The 50 States: Oregon -- Deer & Doe Agave Skirt

My trip to Oregon was a little unexpected, but such a blessing. I didn't think I'd be going to OR anytime soon, but then I saw that Pattern Review Weekend 2019 was going to be in Portland, so I said "why not?"
I think I expected Portland to be a more aggressive city, like the stereotypes more commonly associated with big East Coast cities, but it was more mid-western, friendly, and artsy than I expected, and it was a great time with all of the Pattern Review people. Loved it!💕 I made some great new friends and we all spoke the same (sewing) language! It was truly a time of discovery. It was also just what I needed after being in another job-hunt funk.

While there, I visited downtown, the Saturday Market, the Japanese Gardens, Lan Su Gardens (where I had some lovely mooncake and tea), and the International Rose Test Garden and met up with a friend from MS. The scenery is wonderful; lots of tall, dark mountains, gray clouds, and cool, quiet lush forests. We heard from Anne Whalley and Peggy Mead, and Deepika hosted a workshop on reverse appliqué sewing! I was exhausted after that long but exciting weekend.

Lan Su Gardens

small glimpse of the Japanese Gardens

Some PRW  swag!😁

More Japanese Gardens

And lunch on w/fellow PRW-ers!

For this garment, I chose some nani IRO linen (Kokka Linen Floral Blue Sheeting) that I actually saw in the Atelier to nani IRO sewing pattern book. I loved it, but never thought I would get it! But in the that same vein of unexpected things, I found it in Bolt Fabric Boutique. Of course, I bought it along with some other lovely fabrics. We also went to Pendleton Woolen Mills, Mill End Store, Josephine's Dry Goods, and Portland Fashion Institute Supply.

So let's move on to the actual project. The nani IRO print has roses on it, which is appropriate since we did visit the City of Roses. It was an unexpected and wonderfully colorful find, though, much like my experience in Portland. I chose the Deer&Doe Agave Skirt since the attendees of PRW got a coupon for it. It is a modern asymmetrical style, with variations that make it reversible, lined, or just with facing. I swapped the buttons for wrap skirt ties and lined the whole thing.  Easy to make, but the instructions were not as clear. I am very pleased with the outcome, though! 

I'm so glad that I finally laid hands on some nani IRO and it worked out so well. 🎉

Should be leaving a review for this and a Named dress on Pattern Review this week.

Happy Sewing!