You would think....

That since my shopping restriction has been lifted that I would have been to the malls by now. I haven't. Nor do I have plans to go. I'm really rather blah about the whole thing. Who knew?

Maybe the addiction to shopping has passed? I am VERY clear that I have far too many clothes. That's good information to have. And I like to make my own clothes. I get a weird satisfaction from making my own clothes. Like the feeling I get when I put in that last stitch or wear the garment for the 1st time or when I get complimented on what I'm wearing. Good feelings. That's reinforcement that has to just keep coming

I realize that since I live in GA, all the turtlenecks that I have planned for the fall/winter, though I'm still planning on making them, there is no rush for them since it gets cool later here. I also have new boots as well that are creenign to see daylight. They probably will stay on lock down until the end of October. I saw some tops with ruffles that would make some nice transitional pieces, but I really want cotton blouses. Since tops are my cryptonite, I'm thinking maybe I'll buy a few of those. Again, we'll see.


Peace

Incredibly Lazy

I have been incredibly lazy when it comes to making my fall collection. I have all of the fabric, the notions even a few pictures and patterns. I just don't feel like it. That's horrible! I'm thinking it's because I don't really need the clothes just at this moment. Its still rather warm. If I needed the clothes I probably would be all over the sewing machine.

The one thing I need bad, and need before Wednesday (today is Monday) is a new nightgown. Again, I have the fabric and the notions. I just don't feel like it. But I'm gonna have to find some energy because I'm having company and I ain't walking around naked or in the raggedy nightgowns that I already have.

***sigh***

It's gonna be a long couple of days.....

I hate when I feel lazy like this.


Peace

9/28/2009 is Coming!!!!!

Peace to my Universal Family!

Well the clock is winding down on this Fashion challenge. Come Monday the 28th I will be free to shop up a storm. And I’m not going to lie when I say that I have already been in the shops planning what I will snatch up. I saw a white silk blouse in Ashley Stewart that I have my eyes on and 2 other blouses that I am stalking. But that is really it. Having to make do with what I have or creatively finding ways to score the booty has made me not fiend for the commercially bought clothes like I had been in the past. RELIEF. I now have a new addiction to making clothes for self and celestials in my Universe.

I decided to give patterns another shot. Not so much making them bibles, but for inspiration and learning purposes. In the past my sewing has been figuring it out as I go along. But why reinvent the wheel when I don’t have to? If using a pattern for some things helps, then use away. I have learned some sewing lingo and some techniques that have really helped me. Now I can discuss my sewing with other sewists. I made a gift for the God, using a pattern which really came out nice. I haven’t reinforced it because I made it without him being here. If I don’t have to make any alterations then I will reinforce the seams so it doesn’t come apart. It’s a surprise, so don’t tell.

Also, I have learned that the people in the stores are a resource. I have learned how to make my own patterns, bias tape and how to choose interfacing. But that’s if you go to a local store and not someplace like Wal-Mart. Them folks at Wal-Mart don’t know how to sew. They cut and charge. But don’t sleep on Wal-Mart. They have dirt cheep fabric in crafty choices. And you can’t beat their prices on notions, machines, yarn, stuff like that.

That all being said, I’m not abandoning my free styling sewing. I always feel a greater sense of accomplishment when something that was initially in my head appears in from of me. And I don’t want to be totally dependant on patterns. It’s good to have options.

My current goal is to master jacket making. Currently, my jacket attempts are not at all successful. But I am planning to make a customized dress form and try my hand on that. I have awkward measurements. I still have not come to understand the need for muslins and lining. I patterns and slips. That’s not to say that I never will understand it or that I’m blocked but we shall see won’t we what develops.


Peace

What is Black and White and Read all over?

I have already told you that I was in a ghetto fabric store this weekend. I learned something from these ladies (and 1 man) that I wanted to share with you….

I was bitching that patterns were expensive and often when I get to the end of the outfit, they don’t fit. I was talking with these ladies (and 1 man) about this dilemma. One old lady said to me since I was more comfortable freehanded sewing, that I should make my own patterns. That way all my clothes could match. My poorly arched eyebrows flew up. “How do you make your own patterns?” I asked. She said with newspaper. This was an unexpected jewel.

Her advice was after cutting the fabric for whatever I was envisioning in my mind for a garment. Trace it over a open piece of newspaper. Then adjust it so that it worked. Mark it and write out the directions on a manila envelope (best) or regular envelope. What every you have. Then place the newspaper pattern in the envelope and BOOM! There’s your custom pattern.

I’m making a bunch of turtle necks and shirts for the fall and why shouldn’t they all look the same and be easy to make? Also those thin papers patterns are on are thin like tissue paper. News paper is not much thicker. I’m doing this and I will let you know how it turns out.

Now this may be old information for some folk, but it’s brand new for me. I’m running with it!



Peace