All dressed up!
On August 31, 2011 I gave up buying clothes for a year and vowed to make my clothes instead.
As a mother to two fashionable daughters, I was no stranger to shopping for clothes. From baby clothes to upscale fashions, shopping for clothes had dominated my checkbook for decades.
During my year of sewing I made 64 garments, saved thousands of dollars, and received countless compliments on my clothes from people who did not know my story. Two weeks after I concluded my year of abstaining from buying ready-to-wear clothing, Mood Fabrics, Project Runway’s go-to fabric store announced a sewing network of nine bloggers of which I was one.
Honored beyond belief to be on the Mood Fabrics team, I continue to work on my skills and promote sewing clothes.
If you can read a recipe
you can read a pattern.
If you can drive a car
you can operate a sewing machine.
If you can shop
you can
SEW.
Best wishes,
Sarah Gunn
Love your blog! Love your clothes!!
Thanks, Sally! Stay tuned!
Good luck on your journey! What a lovely family photo – beautiful daughters.
Many thanks! 6 1/2 months left!
I wish you lived in L.A. we would be friends! There are so many parallels in our lives, I have 2 grown daughters as well with opinions on their mom’s wardrobe. I have spent way too much money on years of clothing. The only parallel I do not see yet is your great skill set. I think I have a good eye, but you, I can even see by the background in some photo’s that your home is well appointed as well. I know what you mean by seeing things of beauty more easily now. It is the feeling I get when I am lucky enough to visit Rome. Beauty beauty, and creative juices come alive. I am so inspired by you. Thank you for that and please keep them coming. You make this process even more enjoyable.
Best,
Karen F
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for this lovely comment. I love making new virtual friends through blogging which I was completely unprepared for, but it’s truly a benefit of having a blog!
My skill set is average. With one or two exceptions, everything I’ve made has been simple. Having some idea of what I want (in clothing) and knowing what styles look good help – plus I’m completely obsessed at this point about sewing.
I’ve found that leaving one’s everyday surroundings provides inspiration of all types – even if it’s a short distance! I also believe that when you commit yourself to a creative life, things happen.
Responses from my readers have inspired me to sew more and sew better! Many thanks for helping me on my journey and please stay in touch.
Wonderful Idea. Love your blog. You inspire me.
It’s inspiring to be inspiring. Thank you so much for writing
I think it’s fitting that your last name is Gunn, with all your fashion sense:). Any relation to Tim, my mostest favoritest fashion guru?
Not that I know of but I need to check it out more carefully! That would certainly be a nice connection
Good morning Sarah, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Here is the link: http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/awards-chips-vintage-campers-and-oil-field-trash/
Love discovering this blog. You rock. I made a conscious decision years ago to quit sewing and to spend all my time painting but you have been looking so strong lately that I may have to rethink that decision. After I get my show hung at the end of March I’d love to make a trip to Mary Jo’s with you!
Dorothy!! Many thanks for your comment – if I painted like you I would give up sewing too, but you’re welcome to go to Mary Jo’s with me anytime
Good luck with your blog!
I am so glad I ran across your blog. At one time I was considered an excellent seamstress but with school, work, children and life, my leisure time disappeared. As a child I was taught embroidery and needlepoint by my grandmother and I continued it sporadically. I have a very expensive sewing machine but never fully utilized it until my son needed drapes for his first house last year. I taught myself and made eight sets of full length, lined inverted pleat drapes. I think I too can make my own clothes for the next year. I think I will start with a Tory Burch-like tunic with soutache affixed by embroidery of course. Thanks again.
Many thanks for your very nice comment, Lulu!
I’d say you still are an excellent seamstress and….. such a sweet mom. I’m sure you can make your own clothes for a year! The only times I am tempted to buy something is when I see a fabulous bargain. I cannot wait to see your tunic and PLEASE send me a picture. Good luck with the upcoming year too!
How fun! I’ve been sewing home-dec, quilts, totes, etc. for years, but stayed away from clothing for myself. That, of course, didn’t keep me from purchasing patterns or fabric “just in case.” When my kids were young, I delighted in seaming together toddler clothes and Halloween costumes (occasionally, one of my grown kids still requests a costume) and I look forward to sewing for grandchildren in a few years (I have a grand-dog). However, after viewing your blog, I raced to my sewing cabinet, grabbed some old home-dec fabric, rifled through my pattern stash, and started sewing a skirt.
Thank you for giving me the impetus to get sewing again.
Oh, good!!! And I think skirts are the best garments to start with. I think I made around six skirts in a row when I started sewing for myself again! Many thanks for your nice comments
Sarah, I’m beyond impressed that you’re doing this! Great project – and looks like you’re doing a fabulous job! I haven’t sewn in years, but occasionally that urge breaks forth…!
Cheryl,
So nice to hear from you! I had not sewn clothes in a while myself before taking on this challenge. It’s amazing how quickly your skills improve once you put them to practice! Many thanks for writing.
Love your blog! We were just in Myrtle Beach and I had trouble finding even a JoAnn’s or Hancock Fabric. Where does on shop for fabric in South Carolina??
Thanks for the comment, Sally!
I have no idea where to shop in Myrtle Beach! My area of South Carolina (the Upstate) was the textile capital of the country until most of the mills closed 10 – 15 years ago. I generally shop at Mary Jo’s cloth store in Gastonia, NC, near Charlotte, when passing through. Visit Charleston, SC on your next trip and you’ll find lots of fabric
At the moment in Charleston, fabric stores are a little sparse. The Dressing Room on King Streeet closed last summer. The Viking store in Summerville and PPand Q have quilting fabrices and S and S (Viking store) has cute childrens fabrics. Hancock has been the only chain, but 3 Joanns are going in this spring. Never knew I could be so excited about a Joanns!
The cutest fabrics, patterns and staff are at Five Eighths in West Ashley and they have classes for beginners on up.
Hi Sarah,
I just found your blog — thankfully! The thing that impresses me most? Your age! LOL! So many of the sewing fashion blogs have younger women, skinny-little-minnies, and although I’m in relatively good shape for my age, I just can’t wear a lot of the stuff they sew. Enter you, making beautiful clothes and wearing them age appropriately! I’ve been sewing my whole life, but have never been really great at fashion. Don’t get me wrong — I do okay, just not great. I never really look fabulous. But you do! Thanks for the inspiration. I look forward to each post!
Thank you so much for this message, Jenny! As much as I like nice clothes, I haven’t really enjoyed shopping for them during the last 10 years or so. Most of the designs are styled for someone younger and/or taller. I spent a fortune and often settled for things that didn’t necessarily work for me. The past 10 months of sewing my clothes has been enlightening…… now those styles I like and see on younger models can be adapted to fit and flatter me. Oh happy day !!!
Great job on the pattern organizing! My patterns are accumulating very quickly and it’s time for me to do something about it.
Many thanks for writing!
I also have a mission to fill my entire closet (ok i have an extra room as a closet, so it will take time) with my own sewn clothes. Since I am a hard to fit body, after two years I started hating going regular clothes shopping because nothing rtw fit me as nicely, not to mention the inflated prices. Good luck on your mission, your clothes are super awesome!
Thank you so much for writing! I’m finding I’m hard to fit in sewing AND rtw. I often bought rtw that I didn’t really like sometimes just because it fit – what a waste!
Hi! I just wanted to say I’ve been following your blog for a few months now. The beautiful garments you’ve sewn have really made me contemplate quality over quantity. As a result, the quality of my projects has improved! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this nice development in your sewing projects with me! I’ve also discovered one of the secrets to good sewing is to take your time – and that is very difficult for me
I got curious after I read in your last blog post that summer isn’t ending where you live. I wandered over here and see you live in the Upstate. My husband and I lived in Greenville most of the 80′s and 90′s. Right this second we live right outside NYC in New Jersey. I know Mary Jo’s inside and out, but I love living minutes from the Garment District.
Your clothes are gorgeous, and it sure helps you have a fabulous frame (you!) to display them. You have a great sense of what works for you. I look forward to seeing more of your creations.
Thank you so much for this nice comment, Sheri! I live in Spartanburg. Mary Jo’s pales in comparison to fabric shopping in the garment district, but I’m glad it’s there. What fun it must be having easy access to such wonderful fabric!
My fabric is more adequate than fabulous these days, but sewing allows one to fabulously fit an adequate frame. It’s been fun
Sarah, this blog is a great for motivating garment sewers. Thank you for starting it and keeping all of us posted on your adventure. I do hope you continue posting even after your year is up. Again, thank you.
Hi Charlene! Forgive me for taking 8 months to respond to your kind comment – I just now saw it for some reason! As you can tell I’ve continued my blog and am so happy to have rediscovered sewing clothes for myself
Many thanks for writing.
Sarah,
Thank you so much for making the time to document your journey. I am a musician (Cleveland Orchestra Chorus) and geek who has sewn since age 13 – almost 50 years.
I live in Youngstown, OH, with nary a garment fabric store within 60+ miles. (I only buy notions at Jo-Ann’s.) My mother is in assisted living in Hendersonville and I stop in Waechter’s each time I travel to visit her.
I would like to know your feelings about purchasing fabric online – I.e. untouchable.
I also note that you’ve used polyester in some of your garments. I’m pretty snooty about only using natural fabrics, and would love to see a blog post about man-made vs. natural.
Brava on your body of work over the past year. I’m inspired to conquer my fitting challenges!
Best,
Jan
Hi Jan,
For some reason I just saw this comment and sorry to be late to respond. Ahhh…… to be a musician in Cleveland! What a fine orchestra and musical heritage.
Getting back to sewing, I prefer natural fibers, but occasionally sew synthetics such as spandex. I’m finding the best garment fabrics usually contain a bit of stretch blended into the fabric, silk, cotton and wool. I’m not sure I’m qualified to write a post about fabric comparison…… I say I prefer natural fibers, but since so many are blended I might be contradicting myself.
As far as online ordering…….. I’m grateful to have virtually any fabric I want at the click of a button but recommend ordering a sample. Mood Fabrics, for instance sends swatches out very quickly.
Lastly the fitting…………. I’m getting there but there is always room for improvement!
Many thanks for writing and best wishes for a great 2012 – 2013 season!
Sarah,
Do I remember a post about a video sewing class for skirts you took? I tried to find it in your past blogs, but maybe I am losing my menopausal mind and it wasn’t one of your posts at all.
Congratulations on your Mood “award.” What an honor, but certainly well deserved. I’ll be in NYC next month and can’t wait to visit the store.
Thanks,
Heidi
Heidi,
I just saw your comment and apologize for my tardy response! Here is the link to the Craftsy course http://goodbyevalentino.com/2012/05/02/mccalls-3830-craftsy-class/
Have fun at Mood – I’m jealous!!
Hi Sarah,
I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog/One Lovely Blogger Award
See: http://cherrypix1.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/award-inspiring
I’ve just found your blog, and I just wanted to let you know how inspiring it is! Your clothes are gorgeous. I’m 25 and have just started sewing a few months ago. I am also a knitter. Unfortunately grad school leaves me with very little time (or money) to spend on sewing but I am already hooked. Also, I absolutely love your hair. It’s such a soft, flattering color and cut!
Hi Sophie! Thank you so much for this nice comment! You will progress quickly If you are already hooked on sewing, and I look forward to seeing your creations.
Thanks too, for the compliment on my hair……. I’m always struggling to get it just right
I have neglected my husband and children for most of the afternoon to peruse your blog. How wonderful! Two questions–what sewing machine(s) do you use and what’s the pattern of the lovely yellow dress you’re wearing in the right sidebar photo?
Thank you so much for writing, Sarah Jo! I sew on a Bernina 1230. My husband gave it to me in 1990 or 91 and it’s been a wonderful sewing machine. I also use a Bernina 1150 MDA serger which I got a year ago.
The dress pattern is Vogue 8570 however, I believe it’s discontinued. I noticed the Vogue website sells discontinued patterns so it may be available that way.
I just love your hair. Do you use hot rollers or just a jumbo round brush when blowing it dry? You just look amazing in your pictures. I really enjoy your blog. Btw, love the dress you just made Mimi.hilary
Thank you, Hilary! My hair……. I use it all – hot rollers, jumbo brush, curling iron, product and lots of hairspray each time I style it. One might say I’m obsessed but I’ve streamlined the entire process ! It’s only a problem when we travel and I pack a suitcase of hair appliances and products
Hi, Sarah! This is from your “old” friend and London traveling buddy. Remember shopping for fabric at Liberty? My good friends are going to London for spring break and telling them about our trip brought back such wonderful memories! Wanda
Hello “old” friend! We need to go to London again! Let’s catch up soon and many thanks for touching base!
Wonderful!
Just discovered your blog at 11:30!!!!!!!! These Craftsy connections are deadly on sleep! Your sewing and fitting are incredible and very inspiring! Read one blogger about Mary Jo’s. We’ve been talking about going – it sounds fabulous ( I live in the Charleston area). Was it sooooo overwhelming or worth the trip? Love your clothes and sewing. So glad to have found your blog!
Thank you, Mary Lynn for the nice comment!
I’m not sure I would make the trip to Mary Jo’s from Charleston if you are looking for fashion fabric because sadly the store is carrying less and less……. It would be a four to five hour trip for you. The store mostly carries upholstery and quilting cotton now along with a big supply of spandex and bridal fabric. I would stop by if you’re ever in the area because Mary Jo’s offers great prices on sewing notions. I pass Mary Jo’s quite often on the way to NC where my daughter and parents live and on my last trip I asked if they were discontinuing fashion fabric and was not given a straight answer.
Aren’t you lucky to be living in Charleston!
If you’re ever headed to the Raleigh/Durham area from Charleston, just outside Chapel Hill is a marvelous fabric shop (actually Goodbye Valentino told me about it, and it’s just as fabulous as she said!). It’s called Mulberry Silks and it’s in Carrboro, NC. (next to Chapel Hill, where UNC is). The staff is wonderfully helpful and their fabrics and notions are fabulous! It’s not a huge store by any means, but what they have is first rate! Their buttons are to die for
I always love a good excuse for a road trip, don’t you?!
I was just there 3 weeks ago. It’s incredible! Their fabrics are so beautiful, the staff is so knowledgeable and helpful and they offer lots of classes which I would love attending if i only lived closer!
Mary Lynn – the classes sound wonderful! We’re moving to that area soon, so I can’t wait to take advantage of them
you’ll love the area. We have friends and family there and it’s such fun to visit! Mulberry Silk is fabulous and I’m envious you’ll be able to take their classes! If you’re a needlepointer…… there are 2 great shops – needlepoint.com and one in Chapel hill that I haven’t been to yet. Good luck wth your move!
Thanks, Mary Lynn! I do needlepoint and will check those out. LOVE Charleston – many happy memories of time spent there with family and friends! How lovely to live there
Apologies to Sarah for “hijacking” this thread….! You meet the nicest people on these forums!
Thanks for the reply. I also have a daughter living downtown in Charleston. She got married out here on Kiawah (we actually live on Kiawah) at the Ocean Course last April. If you come down to Charleston and like needlepoint there’s a great shop on Maybank Highway almost at the intersection on 17 and Maybank called It’s a Stitch. The gals who own it live on Kiawah and are great! Another by-the-way…… when you said you lived in Spartanburg ……. I went to Converse my freshman year . Lived in Pell. It truly was back in the dark ages…….. You probably weren’t even born
Mary Lynn
I realized that I half responded to your information and half to Sara’s info(Spartanburg, Converse,etc.) A truly senior moment plus, I’m not very good at blogging – obviously! Anyhow. It’s still a great needlepoint shop on Maybank and I think you’ll love the Raleigh area.
Just discovered your blog today! after making my first sleeveless top at a workshop last night. I’m feeling so inspired
Effy, Bristol, UK.
Hi Effy! Your nice comment slipped by me so I’m just now responding. Isn’t it a thrill to feel inspired?!
Many thanks for writing!
I thank you, thank you, for inspiring me to get back into sewing. I used to sew everything I wore for work especially. Started to sew as a young girl and was self-taught. My only stumbling block is fit at this point in my life and have taken the Craftsy class “Sew the perfect fit”. Problem is I haven’t a buddy to help with the fitting. I’ll figure that out. Anyway, your creations are beautiful and I’m following your blog.
Thank you, Suzanne for taking the time to share this nice comment! Fitting is an issue for the majority of garment sewing enthusiasts and other than my hubby, I don’t have anyone to help me fit that would qualify as a sewing buddy
I found Sew the perfect fit to be just what I needed and I hope it was helpful to you!
I’m so late to this blog- but I’m glad I’ve found it! I have never sewn anything in my life (besides a makeshift hem and a button or two.) I think I want to try this challenge starting on my birthday (August 1) this year. Maybe that’ll be enough time to get a good headstart on learning how to sew
Thanks for the inspiration!
This might be one of my favorite all time comments, Mrs.Glamtastic! To learn I have inspired someone to learn how to sew has made my day
Please keep me informed of your sewing progress and let me know when and if you’re ready to take the RTW challenge. Good luck and many thanks for writing!
Hi Sarah,
Your blog is a surprising and refreshing discovery. I love new clothes, but have always found it hard to justify adding to my wardrobe, when I have plenty to wear and when so much of what is available comes from countries where conditions for workers are far below anything we would find acceptable.
I’ve seen various blogs about refashioning thrift store finds to save money and get off the new-clothes-shopping-treadmill, but yours has a very different focus. A lot of “re-purposing” is done with more enthusiasm than technique. Your clothes are well made and very flattering, and you obviously understand what suits you.
Sewing is such a great skill, one that I’m grateful to have. Sewing your own clothes means you will NEVER run into someone wearing the same outfit! I hope you continue to sew, and that your daughters are inspired to follow your example!
Regards, Holly