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trying for a change of attitude (Moderated by Deepika)
Posted on: 12/27/08 4:33 PM ET
A while back I was hot on the trail of making a pants, cardigan outfit to wear to work this winter...well winter is more than here now and the garment has never made it past the pattern alteration stage, I have finalized the fit and am ready to cut out adjusted pattern to put on real fabric,,,then got busy at work with overtime...then the holidays...etc...For more years than I want to say I have not bought a thing to wear, always thinking that I couldn't afford it, after buying all that fabric and patterns. So my quest was to sew everything. But it takes me so long to complete anything that bit-by-bit, my work wardrobe has turned to rags. I found myself hand-mending a few things last week. Finally, I think I have wised up. Afford it or not, I do not have the time to sew my own clothes for work (Not the way I sew anyway) and afford it or not, I have to get some new clothes.
Well, this is coming January and a good time to shop (sales). So I have bent my credit cards and ordered some things. Although I do not have the time to go out and shop, nor the inclination, I am looking forward to a happy experiment in web shopping. Anything can be returned, and even with return postage, it still costs less than driving-around-gas, and the obligatory lunch/dinner that goes with a day of shopping.
Plus, now I can steer my sewing endeavor to those projects which excite me and not just what I think I have to make. So already I am getting happier about my sewing, and much less stressed. I think I must not let myself (or my wardrobe) fall into such disarray again.
-- Edited on 12/27/08 4:36 PM --
Well, this is coming January and a good time to shop (sales). So I have bent my credit cards and ordered some things. Although I do not have the time to go out and shop, nor the inclination, I am looking forward to a happy experiment in web shopping. Anything can be returned, and even with return postage, it still costs less than driving-around-gas, and the obligatory lunch/dinner that goes with a day of shopping.
Plus, now I can steer my sewing endeavor to those projects which excite me and not just what I think I have to make. So already I am getting happier about my sewing, and much less stressed. I think I must not let myself (or my wardrobe) fall into such disarray again.
-- Edited on 12/27/08 4:36 PM --
Posted on: 12/27/08 6:04 PM ET
Oh Cathy I can relate! My fella is forcing me to the mall to buy work clothes because for 6+ months I have been saying I am going to MAKE work clothes... and I have managed to make 3 things but have concluded that having my 'whole wardrobe' made-by-me is maybe not so realistic!
I HAVE managed to get more sewing done by taking my sewing time in little 'grabs' here-and-there throughout the week, rather than tryon to mark out a whole day and spend hours at a go sewing. The 'grabs' method is good for many reasons 1. you do one little step at a time (maybe the very first step in insertion of a zipper, say) and because you're thinking 'well its just this one step' you don't get bogged down with thoughts of how big a task it is. 2 You get better and better at ekeing out more and more little units of 'grab' time. 3. I find that very often in my downtime between the steps (at work, out and about whatever) my thoughts wander to the sewing project and my brain kinda works out a simple way of doing something.
Anyway, I hope you have fun with your web-shopping! I have never done it with clothing, but I am a big believer in time= money and honestly, malls are the seventh circle of hell for me, so maybe I will give it a go too!
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I HAVE managed to get more sewing done by taking my sewing time in little 'grabs' here-and-there throughout the week, rather than tryon to mark out a whole day and spend hours at a go sewing. The 'grabs' method is good for many reasons 1. you do one little step at a time (maybe the very first step in insertion of a zipper, say) and because you're thinking 'well its just this one step' you don't get bogged down with thoughts of how big a task it is. 2 You get better and better at ekeing out more and more little units of 'grab' time. 3. I find that very often in my downtime between the steps (at work, out and about whatever) my thoughts wander to the sewing project and my brain kinda works out a simple way of doing something.
Anyway, I hope you have fun with your web-shopping! I have never done it with clothing, but I am a big believer in time= money and honestly, malls are the seventh circle of hell for me, so maybe I will give it a go too!
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www.thisisemilykate.blogspot.com
Posted on: 12/27/08 6:33 PM ET
Cathy, I too can totally relate to this. My entire wardrobe is in desperate need of updating/completely re-doing. I have great ambitions to sew myself a new wardrobe but by the time I sew for my clients and then for my kids and grandkids and for the house I don't feel like dealing with the fitting issues I know I'm going to have sewing for me.
I also hate shopping (unless it's for fabric or for scrapbooking supplies) and given that most of the time I work in my studio by myself I don't need to have "work" clothes per se. When a client is coming for a fitting or I'm going to meet someone for a consult or fitting, I throw on my one pair of black dress pants or my one pair of dressier trouser jeans, a jacket and shirt or a sweater and call it done.
Now my hand has been forced. I will be performing official seamstress functions at an upcoming high level competition and have just found out that there is a dress code -- no jeans and pants must be a neutral colour (black, brown, grey or navy). Skirts aren't really an option as it will be a little chilly. I need to be there for 7 consecutive days and it is out of town so I'll be staying in a hotel.
Somehow I don't think that one pair of black dress pants is going to cut it. There is no way I have time to draft a pants pattern for me and make pants as I still have 5 skating dresses to finish, one costume proposal to prepare and quotes and sketches for 6 different posing suits for bodybuilders to get done. DGS is coming for a 2 night sleepover next weekend.
Oh yeah, I head out on the highway in less than 2 weeks with my machines in tow so I guess pants shopping is definitely in my future -- now I just have to figure out when I'm going to fit it in.
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I also hate shopping (unless it's for fabric or for scrapbooking supplies) and given that most of the time I work in my studio by myself I don't need to have "work" clothes per se. When a client is coming for a fitting or I'm going to meet someone for a consult or fitting, I throw on my one pair of black dress pants or my one pair of dressier trouser jeans, a jacket and shirt or a sweater and call it done.
Now my hand has been forced. I will be performing official seamstress functions at an upcoming high level competition and have just found out that there is a dress code -- no jeans and pants must be a neutral colour (black, brown, grey or navy). Skirts aren't really an option as it will be a little chilly. I need to be there for 7 consecutive days and it is out of town so I'll be staying in a hotel.
Somehow I don't think that one pair of black dress pants is going to cut it. There is no way I have time to draft a pants pattern for me and make pants as I still have 5 skating dresses to finish, one costume proposal to prepare and quotes and sketches for 6 different posing suits for bodybuilders to get done. DGS is coming for a 2 night sleepover next weekend.
Oh yeah, I head out on the highway in less than 2 weeks with my machines in tow so I guess pants shopping is definitely in my future -- now I just have to figure out when I'm going to fit it in.
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Sheila
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
Posted on: 12/27/08 8:18 PM ET
In reply to SheBear0320
Wow, you definitely have your plate full. When you're able to stop and take a breath, you might have to say no to some things and start doing for yourself. I can relate to all above and have purchased a few shirts on line but since I'm retired I don't have to worry about ''dress'' clothes so much. I'm another that won't go to a mall unless there's a gun at my back so I keep buying fabric. I've been doing things for others as well, but have now decided it's definitely my turn as I need a complete wardrobe. I wish you luck on getting something done for yourself.
Posted on: 12/28/08 7:00 PM ET
Well, remember, your TIME is valuable, too--and if you're saving money but losing time, where's the real savings?
Free shipping sales at Penney's and Land's End are *lifesavers* for me. You don't even have to cough up return postage, since you can make returns at Penney's or any Sears store (for the Land's End stuff). I don't think I'd have any clothes at all (not to mention unmentionables!) if it weren't for the free shipping deals. Penney's has them about every month to six weeks.
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Free shipping sales at Penney's and Land's End are *lifesavers* for me. You don't even have to cough up return postage, since you can make returns at Penney's or any Sears store (for the Land's End stuff). I don't think I'd have any clothes at all (not to mention unmentionables!) if it weren't for the free shipping deals. Penney's has them about every month to six weeks.
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 12/28/08 7:38 PM ET
Yeah, I finally broke down and found a pant style at Lands End that I like and that fits well. Having a few pairs in black is always a good idea...
And a couple months ago I tried on some clothing at a J.Jill store (first clothing I've tried on in a shop in literally years...) and was surprised to find a corduroy jacket that was flattering and a couple tops. After wearing them over the last few weeks I ordered a few more J.Jill items online and have to say I'm thrilled with the quality, the fit, the prices, and the colors available -- not to mention that I am totally shocked by that! lol
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And a couple months ago I tried on some clothing at a J.Jill store (first clothing I've tried on in a shop in literally years...) and was surprised to find a corduroy jacket that was flattering and a couple tops. After wearing them over the last few weeks I ordered a few more J.Jill items online and have to say I'm thrilled with the quality, the fit, the prices, and the colors available -- not to mention that I am totally shocked by that! lol
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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
Posted on: 12/28/08 9:19 PM ET
In reply to CathrynR
Cathy, Good for you! Sewing should be a time to relax and unwind....not something else in your life to be stressed about. I make very few of my clothes. I like to make gifts for others, home dec and quilt the most.
Posted on: 12/29/08 5:08 AM ET
In reply to stirwatersblue
Thank you for the tip about free returns. I have also found a great site for shoes, very good selection which has free shipping...both ways, so as to encourage online buying I guess. (But I ran out of $$ and courage for more credit purchases right now and will have to wait awhile). Cant think of the name or site right now, but if anyone is interested in this, I will gladly post it.
Thanks everyone for writing, makes it less scary for me to make this change and encouraging to start sewing this way. Already I am believing that the sew a little here, sew a little there is now going to work for me, instead of feeling like I need a full day to work on a project. (and I am eagerly awaiting my new clothes)
Thanks everyone for writing, makes it less scary for me to make this change and encouraging to start sewing this way. Already I am believing that the sew a little here, sew a little there is now going to work for me, instead of feeling like I need a full day to work on a project. (and I am eagerly awaiting my new clothes)
Posted on: 12/29/08 7:07 AM ET
Finding time to sew everything you need if you work outside the home (even if you don't!) is pretty hopeless, but I have a suggestion. If in the process of making rtw purchases you land on a garment which fits well and looks good, doing a rub off pattern can be a good idea. That usually cuts down the sewing time, when you make several copies. If the original fits and the pattern is done carefully, you don't need to make a toile or fit the garment. I have a trouser pattern I made this way, I've made it up so many times it takes no longer than 2 hours to make a pair. I made a jacket for dd this way too.
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http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
Posted on: 12/29/08 9:09 AM ET
In reply to CathrynR
Quote: CathySewing
I have also found a great site for shoes, very good selection which has free shipping...both ways, so as to encourage online buying I guess. (But I ran out of $$ and courage for more credit purchases right now and will have to wait awhile). Cant think of the name or site right now, but if anyone is interested in this, I will gladly post it.
I have also found a great site for shoes, very good selection which has free shipping...both ways, so as to encourage online buying I guess. (But I ran out of $$ and courage for more credit purchases right now and will have to wait awhile). Cant think of the name or site right now, but if anyone is interested in this, I will gladly post it.
Zappos.com?
Wonderful shoe site, free shipping both ways and you can return the shoes up to 365 days later. I've been very happy with them. If it's something else, do share, I can always use another shoe site!

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Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
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