I'm so mad at myself!!!!

[DebbieF]

I really wish I had taken the time to get a few TNT patterns just right.  I bought a gorgeous pair of olive green shoes over the weekend, thinking that I had a luncheon event at work this week.  My thought was, even though I have hundreds of patterns and oodles of gorgeous fabric, that I would go off to my local Steinmart on Monday evening and get a nice knit dress to go with the shoes.  HA!  Not a chance.  If the color was right, the size was wrong, there were maxi dresses, but nothing appropriate for work.  They had some gorgeous cream trousers (yes I have beautiful cream crepe in my stash) but I'm between a 10 and a 12, so they did not fit, nor did the beautiful cinnamon colored knit top.  10 was too tight, 12 too big.

My time I got home (driving through a horrendous thunderstorm) I was so steamed at myself.  If I had some TNT's, I could have cut out a dress and had it sewn by now.  Instead I have just been playing around, buying more patterns and not sewing a thing.  I guess I had to have a major meltdown to motivate myself....Well today I am wearing the green shoes, but with the same old pants and twin set I've been wearing for the last two years, and because they were from Walmart, they are starting to look as  worn out as they feel.

Okay, now to my resolution.  I will, before this week is over, have a TNT pant, T and dress pattern worked out.  I have bolts and bolts of muslin and no exaggeration, hundreds of patterns, including several beautiful Vogue wardrobe patterns. 

Wish me luck!

[marciae]

We'll be rooting for you!!

[BeeBee]

You go girl    I have a TNT pants that I can make in about 4 hours, even lined.  The top half is still evading me 

[Sergerqueen]

My favorite TNT for the top half is Pamela's Patterns --The Perfect T-Shirt.  It is so flattering on a variety of women and can be sewn in about 90 minutes.  I teach a t-shirt class using this pattern and I have yet to see a woman look bad in this top.  She also has a twin set pattern and cami pattern that I love.  I'm also a big fan of the Hot Patterns Sunshine top and the Jalie Crossover top.  Both are fun and flattering to make!

[judith]

Oh Debbie, I know just how you feel. When my huge cedar chest filled to the point where the lid won't close, I realized that I had to stop buying fabric and start sewing some of that stuff - and I just know there's stuff at the bottom that I bought for work clothes, and I"ve been retired for a year and a half.

Good luck with your quest for tnt patterns. I'm sure you'll get there. I have a great t shirt pattern developed with software, and am slowly working my way through the knit fabrics. And I even manage to delete some of the advertising emails from fabric stores without opening them. Some. Not all. 

[kitnrose]

Oh I so feel for you!  This winter's goal is to conquore my fear of pants and get a TNT pants pattern.  I'm fortunate to have found an OOP knit shirt pattern that's just perfect for me so I have that but need more than just knit tops in my life. 

So here's one more person cheering you on and hoping you get some great TNTs so you can show off those shoes to their greatest advantage.   

[DebbieF]

I think of Carolyn (diary of a sewing fanatic) everytime I'm looking for something to wear....she seems to just pick up one of her TNT's and before you know she has a whole collection made!  I guess I need so many wardrobe items that it just seems overwhelming and I don't know where to start...pants, tops, jackets, dresses....So much to sew I usually end up not starting something because I know it will take some time and I need things right now!  I suppose if I just spent a little time every evening, it would help tremendously.  In the time I spent shopping yesterday I could have been hemming or cutting something out!

[Karen Roth]

Oh Debbie, I know just how you feel. When my huge cedar chest filled to the point where the lid won't close, I realized that I had to stop buying fabric and start sewing some of that stuff - and I just know there's stuff at the bottom that I bought for work clothes, and I"ve been retired for a year and a half.

Good luck with your quest for tnt patterns. I'm sure you'll get there. I have a great t shirt pattern developed with software, and am slowly working my way through the knit fabrics. And I even manage to delete some of the advertising emails from fabric stores without opening them. Some. Not all.  

Just one chest???  
I am the beneficiary of many beautiful high end fabrics from a friend who retired from working outside the home years ago (runs a business within) and never got them sewn up... I am determined I will have lovely workwear from them and not be passing them on.  Given that I'll be working until I'm 95 or dead I think that's a doable goal.

Debbie I know exactly what you mean as do many others.  I don't have a hard time finding rtw to fit, what I like or am willing to spend is another story.  And even w/o a tnt pattern there are many I know can be whipped up easily with minimal adjustment bc I know what typical adjustments I have to make from a given pattern line.  I think I get in the mindset that if I'm not going to take the time to finishe everything beautifully inside for a long lasting garment I'm proud to show the insides of I'll just buy something quick - and often as noted, end up coming home realizing what I could have sewn.   Ok so it's kind of corny but that "what might have been" garment wise made me paraphrase part of this Rascal Flatts broken heart song What Hurts the Most -- "And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that l sewing you
Is what I was  meant to do"  

One of the things I decided I am trying to do is to sew up some things that I don't have a specific occasion for (though that kind of deadline and adrenalin always get me going) but know at some point I need to reach into the closet and just have on hand when the need arises.... I have two sundresses in the works and a couple of casual skirts (not the frayed edge white or denim ones I rely on when I want non-shorts in summer) in the works, and some knit tops for going out nicer casual.  Too many times an opportunity comes up and I think what am I going to wear, I don't have anything for that, without making unreasonable or unwearable stuff I'm trying to be prepared.  

Of course a great shoe find can easily necessitate a new outfit you didn't know you were going to need to have on hand.......

[marciae]

Movin on brought up a good point re finishing on the inside.  I was a 4-H judge for many years and the inside has to be finished 'almost' as good as the outside.  I'd see young girls really interested in sewing something 'now' and want to wear it and not worry about the inside - it was a tough thing for me to support - - in some instances!  I've also done a lot of couture when I was working - each person has to decide what works into her time schedule, life style and personal preferences.  I have also just 'pinked' the bottom edges of a blouse - that would always be worn with a suit - quick and the hem seam never showed on the skirt!

Oh Debbie, I know just how you feel. When my huge cedar chest filled to the point where the lid won't close, I realized that I had to stop buying fabric and start sewing some of that stuff - and I just know there's stuff at the bottom that I bought for work clothes, and I"ve been retired for a year and a half.

I' 'one up' on you - I've been retired since 2002 and have a closet dedicated to my fabric - lots of which was purchased for a specific suit, jacket or coat - for work!!

[LauraS.]

My Mother taught me that the inside has to be as good as the outside.  I've got a couple of UFO's sitting around because the inside looks so bad.  I just need to let them go to Goodwill or somewhere.  Back in 2007, I came home from the hospital and had around 30 yards of stash.  I now have over 1000 yards!  I realize that the last two years of online fabric purchasing has been therapy.  Expensive therapy!  My problem is that I wear dress slacks to work more often than not.  I purchase RTW slacks (hard to find lined slacks now a-days which I prefer) because I'm scared to death of sewing some up!  I have multiple fabric pieces purchased expressly for slacks.  Eventually I'll bite the bullet and start the muslin process.  In the meantime, the fabric sits and waits.  Not purchasing so much this year.  Thank goodness!

laura

[Karendee]

You'll get them done; you go girl!!

Karen

[DebbieF]

You all are so wonderful!  Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice.  I really have no one to blame but myself.  I have been meaning to get down to this and get serious about wardrobe sewing now since I moved to Florida two years ago.  It's just time to stop procrastinating.  I have never gotten a good fit from RTW, and I know how awesome and stylish I feel in something I've made myself....I have literally tons of beautiful fabrics to choose from.  I probably could sew for the next year and never have to buy anything but maybe some zippers and buttons.

Thank you again for all your encouragement, and I'll post as I get something accomplished!

[DebbieY]

I think of Carolyn (diary of a sewing fanatic) everytime I'm looking for something to wear....she seems to just pick up one of her TNT's and before you know she has a whole collection made!  I guess I need so many wardrobe items that it just seems overwhelming and I don't know where to start...pants, tops, jackets, dresses....So much to sew I usually end up not starting something because I know it will take some time and I need things right now!  I suppose if I just spent a little time every evening, it would help tremendously.  In the time I spent shopping yesterday I could have been hemming or cutting something out!

I so hear you!

I basiclaly need to start my wardrobe again from scratch, everything is either well past it's use by date, no longer fits or I just don't like, and is no longer lifestyle appropriate. I am tired of living in the same handful of casual clothes. As a single SAHM with 4 kids and not a huge budget the kids, their clothing and other needs have always come before mine, and that really shows in my wardrobe (or lack of).

The task of starting again is a daunting one but I am going to start with the August WIAW and make some basics that hopefully with be the start of better things to come. I am not going for high fashion or spectacular fit, just something I can wear and look respectable. I have some new patterns, although no TNTs, and I have gathered a few pieces of fabric so have a little stash happening too. I think with a little (or maybe a lot) of careful planning I just might be able to pull this off.

One step at a time ...

[CarolTrendall]

DebbieF, I found that a simple straight skirt pattern, a slim leg pair of pants, a t shirt and a jacket can get me a really quick wardrobe.  The jacket, for me anyway, is the best part because it smartens up what are otherwise very plain garments.  I use Kwik Sew 3338, which I can crank out in about 4 hours if need be.  It's unlined, so it's simple and well drafted as all Kwik Sew patterns are.  I still don't have a great go-to dress pattern that is quick, so I have to keep working on that.  Although I've been sewing for many years, it's only been in the last year or so that I've felt really confident about making good clothes quickly and I have to say that is largely thanks to support groups like this one.  Don't be mad at yourself, we'll all cheer you on so that  you'll have something ready next time!

[Jafael]

Debbie, I have the same problem. Nothing fits me in the stores, I have miles of fabric, oodles of patterns, and no TNTs so it all just sits there! I, too, have decided I need some TNT patterns, so I can start wearing some new clothes (that actually fit) and not the same three shirts I wear twice a week for the past year!

[Carole]

I now have over 1000 yards!  I realize that the last two years of online fabric purchasing has been therapy..Not purchasing so much this year.  Thank goodness!

Now, Laura, I know you are signed up for our trip to Gail K's! 

[LauraS.]

Carol, of course, I'm going to Gail K's!  And, I'll purchase some fabric and will encourage everyone else to purchase fabric! 

laura

[fzxdoc]

Debbie, I think you've found the best solution for TNT sewing: start with basic wardrobe pieces and follow Carolyn's blog for daily boosts of inspiration!  Good luck, and let us know how your TNT sewing project progresses!

Kathryn

[cmarie12]

Actually can I speak to the fact that's been discussed..."You don't know where to start to begin building a wardrobe..."

If you've been reading my blog you will note that it's taken me three years of constant sewing to get to where I just feel like I can relax and sew a wardrobe, a dress or anything I want.  I too, have those same issues with RTW...it doesn't fit right, the kewl styles are not in my size range, pants are unlined...and that's why I sew.  But the secret is to just sew!  Pick a piece and make it.  Then make another piece to go with it...and so on and so on.  To borrow from Nike's tagline..."Just Do it!"

It's not necessary to have elaborate plans or construct entire wardrobes like I do.  I do that from necessity.  I have limited time to sew and if I have a plan and know where I'm going I'm more productive.  But if plans hobble your ability to sew...make one skirt.  Then a top to match of course!    and then something else!  But please just find time to sew...and you will be surprised at what you end up with!

TNT's come from sewing a pattern several times...if you don't sew...you can't have one!    So can I encourage you to sew something today, tomorrow or this weeked!  And I don't mean to sound preachy...if I do please forgive!  I'm just very passionate about this and TNT patterns!  

[DebbieF]

Carolyn, you could never sound preachy!  I read your blog everyday, and you always inspire me.  You are right, thinking about it too much causes me to feel overwhellmed so I end up doing nothing.  I just need to jump into it with less thought and more enthusiasm for just sewing!  I really have unlimited time after my work obligations.  I don't have husband, kids, or family obligations to get in the way.  The only obstacle seems to be me!


Thanks for jumping in, I always value your opinion and your advice.  I am hoping that in October I will be taking a trip to NYC, and am hoping that somehow I will be able to meet some of my "sewing heros" while I'm there!

[MelissaL88]

I basiclaly need to start my wardrobe again from scratch, everything is either well past it's use by date, no longer fits or I just don't like, and is no longer lifestyle appropriate.

This could be me talking! I just had to laugh at the "past it's use by date"  I recently moved up the ladder at work and realized that I need to dress more appropriately. I haven't sewn seriously in a couple years, so my wardrobe is seriously lacking in "oomph." What pushed me over the edge was bringing home yet another pair of trousers that needed some serious alterations. I could have sewn up a pair of trousers in less time than it's taking me to alter the RTW. So, I'll be sewing along with you ladies getting some new TNT patterns.

[Jenny]

II have hundreds of patterns and oodles of gorgeous fabric, that I would go off ... and get a nice knit dress to go with the shoes.  HA!  Not a chance.  If the color was right, the size was wrong, there were maxi dresses, but nothing appropriate for work.  

Debbie, don't beat yourself up!  We have so much going on in our lives, sometimes sewing in an organized way just takes a back burner.

Anyway, you mentioned the knit dress and I want to mention a dress I just made from a bamboo knit ... a fast and easy pattern with wonderful results: La Fred's Helena dress. I made the sleeveless version for a wedding I attended recently ...  the cut and drape of this dress is elegant and slimming and can be made casual or dressy, depending on fabric. Best to choose a knit without much lengthwise stretch, I think.  I plan to make another summer version, then a winter dress with 3/4 sleeves to wear with boots.

[Karendee]

My suggestion, although rather drastic, is to be kind to yourself during this illness by donating all the UFO's to charity. Zip pattern and  incomplete garments in bags and give away with pleasure. Don't keep UFO's as a reminder of your former self; adapt your current sewing to more simple garments, full of style from luscious fabrics. If  this doesn't fall within your budget, buy less expensive but lovely fabrics. You deserve to have sewing in your life, and of course need to pace your sewing work. Don't let the "Completion Monster" ruin your health. Just take you time and enjoy.

Karen

[Sherril Miller]

I didn't have any TNT patterns until I started to embrace the muslin. I know lots of people do just fine without them, including Carolyn. However, for me, it really helps me to see what alterations a pattern needs before I waste the good stuff. Then I can make the alterations on my pattern and sew it again in muslin to see if my alterations work. I know this sounds like a lot of wasted effort since I always throw my muslin away. But, once you get the pattern fitting perfectly, you can sew it up in fashion fabric over and over again and not worry about alterations as long as your weight is stable. Even if you have to remove from the side seams, or add more in my case, you don't have to start over with all the alterations on the TNT pattern. Keep in mind that muslin doesn't necessarily have to be muslin. It just needs to be something you'd never wear so you aren't tempted to finish it wear it even if it doesn't fit just right, and something that closely resembles the fashion fabric you are planning on using for that garment. I hope I don't come off preachy either as that's not how I intend it. I just want you to have something to sew when the mood or need strikes again.

[sdBev]

[..What pushed me over the edge was bringing home yet another pair of trousers that needed some serious alterations. I could have sewn up a pair of trousers in less time than it's taking me to alter the RTW. ...

Oh that was definitely me several years ago.  I made the same resolution and worked diligently to create TNT's for basic garments.  I know, I know some people say they never sew what they can buy, but what I buy never truly fits.  I've done the same buy, take home to alter, and then cursed myself when realizing that I could have sewn it in less time then the alteration was taking.  Good luck!!

[vtmartha]

Keep in mind that muslin doesn't necessarily have to be muslin. It just needs to be something you'd never wear so you aren't tempted to finish it wear it even if it doesn't fit just right,

This is so true!  I found that I would sacrifice the 'slashing' alterations which needed doing in an effort to keep the muslin 'wearable'.  And then spend way too much time finishing it up. 

[stashpanache]

I am in the same boat.  My excuses have been my horrid sewing space or lack thereof.  That is no longer an issue now that I have moved.  Then, it's because I am so FAT!  I am on a diet and I lose a few and gain a few.  I did have one pants pattern that actually fit me right out of the envelope, but now it is too small.  It was a Kwik Sew size Med.....not a numbered size???  So, I have no TNT's and do not even know where to start.  I keep seeing fabric I like and either end up sewing it for somebody else or it just sits there .... under the bed and in the closet and big cedar chest.  I don't even know what size pattern to start with and have the alarming idea that my subscription to Burda WOF is a lost cost because I am too big for the patterns.  Wouldn't that be awful??    It just never occurred to me when I signed up?  If I don't start sewing soon, I will be out of space in my new apt too.

I follow Carolyn too and really admire how she just gets with it!  I am retired and there is no reason I can't do it.  Also, since I picked up sewing again, there is so much I don't know now.  I would give anything for a sewing buddy.  It is hard for me to pin myself and so much easier to sew for others because I can fit them.  I have 4 muslins done hanging in my closet right now FOR SOMEBODY ELSE??  I have plans to take a class and get measured for the Bernina My Label program in Sept.  But, when they called and found out how many machines I have and how I am NOT in the market for a new machine I started worrying they won't make space for me in the class.  How's that for paranoia??   Where oh where did my self confidence go??

[sammie_s]

I have plans to take a class and get measured for the Bernina My Label program in Sept.  But, when they called and found out how many machines I have and how I am NOT in the market for a new machine I started worrying they won't make space for me in the class.  How's that for paranoia??   Where oh where did my self confidence go??

Hey hang in there.  Just put that behind you and start!  Confidence will come back.  Believe in yourself!

[Liana]

Stash,

 I wouldn't worry about them leaving you out because of that.  They're more likely to figure that someone with as many machines as you have is always in the market for "just one more"  no matter what you say.     I think they'd be glad to also have you 'enable' some of the other attendees.  Once a machine-lover, always a machine-lover. 

[stashpanache]

Well, I talked to them today and think maybe they haven't finalized the date yet.  So, it is probably OK.

Am moving over to the Burda WOF thread.  SO many questions.

[fzxdoc]

Stash, if you still have that Kwik Sew pants pattern, and if the Medium fit you fine, then just try the Llarge.  The wonderful thing about Kwik Sew is the multiple sizing on nice, firm paper, which is so easy to trace!

Once you set your mind to it, you'll have a TNT pattern before you know it.  Then, as you continue to lose weight, you can make yourself a whole new TNT pattern! 

Good luck on your continued weight loss--and on your search for TNT patterns!

Kathryn

[DebbieF]

Well, sewing definitely took a back seat to a housing emergency.  My apartment was loaded with black mold, the HVAC unit and air ducts were particularly bad, so I've been breathing in the stuff for the last 12 months or so.  I hired an attorney to break my lease, which should have renewed on 8/1 and had to find a new place to live...now today is the 18th and I began looking on the 7th, after not being in my apartment for 7 days....

My dear boss and another coworker helped me pack up the belonging I could take that could be cleaned of the mold contamination, but that resulted in a huge hit to my pattern and fabric stash.  I did not want to take the chance that my new place would get contaminated, or that I would get sick using it.  I lost all my upholstered furniture too. 

The good news is that I found a beautiful, sunny place in a quiet apartment community and am actually going to paying less rent.  The management at the new place was very accommodating, including having the HVAC inspected before I moved in, just to make sure that I would be safe and healthy.  I opened the door to my new apartment last Friday to find a large welcome basket filled with goodies, and a nice supply of bottled water in the fridge. 

Now to the unpacking....everything was so rushed, and I was so ill that I just threw things in bags and boxes as the guys were bringing them out the door.  I'll need to go through every box to find my clothes and household goods!  I was able to find a few things to wear to work for a few days, but I will definitely have to do some hunting.

The bright side is that less fabric and pattern stash may mean I won't feel so overwhelmed by what I have and I might actually get something done!  I have a lovely sewing room that I can just close the doors on when I'm working on a project.  I already have several home dec things that need to be done, but first I have to find my machines!

[DebbieY]

Deb you sure have had a tough time of it, but it sounds like you've found yourself in a much better place now, well done. I hope you can start to feel that you are getting things back in order soon. I am pleased you still have your machines, and what greater reason is there to shop for fabrics than needing more clothes. As my Mum always says, one step at a time ...

[stashpanache]

Debbie,

Congratulation on your new apartment.  It sounds perfect and a just reward for what you have been through.  It sounds like the management is nice too.  A welcome basket!?  How kewl is that?!!

Stash

[msplantladi]

Oh Debbie you need hugs...boy what a rough time you have had. But as mom used to say "Everything Happens for A reason" just look at the nice new sunny home you have and when you get all settled I just know you are going to get back on track.
  I am fairly new to the message boards and just sorta bouncing around but when I saw your last name [same as mine] it caught my eye but then when I started reading your post I had to response.

Keep your chin up, take a deep breathe and just tackle one project at a time.

By the way at the risk of looking silly whats TNT? can you tell I haven't done much clothes sewing..infact its been so long [ at least 15 yrs] when I was pinning a dress pattern last week I had to actually stop and read directions, something I never did yrs ago...boy have patterns changed. lol
dee fox
cedar city ut.