I shouldn't sit on the train thinking, because this post is all those thoughts spilled out onto a page.
RTW - Fast
There are a lot of blogs out there that talk about making a conscious effort to have a self imposed ready to wear fast (RTW), and the first time I ever read about this was when I stumbled upon the fabulous blog Goodbye Valentino who in August 2011 made a vow to give up buying cloths for a year and to make them instead. Soon after she showcased many who decided to follow the same example.
While sitting on the train to work this week I was thinking about the last item of clothing that I actually bought in a shop, it was a cardigan, several months ago, and a pair of spanx to wear under my wedding dress back in May, however based on the extra tyre they produced as they rolled down my body inside my wedding dress (they were the high waisted ones that come up just under the bust), I wished I hadn't bothered.
Any RTW garments that I have been wearing were purchased several years ago, and I don't even find myself wanting to look in department stores for garments to purchase but I may glance at something to see how it was made/finished.
There was no eureka moment for me, I think once I rekindled my love of sewing, and egged on by fellow bloggers, and compliments from sites such as Pattern Review (PR), and the Stitcher's Guild Sewing Forum , it encouraged me to make more items, but also instilled a self imposed dislike of paying a lot of money for some things that haven't even been made very well.
Later I started to add little goals for myself, such as make a Chanel type jacket, complete with chain weight, learn how to tailor, make a pair of jeans, make a bra, sew a bag etc., and each time I learn something new, it makes me want to learn new techniques.
Inspiration
I get so much inspiration from many of the blogs that I read and one such lady who produced such lovely garments on PR was Sigrid who showcases some beautiful work, be it expertly tailored jackets to the most stunning underwear. We were lucky enough to meet when I was on a business trip and this was the start of a wonderful friendship, and an opportunity to get some inside tips on making my own bras......I've not worn a RTW bra since (thanks Sigrid).
A fantastic get-together of sewing enthusiasts in Broadstairs last year resulted in not only making some new sewing friends, but also help in fitting the my first ever pair of jeans, Jalie 2908. Viv very kindly adjusted my jean muslin while I stood on a chair wearing it, to get good results on the fit.
While I have sited Sigrid, and Goodbye Valentino in this post, there are so many ladies who produce to-die-for garments such as Bunny, Art Attack, Handmade by Carolyn, A fool for fabric and I could go on and on, and at the risk of not including them all, and potentially offending someone, you can find all of them in my blog list, as there are far too many to mention in this one post but I love reading all about their sewing projects, even if I don't always get time to post a comment.
Sewing ambitions
Yes I still have a few, I would like to make some more bags, perfect my tailoring and generally improve my overall sewing.
The sewing community is a fabulous generous sharing community, where many people spend hours taking step-by-step photographs coupled with detailed instructions on how to do a particular process, or even make something from start to finish. There are free Youtube videos, free pattern downloads, again, I could go on and on.
THANK YOU ALL, you have all helped me rekindle my love for sewing, and given me so much encouragement.
So what about you
Why do you sew, do the blogs you read inspire you, make you want to emulate your favourite blogger?? Do you feel a little intimidated by some of the superbly talented seamstresses out there, I know I do sometimes, but this just makes me believe that if I keep at it, I will get as good as they are.
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog, and I hope to catch you later............................
Wow, Pauline, what a lovely, thoughtful post! And I am so honored to be one of your inspirations...as you are for me! Your posts give such lovely glimpses of who you are that your readers can't help but cheer you on with your shirts for DM, your incredible wedding party outfits, plus, of course, your own gorgeous dress. You have really captured a lot of the feeling I have too, about the generous, caring sewing community...Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMargy, your whole sense of style is just wonderful, and as mentioned on your blog, I want to be just like you when I grow up ha ha. You put many ladies, that are half your age to shame, and it also goes to prove that you don't have to be a young, skinny 30 something to look wonderful.
DeleteYou are as much an inspiration to me as I am to you Pauline. I've been lucky to meet you and thankful for the friendship that came from that first meeting.
ReplyDeleteLike you I'm inspired by others too and thankful for all the information shared on the internet. It has made me more aspiring for myself and I learned a lot!
Thanks Sigrid, your help with the bra making lead me down a path that I never thought I would tread, and I certainly won't look back now.
DeleteI absolutely love the sewing, blogging community. They are so kind and welcoming and you are one of the kindest:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda, however you are one of those that spend hours giving to not only the blogging community, but the local community too - the pillowcase collection you are doing is going to delight many people, and for those of you who do not live on the other side of the pond like I do check out Rhonda's blog and donate a pillow for the children's hospital.
DeleteIt has been a privilege to read your blog, Pauline. You have generously shared your wedding sewing, your Chanel, bras, and so much more. Thank you for that as well as the props. It is greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhile I wear very little that I haven't sewn, a strict retail fast is not on my horizon by kudos to those who achieve it. I will say that once I read "Overdressed" I gained a whole new perspective on RTW and at the least pause and give great thought before making any purchase of clothing. It is such a global issue.
I agree with your assessment of the sewing community. I think we are all, as a unit, a pretty impressive bunch. We all learn so much from each other and the inspiration and camaraderie are such treasures. You put your words across beautifully.
Bunny whenever I see your heirloom sewing, I think I must have a go at that....you do such wonderful work .
DeleteBeautiful post. The sewing community has expanded my sewing horizon in so many ways. They are indeed a creative, talented, and generous group! It will be a long time before I amass enough hand made things to wear something every day, but I am getting there. It's not always the easiest or even less expensive way to be dressed, but it is the most rewarding in terms of the journey as well as the result.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fran, I agree with you in that sewing isn't always the easiest or less expensive way to dress but is the most rewarding.
DeleteI Set myself a goal of buying no RTW for a year last Oct.1st and have bought nothing except shoes,( I can't make those).I never go into a clothing store and rarely wear one of the few things left in my closet that I haven't made. But sewing for me has become an obssession and I need to start pulling away from it a little so I can achieve other things! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI hear you Diana - there are times when I almost feel like I am going cold turkey (so to speak) if I can't sew for a week or more, so know exactly what you mean.
DeleteThank you so much Pauline for the kind mention of my blog. Not only did my sewing skills improve but I learned so much about my wardrobe tastes and desires during my RTW fast. No longer do I make stupid and redundant purchases....... and no longer do I shop on a whim. I still adore sewing my clothes and never realized the freedom sewing provided to someone in a wardrobe rut. The sewing community is awesome ini the truest sense of the word and has enhanced my life greatly!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean.
DeleteJust found your blog, Pauline. Wow, have I ever been missing out! I hope to have some time soon to go back and catch up. I am amazed when I go to my closet and realize that except for a few old pieces, everything in it was made by me in the few years. It is so liberating not to have to follow all the trends, hot colors, etc! I get exactly what I want (most of the time), for a fraction of the cost. The internet sewing community has truly been a life-saver and a source of constant inspiration. I feel as though I have a whole new host of good friends whom I've never even met!!
ReplyDeleteFirstly welcome to my blog, I am very flattered I feel the same way, especially when you get some lovely comments from other sewers/bloggers.
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