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I caved Bought RTW
HarrietHomeowner   Intermediate Member since 1/13/10 Posts: 657	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Date: 3/26/12 1:00 PM I've been trying hard not to buy anything, especially T shirts, because after all, I know I can make them, right? But today I got to work, wearing something I made out of some cheap knit, and it was driving me crazy -- it was hot, itchy, too big, worn-out looking, and a dreary faded black. So I dashed over to the nearest store at lunch hour, a Chico's, and in less than a half hour had a beautifully made T-shirt in a silky 100% cotton knit, peacock blue, that fit nicely, for less than $30 (and while I was at it, bought another one in black). And in my remaining 5 minutes, I stopped at another shop and bought a matching necklace for $10. I feel so much better and prettier, though guilty. Does this ever happen to you?
Peggy L   Advanced TN USA Member since 4/8/02 Posts: 5086	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/26/12 1:16 PM Yes!! Just because we sew we doesn't mean we have to make everything:). I bought two shirts and a pair of crop pants over the weekend. I seem to sew in spurts these days. ------ www.thereisjoyadventures.blogspot.com
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 7982	Login to reply to this post In reply to HarrietHomeowner << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 1:40 PM There is nothing wrong with buying RTW if it fits as well as something you can make. The fit is the deciding factor. I am glad you found something quickly and you are happy. Yes, you can spend a day or so and make a couple of them yourslef. Just not on your lunch hour. And you found a necklace too. Well done. ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6990	Login to reply to this post In reply to HarrietHomeowner << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 1:52 PM This never happens to me because I'm 50 miles one way from a shopping mall. Chico's is a very nice store and their items are beautiful. Now you'll have to watch the Peggy Sagers (of Silhouette Patterns) webcasts of how to find your perfect armholes and sleeves on RTW, then translate this to your pattern. Really, really simple, and questions "Why didn't they teach us this in Home Ec??" will occur. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4381	Login to reply to this post In reply to HarrietHomeowner << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 2:03 PM Well done HarrietHomeowner! What's the guilt about? You already have a job at the office; you have another job in operating your household. Who knows what other 'jobs' you have. Hey, I make yogurt cheese when I want to, I don't feel obligated to make it; sometimes I just buy it. Same with cutting the hubbie's hair, sometimes I send him to the barber. The cut is not as good; but geez, I'm not Superwoman, I can't physically do everything that I am capable of doing. You may appreciate what I've sometimes said about myself. Quote: I was Martha Stewart before there was a 'Martha'. I had to quit, it was killing me. But, as long as you have purchased two new tops that make you feel good, why not exploit your purchase? Pull all the measurements off of the tops while they are new. Study what little tweaks would make them perfect. And use them to make a pattern for when you are in the mood to sew something. You can clone what you have or use the pattern to compare to other patterns as a basis for a better fit. ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
HarrietHomeowner   Intermediate Member since 1/13/10 Posts: 657	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/26/12 2:38 PM Thanks for the validation. Taking measurements off of these tops is a really good idea. I do have a pattern I made from another RTW top that I've been using, but it's really too big. I finally realized with Chico's that I need to get size 2 (= RTW size 12) -- their stuff runs large. One problem with sewing knits is finding nice fabric in good colors -- not so easy. And I have a serger but haven't invested in different thread colors, which would make the finish much nicer than using black, I think. Of course my biggest problem is time. Just too many other things going on right now that take priority over sewing.
KensingtonCrab Advanced Beginner SC USA Member since 2/13/09 Posts: 724	Login to reply to this post In reply to HarrietHomeowner << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 3:02 PM Enjoy! Release the guilt! I buy my tees even though I can sew them but the local department store (that always runs sales) has them for $6 to 10 so I stock for the season and focus my sewing on shorts, skirts and pants. I love Chico's and my favorite tee was from there--white 3/4 sleeves with a black print of Paris--like free hand drawing. I was so sad when it bit the dust. I also have not found a good source for a good interlock knit to use on tops. Any suggestions?
poorpigling Advanced TX USA Member since 12/28/07 Posts: 10057	Login to reply to this post In reply to HarrietHomeowner << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 3:05 PM After losing sooo much weight. .and after loti's making me purge .. I had nothing left to wear.. and no time to sew garments.. So , I also caved.. I hope yours holds up better than mine did. Some of them were returned.. Often you can get lucky and find a garment cheaper than the fabric would cost. no guilt here .. I think most of us. other then Jtinks have a combination of both RTW and our own sewn garments.
nicegirl Intermediate DC USA Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 1609	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Date: 3/26/12 3:07 PM Finding good t-shirt knit is nearly impossible. I've been seriously looking for a couple of years and not been happy with anything I've found. If you find it in RTW and it's already sewn up, definitely go for it! Some textiles are just not available as yard goods at retail, I think. ------ http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com ================= 2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+ So close to parity, yet so far Trying again in 2008 Yards purchased: 133 Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95 2009? I give up
Coconuts   Intermediate MI USA Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 1100	Login to reply to this post In reply to nicegirl << Like this post Date: 3/26/12 4:28 PM Not only this, but how much will the fabric really cost you? You start with the knit for, we'll say $10-15, but then you add in the shipping, and since you're already paying to ship it, you might as well get this other fabric that might not be what you expect, or something you'll use eventually, or something that's not as nice as you'd hoped, and don't forget to add the matching thread... And then it all sits in your stash (at least mine does). Don't feel guilty. I've spent more on fabric, notions and machines in the last two years than we have on clothing in the last 5.

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