I’m considering myself to be quite lucky! A couple of weeks ago I won a giveaway (sewing machine feet) from Saturday Night Stitch. (Thank you again!) And now…
sewtakeahike recently had a giveaway on her blog … and you guessed it… I won!
I had my eyeballs on the “Runaround Bag” pattern from noodlehead that was part of her giveaway, thinking that one can never have too many handbags, purses, etc. Before my RTW Fast, I couldn’t walk into a handbag store without buying something. Co-workers, friends and my sisters would strategically place themselves between me and the handbag store entrance to make sure I didn’t make a run for it or try to Ninja past them!
I wasn’t too sure what the contents of the book, “handmade style” by noodlehead, the other part of sewtakeahike’s giveaway, would reveal, but I’m always keen on anything to do with sewing!
Looking at the table of contents, I was pleasantly surprised to find to find a variety of things.
There is a pattern and detailed instructions for this bag, the “Zip Top Tote”. It would be quite handy for holding my books, magazines, and iPad so that I could keep up with the sewing articles and blogs I love to read while commuting to and from work.
And, I have yet to make a wallet for myself! Here’s the “Double Zip Wallet”. (Actually, I wouldn’t mind that cup of coffee right now neither!)
Thank you, sewtakeahike for your giveaway!
Now, just so you know, I haven’t tried the bag pattern or anything from the book yet. But as usual, when I do, I’ll be sure to let you know what I think!
I was just thinking today that my RTW Fast is going quite well. I have not purchased anything RTW since well before my pledge in January of this year. The only things I can think of that I haven’t hand-made for myself yet are:
- bras (otherwise known as those torture devices, booby traps, over the shoulder boulder holders?)
- knickers (pants, undies, bloomers?)
- dress/work pants (trousers?)
- nylons, tights, socks
- shoes
- a wallet
I have handmade everything else. If I do make myself a bra or knickers you will hear about it, but I will probably never show them off on the internet (too shy!). The dress/work pants are quickly rising to the number 1 position on my “sewing to do” list. Nylons, tights, socks? I can’t knit or crochet or anything similar to that. I really admire people who are skilled in that way! I am never going to be a shoe maker. How about some slippers? Now I have a wallet pattern, that is a possibility!
Needless to say, I am feeling good about my RTW Fast! 🙂 Are you doing the RTW Fast? Are you thinking about doing it next year?
Well, back to my sewing. I am “this close” (imagine me holding my thumb and index finger 1 mm apart) to finishing the first garment, a skirt, in my “Sister’s Sewing Projects” first mentioned here. When I have finished her skirt, I’ll be sure to show you!
Happy Sewing!
Wow, you definitely should buy a lottery ticket! Well done on you RTW Fast challenge, I haven’t heard of this before!
Thanks, there is a little button on my sidebar, RTW, it should link up to the blog that is hosting it… If anyone is interested!
Wow! I can’t believe how well you are doing with your RTW fast! I try not to buy RTW unnecessarily, ie if I think I could make something for the equivalent price or cheaper, but I have yet to attempt trousers or jeans or shorts. I rarely buy dresses now, and have just made my first dress for a wedding which I would normally spend about £50 on, and I’ve made one for around £10 that I love.
It does sound like you are having a run of good luck, emphasising the point you’ve got to be in it to win it! I look forward to seeing your makes using your prizes 🙂
Good for you! You are doing very well! I have seen your work. I started like you, with simple avoidance of RTW, then I saw this challenge… And I became kind of obsessive! I just wish I had more time to sew! The lack of trousers is going to get a bit serious in the winter months. I can’t wear casual pants (trousers) or jeans to work to stay warm.
Thank you 🙂 You are very kind but I have also seen how complex some of your makes have been, they leave me in awe! You’re right, more sewing time is a must!
Now you are being too kind!
I’m with you, havent bought anything apart from what’s on your list in over a year. I love not buying clothes, I occasionally look to get ideas but then find myself being critical of the fabrics or finishes. Ive made a couple of simple bags and have plans for my perfect bag, with all the features I want, waiting in the sewing que. Yes I’d say buy a lottery ticket.
Exactly, Barbara! I get ideas from the stores, but am not really tempted. The things that are made well are way too expensive. The cheaper things are cheaply made! Although, I can’t think of how much money I’ve spent on fabric, but at least I get what I want and it lasts! You have made some beautiful clothes. I specifically remember some dresses that are designer quality, I swear! You’re doing the RTW fast too, aren’t you?
Thank you Linda! I am doing the RTW fast, no looking back now, I like wearing and making with beautiful fabric too much now
Lucky you! Will look forward to seeing what you come up with. Well done on your RTW fast! I’m thinking of embarking on a mini one myself…
Thanks! Like the MeMadeMay Challenge (link on button in sidebar) The RTW Fast sure gets you thinking carefully about what you really need to make. I found having 10 tops to wear is rather useless if you don’t have any pants (trousers) to go with them! 😄
Well congratulations, lucky lady! I would love to be part of next year’s RTW fast, but oh boy, I need to get my fanny in gear if there is any chance.
Thank you! The RTW Fast has been pretty good this year, so far. You should try it next year. I have found it helps me decide what I need to sew to have a complete hand made wardrobe some day – my next goal! MAGAM (Make a Garment a Month, on sidebar) is a good motivator to get it done!
I’m certainly hoping to join in. MAGAM also sounds great….and that might be doable now! Checking it out, thanks.
I think with MAGAM she accepts sewists throughout the year and the button leads you to her blog with instructions, plus a link to her Facebook page. There is a lot of useful discussion on her Facbook page about sewing. The RTW Fast is not as dependent on Facebook, so really it is whichever you prefer, or both!
Wow, you are having a run of good luck! I started out blogging a year and a half ago. I’d virtually stopped buying clothes by this point anyway as there was nothing that fitted or that I liked at the price that I liked. I started making things and haven’t looked back. So I think I’ve been on a fast for almost two years. I haven’t missed clothes buying at all, but like you, there are a few things I haven’t tackled. I haven’t made a bra yet and I’m a little stuck with tights and socks as I don’t knit. So far the current items in my wardrobe are holding out, but for how much longer?
Good for you! You are an old pro at this RTW fasting then! I agree we need more time to sew! There are a few items on “Goodbye Valentino’s” blog that are exempt from the RTW Fast. I guess she is trying to accommodate us who don’t knit!
Thank you. Not sure I feel like a pro, but I definitely feel old sometimes! I’ll have to check out “Goodbye Valentino’s” exemptions.
Good job on your fast. I know you and purses, and I liked your “go ninja” comment if a sister stood between you and a purse. That’s a cool kit you won. I was eyeballing the wallet. 👍😊
Maybe if you are nice I will make you one for your birthday?
Definitely get that lottery ticket! I’ve been thinking about a new bag recently but can’t see anything to make or buy that’s inspired me. I like a zip because it makes the contents seem more secure – show us when you’ve made one up!
Hopefully you will find something suitable soon! I definitely will “show and tell” everything! 😄
I think if you put your mind to it, you could probably make some awesome slippers. A stepping stone towards shoes. Just kidding, just keep sewing those beautiful outfits.
😄 Thank you!
You are on some sort of winning streak, no doubt about it! I would RUN to buy a lottery ticket if I were you! Your ability to do the RTW fast is enviable. I’ve shied away from committing to such a task, as I love to wear jeans, but hate to make them. Perhaps that will change as my style inevitably changes. Can’t wait to see what you do with your free pattern!
I’ve done jeans. I loved making them. Just think of them as pants or shorts even with fancy stitching! i will definitely post anything I make from this book or pattern. It’s on the “sewing to do” list!
You lucky girl. Given your weakness for handbags (perfectly understandable by the way), it’s only right and just that you’d win the handbag pattern. In case anyone is interested, I have an awful wallet but haven’t been able to find anything I like better. Hmm. I wonder if anyone out there knows how to make a wallet…. 🙂
You too huh? Maybe you’ll get one for your birthday too!
That tote bag is so dreamy… 🙂
I know isn’t it! And I love purses, bags, etc.
My underpinnings are highly technical pieces of advanced engineering. I’m not EVER likely to attempt making them myself! And especially when there is still so many pretty frocks to make…….
You know, I can’t think of a thing to say in reply! You are a very funny lady and I thank you for commenting! 🙂
Seamster has a pattern for tights:
http://seamsterpatterns.com/product/rose-hip-tights-9701/