Meet the Fasters and Mood Fabrics Giveaway!

05 Jan Meet the Fasters and Mood Fabrics Giveaway!

Happy 5th of January and meet the 2018 RTW Fasters!fasters 3 Dear Readers,

What a thrill it is to be in the company of over 1,000 women (and two men) fasting from the Ready to Wear scene during 2018. From young singles, moms-to-be, new moms, professionals, newly retired, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, to petite, plus size and somewhere in between, I am accompanied from women around the world representing every continent except Antartica.

5 fasters

With varying skills and styles, all of the Fasters have much to offer each other. Whether advising about technical and design issues, sharing great finds or simply conveying a fresh attitude towards creating a wardrobe, I predict a year filled with continuing inspiration.

10 fasters

Several of the Fasters have inspired me for years, and I’m honored to have them on board, but I am meeting hundreds in the group for the first time! I’m a huge believer in the more the merrier, and this lovely response is heartwarming. A huge W E L C O M E to all!

made with mood 2

The RSVP was extended through January 1. For those of you who responded after January 1 and received the auto-response regarding that it was too late, I will work you in during the month but please be patient. No requests to participate received after January 4 will be considered.

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OK – we worked with Google Sheets to create the database and it has been less than pleasant. Katie Burris and I worked under the assumption that the document could be downloaded as any number of formats but not so. I even called in my webmaster who could not convert or copy the image-heavy document successfully.
You’ll notice two 2018 RTW Fasters’ pages at the top of the blog. One is entitled The 2018 RTW Fasters. On this page the Google Sheets document is embedded in the page. It will take a moment to load, but it features working links and scrolls easily. If you use a computer for browsing, this page is for you. It’s takes my very new computer 45 seconds to load.

For iPad users please open the page entitled 2018 RTW Fasters for iPads and small devices. This page features a link that will take you to the document. Below the sponsors, I have also provided a list of the Fasters’ and blog names (no links).
Obviously I hope to get this situation resolved but for now here we are.

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So let’s get started!

image1 4
(RTW Faster Sara Peterson)

I think of Mood Fabrics as the king of fabric stores. Located in the heart of the NYC Garment District, this 3-story wonderland of fabrics is the Project Runway go-to store and offers every fabric you can possibly imagine.IMG_4876
(RTW Faster Mary Rames on her first shopping trip to Mood Fabrics last year.)

Were it not for Mood Fabrics I might not be sewing. In 2012 I was invited to be one of nine members of The Mood Sewing Network .

Each month we are given a limited gift certificate to choose whatever fabric we’d like. Our only responsibility is to publish a monthly post featuring the fabric we selected. As part of The Mood Sewing Network I’ve had the privilege to experiment with many fabrics I might not have purchased. This honor has expanded my knowledge of fabric as well as familiarized me with the online fabric purchase scene. I enjoy  passing my experiences on to readers, and hope my participation has been helpful to you.

Please visit the store if you’re ever in NYC. The bustling atmosphere is filled with a contagious excitement, and with over 1,200 customers a day, you never know who you might see! Mood’s mascot, Swatch is happy to pose for photos too.

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The Sauma family, owners of Mood Fabrics are pleased to support The 2018 Ready to Wear Fast by offering a $100 Gift Certificate for one lucky faster! Thank you, Mood 😊

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 1.36.25 PMCongratulaions to Faster #456 as winner of the Mood Gift Certificate. Please respond to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com by Sunday, January 7 to claim your prize or a new winner will be selected.


Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 1.39.30 PM

…… and we’re off!

Best wishes to all for a wonderful weekend and thanks for your patience in getting this organized. After a two week break, I’m ready for a little sewing now………….

Until soon!

 

PS……… Just so you know, I am anticipating frustrations for some readers when opening the RTW Fasters’ pages. I am requesting that you do not leave comments about this since there is nothing I can do right now. Many thanks.

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
84 Comments
  • Mary Rames
    Posted at 15:20h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you Sarah for such a wonderful email welcoming all of the 2018 RTW FASTERS. So much work for you to do this but at the same time, we are all inspired by you and hope that we can at least make your job easier. Congratulations to Laurel who won the Mood gift certificate! I chuckled when I saw my picture in front of the Mood silk wall so I’m happy that I could give them a little plug too! Starting my first garment today so I’m off to my machine.

    Thank you again for this opportunity to inspire and to be inspired by this wonderful group! Happy sewing!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:30h, 05 January Reply

      Its a wonderful group, Mary, and now that most of the organizing is done, I say ~ Let the fun begin!

  • Page Zelasko
    Posted at 15:40h, 05 January Reply

    Wow this was a quick giveaway. Just found your blog. It is very inspiring! I will follow!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:01h, 06 January Reply

      Thank you, Page! It was a very quick giveaway. I announced it earlier in the week and the winner was pulled from the database of RTW Fasters. So delighted you will follow along 😊

  • diane
    Posted at 15:43h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you for hosting. I found my number and I am excited to participate this year.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:01h, 06 January Reply

      My pleasure, Diane ~ delighted you’re on board 😊

  • Debbie
    Posted at 15:50h, 05 January Reply

    Thanks, Sarah for doing this! It is going to be a great year. I know this is a huge effort on your part, but we appreciate.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:31h, 05 January Reply

      It’s really fun after the administrative portion is complete – look forward to it, Debbie!

  • Crystal Rice
    Posted at 16:06h, 05 January Reply

    So much organization behind the scenes for a challenge like this…. Thank you for all you are doing to inspire and encourage us! Much appreciation, Faster #32

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:33h, 05 January Reply

      You’re welcome, Crystal, and thank you for identifying yourself by number 😂 It helps everyone!

  • Mona Boulakal
    Posted at 16:14h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you so much for organising the fast. It’s already such an inspiration to be a part of. Since I watch ‘Project Runway’ whenever I can here in Sweden, it would be a dream to visit Mood one day. Congrats to the winner!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:58h, 06 January Reply

      My pleasure to do this, Mona! I hope you get to visit Mood ~ it’s just like you’d expect it to be based on Project Runway 😀

  • Margaret Winters
    Posted at 16:24h, 05 January Reply

    Yay! So happy to be part of the avalanche of RTW Fasters 2018! Thank you Sarah!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 16:34h, 05 January Reply

      Whew! I believe we’re sending quite a message 😊

  • Sue Kristiansen
    Posted at 17:25h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you for doing this, I know I’m already inspired to sew more this year!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:46h, 05 January Reply

      You’re so welcome, Sue! I too, am inspired by all of you 😀

  • Terri. Baker
    Posted at 17:25h, 05 January Reply

    Congratulations,!!

    Sarah,

    Thank you so much for this event! I’ve followed you for years and am so excited to finally join the 2018RTWFast!

    Thank you!
    Terri

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:45h, 05 January Reply

      Terri ~ My pleasure! I’m delighted you’re on board this year 😀

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 17:42h, 05 January Reply

    This is cerianly shaping up to be a fasting year to remember! So much enthusiasm, camaraderie and inspiration in this group already. Thank you, Sarah and Katie!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 17:43h, 05 January Reply

      Typo 😳

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:43h, 05 January Reply

      My pleasure, Julie! Katie starts a full time job on Monday, but her help has been invaluable😉 You’re off to a great start with another fabulous jacket! Look forward to following along.

  • Jessica Hood
    Posted at 18:01h, 05 January Reply

    Sarah, thank you so much for all of your hard work organizing this year’s Fast! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing group and I cannot wait to see how my sewing skills develop! Thank you Mood for being a sponsor.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:42h, 05 January Reply

      My pleasure, Jessica! What a great year ahead for the RTW FASTERS, and Mood is the best 😉

  • Kath Truran
    Posted at 18:16h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you so much for the iPad application sooo easy now. Congratulations on this huge following.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:41h, 05 January Reply

      Oh Happy Day, Kath! I’m delighted to know it’s working for you 😊

  • Natasha
    Posted at 19:19h, 05 January Reply

    Thanks for coordinating this! Wrangling those spreadsheets can be a full time job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 06 January Reply

      LOL – I ‘ve wrangled a lot of spreadsheets but nothing like this google sheet 😡 Had no idea it was so image unfriendly…………
      Any way, I ‘m glad its done and ready to move on!

  • Florence E. Brown
    Posted at 19:45h, 05 January Reply

    As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” I am feeling so giddy inside. This challenge will not only allow me to grow as a sewist, but to “meet” others from around the world and glean from them! Thank you Ms. Sarah for hosting this wonderful event. I can’t wait to see what I, and the others, gain from this experience.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:50h, 06 January Reply

      Let the good times roll indeed, Florence! It’s time 😊😊

  • Lucy
    Posted at 19:48h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you for all of your effort in setting up the RTW Fast and getting this going. The enthusiasm from the Fasters is palpable. I’m more excited than ever for the sewing year ahead.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:52h, 06 January Reply

      I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you’ve joined the 2018 RTW Fasters, Lucy! Your impeccable sewing and lovely style will be an enormous inspiration to everyone 😊

  • Kathryn Barnhill
    Posted at 20:19h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you for the enormous commitment you have both made to organize and manage this. I know the time and effort you have out in so far and hope you will keep in mind how grateful we fasters all are for this opportunity!
    Kathryn

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:39h, 06 January Reply

      It’s my pleasure, Kathryn! I want to make sure all know organizing this was pleasantly overwhelming and only due to the huge response and wrong choice of data formatting.
      It’s time to let the fun begin 😊😊

  • Sheryl Belson
    Posted at 21:02h, 05 January Reply

    I am so excited to be a part of this! It has been such fun watching the posts of all the participants. I am really hoping to meet the fasters in my area. It would be such fun to swap stories of our fasting adventures over a cup f coffee or glass of wine! Thanks for creating such a fun connection!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:35h, 06 January Reply

      Sheryl,
      I don’t know where you live but I hope you can personally connect with others too! Is there an ASG Chapter in your area? Many thanks for the comment!

      • Sheryl Belson
        Posted at 07:14h, 06 January Reply

        I am the president of the Plano ASG chapter and we are very excited that you will be here in September! I am hoping to set up a quarterly meet and greet for local RTW Fasters before then with a special one in September while you are here. Such fun!

  • Lauren Loughlin
    Posted at 21:36h, 05 January Reply

    I’m so VERY excited to be part of this fast! I have wonderful friends–who do not sew, so this will be a great opportunity to share the fun experience with others who enjoy the same hobby. Thank you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:33h, 06 January Reply

      It’s what I love about the online sewing community, Lauren 😉 Many thanks!

  • Vanessa Thomas
    Posted at 21:52h, 05 January Reply

    Thank you so much for organizing all of this! It is only a few days into the year and I already feel such warmth and community among the RTW Fasters. I look forward to all that is to come!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:31h, 06 January Reply

      My pleasure, Vanessa! Isn’t it amazing what happens when people come together?

  • Kelly Carrington
    Posted at 21:54h, 05 January Reply

    Many thanks to you, Sarah!
    Faster#678

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:53h, 06 January Reply

      My pleasure, Kelly! Thanks for including you # in the comment 😉

  • Linda Dunbar
    Posted at 22:01h, 05 January Reply

    I am not in the RTW Fast but reading your blog is starting to inspire me to actually sew some piece of clothing for myself. I haven’t done that for 25 years. I bought a pattern for slacks. I may start with an easy skirt though. I appreciate the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:28h, 06 January Reply

      Thank you for the comment, Linda! When I resumed sewing after a 25 year break I started with skirts. Easy to fit, customize and almost instant gratification 😉

  • MaryTeri Anzalone
    Posted at 00:44h, 06 January Reply

    Thank you, Sarah, for setting up and coordinating the RTW Fast. I’m so pleased to be part of this society of stitchers , and am looking forward to a great year of sewing camaraderie and inspiration. Thanks again, and especially for giving me a reason to organize my sewing room!
    Gratefully,
    MaryTeri #992
    (who was tickled to see her photo featured above!)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:56h, 06 January Reply

      My pleasure, MaryTeri! I don’t know where you were but I loved the background of dress forms 😊

  • Sherry
    Posted at 00:57h, 06 January Reply

    Thank you for putting the sheet together.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:54h, 06 January Reply

      You are so welcome, Sherry😉 I’m glad it’s done and am ready to move on!

  • Ruth
    Posted at 04:01h, 06 January Reply

    Good luck to all RTW Fasters – thrilling!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:26h, 06 January Reply

      Thank you, Ruth! Many thanks for the mention on your blog and best wishes for a Happy New Year😊

  • Elaine Sabin-Simpson
    Posted at 06:21h, 06 January Reply

    Lol As usual, late to the party! I hadn’t realised it had to be a formal apply and accept challenge, but there you go. I’ll be fasting alongside, and enjoying the show from the wings. Can you hear me cheering?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:30h, 06 January Reply

      Yes, I do, Elaine ~ Many fasters have said they can feel the love😊 Delighted you’ll be fasting alongside us!! Happy New Year!

  • Sharon Kane
    Posted at 07:17h, 06 January Reply

    Thanks for starting the fast again. I am not participating but have always enjoyed reading the blog which gets my creative juices going. Happy New Year to you all the 2018 Fasters!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:30h, 06 January Reply

      Happy New Year to you, Sharon ~ many thanks for the comment 😊😊

  • laura towe
    Posted at 07:39h, 06 January Reply

    day 5 thank you for saving my husband so much money this year. so looking forward to the pbs tv show.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:12h, 06 January Reply

      LOL! Keep tabs on how much I’m saving him 😂

  • Cynthia Gilbreth
    Posted at 09:21h, 06 January Reply

    I’m so excited to be a part of this fast. I almost fasted last year, only bought a few exercise tops. I do have a request, is there any way you can make the header on the blog smaller? It takes up 2/3 of the screen and is very annoying. Thanks for all you are doing!
    Cynthia

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:58h, 06 January Reply

      It is so annoying and it’s driving me nuts. This happened when I added the two new RTW pages 😡 I’ve got an ask in to correct this.

  • Linda Appleby
    Posted at 11:23h, 06 January Reply

    I am so excited to participate! I am very new to sewing and can’t wait to learn from everyone! Thanks so much for coordinating this. I am #180

  • Donna Hayes
    Posted at 13:49h, 06 January Reply

    Even though I missed out on the deadline to be a part of this RTW Fast, I am doing it on my own. In 2011 I purchased no ready to wear at all and shopped my closet and worked in my sewing room. This fast included anything that goes on the body – Clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry. Of course, I had to accept gifts from my husband for our anniversary, etc., but I myself neither purchased or asked for anything. It was an amazing year. I so wish I had know about this earlier and would have joined. Believe me I will be here next year! Even though I am not among the registered, I will be working right along with you and following you all every step of the way! Unlike 2011 when I made very few garments , I will be sewing sewing sewing this year. Good luck and lets get sewing!!

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 14:24h, 06 January Reply

    Many thanks Sarah for hosting this RTW Fast – I’m thrilled to be #300. You have long been an inspiration to me with your garments, tips & fun approach to sewing .

  • Helen Lorah
    Posted at 16:32h, 06 January Reply

    I won’t be able to participate in this fasting event. It is going to be fun to see everyone’s progress. What are the advantages of following on Instagram? This looks so fun. Best wishes for all fasters!

  • LRKimo
    Posted at 17:13h, 06 January Reply

    LOVE the skirt you are wearing in your picture with Swatch! Did you make it? Can you post about it if you did?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:16h, 07 January Reply

      Thank you! I made in October of 2013. When I set up the new blog that month was not transferred. If I ever find it I’ll let you know. Sorry I couldn’t be more help 😉

  • Patricia Brown
    Posted at 06:07h, 07 January Reply

    Sarah, what a great venture! Though I am not an active RTW Faster with the. 2018 group I will be fasting too. I love your blog and your fashion makes. It will be so much fun to watch you all. Good luck and enjoy.!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:32h, 07 January Reply

      Many thanks for your comment, Patricia! So glad to have you following along 😊

  • Lisa Lacy
    Posted at 06:24h, 07 January Reply

    Hi Sarah! So excited to watch and learn from all these fasters! Thanks for all you do.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:33h, 07 January Reply

      …. and THANK YOU, Lisa for following along and for your lovely comments 😉

  • AJW
    Posted at 08:54h, 07 January Reply

    I missed the deadline to respond and so will be a non-group Faster this year. I know from following GV for many years that I will be inspired and learn so much from Sarah and the many contributors. What a great way to start a new year!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:30h, 07 January Reply

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment, AJW!! I predict a year of inspiration galore 😊

  • Cheryl Ortwein
    Posted at 10:27h, 07 January Reply

    I missed the deadline to respond as well, but will have a blog within the next week. Am so looking forward to being a non-group Faster this year and will be following all the activity on your blog and hopefully others. Thank you for giving so many of us the motivation and inspiration! Will forward my blog name as soon as all is set (hoping I can use A Single Blue Thread)…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:28h, 07 January Reply

      Cheryl ~ Good luck with your new blog and many thanks for following 😉 Please let me know when it is up and running !

  • Alex Florea
    Posted at 14:30h, 07 January Reply

    Many thanks for taking on this massive task! Already feeling very inspired by the amazing ladies (and 2 gentlemen) who signed up! Alex (#378) Looking forward to new challenges!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:27h, 07 January Reply

      Alex,
      Thanks so much for signing up. You are so cute and I love your blog! 😉

  • Halla Soho Top + Simply By Ti Fabric – auschick sews
    Posted at 08:05h, 08 January Reply

    […] year I’m also participating in the 52 Week Sewing Challenge, and the 2018 RTW Fast (that’s “ready to wear” AKA store bought clothing). This is my Week 1 entry for […]

  • Cara Combs
    Posted at 13:57h, 08 January Reply

    Thank you for organizing everything! I love the blue top you’re wearing in your profile pic. Do you happen to know where I can find the pattern?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 19:04h, 08 January Reply

      Thank you, Cara! I’m not sure which top you’re referring to…. but I’m happy to help if you can let me know which profile photo it is.😊

      • Cara Combs
        Posted at 19:17h, 08 January Reply

        Thank you. 🙂 The picture appearing on this thread next to your comments is the one I meant. Looks like a blue, sleeveless top with gold trim along the v-neck and down the center. It’s beautiful!

        • goodbyevalentino
          Posted at 20:01h, 08 January Reply

          Oh! That is from my book, The Tunic Bible! The fabric is a rib knit from Mood Fabrics and I found the gold trim in Morocco 😊 Book Here. Blog post Here

          • Cara Combs
            Posted at 02:52h, 09 January

            Thanks so much!

  • The 2018 RTW Fast | My Sewcial World
    Posted at 17:11h, 08 January Reply

    […] If you are curious there is a list of participants in this post. […]

  • Jennifer Shaw
    Posted at 16:35h, 12 January Reply

    I am really excited about being a member of the fast! I had to patch a hole in my jeans. That means that the next pair are the ones that I make and are going to fit!!!

  • Michele Ferguson
    Posted at 20:08h, 16 January Reply

    This is so inspiring, it’s hard to believe the number of people who joined the RTW fast. I seem to have the “opposite” problem, that is, I spend money for good fabric and spend time making garments, only to find out that I don’t like it in the end. There are various reasons, poor choice of style, fit issues (though I do make muslins to test the fit,) or it just doesn’t feel like “me” the first time I wear it. I think I have one item still in the closet out of about 15 items I’ve made in the past year. So, I’m thinking I should do a sewing fast. It somehow seems easier to try something on in the store and know right away if it fits, if the style is right and if it’s “me!” If you have any words of wisdom I would love to hear them, as it just feels so good to wear something I’ve made! Not sure if you will get this, I am commenting on an older post! Can’t wait to see everything you make this year, Sarah, your garments are always fabulous and inspirational! Good luck to everyone!

  • The 2018 RTW Fast
    Posted at 19:18h, 27 December Reply

    […] Goodbye Valentino hosted a “Ready to Wear Fast” this year (and in previous years). A Ready to Wear Fast (or RTW Fast) is a pledge that sewists take to abstain from buying store-bought clothing, only sewing/making what they need. Some have certain exceptions… undergarments, gym/active wear, shoes… But in general it’s designed to make you more thoughtful about your wardrobe, where your wardrobe comes from, and the impact buying has on the bigger picture. […]

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