The Imperfect Community

Anthromomma · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject: Yay!

Project Runway Season 4 is casting right now. I was beginning to think that they weren't going to do a fourth season.

Sewingsiren, are you auditioning????

Sewingsiren · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:31 pm Post subject:

Anthromomma · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject:

Sewingsiren · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:46 pm Post subject:

Really! I'm leaving for NY on Friday morning. I am working hard trying to get my shit together. I was taking pictures tonight and I made three new things to take to the aud. + I'm going to try to make one more for me to wear Mr. Green

. My dh is out of town til Thur. night and the kids are on Spring break so I'm up to my ass in work. Thanks for the encouragement though. Smile

julymom · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:30 am Post subject:

OMG, SS that is so exciting!!!!! I'll be pulling for you!!
You need to keep a diary of everything that happens on your audition so you can give us a full report. OMG, if you get on, you get to meet Tim Gunn!!!!!

Jessica · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 7:05 am Post subject:

I've never seen the show, but if SS is on it, I'm going to be the biggest, most obnoxious fan ever! This is so exciting!! You're definitely have the talent, so I just hope they are smart enough to pick you.

mammaX3_MOD · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:39 am Post subject:

Sewingsiren · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:03 am Post subject:

Aw shucks, thanks guys.

mammaX3_MOD · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:55 am Post subject:

Sooooo???? I'm dying to hear how things went at the casting call!! Let us know. Please!!! Very Happy

Sewingsiren · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 10:51 am Post subject:

Well since you ask, I posted my story on "Blogging Project Runway" here it is:
Here is another note from the NYC auditions. Thanks, Siren!

Dear BPR team,
I have an audition story for you if you want you can print it. I will keep it as brief as possible and send you a link to pictures of my work if you like.

I arrived at the Weston at 6am on Saturday morning the first day of auditions in NY. There was no line at the 43rd street address that the Bravo website had given and I didn't think we were the first to arrive, so I ask the door man and he said the line was on 42nd street. The line only had about 20 people at that time . My best friend from college waited with me.

It was extremely cold and windy and some of the people waiting were not prepared for the weather, I felt bad for them. At about 8:30 some assistants from Gen-Art walked by (no coats!!) but nothing really happened until 9:00, when we were assigned numbers according to where were were in line ( I was #23) and then they took our pictures (again after more than 3 hrs in the freezing wind possibly the ugliest picture of me that has ever been taken) and we attached them to our applications. Finally the line starts to move. They are taking groups of 10 at a time inside.

At 10am I am going up the escalator to a table were a Gen -Art assistant asks a few short questions, then to a table were we show our garments and portfolio and sketch books, she also asks a few questions including "Who are you as a designer?" so I say kind of a combination between Martha Stewart and Tim Burton, she laughs and says "Say that when you go in there" and then she tells me to go wait in the conference room.

There are about 15 people already in there with their garments out. I notice the the people that were first in line are standing in another line still waiting to see the panel ( it is about 10:30). The room we are waiting in does not have enough chairs for everyone to sit , so some people are sitting on the floor. It is dull and nerve-wracking. I take out my little sketch book and draw but am having a hard time keeping my mind on it. They take the applications from the people in the 20's, They call my name to come stand in line for the panel room. The person before me goes in. I am getting mic'ed up. The mic man doesn't know were to put it, he asks if I am wearing a bra! I'm getting extremely nervous. I tell him ok just put it on the coat, I was going to take the coat off, now I have to leave it on.

The tech people are talking among themselves about how they need to hurry up they are being told they need to go faster.
It's my turn, I walk in the room I try to smile, I meet eyes with Daniel V. he is seated between Tim Gunn and the Lady from Elle, a Gen-Art rep is on Tim's other side. I hang up my garments and hand my photo book to the Elle lady and give the sketch book to Daniel.

Tim says "You're from North Carolina, but you used to live in NY"
I say yes.
Tim- You worked in the industry?
Me- Yes I was a technical designer for about 10 years.
Tim- Who are you as a designer?
Me- Kind of a combination between Martha Stewart and Tim Burton..waits for smile...
Tim- We read that on you application. (ouch)
I say well I guess I will let the garments speak for themselves.
I am thinking this is not going well I must show the garments.
I take the first garment of the rack and talk about it and show the pockets and the workmanship, I show the "sculpture skirt and jacket and organza cocktail dress with bubble liner and side seam pockets, I'm taking as fast as I can I since to hook is about to get me, I ask them if they want to see them close up to see the workmanship Daniel and the Elle lady are holding the hands out to receive, the look engaged and interest, Tim is looking down and says " No, you are not what we are looking for........(and I wish he hadn't said this) ... as a designer..."
Well what could I say? My stomach was in my ass. I picked up my books and garments and got out of there as fast as I could. They were saying something when I shut the door but I couldn't understand I had to wash my face and the tech guy didn't ask for the mic forgot about it till I packed up then I has to give it back. He said "You're done with it?", and I said yeah I'm done. So that's what happened.

The wait in line in the freezing cold weather was extremely uncomfortable but kind of fun. At the first tables I felt very comfortable and confident. The wait in the green room was dull and nerve-wracking. And the panel was humiliating. I was prepared to answer questions about my lack of business skills or why I wanted to be on the show, I was thrown off when he said they already read what I said about my style and confused whether or not I should say anything else that was written on the application, I knew they were in a hurry and I glad I forced my garments on them rather than blah, blah.. about myself..but when he said "You are not what we want... as a designer.. " that shut me up there was no answer I could give to that. I am tongue tied and nervous but that was very painful. I wish he would have said you would not be good on TV of something like that. but anyway that's what happened and perhaps you can see why person might have difficulty in that situation now.

Best Regards and happy blogging from Sewing Siren

I wrote that right when I got home, I fixed up a little for you guys. I felt pretty blue at first but I'm better now. I still have the "upset voice" when I talk about Tim Gunn though Embarassed

. Oh, I was also mentioned in a article that appeared in the NY Times yesterday. I'll go fishing for the link and add it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/fashion/12GUNN.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
I think this will work. They didn't talk to me. I am NOT a subsutite teacher(obviously).

julymom · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:55 pm Post subject:

Gasp! How could my Tim be such a bitch? How do you consider your experience (aside from not getting on the show)? I'm bummed you didn't get on. Sorry. Sad

I was hoping for an inside scoop too! Can you post pics of the stuff you took with you? I'd loveto see it.

Petulant Pixie · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject:

Oh, man, SS, you have balls of steel for even attempting that. Seriously. I've never seen the show, but I read that article you linked to and wow, it takes a lot of courage to get up and show your stuff in that situation. You should be totally proud you did that. Think of how many people just sit at home and never take a chance? Maybe next year.

I'd love to see the stuff you brought, too.

Jessica · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:45 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry you didn't get on the show, but what an AWESOME story. It was so compelling. I read it with bated breath, every word of it. You have a great story to pass on to your children and grandchildren.

I would have hired you. I think you're one of the most talented people I 'know'.

Oh, well, their loss!! At least you did it and did it with style!!

ExCareerGal · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject:

I agree- I am very proud of you for going and trying. I also think not getting on may be the best thing . . . if it spurs you on to show them what they missed out on!!
Think big!
I also want to see what you made and wore. Sorry you were not treated well but in jobs that have a lot of rejection, it is how you can mke it positive that will really make you successful.
Janna

Sewingsiren · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:05 am Post subject:

I created a little slide show just for the Imperfect Parents:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c92/SewingSiren/?action=view&current=1176557987.pbw

I wore the coat and I had a black dress underneath that I made just for the audition(I don't have a picture of that). All three of the outfits I bought were made just for the audition ( in less than 2 weeks of time).
1.The suit (which I considered the show stopper) is made out of burlap with metalic threads woven in it. It has a jacket eith a giant bakalite button , a knit shell with a draped neckline, and a fully lined skirt with a sculptural hem.
2.The green cocktail dress has an empire waist and is made out of silk organza with a metalic organza lining. The lining has a bubble effect and the side seams of the outer skirt have a slit so you have access to the pockets in the lining. It has a dark pink silk sash and a crystal hanging from the zipper pull.
3. A top made out of stretch net with double sleeve and double layer bodice, the is cut on the bias, has a high waistband and "bag" pockets and a bustle effect in the back.

I had a really good time in NYC it was just great being back there for a few days and since I was alone it felt like I never had left. The waiting and all that wasn't so bad, it was about what I expected (except I didn't think it would be so cold!). But the review before the panel was not fun and I did't get anything out of it that I can use. It was rude and humiliating. I know it must be kind of boring for them to sit there and crush dreams, and there are a lot of applicants that have no buisness being there (I was totally unaware that I was one too Laughing

). I would not discourage anyone from trying, but just be aware that it's not quite the way the show it on tv.
You guys are so supportive and I am very greatful that my family is healthy and near me. When I read posts like JulyMom and Petulant Pixie's I see how lucky I really am.