I love everything about vintage patterns/designs--the techniques used, fabrics, style variations between periods of time. Being so interested in garment construction, I love to know how those before us sewed their garments-the socio-economic status of what people wore and how it played into the overall history of the country at the time and social customs or norms seen thru those garments.

I usually choose fabric colors based on what I like and know looks good on me. I do take note of the forecasts, but it doesn't hold a lot of pull on me as to what I wear. Sometimes, you can use a shade lighter or darker of the forecasted colors to make it work better for your skin coloring.

Yes--so looking forward to season 9 on PR!! I actually went to Lifetime's web site yesterday to find out what the start date was for the new season. It's not been posted yet, but I did see where they were going to have this new Project Accessory show. Very exciting! Also, if you remember last season, right before the first show, they had the all-stars competition between some former PR challengers. This year, as I learned on their site, they will have 8-one hour episodes of the all-star challenges. If you go to the PR blog on Lifetime, you can vote for what former PR competitors you would most like to see compete against each other and see who others voted for! :-)

This was certainly an entaining episode to watch. The ending made me angry as I think it did most people. I was really proud of what Team Military Lace accomplished. I was also proud of Casanova getting it together, with the help of encouraging words of his model--to produce a very chic and youthful look---which was also my favorite (love those pants). Casanova makes me laugh, lately more than anything. I think maybe he's starting to catch on as to what is expected of him.

It was rather sad to watch Michael C. cry as he looked up at Gretchen in the beginning of the 'loser' critique when she first didn't want to point out anyone's weaknesses or name any names.....and then soon changed her tune to the opposite. The tears soon went to shock and anger on Michael C's part, understandably so. It was really pathetic to blame him for everything when the judges kept telling Team Luxe that he had immunity...........so stop saying his name already!

A.J. was the only one with enough class (of the 5 other designers) to say that he had weaknesses...........and then HE gets sent home! Thought that was awful. I understand he didn't sew much or sew that well, but with others sewing awful, as well and with a much worse attitude should have definitely been considered in the end (can anyone say IVY?)

SOOOO proud of Tim for saying what needed to be said to Gretchen in front of EVERYONE at the end. No one on Team Luxe had enough backbone to stand up to her in the crucial production time of the whole collection process which is to their (or at least A.J.'s) demise.

The 'nice' designers who know what they're doing don't need to worry about the bad behaviors of others on the show and trying to prove it to others and 'the outside world'. The behaviors/attitudes will come to light on their own.........as we all saw.

Gotta say I was cheering when Seth Aaron won. I thought he really deserved it and was hoping he would win even before I saw his collection based on what I saw in Tim's visits with the other designers. I think he took Tim's advice in the home visit to re-think it. The result was a collection that was a step up from his usual. He made it more chic overall. He has a definite voice and/or signature--one could spot anywhere. I didn't care for SA in the beginning, mostly his personality. But he won me over with inventiveness, construction/tailoring abilities and later, his personality. The one look that was not good, though was from the circus challenge. I think SA will appeal to a particular market. No designer appeals to everyone. But I think he will do well and make the most of his win.

By the time I saw a bit of Emilio's collection with Tim at his home visit, I was turned off by it--let alone his attitude with Tim. You could tell there was some tension there. BTW, thanks Soli for the link to Tim's video comments after the finale aired. An eye opener in some respect and just confirmed Emilio's big ego is out of control. Back to the collection--the colors, the fabric he created with his name/initials was tacky to me. And I had a feeling it wouldn't go over well. But, I was surprised that it did indeed look like a collection when it came out on the runway. He pulled that part off, but didn't care for his designs, in general. I loved the gown at the end which flowed beautifully and the color was one that is a favorite of mine. The only other item I would have worn was the turquoise (my favorite color) jacket which was tailored very nicely.

Mila: Everybody has said it already and most everyone agrees. No need to go on....

After Jay was eliminated and I saw last week's recap here on Threads about it --and Soli's link to Jay's collection--I actually liked Jay's collection better than Mila's. BUT, I have to mention (which no one has said anything about--even Tim) was during the Reunion part after the finale. Jay's comments to the model about her teeth and thick legs was plain mean...and EVERYONE there, as well, thought it was too. She made a comment that his designs were more suited for the L.A. scene. Well, he took it poorly and came back and attacked her in a personal way horribly for it. He was quickly chastised. I was actually shocked. What a disapointment! True colors shining through.....

I truly think Season 7 was about the best so far (I've seen absolutely every episode more than once). I have to at least hand it to PR that I think the crew comes up with more interesting challenges as the seasons pass. Looking on to Season 8!

Thanks for the link to the other collections. I didn't look at the top 3 since I want to be surprised. But, looking at the rest--I really liked Jay's collection. He could have picked stronger looks from his collection than what he chose for the finale competition. And I also liked Anthony's collection.

I was rather disappointed that Jay was not selected. Mila's looked just like her, but a little too much like her--just too predictable. I liked the dress, but her lack of color (which is something that seems to happen often with final collections) was a downfall to me. I like color!

I am really looking forward to seeing Seth Aaron's. I do think he should have waited for some feedback from Tim before he sewed most of his collection. And watching Tim on the trampoline was classic.

My husband and I just moved our office/sewing room into our daughter's old and smaller bedroom. So that meant transferring all of my fabrics from one closet to another. I had them in storage bins, but decided to take them all out so I could see them and become more inspired by what I like. I bought a pretty inexpensive shelf ($57) from a home improvement store and put it together to stack my fabrics on. They didn't all quite fit on it, but I love having them so I can see what I've got. I collected quite a few I had forgotten! A word of caution, also about storing fabrics in plastic bags and bins---natural fibers can get moldy and rot if they can't breathe and are exposed to high humidity even thought they are in bins. My bins were not completely air tight.

I actually really liked Emilio's dress. Thought it was the best of the group. I liked the fact that he added the red/black/white stripe fabric to the bodice before calling it done. That decision enhanced it. I do wish he were more humble as do most people here.

I really like Seth Aaron and thought he might pull off a look without being too costumey. And even though he told the camera that was what Tim said, he still managed to go too far and circusy. When I saw his model from the back as she walked out of the workroom to the runway--I thought, OMG, it is way too out there and looks like a ring-leader. You just knew already what the judges would say. In all, he is the one that has a stand-out viewpoint. One immediately knows his work which is a huge plus for him. And he tailors really well.

Something about Mila just rubs me the wrong way and I don't know why. I do think she doesn't have much up her sleeve. And she will have to work very hard to overcome SA's talent and Emilio's.

Not impressed at all with Jay's jacket. Too predictable as several thought. Not thrilled with him as a designer.

Way disappointed in Anthony's dress. And for him to not realize the fabric content and how it behaves was a poor reflection on his knowledge base. And his gown was really boring and did not look inspired by the cirus. I love his personality though and will miss his wit.

Having watched ALL seasons, I think that the designers became way too confident before their runway shows regarding their creations. They can't be objective enough which would be extremely difficult to do anyway. It's a passionate field with passionate people. And sometimes the way they talk to the camera about their looks is almost as if they are trying to convince themselves they are the best or whatever. And some seem horribly blind to the fact their looks are terrible.

This was the first time I liked ALL top 3 designs. My favorite was the winner--Seth-Aaron. He was right on in the workroom talking about what little girls really want to wear these days which is exactly the type of designs or styles that he likes to do. His own daughter was inspiration and assumed part of the style he chose. This, in sharp contrast to the predictable pink flouncy trouncy dress that Emilio made. It was obvious to me as I watched that he didn't have a clue how to dress a little girl. And honestly, it would freak someone out if they never had the opportunityaround to be around little girls where they could get a flavor for what they like in clothes.

My tween daughter loved S-A's clothes for the little girl and said she would wear it. This is exactly her style to a tee. It's like a rock n' roll kind of look with it appearing more graphic and bold color combinations. The pink and houndstooth jacket with hood that he did was awesome.

Oh Amy-----are we hearing Tim Gunn say again, "clown clothes". The color combination was too odd. And I adore color--bold, bright, the better, but not overdone to the point of being tacky.

Jonathan and his ruffles or feathers. Too many on the model. The little girl's dress I liked, actually.

And I really did not think that Janeane's outfits were bad. My daughter said she would wear the red top the little girl had on. That is what's in style right now with the bubble or no-show hem at the bottom. Pair that with leggings and I thought it a winning look, but not the top 3. Sorry.

It is interesting to see the designers buckle down more in the workroom this time. The atmosphere seemed much more focused.

Have to say I loved Jonathan's dress and that he pulled it off. I listened to his explanation of the air concept with interest--and always hoping when I hear a very creative, rather deep concept explanation that the designer's interpretation will bring forth good results. His did, definitely. He got lucky with a model with such a fair complexion that the fabrics he chose blended beautifully. It was wispy and fun. I would have worn it.

Also have to say that Amy's was appalling. And like one of the judges said--weird. It's like you just know that when the model steps onto the runway with all the hair tucked in like a 'womb' that the designer is going to get blasted. For one thing, why would you think that hair could enhance or take the place of fabric as part of an outfit? It didn't work for Chris March.

I actually got what Anthony was trying to do and thought it rather clever---thinking to the other spectrum of what is inclusive about fire. Although, I am tired of seeing gray and black--to me, it was better than seeing red (too predictable). Maybe blue would have been a good choice since it's the hottest part of the flame.

Seth-Aaron's looked just like him. I think he would have a fan base beyond costume design which he would also do well in. But, I think a rock n' roll customer could go for his looks. At least he (and the judges appear to) knows what his trademark style is as a designer. That seems to be an important part to the finale or pre-finale show when the top 3 are chosen to move on. I've heard that repeated a lot by Nina.

I liked Maya's ruffles. Don't care what Nina said.

Mila's was ho-hum to me. At least she didn't go the color-block graphic route. Bet she will next time, though. The judges seem to not be sure if Mila knows who she is as a designer. I have to agree with what Emilio once said about her maybe being a one-trick pony.

Ben's suit was just sad. He should not have picked pants if he had never made them before. I think pants are one of the most difficult items to make--so much adjusting. And the colors were blah.

Wish the designers would break out into color more. The black and gray thing is boring.

Wow! I love all of these ideas and printed the whole article off to save since I am planning a new sewing space. It won't really be new, but we are switching bedrooms with our tween daughter who is in the smallest of 3 bedrooms in a very small house.

I have shared my sewing space with our office space since I took up sewing about 1 1/2 yrs ago. So, I'll have to share again in the smaller bedroom. It does help to know how to do mechanical drawing and space planning, which is my background in interior design, but it doesn't take the place of gathering great ideas from others who have been there; done that and are much wiser for it.

I have been using an old kitchen table as my sewing table which is deeper than your typical sewing table/cabinet. I just purchased a very inexpensive sewing cabinet to replace it, from a well-known discount store. It got awesome reviews from hundred's of people. I knew the depth would be better for the smaller space I am moving into. I found the matching mobile cabinet at another well-known discount store's website. Why either store didn't carry both items--I don't understand. I really don't need a fancy $1300 sewing cabinet that I see advertised at almost any sewing store you may go into.

Someone here mentioned it before, but I'll say it again--ORGANIZATION PAYS OFF. Yes, the initial time you put in can take a lot of time, unless you started organizing from the beginning of planning your space. But the ease of finding what you need rather than wasting time is such a benefit.

I put my fabric stash in clear bins in my large, but narrow closet. And I totally agree with the person about getting all the same storage items--saving your money to get them all at once, for example. I bought about 3-4 at a time and rather often so that the place where I got them from would pretty much keep them in stock for a while--a well-known discount store; not a speciality store. I like that they all match and are visually pleasing. I have to admit that I am not really pleased with having to go into my closet to actually get the fabrics I want to use. I would like to change this............I'm thinking, I'm thinking........

I have a large binder with organizational sheets that lists each fabric with the following info:
-the 'name' or description of the fabric, including color
-fabric content
-source (where I bought it)
-width
-price per yard
-notes (including washing/care instructions and the date I bought it)

I found this organization form for all that information at patternreview.com. It is a great way to organize. I also marked each bin with a letter on the lid and the front (depending on how they might get stacked) to correspond to the letter I wrote next to the fabric samples in the binder. And I change the yardage I have in stock if I don't use all the fabric for a project. So, I just go 'shopping' in my binder.

I keep a lot of my 'stock' info. on different spreadsheets I made on my computer. I have a list of patterns that have lots of info. about them (mfg, what size, the reviews about it, etc.) and know exactly where I can find it in pattern file boxes I found online.

I keep a lot of loose items in clear bins and label them. I want to see everything. I also have stacked clear plastic drawers. I have an 'open' bin with all my various measuring tools. I use ArtBin storage for my construction and some embroidery thread. My serger thread is kept in another clear storage bin. I keep all the brands of thread separate from one another, as I have a spreadsheet of my 'stock' so I don't keep buying duplicate thread. I know it sounds anal, but I can't help it.

I bought a kid's plastic stretch-out coat hanger (the kind that looks like diamond shapes when you expand it) in different colors at a dollar store. I attached that to the wall above my sewing table to hang scissors, embroidery hoops, tape rolls, and whatever else.

After my grandmother's death, I found an old shadow type box (you can get these at craft stores) you hang on the wall to put little trinkets on in the compartment shelves within it. I thought I would eventually find a use for it and did. I'm not a trinket collector. I attached it to the wall and put thread, pins, etc. on it.

My task lighting comes from a light I have saved from years ago when I was in college and had a drafting table at home. This is a table-mounted light with a clamp. It has springs on the arm of it and extends out over your worksurface. The actual part that provides light is a round fluorescent bulb (that I have never had to replace!) with a magnifying glass in the middle of that light. So, I can stretch out the arm to the lamp right over or to the spot needed for doing any intricate sewing or just needing that extra pow of light. It sometimes pays off to save stuff from another lifetime ago.

There are definitely some things I want to improve upon when moving into the other bedroom that I see now. I really appreciate everyone's comments to give other's much needed ideas and ones that can save some money!

I thought this was a great challenge with 'real' models rather than the cookie-cutter version. And I agree with the judges's pick of Amy. Her gown flowed beautifully.

And yes, it was time for Jesus to go. I actually didn't think his dress was as horrible as the judges stated. I thought Anna's was much worse. She did a huge disservice to the woman she made the dress for. It did make her look huge up top. I felt sorry for her model. To be told in front of millions of people how awful your gown looks based on your body type would certainly put a damper on your mood!

And speaking of models, I was impressed with Seth Aaron's. She told SA that it was good he stayed true to himself-- afterall, despite that it was a different look than she had originally described to him as her preference. I have never heard a 'real' model (or even a cookie-cutter, for that matter) say such a thing when presented with an opportunity to help create a garment they adore. She kept him in mind more than herself.

Maya's idea was great in the workroom, but translated into an ill-fitted garment in the bust. Most unfortunate. It was a good idea. Didn't care for Mila's. Again, too graphic for my taste, although I did love the neckline. She has construction down pat for sure.

The long-haulers are being revealed.

Wow! This was definitely a jam packed episode! Just so much to see and then preferably not see. Jesse set himself up to have a horrible time designing with Ping. It was clear from the get-go he didn't like her. So, he already had a bad attitude from the beginning. I felt a little sorry for Ping about this fact. But, she did seem all over the place with her ideas and then flatly saying at one point, "I am the team leader." Don't remember anyone ever saying that in a team project to the other(s) member(s) of the team--not face-to-face. To the camera on the side, but not to their face.

And thank you, Judith for pointing out how unattractive Mila's design was compared with others. I REALLY disliked the jacket. My daughter thought it looked like bat wings. I think Mila got brownie points because she didn't make a dress for the signature look, but 'separates' as Michael noted. I am not a hugh fan of graphic clothing anyway. It was in no way striking..........which brings me to..........

Jay and Maya's signature look was beautiful. It was a classic, 1930's-type elegant, sleek dress. The one-shoulder and the thinness of the other side as it came down in the side/back, as Nina mentioned, was wonderful to see. Second place for me would have gone to Amy and Jesus. And I agree that not enough time is spent showing the 'safe' designs to the audience. Maybe if they cut out more of the hair/makeup part which I care nothing about for the most part--even though I know it's supposed to complete the 'look' or to put a period on it.

Overall, the episode so lacked color in the designer's looks. Most of the 'inspired' looks were drab and boring and were such a contrast as to how much time was put into making the signature look.

In the end, I agreed that Ping should go (if not before now). Fashion is so subjective. And to consider Nina, Michael and Heidi as experts is in a sense ridiculous. They seem to be right on for the most part regarding obvious misses in a garment. But on the other hand, it's all just opinion and certainly assert theirs in a strong manner, whether right or wrong..........subjectively, of course.

Nice opening to what looks to be a great season. Much more talent this time around so far and some interesting personalities--love Anthony-he's a hoot, but I'm from the South so maybe that's it!

Of course, we see all the rush rush in the workroom to get these designs done. I would be freaking out! And did anyone notice that all of the designers clapped when Tim Gunn announced it was time to go to the runway? I have never seen that before!

And I have to go against the grain here. I was disappointed with Ping's design. The colors were good, but felt the design just looked like fabric tied on the body in different ways. I'll probably get hammered for that! But, I really thought she should have been eliminated. It may seem modern and hip and different, but Nina was right on about the lack of hanger appeal. Isn't that what attracts most of us in the first place?

I absolutely adored Emilio's dress. It was interesting to hear from Tim in the workroom say to Emilio that they had never had anyone not finish a design in the history of Project Runway. So, to go from that to winning the challenge was pretty amazing to me! His construction methods were great and put so much effort and detail into it. He certainly deserved the win.

Excited about the episodes ahead and reading the comments here.

I agree with just about everyone here about Ping's dress. Why was she not eliminated last week? I thought for sure she would go. I also agree, though that the designers this season are much more talented than season 6 and glad they are back in NYC.

I was impressed with Amy's dress and thought she should have won. Not that thrilled with Mila's because of the gaping that Kors mentioned. I thought the exact same thing. It was modern looking, but the gaping bothered me. Does anyone else think that Mila looks just like Louise from last season (is that the right season?)?

I also liked the geometric design with Emilio's dress and the colors used. I was amazed that the designers could pull off so many different looks with potato sacks--I never could have done that!

I also liked Carol Hannah's collection which I thought was more pleasing to the eye than the other two designer's collections. If she only had a common 'thread' with her collection, I think she could have won. To me, that was her only downfall. And I think she was actually smart to wear what she did for the show. It show-cased her design appeal and frankly, she was the best dressed of the three. And Althea wearing holey tights was just tacky.

I think that Irina won based on her having the 'whole' look as Michael Kors thought--the clothes, the hats and the bag(s). So what?! Hers was not the best looking! And Nina gave her the eye when she said that they talked about not have an all-black collection. And she didn't listen. I think because she had this 'complete' look going and the continuity needed for a 'collection' was why she won. I understand what a collection is supposed to be. But, why give praise mostly based on that reasoning? Shouldn't praise be given to the best looking, creatively styled, good construction of the clothes? I think so!

All I have to say about Althea's collection is boring. I thought she was going to have color in it other than the one green short dress which was not attractive at all! I was disappointed in it.

Looking forward to Jan. 14!

I have to say I have enjoyed reading this blog and the comments. I will actually miss it! Project Runway is so very entertaining on different levels. I agree that the attitude the designers have and sometimes over-confidence about their designs in relation to good advice given mostly by Tim G. and then later by the judges really is priceless info. they should take to heart. I would be like a sponge--and hopefully not arrogant.

Starting with Carol Hannah--I did not like the gray tulle-skirted dress. But, maybe that's just my personal taste. I didn't think it was attractive at all and cannot see anyone wearing it who would look attractive in it. Felt bad for her that she was so sick. I really expected Althea, at least, to run over when she did show up to the workroom to say something to the affect that she was missed and hoped she felt better......

Disappointed and surprised with learning of Irina's all-black and maybe some gray, collection. To me, that shouts BIG MISTAKE. How can she NOT see that??!! Where's the COLOR? WHY would you show your so-called 'greatest' collection, thus far (hopefully) in your career and have just black?? Makes no sense! And yes, to blow off Nina's advice just shows arrogance. There is something to be said for confidence, but it can stretch out to arrogance, if not careful.

Of all of the brief glances of everyone's collections, I was impressed with Althea's the most. There was diversity and color. But, hopefully continuity throughout the collection to tie it all together, as well. There were no instructions in past shows where the designers were given a 'theme' to use in order to design their collection. It's left to their own free ideas which should be a good reason why these designers should be showcasing their absolute best skills in their collections---which brings me back to Irina's black collection..........'nuff said.

Looking forward to the finale and to Carol H. or Althea winning. Hope Carol H. can pull through being sick.

I agree with so much of what sews4fun said. I am really sick of the bad attitude that Irina has displayed. I think she is a good designer, but somehow I think the personality of the designer should maybe play into who should win in the end. She would definitely lose if that were the case.

And I have become disappointed with Althea's attitude. She has chimed in with Irina a few times to bad-talk someone, such as Logan in last week's episode. I understand she was upset with the copy-cat collar issue, but she should not have said things that she did.

Anyway, back to the 'deciding' episode at hand---I knew that Christopher and Gordana were going to go. Neither have been consistently good with what they have sent down the runway. I knew as soon as Christopher's dress came out that a judge would say something about the 'stiffness' of it. And Gordana's was nice (probably second in line last night to Carol Hannah's) but, again, gray. I really thought she should have left before some of the other designers.

I was actually shocked with Irina's dress because of the shape, or lack thereof. It did look matronly and not a signature 'Irina' piece. As Rowley said, she liked the back. I agreed with that. Oh--and I could NOT believe in the beginning of the episode that she was considering using the rabbit fur with that flowing fabric!

And yes, I did notice Irina's reaction to Carol Hannah being one of the 3 going to BP. I really like CH and do hope that she wins. I didn't know either that she had no formal education--like Christopher. She has much greater skills and talent than he does though!

Looking forward to the BP showdown. May the best woman win (hopefully Carol Hannah!).

I really thought that Logan should have gone over Nicholas. At least Nicholas had some 'design' in his look; Logan's was just plain--'just clothes' like Kors said. Christopher has been heading down hill for a while. He showed promise at the beginning, but lately--not so good. I think either he or Logan will be next to exit the show.

Even though I am not fond of Irina's personality-she does have good workmanship and does stay focused. I thought it was put together very well. I did like Carol Hannah's dress-loved the print. And I liked Althea's shorts, but nothing too exciting there. Gordana needs to have more confidence as the judges said. She pulled off that dress at the last minute. It looked really touch and go there for awhile. The necklace was beautiful which was the obvious focus.

I am still expecting to see Althea, and Carol Hannah in the top 3--and probably Irina.

My 2 cents worth is that Christopher should have gone home. I agreed with Nina G. that his design was 'tastless'. I believe that Shirin is talented and a better designer than Christopher. I really felt sorry for Shirin.

I was happy Carol Hannah won--her first win, I think. She deserved it! Althea's was very good also. I figured at the end of this episode it would be between Carol H. and Althea. They are very good designers.

Logan is 'hanging on by a thread'. He was the only one who used color in his design, but it fit poorly at the top. And Heidi was right about the hidden splash of pink for the lining--who's gonna see it! Many of his designs have not been good and he's been at the bottom a lot. I know the judges are not supposed to judge based on previous design 'looks', but sometimes it seems that they do.

I wish that Irina and Nicholas would keep their negative comments about others to themselves, but I guess that kind of thing is what sells reality TV.

I am still rooting for Althea and Carol Hannah to be the top 2. I really like their personalities, which I know is maybe supposed to be second to their talent as designers which they definitely have. Not sure who will make it as the third-unfortunately, maybe Irina.

And my all-time favorite on the show?...........of course, TIM GUNN-------love him!!!!

I agree that Irina's did NOT look blue to me. I was disappointed that she won.

I thought it was time that Louise left, myself. She was way too ruffle-happy. Most all of her garments had ruffles on them.

So far, I am impressed with the designs by Althea and Carol Hannah. They seem pretty consistent to me.