We love Etsy’s Monday Night Craft Labs which take place in Brooklyn almost every week. We especially loved the event on Monday, August 29, because it was hosted by the lovely and talented Brett Bara! Not only did Brett lead a fantastic sewing workshop, she also hosted a rockin’ release party in support of her new book, Sewing In A Straight Line. Here are all the details!

First Brett taped a tutorial for her “One-Hour Skirt” for all the Etsy fans watching at home. You can view the video here if you missed it on Monday.

Then it was time for some Hurricane-Irene-weary New Yorkers to try their hands at sewing their very own skirts! Participants were asked to bring fabric of their choosing, and the colors and styles were simply gorgeous. Polka dots, stripes, florals and even yards of uber-cool Marimekko were transformed into skirts. Simple cloth took shape and became ready-to-wear fashions! Check out the slideshow below to view some of the projects in progress, as well as the finished pieces.

When the skirts were complete, Brett changed into her pretty pink party frock and it was time to celebrate. Platters of cheese, fruit, nuts, bread, crackers and candies appeared. Wine and beer flowed. Crafters took to the sewing machines once again to make “60 Second Hellos” greeting cards constructed from fabric scraps, cardstock and stitches. You can find this project in Sewing In A Straight Line, as well as the “One-HourSkirt”. We also had our photos taken in Etsy’s fabulous Magnolia Photo Booth. Such fun!