jadamo00
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NY USA
Member since 3/13/06
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Date: 5/19/12 10:34 PM First, let me say, that I’m not a beginner; I’ve been sewing since about 1702.
Second, let me say, that I don’t sew with junk fabric, but being from the outer NYC boroughs, all my life, I’ve been used to getting fine fabric for very low prices.
So for Christmas, I get a $60 gift certificate to Mood. And I go buy this lovely Max Mara raincoat fabric for $25 bucks a yard (not ALL THAT expensive). And, now I’m, like, terrified to take a scissor to it! The only other time I was this scared to mess up was when I bought some runoff from a Banana Republic job, also raincoat fabric, for $15 a yard.
This stuff is sitting on my dining room table for 4 months. I'm just so scared that I might miscut and waste almost $100 worth of fabric!
Anyone else experience this kind of fear of fabric? You ever make a total wadder from expensive goods? I’d feel a lot better hearing that I’m not alone in my stultifying terror…
j. |
NhiHuynh
 
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CA USA
Member since 1/4/11
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Date: 5/19/12 10:53 PM I can relate. I've got $50/yd silk Pucci fabric still my stash from 5 years ago. I'm not a fabric stasher. I burn through fabric but not this one. |
katlew03
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FL USA
Member since 1/4/08
Posts: 3401 |
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Date: 5/19/12 11:18 PM You might try making a muslin from inexpensive fabric first to check the fit. Is it a vinyl or a treated rain fabric? Maybe you can find something similar that is really inexpensive to try first. That way you'll know how it fits and handles. You can cut off a narrow piece along the selvage or corner and try sewing it to see if you need a special foot, etc. ------
Total fabric on hand: 1/1/13 1683.731 yds
Sewn in 2012: 176.212 yds
2013 Goal: 400 yds (again)
Jan -- 38.0 (11 items) Feb -- 6.5 (5)
March -- (8.5) (2) April -- 17.66(18)
May -- () June -- ()
July -- () August -- ()
September -- () October
November December
Total yards sewn to date -- 53.0 yards |
Raye Ann
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CA USA
Member since 3/25/09
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Date: 5/19/12 11:22 PM Yes, I am afraid of fabric. But, I made a pledge along with Deepika to sew fearlessly this year, and using my fabric stash has been a major part of it. And, like you, I am used to pretty cheap fabric and the most expensive pieces I own are between $20-$25/ yd!
I would suggest that if you are unsure of fit, pattern details, or the finished style...make a quick and dirty muslin. If you are confident of the pattern already...just CUT IT! :hug:
You are not alone, though  ------
Raye Ann
|
PattyE
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MI
Member since 9/7/10
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Date: 5/20/12 1:07 AM Don't be afraid...just jump right in. It's only fabric. I did a muslin today just to be doubly sure before cutting into another 4-ply silk. A muslin might make you feel better. Good luck. |
Elona
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CA USA
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Date: 5/20/12 2:34 AM Only making a muslin and perfecting the fit of the garment you are thinking of will make you feel secure when you work with this nice fabric.
Is the fabric worth this extra step?
|
Gilraen Surion
Intermediate
NETHERLANDS
Member since 6/6/04
Posts: 957 |
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2 members like this. Fabric can scare me to death. I really really can be scared to put my scissors to it. Everything that I can do wrong flases in front of my eyes. It used to be really bad and the stash was ever growing. So now, because of the fear I now have my own fabric/accouting mantra;
If the remains in the stash it is money wasted.
If I sew it either becomes a wadder and an expensive lesson, but at least a lesson
Or it becomes something wonderful and money well spent.
Then I swallow three times, to push back that huge lump in my throat and cut. Once the first cut has taken place my fear dissipates.
Gilraen ------
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.
Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) |
lareine
Intermediate
NEW ZEALAND
Member since 11/10/06
Posts: 1036 |
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Date: 5/20/12 6:17 AM I feel your pain. It is so hard to cut into good fabric, but it's not doing anybody any good sitting in a stash in some dark cupboard!
I've got some lovely purple wool that has been waiting to be turned into a coat for two years (nearly the whole length of time I've been sewing). I was determined to use it this year, but wanted to test the pattern with comparable fabric first. Now my "wearable muslin" in navy wool has become my current winter coat and the purple wool will probably sit until next March when I start thinkg about winter coats for 2013. Sigh... |
JTink
Intermediate
VA USA
Member since 4/20/08
Posts: 4800 |
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Date: 5/20/12 9:11 AM Oh My I just picked myself up off the floor. I think the most expensive fabric I've ever bought was about $10.00 a yard and was half that with a 50% coupon Yep, I even get the jitters when I cut into that price point. I think what rattles me the most, I usually buy material because of the print or color. If I mess it up, I may never have the chance to find that print or color again. |
Tarrbaby
Intermediate
MI USA
Member since 10/28/06
Posts: 104 |
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5 members like this. Put into perspective you can always make something from the fabric of an unsuccessful project. AND it's cheaper than the repair of a boat motor, that has a broken propellor because someone was fishing too close to a stone breakwall. Not to mention the bill from the coast guard to get hauled back to port. ------
Dawn T. |
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