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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-13-2005, 09:21 AM (1 of 25)
I don't sew in an organized fashion  ie buy a pattern and fabric and notions and then make something. I buy fabric when I like it (usually 2-3m at a time), scavage the remnant bin on a regular basis and have a vast pattern collection that I mix and match pieces, I'm also a big fan of pattern magazines (burda, sew beautiful, ottobre) and books like "Sew and Go Kids", I have dozens of spools of thread in different colours and needles, notions, buttons, zippers etc all ready to go. Part of this is I live in the country and it is a bit of trip to go get a zipper, thread, piece of ribbon etc. Also we have no Sunday shopping here (one of my pet peeves as I often work Saturday) and I would have to pack up the kids too. The other part of the reason is I am a sewing addict  and go on little bursts of sewing and want to make something NOW ( I made my daughter 4 dresses in one weekend last year completely from the stash notions and all).I heard once that Sandra Betzina will buy all the stuff for one project and not get anything else till it was done, I admire her restraint if this is true!!  Unfortunately I will never be like that, too impulsive! How do you sew?? Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: debsews
Date: 10-13-2005, 09:40 AM (2 of 25)
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I too have a lot of fabric and notions. I will sometimes start something and realize toward the end that I needed one thing I don't have. We are close to shopping but I tend to make a lot of the same kinds of things so I know to have those on hand. I buy my fabrics when on sale and because I like them and have an idea what I'd use them for. I bought a thousand buttons off ebay and then sorted them into colors and sizes, so I have something for most of the projects I make. I don't do a lot of zippers but have a few on hand if I get crazy! Bias tape I keep in all colors, thread I have several spools of each. I use only Metzler thread because anything else makes my Viking #1 plus sick! The store I get it from always has buy three get one free and the same with the Maxi Lock serger thread, so I usually have a good supply of all colors. The only thing I run out of without realizing it is sometimes one of the interfacings. I need a place to put a bolt of that! Good questions. I'll be interested in seeing how other people sew. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-13-2005, 10:39 AM (3 of 25)
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I buy fabric when I see something I like. I like a lot so it piles up. I buy five or six patterns when they are $1 or $2 dollars. They are starting to pile up too! Every once in a while I will go shopping for a fabric to go with a particular pattern or even for a pattern for something specific but usually I just root around in what I have and find what I need. A lot of times I buy fabric with something specific in mind and later it ends up being just perfect for something else. I am always looking ahead at least one and usually two projects so that gives me time to shop for notions. I write down what I need for the next couple projects and make a trip into town to get them. Of course there are always left overs on the thread racks and button boxes to go through first. Sometimes I'll pick up buttons just because I like them. Not at the chain stores but at antique stores or in New York city when I am there. I like fancy buttons! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: toadusew
Date: 10-13-2005, 11:06 AM (4 of 25)
I tend to only buy fabric for a specific project and because of that, I really don't have much of a stash. Of course, I always have about 3-4 sewing projects going at once.  When I start a project, I look over the instructions first, then lay out the pattern, cut it out, and sew. Sometimes I'll get to a certain stage in one project before starting the next one--usually still have buttonholes and buttons left to do once I start a new project. My sewing room is always a mess, but I call it "creative clutter". 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: wp88
Date: 10-13-2005, 02:46 PM (5 of 25)
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Being a man I sew mainly shirts I buy the material and notions required, tend to complete the job and then move on again. Living in a small place in England not easy to get material here so I buy when I see it, otherwise I have to order by mail. I do try and experiment, different pocket designs etc, but use a basic pattern that fits me. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-13-2005, 02:56 PM (6 of 25)
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I have boxes of fabric, cause I am a fabricholic. I also have tons of thread, zippers, binding, ribbons, mostly because my MIL is tired of sewing and keeps passing it off to me. I buy patterns on sale, and lots of them at local thrift stores. Most of my fabric is bought on sale and I usually have a project in mind. I now have a list on the board of stuff to do. And I am learning to pin a small swatch of fabric to my pattern, so I know what I bought that pattern for. Then there's the fabric I bought just because its so darn cute and I know I'll find something to do with it eventually. And if I'm at Fabricland I'm always in the bolt ends pile. If I go to buy some fabric and there's a yard more than I need left on the bolt I'll get the whole thing. A yard makes a whole outfit and then some for toddlers. Now I have to have a separate area for the embroidery stuff and will have a shelf unit for that eventually. I am so looking forward to getting my sewing room up and running. Three more weeks!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-14-2005, 10:03 AM (7 of 25)
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Jeanette, I definitely sew like you I buy the material as I see it, generally on the clearance rack. And you know, if its on clearance, its not going to be there waiting for you when you get ready to start your next project. I subscribe to Burda, also. And, I confess, I am a pattern-aholic. I have lost count at 140( not counting Burda magazine) --but I think I might have a bit more??? I am organized though. I have a spreadsheet with my patterns listed by company and pattern number. My patterns are filed in numerical order in little plastic filing crates in my sewing room. And I have a big folder with the pattern fronts in plastic sheets; broken up by family member. My dd 6 & 8 love to flip through this book and dream about what I will make them next. The wonderful thing, as you have said, is being able to create without having to run out and buy materials and patterns. And unless it is for a specific "have to have now" project, I NEVER pay full price for a pattern; except of course, New Look, which never go on sale. I try to keep my material at $2.00/yd except fleece because I generally sew for my children... and they will definitely outgrow it before they wear it out. Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-14-2005, 10:10 AM (8 of 25)
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Debsews, I noticed that you live in FL. My dh just got a job in Bay Pines (St Pete/ Pinellas County) FL. Would this store where you get your great thread deals happen to be anywhere near where we will be moving to? I'm anxious to locate the good sewing stores and dealerships in the Pinellas area. I know FL is a big state, ... but if you happen to know of any good stores in that area, that would be great!
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User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: Jayde877
Date: 10-14-2005, 10:10 AM (9 of 25)
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I buy most of my fabric at Wal-Mart so there are usually lots of $1 and $2 a yard bolts. I will buy about 5 yards of any fabric I like and while I have an idea in mind what I will use it for, it's nothing set in stone. I have a total of 4 patterns I think. I have two dress patterns(one is new and not cut out yet), a pant/skirt with hacket pattern(for my daughter), a scrub pattern, and now a halloween costume pattern. I can usually make just about anything I want with those simply by altering things here and there. I do need a button up shirt pattern for my son. I would like to make him a few dress shirts. My sewing is usually determined by who needs what and when. This month I have a ton of things to do, I finished one flower girl dress and I have a train bearer dress to do before the 22nd. I have both my kids' costumes, two sets of scrubs and a number of 'craft' projects to complete for my friend's wedding. I have a friend coming to help me out tonight. For some reason I really lose interest in sewing when I get close to a deadline. So it's probably a good thing that I don't have many people comissioning me to make things. Anyway, I am the furthest from organized, I have no sewing room I sew on the kitchen table, and I have fabric in boxes and in wire baskets that stack just waiting for me to do something with them. As for notions I don't really keep anything on hand except thread and elastic. Those are about the only notions I use on a regualr basis. Charity |
User: Jayde877
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 106 
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From: debsews
Date: 10-14-2005, 10:29 AM (10 of 25)
| Blessedmommy, I am in Sumter Co. and that's about 90 - 100 miles away from the Tampa, St. Pete area. This is a local little fabric place, Viking dealer and they only have two stores that I know of, one here and one in Ocala. I'm sorry I don't know more about your new area. We vacationed there for a few days and it's lovely. I hope you'll find lots of stores you can tell me about. There isn't much here if you don't quilt. Wally World has the 1 - 2 dollar table but it's mostly junk. We are scheduled to get a new one in a few months and I'm hoping it will be a better place. With gas prices I don't venture far away from home unless I have a lot of shopping to do. The JoAnn's here is also mostly crafts and it's in Ocala or Leesburg (about 17 miles away). I have found good deals of Mettler thread on the internet and it comes out to about the same price as I pay. Their colors are by number but I think you can get a chart if you ask. Hope you like Fla. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-14-2005, 12:17 PM (11 of 25)
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Thank you I actually started out quilting, then moved to garment sewing about 3 years ago. I've been wanting to get back into quilting--for me, its much more creative. Its nice to know that the quilting community is supported there in FL. I've heard the area is very beautiful, I can't wait to get settled there. Thanks again Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
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From: esrun3
Date: 10-14-2005, 03:53 PM (12 of 25)
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I usually buy fabric as I'm in the mood to buy or if there is a particular item I want to make but I also usually have a "cut out" day and cut out a bunch of items to be sewn, put them in separate plastic bags and keep them near my sewing machine so when the mood strikes I'm ready to go! I hate to do all the cutting out and don't want to take the time to do that when I'm in the mood to sew so...it works for me. I'm often working on more than one project at a time.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Reba Hewitt
Date: 10-17-2005, 10:00 AM (13 of 25)
| I usually have an idea of what I want to sew with a particular fabric. But there are times when I just like the fabric, then I buy enough yardage to do most any project, ie at least 4-5 yards. The greatest gift someone can give me is money to buy fabric!!!!! I love the different textures and designs. I would rather sew than eat, clean, have&@#%&*. Oh well..... |
User: Reba Hewitt
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 14 |
From: Catalina
Date: 10-17-2005, 11:13 AM (14 of 25)
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I like to have some fabric on hand and I keep a supply of zippers and buttons and stabilizers on hand. I have around 40 patterns also so when I'm in the mood I can make something and not run to the store. I find that I'll do one trip to Joanns maybe once a month to browse the fabric and pick up anything I might like. Sometimes nothing looks good. I only have 3-4 pieces of garment stash on hand at a time and won't buy more than that. I love fabric, but won't buy it unless I know what I want it to become and it needs to be something I am going to want to wear. |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-18-2005, 03:39 PM (15 of 25)
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OOOOO Catalina I admire your restraint, internet shopping is going to do me in one of the these days, especially when wazoodle or timmel fabrics does their clearance things, I just CANNOT resist, but it keeps me out of trouble most days!! Speaking of which, anyone know where to find printed velveteen? There is a dress in last xmas's ottobre I want to make.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: patti2
Date: 10-18-2005, 05:12 PM (16 of 25)
I have a good sized stash and tend to buy lots of fabric at a time. I also buy for specific projects. I make a lot of nurses scrubs for myself and friends, so if I see a fabric I like, I buy the right amount and stash it. I am using Halloween fabric I bought on clearence last november to make a few scrubs. I buy thread in twos or threes, so i always have enough. I keep a running list of things I am running low on and do a once a week or once a month stock up. I try  to go through my drawers and shelves of fabric every change of season and use what I bought the year before. I freely admit I have a bit of a fabric and gadget obsession, but as my DH says, it keeps me out of trouble!
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User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-18-2005, 07:17 PM (17 of 25)
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Like Catalina, I never buy anything without a plan for it. I tend to go to the fabric store to plan a project start to finish. I walk out with all the supplies I expect I'll need. Along the way, I might see something that really grabs me, and if I happen to know off hand how much I'd need for a specific project, I'll get it. Or I'll rummage through their patterns until I find one that matches the one I have at home, and I'll get the right amount. Then I don't go back to the fabric store for a while, b/c now I have 2 open projects on my hands!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 10-19-2005, 09:51 AM (18 of 25)
Mostly I buy for the project at hand and/or in mind as far a fabric. I have bought larger amounts of fabric when making #3 dd's complete summer and/or winter wardrobe. I will make a plan of what she needs, decide on patterns, then pick fabrics for my plan. I have a few fabrics that are items that didn't get done, more in my plan then I could finish up, mostly for dh or myself. I do keep notions, interfacing, etc on hand since I live so far away from any town. Even if I go to town I get a very small JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby, so not much choice! I've found it easier to order even supplies & notions online. Nothing worse then being in the middle of a project & not having a notion or trim I want or need on hand  So that part is runneth over, but the fabric is under control! Now patterns, that can get out of hand, I need design creativity & inspiration! And my 15 year old #2 dd has taken to sewing, she isn't helping the pattern stash! And she generally always likes the New Look line
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 10-20-2005, 08:51 AM (19 of 25)
I'm like a lot of us here: when I see fabric on sale for a really good price, I'll go and see what's there as far as design and fabric type. My other half has learned that we Don't let me go to the kids flannel fabric section...I'm always finding cute flannel there that I'll buy to make any size blankets for my GS! And holiday fabric? Oh No, please chain me up cuz I'll buy any holiday fabric on sale and stash it away! My plans are always bigger than my time and ability, so I guess you can say I've become a fabric collector!  I will usually have 2-3 small projects going at one time. Right now I'm finishing up some valance panels for my kitchen window, making table runners for Halloween/Fall/Thanksgiving for us and my daughter, and will be making pj's for my GS & his older half brother as well as some blankets and fleece throws for Christmas. I will say that I'm one of the (un)lucky ones as there is a big Joann's super store about a mile from my house, so if I run out of something or need a notion or three, I just jump in the car and go. Whew---that's a lot of sewing I have planned...I better get busy! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: Marlyn
Date: 10-25-2005, 09:44 AM (20 of 25)
Like many of you, I also have a cupboard and an old dresser full of fabric, as well as many large pieces of scraps. If I see fabric I like, I always purchase at least 2.5 - 3 yds, and when my fabric store (where I have a membership) puts a members sale on, I have been known to go wild with fabric, notions, and especially when they put the Simplicity patterns on for $0.99 and Butterick, McCalls, etc. from $1.99 - $2.99 I will pick up as many patterns as they will permit. I still have patterns that date back to the mid 1950's and have used some of them to make sundresses, etc. for my small granddaughter. Also have interchanged some of the large scraps with new fabric to make an outfit for the oldest granddaughter, or simply use up the scraps making stuffed toys, pillows, etc. Once made an outfit for my daughter completely from large pieces of scraps. Will also interchange pattern pieces, or design my own. 
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User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: jenny-o
Date: 10-25-2005, 11:01 AM (21 of 25)
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I try to buy only when I know exactly what I'm going to make. I still buy fabric just because I like it and most of it ends up in the storage boxes and some has been sitting there for 20 years.... I was going to go through it but got side tracked. I think it is really a sickness (that's how my mom and I justify it anyway) hee hee. Mostly I am hoarding unuseful clothes to repurpose someday. I am sad that I didn't buy the "cabbage rose swirl" material the day I saw it, as it was all gone a week later when I figured out what to do with it. C'est la vie. I am thrilled with the Ottobre magazine (just received the winter one yesterday), it helps me plan out a bunch of projects, check all notions needed, at home first so I'm much more organized by the time I get to the fabric store. I'm glad they will now be doing a whole magazine for women's patterns! Can't wait. Jenny |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: Teri
Date: 10-25-2005, 07:04 PM (22 of 25)
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Not only do I have fabric, pattern and notions stashes but I have 2 of each as I spend 1/2 my time in New England and 1/2 in Florida, plus I've already brought my Featherweight up to the cottage in Nova Scotia (but my brother already has most of the storage space there occupied with tools). At this time of the year it pays off, all my friends know if they need a quick costume I can ususally come up with something quickly. Everyone has vices, mine's sewing stuff
Teri
"Where are we going, and why am I in this basket?" |
User: Teri
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 66 
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From: gm23237
Date: 10-30-2005, 10:00 PM (23 of 25)
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I buy fabric when I see it and it appeals to me, usually about two or three yards. I try to keep maybe 200 yards of fabric at home all the time. Sometimes i get the urge to sew and I hate to run out to get fabric. This week was a good week for me. Did two quilts (no hand sewing and using the strip method) and two duvets and six sets of Christmas pillow cases for my house. I also made two flags for the yard.. Peace to all! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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From: paroper
Date: 10-31-2005, 08:17 AM (24 of 25)
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I have a pattern file cabinet (from a closed out Joanne's) so full of patterns that you can hardly get them out. On top of that, I have 7 wide plastic drawers of patterns. I buy many patterns on sale when they are 99 cents but I also buy patterns to go with specific fabric when I am in the mood to sew. I sew in spurts...making several garments at a time, but I rarely finish all the things I planned to sew (during that spurt) before life gets in the way and I just can't sew again for awhile. I just hate to finish an old project so I try to finish a project before I stop sewing. I, like many of you have large tubs of fabric, sorted by content. These are currently in my garage. I was hoping to be able to get them in the new sewing room but moving my husband's large computer desk into the room, and his photo equipment, didn't leave room for that (it makes up in time together). I plan to put my tubs right outside my sewing room door (in the garage) as I get a little more organized. I also have recent fabric conquests in my sewing room, many bolts and folds of fabric stashed all over. I have a drawer full of zippers of all colors, sizes and types, a double drawer full of laces, one full of ribbon and one full of bias tapes, twill tapes and the like. I have plastic boxes full of cards of buttons (along with 3 button tins of loose buttons), a large plastic containter of elastics of different types and widths some on bolts, and another tub of different types of fasteners and closures of all kinds. It is seldom that I have to quit a project to run to the store for something. When I am sewing, I often sew many garments in sequence. If I am making things that are alike, I cut and sew them at the same time. I don't sew well if the room is messy, so I try to start with a clean room. Since I am a messy seamstress, I always clean between projects. Cutting is my least favorite part, so I try to put that off but I've found that if I cut many garments out at the same time and don't have a deadline, I don't always finish them so I try not to do that...same thing with when I purchase a large amount of fabric. I organize the construction of the garment as I sew, draping the cut pieces over a quilt rack so they won't wrinkle (more) during construction. I can't stand it when someone moves my projects while I am sewing so over the past couple of years I've been blessed to have my own sewing room. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-31-2005, 10:46 PM (25 of 25)
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Jenny-o, the cabbage swirl fabric is available at almost all the Fabriclands in the lower mainland. Did you try Park Royal in West Van, they had quite a large selection. Abbotsford still has quite a bit of it. I did two blankets in it, it was really slippery to sew with but they turned out great, its so incredibly soft! And the colors are really delicious!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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