Anyone who sews is bound to admit that fabric shopping is half the fun. Most of us have a stash, some more voluminous than others. I don't really have a very large stash. I have 3 large drawers of fabric, sorted into silk, wool, and cotton & linen. And 2 "piles" of things that don't fit in the drawers on my shelves. Oh, and small scraps upstairs in the hall closet in a huge plastic bin. But those really belong to my daughter. Really.
I try not to buy fabric that I won't use immediately but of course there are some pieces that I simply MUST have. You know, the pieces that call to you from across the room and then speak directly to your soul. Usually I'm not sorry I've bought those and even if it takes years, they eventually make it into a garment.
The fabrics I end up kicking myself for, and then giving away, are the ones that usually I've bought b/c they are "a really good deal." Or something that I think I'll make into a gift for someone but never find the time. Or something that I buy for a sort of "run of the mill" garment that I am never sufficiently motivated to make b/c I can buy something that fits well enough.
And then, of course, we all have made the "what was I thinking" mistakes. Or, now, the kids would say, "what, were you on crack?!" You know what I mean...you've got at least one piece like that, right?
So, then, here is a brief list of fabric buying considerations for new as well as seasoned sewers ~ some of the things that go through my mind when I purchase yardage.
- If I can buy something that fits and looks similar, it's generally less expensive to buy RTW.
- Does this fabric really speak to me? If I go home and leave it here will I care tomorrow? (Sometimes the only way to know is to go home and leave it there.)
- Does it feel wonderful?
- What's going to happen to this fabric in the wash?
- Is it washable at all?
- How wrinkly is this fabric? (Scrunch it up in your hand to test.)
- Is this too sheer to wear alone? Hold up to the light by the window in the shop.
- Is the print on grain? If not, you will have to choose between an on-grain layout and a crooked print.
- How loosely woven is this? Loosely woven fabrics can slip at the seams.
- How much sizing is in this stuff?
- Will I have to match the plaid, stripe, or print?
- Is there a nap?
- Is this fabric worth my time and effort?
- For how many seasons might I like this fabric? I might not get to it this season.
- How long will it last?
- Are there special sewing considerations...Will I need special needles, shears, thread?
- Is this worth precious space in my sewing room?
- What will I wear this with?
- Will I really wear this in public???
7 comments:
As usual, right on target! My stash is like yours; mainly what I need and few extras, plus the "I couldn't leave it behinds!". Generally, if it doesn't work with my wardrobe, I don't make it.
Well...As usual, you put into words what has been floating around in my head, but not making sense. I'm going to have to make some changes. Lots of fabric is going to have to go. And I don't know what to sew. I agree that sometimes RTW is easier and cheaper. Plus you can try it on before you spend any money. Perhaps I need you to do a blog entry on what is worth sewing vs buying.
I have all the best intentions for the stash fabric. What happens to me is what I've seen referred to as "cutting anxiety." So I have something like the museum of fabric and yarn in my linen closet. I don't really understand this, since I usually have a plan for the stuff I buy. Anyway, I've made that vain promise to myself to not buy anymore fabric 'til some of the stash is sewn up.
S. Beth,
I used to suffer from cutting anxiety when I first starting buying more expensive fabrics. But I reasoned with myself...even if it turns out to be a wadder, no women or children will die. Right? You have to keep perspective about it. What you've purchased in the fabric is the opportunity to enjoy *working with it* not a guarantee of a beautiful garment. Think of it like play doh. It's the handling part that's fun. Anyway, if it doesn't turn out well, well then you've learned more than you would with any book or blog or class. I know I've learned a lot that way!
R. Beth - what's worth sewing is anything that you'll enjoy the process of. A tailored jacket or a formal gown. A knit you've never used before. At your skill level you want to make things that are challenging and different. How about something with a bias silk charmeuse. A simple pattern in a challenging fabric.
Hahaha - I wish I could think like this! My criteria is usually "How much is left in my bank account????"
Thank you, thank you, thank you! All good things to remember when compulsion kicks in!
Great tips - my problem is that I still answer yes to all and buy. I am determined to sew more than I buy this year (Since I'm a teacher, years go from August to July!)
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