hugs*

Tany said...

My VERY dear friend, CONGRATULATIONS and a HUGE HUG for this totally well deserved prize!! I am so happy for you! I THANK YOU for being the wonderful human being that you are, a great friend and one of the best seamstresses, with an outstanding sense of style! That’s what you get when talent and good taste come together!


MANY MANY HUGS!!!!

Vicki said...

Laura, whatever you have received from "us" you have given back a thousand fold. I have learnt so much from you. I have raised my standard of sewing to try and reach the heights that you and others have show. Congratulations on your well deserved win.

BTW, your story of how you found out that you won is the same as when my DD won her film competition. She did not get an email, so she later that day she went onto the website to see who had won to be suprised that it was her! So I know how excited you must have been!!

Paula Gardner said...

Congratulations, Laura. Your wardrobe was stunning, cohesive and looked absolutely beautiful on you. Your win is well-deserved. In English we have a saying (I mean English as in the language, not as in the country), "Pretty is as pretty does" and I can see by your heartfelt post that it certainly applies to you.

Marji said...

{{{{{{hugs GF}}}}}}}}
Now, you know that I want your wardrobe, complete, as is, in my closet. You earned this award, every bit of it.

Berry said...

A round of applause for this wardrobe! I'm telling you, no blushing, you're ready for red carpets ;o)!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Laura! It is a well deserved win for a fabulous wardrobe with style and originality, not to mention exquisitely sewn. I always look forward to seeing your next wonderful project.

dancingfish said...

You brought a tear to my eye too, and I've never posted a comment before now! However, I have read your blog many times (as a lurker) and been so inspired as well by your beautiful and exquisitely sewn pieces. You make me want to go and sew "not your usual" garments. I was so pleased to see that you had won, since yours was my absolute favorite. Congratulations!

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

Congratulations! Your wardrobe is beautiful.

Maja said...

Congratulations Laura! Your win is completely deserved. You're an inspiration to many, including myself.

Anonymous said...

I'm happy to de-lurk here to say congratulations on winning the SWAP contest. Your wardrobe was truly amazing & you deserved to win.

Katrin said...

Hi Laura,

I hope you know what inspiration YOU are...
Great post!

Best wishes,
Katrin

Anonymous said...

Your collection was just great. Thanks for sharing your work and for teaching (even those of us who lurk), a higher standard of sewing with information that you post on your blog. Congratulations! J

Anonymous said...

Reading your blog inspires me to take more care with my own sewing. Not only are your garments beautiful, you also wear them exceptionally well! Congrats on your contest win.

Cennetta said...

Congratulations, Laura. Your wardrobe is superb!

SmileDog Stitches said...

Congratulations Laura! A very well-deserved win! I LOVE your wardrobe and have enjoyed watching you create it. You have such an amazing sense of style. Looking forward to what is next. Thank you for all of the detailed explanations you share on your blog. You have no idea how much that means.

a little sewing said...

Laura, you sew such beautiful creations and your blog is a delight. Congratulations!

Gwen said...

Congratulations! How wonderful! I loved your wardrobe - your sewing talent AND your sewing voice came through so beautifully in your "not the usual..." theme. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Laura. I've been following your progress with awe. Love the wardrobe you sewed. Enjoy your prize, you deserve it.

Maryissewfast said...

I just wanted to add my congratulations as well...your wardrobe is stunning and I have enjoyed seeing your finish work. Can't wait to see what you create next! I'm sure it will be "Not your Usual" garment! :) Mary

Johanna Lu said...

A very touching post! Your blog is definitely one of my favorites, I love both your creations, your tenacity and your helpful tips. Being in the top five with you was a huge honor, it's feels like a little of your stardust rubs off on to me :)

laura said...

I'm not surprised that you won! Congratulations! Please keep sewing!

Lory said...

Hello:

Congrats on winning! The wardrobe is beautiful. :)

I've been reading many sewing blogs for a while and kept seeing what a close and supportive group this is. It's like watching a group of close girlfriends hanging out... you can't help but smile. It's so nice to see women supporting each other this well. I didn't have a blog before but seeing how everyone cheers each other on and how much they learn from one another I took the plunge. I hope to learn from everyone, improve my skill, and support other women as well. We need more of that in this world.

I was very touched by this post, and that's what prompted me to write to you. Your wardrobe's awesome, as are all the others on the Timmel site. So if you think about it, everyone won :)

Happy Sewing,
Lory

Sigrid said...

Congratulations Laura, you sewed a beautiful and impressive swap. I looked at Julie's site and there really were great entries.
You made wonderful "not your usual .." clothes, very wearable and still basic. Your price is well deserved.

Unknown said...

You totally deserved this win. Your clothes are always perfection in style and execution. And you look so lovely in them. I'm very happy for you.

Melinda said...

Congratulations Laura, your SWAP was fantastic and you certainly deserved to win! There were some amazing collections in the SWAP contest, you should be very proud of yourself!!!

Mariela Alethia said...

Congratulation!! absolutely beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
Your wardrobe was great. It was too modern and you was beautiful in that fotos.
Beth

Anonymous said...

You are a wonderful person inside and out and so was your SWAP collection.
Congratulations!
H.

Teddylyn said...

I'm another "mostly" lurker--but I love your blog and all of your creations. I hope you enjoy wearing the pieces as much as I enjoyed watching you make them!

Lynda

Anwen said...

*applause*

I am so glad you won :D Your clothes are amazing! And I love the tutorials you do :)

angie.a said...

Laura I'm so late to congratulate you, but I am SO happy for you!! Your wardrobe was just beautiful, and it was a much deserved win!

angie

Anonymous said...

You most certainly had one of the best wardrobes. Congratulations on the win and on being an accomplished seamstress. I really enjoy your blog and watching your progress on projects. You are an inspiration to all who sew.

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

I'll post comments more, but I want you to know that I check your blog regularly and read it a lot.

Your wardrobe was wonderful, I aspire to sew like you do -- things that are beautiful outside to suit your beautiful inside.

Cheers!

ejvc

fabricluver (Susan) said...

Congratulations on your wardrobe! It is beautiful and I hope the stress in your life is better. I know you will get much enjoyment from wearing all of your wonderful creations.

I also love your trench - so much that I am also making one. I know it will pale in comparison to yours but I am setting my standards high to hopefully come close to yours. I visit your blog daily just to check in but also to examine more details on your coat. Thanks so much for sharing will all of us.

fabricluver(Susan)

Kitty Couture said...

Coucou ma belle,
J'espère que tu vas bien. Miss you Laura! Gros bisous.

Anonymous said...

I've read your blog many times. I'm completely new to online, detailed sewing information. You're OBVIOUSLY a very dedicated, detailed sewer, & have always shown great technique & beautiful, original "inner-garment" details. You deserve this win. Please continue to inspire & challenge me!
God Bless,
Rosalind Clayton, Ontario, Canada

Anne-Marie said...

Ohhh Laura congratulations, I am a little late on the news, but better late then never. This is a well deserve award. You are such a talented sewer. Mille bravo ! Anne

Melissa said...

Just wanted you to know I miss reading your blog updates. I hope you continue with you blog soon and that all is well in your world!

Anonymous said...

Ditto what Melissa said. Miss your blogs, hope all is OK.

Anonymous said...

I've really been missing your blog. I check every day for something new. You're a great inspiration, you're so creative.

Cindy said...

A little late here, but congratulations! You really deserved it with your fantastic SWAP.

Anonymous said...

We all miss you and your teriffic outfits Laura! I'm sure you and DH are having wonderful times and just too busy to blog. Enjoy! Hope to see you back soon.
Melissa

Unknown said...

Great sewing, Laura. I also like your Chanel jacket. Can you tell me where I can purchase the weighted chain for the Chanel jacket. Possibly online.

Linda