Resort Wear

I will be working on a Mini Wardrobe over the next few weeks. The theme is Resort Wear. I'll be starting the pieces on tomorrow (3/1).

Black Matte Jersey

Ok, So I am still working on some of the easier projects from my stash. I think I have built up some fairly good momentum, so more interesting projects are definitely on the way. But it is nice to work on easy, quick to make projects that give me confidence. So here is what I have done with some of the 9 yards of black matte jersey that I have in stash. I have also laid out a cardigan and plan to make a dress and another top from the rest of the black matte jersey.

The skirt is McCalls 6126 and was easy to make. It is a great wardrobe builder and a great pattern from a beginner who would like to go beyond straight seams. I had to shorten the hem by 6" and this was very hard to do because the hem is not a simple straight hem.

The pants are from Butterick 4789. They are a little wider in the leg that I'd hope, but they are soooo comfortable and easy to wear. I have already worn them twice and I just made them two weeks ago! This is an excellent pattern for beginners.

The top is an out-ot-print (OOP) Butterick 3521 pattern. I have loved this design for ages and am elated that I finally got a chance to make it. I love this top and will definitely wear it on a date with dh. This top adds a 'modest' sex appeal to the other two more career appropriate pieces.

Ivory Matte Jersey Pant and Top

So, I am still going through a few easy items trying to build momentum. I had great momentum going and then I hit a few snags. I didn't have the supplies I needed to finish three projects, so I now have three UFOs. I have since gotten the snap tape, pattern paper, and invisible zipper foot, so hopefully I can get things back on track. But in the meantime, I was able to start a couple of new projects; including making a pair of matte jersey pants to match the matte jersey top I made several weeks ago. I like matte jersey because it is so easy to wear; comfortable and wrinkle-free. I will be adding more matte jersey pictures in the near future.

The pants are from McCalls 4219 (OOP) and the top is McCalls 6034.

Fabric Buying Rules

Fabric is soooo tempting!

So I decided that I need rules. Not buying fabric is out of the question and if I allow myself to buy fabric as fast, or, faster than I sew, then I accomplish nothing. So I have decided on the following rules:

1. I will limit fabric purchases to buying only fabric that will be used for a known project….this means, I can’t buy fabric just because I like it. I have to buy it because I own a pattern that it will be perfect for.

2. All fabric is limited to 15 yards for this year. Excluding:

      a. Fabric purchased will vacationing abroad.

        b. Fabric purchased to complete a project.

My Stash Slash Plan

Ok, I decided that I needed a plan. So I created a Fabric catalog of my stash. I have 373 yards of fabric not including lining and muslin! I basically would have to sew a yard a day to finish this in one year. There is no way that is going to happen. Sewing is my hobby, so I am not going to make it a chore.

But! I do have a plan. I assigned every piece of fabric the pattern that I will use to make it. I then rated it on a scale of 1-3 with 3 being very sure that that is what I will make with the fabric. I also gave a scale of 1-3 for how easy the project will be and 1-3 on how excited I am about the project. I then sorted my list based on how sure I am about the project, how excited I am, and finally how easy the project will be. I decided to start with easy items so gain some momentum. Based on this list, I have my first 135 projects. I do reserve the right to sew out of order if I choose. But I like this method because I also get to see what projects are coming up which allows me to prewash fabric and purchase thread, zippers, or buttons as needed.

Here is a peak at my first three Fabric Catalog entries. Two of the projects shown here have been posted, the other project is on hold because I need ribbed fabric to complete it. (Oh yes, fabric that is needed to complete another project doesn't count either!)

Type

Yards

Color

Fabric Description

Pattern

Clothing

Clothing Description

Order

Certain?

Season

Level

Excited

Washed

Light Dress

1.5

yellow burgundy

panel print

top

flounce sleeve tunic top

1

3

S

1

3

NA

knit

2

blue

jersey with holes

Burda

dress

workout

2

3

S

1

3

Y

knit

1.5

tealgreen  ivory

see thru tye dye

top

tuck pleat gen T top

3

3

S

1

3

N

Other than sewing down my stash, last year, I finished all but one UFO (Unfinished Object). I altered all of the slacks that needed length and waist adjustments. However, I do have a stack of clothes in need of repair…mainly zippers that need fixing. So I will mix these things into my stash slash.

Very Tempting

I am Sew Optimistic and I am a Fabricholic.

I have my eye on this absolutely fabulous piece of silk fabric being sold by Fabric Mart Fabrics. How can I pass it up. It is so divine and something that I have been longing for!

Silk Charmeuse and Chiffon

How do I resist this temptation?!?!?

I guess I should figure out some self-imposed rules. If you read my first post, then you know that I made a New Years Resolution in 2010 to significantly reduce my stash, but it actually GREW! So this year, I am determined to actually reduce my stash. But should I totally deprive myself of purchasing fabric? Should I limit my buys to only x amount of yards for the entire year? To only clearance table purchases? I don't know, what should my rule(s) be? Any ideas? Leave your idea in my comments....PLEASE....I must REDUCE my stash this year.

McCalls 6241

For my next project, I worked on another simple top. I decided to start with quick and easy projects with a hopes of building some momentum. I'll need that to get through some of the more difficult or less exciting projects ahead. This top is shown with a pair of cream slacks, but would also be worn with a pair of jeans for a dressed down look or even a knee length skirt.

Pattern Description: Pullover tunics A, B, C have extended shoulders with pleats at one shoulder and side, machine-stitched hems and asymmetrical lower edge

Pattern Sizing: Regular and Plus
Fabric Used: A Sheer Knit recently purchased from the clearance rack at Joanns Fabric for $2.5/yard
Cost to Make: $5 (I buy all my patterns for $1 except Vogue $4)
Time to Make: 1.5 hours

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I liked the length of the top, the pleated shoulder and assymetric hem

What did you dislike about the pattern?
Nothing

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?
None, I made this top as directed.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. This is an excellent twist on a normal pull over top.

Conclusion:
This top is quick and easy to make. Go for it.

McCalls 6079

So the first entry on my blog will be McCalls 6079 made from this beautiful silk floral fabric that my mom purchased for me during her trip to Israel this winter. I know....the first entry on my blog is from a piece of fabric that hasn't been in my stash long, but I was excited about this piece.

I have been eyeing these poncho like tops for months. My favorites were from stores like Neimann Marcus (shown below)


Orange Bold Paisley Poncho



Printed Voile Poncho

 

but they are a little (HA) out of my price range. Similar tops within my price range were very plain and uninspiring...mostly in solid colors and knits (not silks). So this fabric and pattern were just what I needed to create my version of a poncho top.

 Shown first worn as a dress; perhaps for a date night or while on vacation.

Shown as a tunic with a pair of jeans. Will probably wear mostly with slacks. 

Here's my Pattern Review.

Pattern Description: Loose fitting, pullover top A or tunics B, C have neck facings and narrow hems
Pattern Sizing: Regular and Plus
Fabric Used: Silk bought in Israel (gift to me from my mom)
Cost to Make: $2 - mainly because the fabric was a gift
Time to Make: 2.5 hours

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part, although I did make a few changes. Instead of a belt, I stitched a seam below each arm and I did not create slits in the shoulder.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, they were very easy.

What did you particularly like about this pattern?
I like the top and have been looking at them in several stores. I like that it can be worn as a long tunic or short dress (not sure I'll ever wear it this way though).

What did you dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like the slits in the shoulder, so I excluded them.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I omitted the slits in the shoulder.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes!!!

Conclusion:
This is a great wardrobe builder and the design lends itself to various design changes. You could make it shorter or longer. You can make the sleeves shorter (more cap length).

Confessions of a FabricHolic

I am starting this blog for several reasons. Probably the most important reason is accountability. I need someone (something) to hold me accountable for reducing my fabric stash. Over the years, my stash has grown to an unmanageable level. It takes up a full 6' closet with most clothes hangers holding more than one piece. I have one drawer full of 100% linen and a continuously growing stack of fabrics on the toilet of our guest bathroom (sorry guests). As you can see....this is out of control.

I set a goal in 2010 to reduce this stash by about half. Unfortunately, IT GREW!!! So now in 2011, I am taking a different approach. I am going to blog about my efforts to reduce this stash....making it an adventure....and adding a factor of accountability.

The other reason for creating this blog is because I really do need a new wardrobe. Most of my clothes are over ten years old...when I was still a college coed! Now, I'm a mom, a wife, a professional...my tastes have changed, styles have changed, and some of my clothes are worn thin - to say the least. Clearly, I need a lot of wardrobe additions and I need them fast. It finally occurred to me, I have a new wardrobe! A fabulous one....in my fabric stash. So not only do I get to enjoy my hobby of sewing, but I also get a new wardrobe in the process.

Please join me on this journey to reduce my stash while building a wardrobe suitable for my current life. I hope that I am able to encourage others to sew or to reduce their stash as well. Even if you don't have a huge stash, sewing is a great way to add to or build a wardrobe. You don't have to waste time driving from store to store trying on clothes you don't like; clothes that barely fit. You can make clothes suited to your exact taste without having to compromise with the popular trend of the year (you know why didn't they make that in green or this would be cute if...). You can make clothes that fit YOUR body. Best of all, you can make clothes from high quality fabrics for much cheaper than retail!

LET'S BEGIN!!!