compulsively creative

National Make it With Wool

Okay, so you don't have to read on to the end and get let down, I'll give you what you want up front. I didn't win. But, there is a story if you want to keep reading.

My sweet husband came with me and we had a great time in Nashville. We stayed here on the 22nd floor. It was a nice view from our window.

Friday was contest stuff basically all day. Part of that was a one-on-one interview with 3 judges. I think I botched that. I don't know why but I was SO nervous!! Oh well. I guess you live and learn and I think that is one thing I learned from going to nationals, don't let the butterflies in your stomach take control. We also went to the country music hall of fame and studio B. We got to record a song at Studio B which was awesome! And I got to play the same piano that Elvis played thousands of times. Elvis recorded over 1,000 songs at Studio B. That was really interesting and fun.

Saturday we had free time, Erick and I went to a really cool car museum and walked around downtown Nashville, (and we also managed to take the bus to the wrong spot and walk 2 miles to the right spot...it was fun. really.) Saturday I also had MORE practice for the fashion show. Then, finally came the fashion show. I was proud of myself. I actually got out of my box and had fun in the show and I felt like I really put myself out there. Then awards. Afterwards, I, of course, was feeling pretty down, so Erick took me to a movie. We saw Extraordinary Measures. It was a sad movie and I was glad to watch something sad. I guess I just wanted to be sad for a little bit.

Then we came home Sunday. Our kids did great and I was happy to see them again.

There were some AMAZING coats, dresses, suits at the competition. It was fun to see how each person had added a little flair to their outfit. I don't think I lost because my outfit wasn't competitive with the others. I think mine was just as good if not better. I don't mean that in a cocky way, I just mean, I think mine was more practical in some ways (that's an aspect of the judging, when and where you'll wear your garment), and I think my construction techniques were better than some. So, why didn't I win? Well, quite honestly, I think it was political. Don't you hate that?! I do.

You see MIWW is not about sewing. It's about sheep. It's about promoting WOOL. I am city girl. I know n.o.t.h.i.n.g. about sheep. And, it's about promoting wool in teenage fashion. I am not a teenager. My outfit was not a teenager outfit. Thus, (in my own personal opinion) I didn't win. If this sounds like I'm bitter, I'm not. I was. But I'm over it.

I had a great time it was a great experience and I honestly feel like I learned A LOT. I did win some beautiful wool, a free trip, a book about home dec using serging techniques and some wool wax. Have you ever even heard of wool wax? Like I said, I know nothing about sheep.

Oh yeah, we also went to a little shop called The Painted Cupcake. It was good and a fun little shop.