Palm Springs Re-Cap, Fall Workshops Coming Soon!
Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 01:54PM 
Well, THAT was unfathomably fun.
The Ace Hotel proved to be the most perfect spot, convenient to west coasters and the perfect break for winter-weary east coasters, and full of just enough inspirational charm (photo booths, caftans instead of robes, outdoor fireplaces) to keep us all very happy. But the real stars of the show were the 30 plus sewists who made these past ten days so wonderful.
Special Thanks to Vera, my uber sometimes-assistant (thats always uber, someimes my assistant) who made sure everything ran smoothly and did all the heavy lifting, and to Janome for sending us some pretty amazing new sewing machine models to demo.
I feel especially honored to have had both Anna Maria Horner and Lotta Jansdotter as guest teachers, both of whom truly wowed us all. Anna Maria gave us a first peek at her next and yet to be released fabric line, and Lotta led an outdoor fabric printing workshop (under a shady canopy) that resulted in some truly amazing work. Rising sewing star Gretchen Hirsch arrived with her Palm Springs ready wardrobe, including the cutest little vintage inspired swimsuit I've ever seen (where did you find that suit, G? I was meaning to ask all weekend) and fearlessly took on a sewing pattern with more gratuitous bust darts than any of us had ever seen in one place.
STC Craft was there is person and in print, Melanie Falick shared lots of interesting tidbits about crafts publishing and brought with her beautiful books for everyone.
My super marvelous west coast sister even made the trip, as did Kelly of Make Grow Gather and even Brooke of Inchmark (we needed to meet about a project we are working on together, and thought that this would be the perfect place to do it) and her darling little Baby M.
Nearly half of my guests for the second weekend were returnees, which made this foreign desert oasis feel that much more like home for ten wonderful days, most of which I did indeed spend in flowing caftans. This was my wardrobe plan since September, of course, but I had no idea how much I would require loose fitting garments way back then... if you couldn't tell by the photos on Flickr... I'm expecting a baby this summer.
We all missed Denyse and Liesl, which is partly why this fall's workshops will take place here in new York City. I'll be announcing dates next week. We are busy planning everything at the moment, our list of priorities includes a hip hotel, shopping trips to Purl and Mood, and some other favorites, plus a few big surprises. Stay Tuned!
Reader Comments (37)
Congratulations! I thought I saw the beginnings of a baby bump in some of the pictures the guests have posted. :-)
Congratulations on the baby! My first one is due in 2 months, its a scarey but exciting prospect! There's so much sewing to do and i dont have a scrap of energy to any of it:) Best wishes to you and your growing family!
Hee! Great subtle announcement; I love it. My swimsuit is from Macys! Made by Jantzen, who were certainly around during the Mad Men era, so I guess it makes sense that it's so retro.
I had such a great time! xo
A baby! Congratulations!!!!
Looks like it was a heavenly weekend! Mucho jealousito over here.
Firstly, congratulations on the baby! I am a big fan of yours and have been reading your blog for a while now. You are a great writer, your story about your dog (as his cat) was so touching, it made me laugh and cry all at once. I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil, so am going to plan my next trip around your workshop!
congrats - the greatest adventure - trust me.
That was the most surprisingly refreshing and inspirational weekend I have had..maybe ever! Thank you Heather! I know it may have been hard being tired and all...But you were radiant! Emily
Congratulations Heather!! So happy for you guys :o) Wish I could have been a "returnee" & seen you and Vera again. Next time!
I agree with Emily 100%!! Thanks again Heather- we had such a blast!! :)
Oh my gosh! A sewing weekend in NYC sounds like a total fantasy.
Now that I can say that I've been to one of your workshops, the thought of missing one is sort of painful.
All good things in the coming year! It's going to be awesome, in so many ways.
Oh my goodness, a baby, congratulations!
Congratulations. I so wanted to go to the workshop. Maybe the one in New York.
congratulations!!
Congratulations! How awesome is that!
Oh how I dream of attending one of your workshops someday! It looks like a marvelous time - and congratulations! I hope you have a girl - they're awesome.
Squeeeeeeeeeee!!!! So happy for you, Heather! I anxiously await some cute HR-ish baby stories!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! You sneaked that it quietly at the end! I almost missed the announcement, I was so eager to see when your next sewing weekend would be. Now I am doubly determined to attend the fall session so I can see pics or even the real life little bebe!! What a wonderful, exciting time. Parenthood is the best adventure of all!
Congratulations Heather! What wonderful news. I'm sure your little one will be your most wonderful creation ever. Wishing you and the Mr. many, many happy times with the new addition.
How wonderful! Congratulations!
Oh my. A sewing workshop in Palm Springs with Heather Ross and Lotta Jansdotter?! Dream come true!
Congratulations on the bun in the oven!
Now, will you share where you got those fabulous red clogs?? I'm a clog girl, especially red. Don't have those....yet. ;)
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!
Yay how exciting! What wonderful news!
It looks like you guys had a fantastic time. So jealous...hoping to attend again sometime soon!
CONGRATS! Excellent new - I'm expecting my second in early summer, and I tell you, once we figure out childcare I'm on your list for a sewing retreat wherever!
Wait, you're having a BABY?! I figured you had just eaten too many of those mezze plates!
So glad I could pop in, even if just for the afternoon! It was so good to see you in person!! XO