Saturday, September 13, 2008

I need a fabric diet!

Today I traced off a jacket from Ottobre for my youngest. My plan is to enter it in the Children's Clothing contest on PR. I wanted to make sure I purchased the adequate amount of fabric, because what I want to get is rather spendy and a smidge leftover always feels like such a waste. It's regularly $30/yd, but on sale today at Fabric Depot for $18/yd. Still a little spendy in my book, especially for a child, but I only need 1 yard plus a zipper. And really it's going to be a *cute* winter jacket and I can't buy one at the store for that price.

Once I got the jacket traced off I was looking through my fabric cupboard trying to find some inspiration. I was pulling things down and realized I really need to curb my appetite for fabric. It's hard. They are all so pretty. I want to bring them home to my lovely sewing studio. It's not a crime, right? Well it should be a crime so I will stop buying. Some may laugh at this statement and think there is no such thing as too much fabric. Well for me there is. It makes me get tense and nervous. I don't like clutter and to me this is clutter. Yes I like to be able to pick something I want to make and shop what I already have, however it still makes me uneasy to have as much as I do. So I'm going to give it the ol' college try and refrain from buying. Now stop taking bets, this will surely last longer than a day!

Yesterday I snapped this picture of my "baby" in his new shirt I made him. I used my trusty KS 2894 and love the way the top turned out. Inspiration began with a shirt I saw in the spring/summer Mini Boden catalog. I made the top back in July, but it was too big and too hot to wear it. I lined the hood in knit jersey and the applique is done in orange twill - tires complete with button hubcaps. He is beyond thrilled as you can see by the picture. I will cherish this. My kids loving mommy making something just for them. A one-of-a-kind creation that no one else has. That is why I sew.


Off to shop for the coat fabric. I'm bringing home coat fabric and a zipper, nothing else. You can shop laughing now....

10 comments:

Rhoto said...

CUTE little toot-toot!!
Soft hug,
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)

Little Hunting Creek said...

He looks so cute! What a great little outfit. I haven't bought any fabric since March, so I know you can do it :). I keep making things but the amount of fabric I have left still looks the same!

Ruth said...

You said, "So I'm going to give it the ol' college try and refrain from buying."

Good luck!!! I can't wait to see what else you bring home besides the zipper and coat fabric! :-)

Oh, the car hoodie is adorable.

Maryissewfast said...

Adorable little hoodie! Going to Fabric Depot on sale day and only coming out with 1 yard and a zipper? If your're gonna stand in the long cutting line, you might as well grab a few other bolts of fabric...just call me..."Been there, Done that!!! Good luck...Mary

Anonymous said...

He's adorable!! I need a fabric diet too, but...but...I haven't bought anything since July, so I'm doing rather well, I think!

Gorgeous sweatshirt on an even cuter boy!

Sew-4-Fun said...

Your son's top looks so warm and cozy! As for the fabric diet, do it! I felt overhelmed by my fabric stash about 18mths ago so I went on a diet. I didn't totally starve myself but rather reduced my buying. Eighteen months on and I feel soooo much better! I know you can do it too! Like any diet it isn't always easy but you feel so much better for it.

katherine h said...

I'm on a fabric diet too. The hard part for me is internet buying...we don't have good fabric stores where I live, so I am always wondering if I'll find something I like when I want it....but a fabric stash puts pressure on me and makes the sewing a little less spontaneous, so I am dieting for a while myself.

Birgitte said...

I could eat him up!!! That top is so cute, you did a great job!
BTW, I passed three blog awards on to you :))

Unknown said...

Did you draw that car free-hand? Nice job! As for the fabric diet, I understand, good luck and stay strong. Mantra, "I can use something in my stash..."

Anonymous said...

Best wishes with your fabric restraint Melissa :)
Andy's new hoodie is cute cute cute...he's adorable !!