Lessons Learned

Time and again, experience has taught me that the best way to avoid shopping (buying) is to avoid shopping (looking). I'm so good at it much of the time - and then I get this little itch to look - often it's based on a totally legit need to purchase i.e. "denim for jeans sew along" or "shoes for kid"...

Next thing you know I've bought 5 patterns on BMV (link) and 5 yards of fabric like a crazy woman.

Recall the fabric cupboard:


Recall the words of wisdom about not over populating it.

If only I were as constant as the blog version of me.

So here are the new patterns, plus views of technical drawings - all recommended by fab sewing bloggers who should be blamed for their role in this relapse. (You know who you are.)

V8390
V1250


V8323

V8379

B5464



Note: This all happened as a result of my simply viewing the patterns online, in patient anticipation of the next $3.99 sale. And wouldn't you know the freakin' $3.99 sale had JUST begun. In fact, the Butterick was $1.99. I didn't even make it to the $25.00 pre tax spend which buys you free shipping to Canada. Even with tax and shipping I didn't spend 30 bucks. Y'all know some of these patterns run 30 bucks, regular price. Totally falls within my Spend to Save ideology.

Other Note: I feel compelled to convince you that these are fab basics (well, except for the ruffle shirt - arguably). And basics are where I'm at right now. May I also advise that I have practically worn out my other handmade DKNY jersey dress from wear last summer (and it cost me 15 bucks to make with fabric on sale). So I feel this is a pretty justifiable cache. Not that I need to justify myself. (Lord, this schizo routine is tough going.)

So, what can I say about the fabric? Hmmm...

I didn't buy to accommodate the new patterns. Oh no. I bought to ensure a "backup" option for the jeans sew along - different colour, different weight, different drape. Truth is, I may choose to use the new denim - it's dressier. And I've never failed to use any of the numerous yards of denim I've bought so far. Best part - I bought it at FabricLand's denim ends sale. So I got all 3 yards for $13.00. And it appears to be 60" width!

I can hear you mentally calculating how 3 yards of denim adds up to 5 yards of new fabric. Well, I also bought 2 yards of fabric for T shirts. What? I've run out! If I want to perfect my craft, I'm going to need to keep on. I mean, just yesterday I made 5 significant adjustments to the sloper. I purchased navy rayon jersey (beautiful drape) and deep black rib knit (rich looking T material). Does anyone else think it's weird that ribbing comes in a continuous loop i.e. no selvedge aka one circular piece? In some strange way that makes me nervous.

Not the most exciting colours, but basics are basics, baby.

Alas, even at 40% off they came to 14 bucks a yard. Not the cheapest practice garments. Now, if they happen to work out perfectly, they'll be cheap at the price. I'm such a risk-taker.