A new page for those who have given up buying Ready-to-Wear clothing for one year in favor of making their clothes! Join the page where you can document your projects and support others who are undergoing or contemplating the same challenge! What constitutes an RTW fast? Refraining from buying ALL outerwear, dresses, tops, pants, shorts, sweaters, coats, exercise clothes, jeans and bathing suits. Shoes, socks and underwear are permitted 
If you’d like to join in please send your name, a photo, a couple of sentences about yourself and a link to an online photo album to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com.
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Linda began her RTW fast on August 1, 2012. Linda gave up buying Ready-to-Wear for one year on August 1, 2012. Tired of buying cheap clothes made overseas or paying a fortune for clothing, she was ready for a lifestyle change. Linda recently resumed sewing after a long hiatus. Living in a warm climate and leading a fairly casual lifestyle can easily lead to a wardrobe of crops and Ts, which she resists! Her new flickr album is HERE featuring a Diane Ericson top. She is currently working on a coordinating jacket.
Robin gave up buying RTW on September 18, 2012. Robin is a professional working single mother of two, with a limited budget and a need for semi high-end business attire. Finding clothes to fit is a challenge and she is focusing on mastering a perfect fit while sewing for herself. With a fairly high stress job and life, sewing helps Robin relax. She finds inspiration in watching a beautiful piece of clothing materialize at the end of all the hard work. View Robin’s creation HERE on her blog.
Andi began the RTW Fast on October 10, 2012. Andi has been sewing for many years. She admits to walking through shops and saying “I can make that” while looking at RTW. Now she has decided to walk the walk. Andi will miss the clearance rack jeans, but is determined to SEW rather than BUY for a year. Follow Andi’s creations HERE on her blog. Jillian has been on a RTW fast for THREE YEARS!
Jillian has been on an RTW Fast for THREE YEARS! She learned to sew as a child with her Mom on her Singer Featherweight. After a 25+ hiatus, Jillian began sewing again for her Mom and it became an instant obsession. Three years later she hasn’t bought any RTW other than thrift clothes for refashioning purposes. Follow Jillian’s blog HERE or visit her Pattern Review page where she is known as JillyBe.
Joy began her RTW Fast on October 10, 2012. Joy has just finished planning and executing her daughter’s wedding and now plans to finish her dissertation, re-enter the work force, AND fast from RTW for a year! Fairly new to sewing, Joy sews on an old Kenmore that she loves and a Singer serger. She became interested in sewing through sewing bloggers that demonstrated beautiful and good quality clothes can be sewn at home at a fraction of the cost! She hopes to complete her dissertation by August 2013. Joy’s projects can be seen HERE on her blog.
Lorraine began her RTW fast on October 11, 2012. Lorraine returns to the world of dressmaking after a number of years in the wilderness After entering the Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe contest, and successfully making some simple patterns, she is excited to get back on the pedal. Lorraine looks forward to seeing a co-ordinated wardrobe in her closet each morning. View Lorraine’s creations HERE.
Jenna‘s RTW Fast began on October 11, 2012. Jenna comes from a family of sewers but she is the first to be interested in sewing clothing. A huge stash of donated fabric from numerous people combined with economic measures inspired her to start sewing clothes for herself. She now sews for her young children too and hopes to sew her husband’s wardrobe one day. Follow her sewing progress HERE.
Teri started a year-long RTW fast on October 14, 2012. Teri lives a casual lifestyle in the rural West. An avid runner, Teri has noticed her running clothes are beginning to compete for closet space with her jeans. In addition to her husband of 30 years, Teri loves sewing, photography, horses and dogs.
Follow Teri’s progress on her new blog HERE.
Cissie has been sewing for most of her life. Like many of you, she made doll clothes under her mother’s watchful eye as a little girl. After college I devoted herself to sewing for her children and then grandchildren. Four years ago, she realized she could not cram one more outfit into her 3 granddaughters’ closets and began sewing for herself. She was hooked from the very beginning.
“Three years ago, I vowed on New Year’s Eve to make all of my clothes for the year. A diet, if you will. And like all diets, it was not always easy to follow and I fell off the wagon a few times. However, for the past year, I have only indulged in RTW for jeans and bathing suits. I have been lucky enough to take several classes from Susan Khalje. These classes have resulted in 2 1/2 “Chanel”-inspired suits and most recently a lace dress. And although I enjoy the couture process a great deal, I also spend time making knit tops and dresses — down and dirty sewing for my real life.
My goal for this year is to finally tackle pants, real pants instead of just the pull on version I have been making. I know that I will find inspiration and help on one of the many sewing blogs that have been so helpful in my journey.” Find Cissie’s beautiful clothes HERE on her Pattern Review website!
Laura began her RTW fast on October 15, 2012. She has struggled to find clothes that fit throughout her life beginning at age six when all of the pants were too short! Laura’s mother taught her to sew when she was 5 and she has been sewing since. As a stay at home mom to 4 children, Laura’s primary sewing goal is to tackle jeans and casual, yet stylish clothes. Follow Laura HERE on her blog.
Carola committed to an RTW fast for a year on October 19, 2012 after finishing the Couture Dress class with Susan Khalje. A wife and mother to three teenagers, Carola lives in Perth, Australia, and is just under 6′ (182cm) tall. Tired of buying ill-fitting RTW, she sees this year as an opportunity for growth and learning. Follow Carola’s progress and creations HERE on her blog.
Jean committed to the RTW one year fast on October 9, 2012. Like many, Jean has sewn off and on for years and has grown tired of ready-to-wear choices. After re-organizing her sewing room and comprehending the size of her fabric stash, Jean decided to quit shopping and start sewing! See Jean’s projects HERE on Flickr.
Barbara is already on her second year of an RTW Fast and hasn’t purchased any RTW since March 2010! Her fast resulted from the frustration of not finding affordable clothes that fit. Barbara has sewn off and on since age 10 but officially declares herself as obsessed now! She recently started a sewing blog with her daughter HERE and has many photos on the Pattern Review website HERE. Her current project is inspired but a Michael Kors knit dress and in the photo, Barbara is wearing a dress she recently made for her daughter’s engagement party.
Annika, officially began her RTW fast on January 1, 2013. She bought her first sewing machine, a Husqvarna Viking Opal 650, in October and has been sewing constantly ever since. Annika tried sewing in her teens but was always disappointed with the results. Twenty years later, with all the sewing blogs and tutorials available on the internet, Annika has found inspiration and resources galore to improve her sewing skills. She cites the online sewing community as giving her the confidence to fast from RTW shopping and sew instead. Follow Annika’s progress on her new blog HERE.
Sandra began her RTW Fast on January 1, 2013. Living in New Zealand, she grew up with a sewing mom and has sewn herself for years. Eventually her sewing machine made appearances only for special occasions and during extended vacations. Sandra’s interest in sewing was recently rekindled resulting in taking a couture class and starting a BLOG where you can follow her.
Denise started the RTW Fast on January 1, 2013. Her biggest challenge will be passing up a bargain, because if she can buy something cheaper than she can make it – she buys it! Follow Denise on her blog HERE.
” My husband is thrilled. Now he only has to worry about my fabric habit LOL.”
22 Responses to RTW FASTERS *
Jennifer Reemeijer Quick. says:
October 10, 2012 at 8:49 am (Edit)
Hi from Perth, Western Australia! I have been making my own clothes since October last year, but have only just decided to stop buying ready-to-wear. It seemed like a natural progression, as I had started looking at RTW critically and not liking what I was seeing, plus of course, there is the added thought of not supporting an industry which pays it’s Third World workers poorly, but still charges a lot for it’s products in the First World. The rethinking has been a steep learning curve, I can say I am improving and a lot fussier than when I first started, but I do get frustrated that the “busyness” of my life interferes with the gentle pursuit of sewing. The pleasur I get from making a garment (however small) is immeasurable
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Linda says:
October 10, 2012 at 2:04 pm (Edit)
Jennifer, I know exactly what you mean about busyness. I only get to sew a few hours a week but I do find great pleasure in saying “thanks, I made it,” when I receive a compliment on one of my garments. So far, I am deriving more pleasure from not shopping than I usually do from buying disposable clothing.
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JanaL says:
October 10, 2012 at 11:18 am (Edit)
I’m all in for this challenge. I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit lately and wanted to blog about it as well, but time constraints haven’t allowed me to do that yet. I have been sewing most of my clothing for about the past 3 years, and I’ve found that the better I get at fitting myself and improving my technique the more I dislike RTW clothing. Sometimes sales tempt me, but I usually end up regretting those purchases. So this gives me a reason not to even look at sales. I love sewing and the unique, quality garments you can make and be proud to wear. Yay! Here’s to a year of fabulous clothing!
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 10, 2012 at 4:12 pm (Edit)
Great! I’m delighted you want to join the RTW FASTERS page!
Please send your name, a photo, a couple of sentences about yourself and a link to an online photo album or sewing blog to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com.
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cheryl says:
October 10, 2012 at 1:31 pm (Edit)
Hats off to you RTW Fasters! As someone who has sewed mostly costumes for children and window treatments, the thought of going cold turkey from RTW is rather daunting. I might have to adopt a modified version for myself while cheering you courageous (and talented!) individuals on! Can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures!
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Linda says:
October 10, 2012 at 2:05 pm (Edit)
Thank you Cheryl – I’ll post a few more pictures soon. It would be great if you decide to join us.
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cheryl says:
October 11, 2012 at 1:31 pm (Edit)
Linda, that’s going to have to wait until I have more expertise…or figure out how to wear a valance ala Scarlett O’Hara! I think it’s wonderful that so many are inspired to make the commitment, though – can’t wait to see everyone’s creations! Isn’t it terrific to have a place like Goodbye Valentino where like minds can connect?!
Have fun and good luck! I’ve made a skirt and cut out a dress, if that makes you feel any better!
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Redd’s Threads says:
October 10, 2012 at 5:25 pm (Edit)
Thanks so much for including me here! I’m really looking forward to connecting with others who are challenging themselves the RTW fast, or even just considering it. I’m finding it to be very rewarding, and I’m sewing more because of it. In fact, I should have my next garment done shortly!
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 11, 2012 at 3:51 pm (Edit)
Can’t wait to see it!
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D says:
October 10, 2012 at 7:33 pm (Edit)
What a fabulous blog! I too am tired of poorly made, expensive clothes that do not seem to cater to my age group – 55-60 years young! My days of strappy little numbers are over but the conservative matron look is also no choice, and I do not have to spend money to get the ‘peasant look’ Over the past year I have made a stack of dresses, fantastic StyleArc pants, tops and shirts and am receiving compliments like never before. I am so enjoying reading and being inspired by others’ journeys. Keep it up team! D
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 10, 2012 at 8:35 pm (Edit)
Hi D,
I hear you loud and clear about finding clothes. This team is going to be very inspirational! Many thanks for writing
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jillybe says:
October 10, 2012 at 8:17 pm (Edit)
I was so thrilled after starting to sew again several years ago. It began as a need to alter & mend & create clothes for my darling Mother’s aging, lopsided body, but I quickly realized that I could finally create the sort of artsy, one-of-a-kind clothes that I really love, but are usually way over my pay grade I also realized right away that I would no longer need to buy RTW clothing, so it became a goal….and now I have an official commitment to it. Yay!
I’m delighted to be a party of this
Sarah, can we get a code for the 365 badge to put on our blogs?
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 10, 2012 at 8:33 pm (Edit)
Hi Jillian,
I’m so glad you are a part of this! I’ll try to send you a code. Hmmmm.
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Candy Blackham says:
October 11, 2012 at 4:36 am (Edit)
I am definitely going to join! And I am going to be making my own patterns – hope I survive the double whammy! And it has to fit into everything else life is throwing at me! Thank you for setting up this lifeline.
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Andi Social says:
October 11, 2012 at 10:54 am (Edit)
I’m so glad to be a part of this! You’ve given me that extra push I needed I can’t wait to see everyones creations!
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jillybe says:
October 11, 2012 at 1:00 pm (Edit)
I had a nagging thought that I was missing something in my statement about not buying any RTW since I started sewing again, and realized that I bought 2 scrumptious nuno-felted scarves from a local artist last year. This brought up the question about scarves, hats, bags….accessories like that.
Are they on or off the OK list for this challenge?
I actually hope to take a hat-making class this year, and some bags are on my To Do List as well, so I have no problem making a personal commitment to eliminating these from temptation for the year, but clarification might be a good thing….
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 11, 2012 at 3:54 pm (Edit)
Jilly,
I would leave off scarves. Leather accessories etc… things that are not specifically clothing are fine.
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jillybe says:
October 11, 2012 at 4:27 pm (Edit)
That’s pretty much what I thought too
Andi Social says:
October 11, 2012 at 4:47 pm (Edit)
Personally, I’m going to make my own scarves, hats, mitts, etc, but I knit as well as sew so I have the ability. I don’t think you’d have to eliminate those things if you don’t have the means to make them.
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jillybe says:
October 11, 2012 at 7:44 pm (Edit)
Andi I looked at your blog and you have some VERY lovely knit items! I think there are a lot of other options though besides knitting your own – sadly, I did not arrive with the knitting gene; trust me, I have tried! Scarves and hats & mitts can all be made from sweater knit fabric, or fleece, or other fabrics. And I’ve been collecting thrifted sweaters, with an eye towards cutting & piecing them in fun ways to make sweaters & jackets. I’m committed for the long haul here, but I really think that anyone can figure out a way to do it for one year, if they really want to try.
twotoast says:
October 11, 2012 at 6:03 pm (Edit)
Thanks for adding me – this is very exciting. It totally changes your mindset and makes you think a lot differently!
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goodbyevalentino says:
October 11, 2012 at 6:06 pm (Edit)
Great to have you join!
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I think it is harder for me to give up “thrifting” than it is to fast from department store shopping. I do love to find a bargain at Goodwill that I can alter a little and enjoy. In browsing an upscale shop recently I saw a denim vest (or jacket with sleeves removed) that had sweater knit sleeves added. My first thought was that I could knock that off with ease after a quick trip to Goodwill. Also, my husband and children like to buy articles of clothing as presents and I’d have to do something about that. As for myself, I’ve almost made it two months without purchasing any RTW and I have really enjoyed the items that I have made. Now that the weather is changing though, I need to get busy fast.
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I like the idea of creating your own style through home crafted fashions. I have been sewing for years with a rather large break in recent years. I am back to it now and as I have more time I hope to improve my wardrobe substantially – it needs it. I will join your pledge!
That’s great! If you would like to be included,please send your name, a photo, a couple of sentences about yourself and a link to an online photo album to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com.
I am going away to Japan tomorrow but will send the necessary information as soon as I get back. Hope to do a spot of fabric shopping in Tokyo if time permits.
How fun – have a great trip!
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I love this blog, the challenge of not buying RTW and the ability to get to know so many creative people. You are all so inspirational.
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Count me in! I have been a shopper, just like you. My budget was been wasted by all my purchases. When I began to shop at thrift shops, I realized I have a problem. I know how to sew, but yet, shopping seems to constantly be there!
I’ll be sending you the information ASAP – thank you for being such an inspiration!
Maria
I’m thrilled to be part of this–thank you so much.
So happy you’ve joined, Jane!
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I really feel like a round peg in a square hole. Everyone seems to have been sewing since childhood.. I took ONE class in school, (bad experience). Tried once again in my 20s. Husband had bought me a new singer, and all. Once, and it was put away in the back room. Now at SEVENTY TWO years old, have contacted the “sewing buy”. A little late, most are telling me. But I have such a desire to make clothes that are not “old lady” clothes. And the only way is to sew them! I am BEGGING for support from all you nice ladies, this is something that I really want to accomplish before I leave this life.
Pat,
It’s *never* too late! Start small. First, contact a local sewing machine shop to get your machine “tuned up.” For formal instruction check out the continuing education classes at your local university, or visit a local quilt shop. Often quilt shops offer garment or accessory (e.g., purses) classes and cotton is a user-friendly fabric to start with.
You can do it!
-Jane
You can do it! I’ve seen so many people pick up sewing at all ages. Do you have a blog?
A BIG welcome to you Pat and major kudos for being such an inspiration! May we all continue to take on new projects as long as we’re able! Do you have access to any sewing classes where you are? Even if you don’t the online community of sewists is amazing – so helpful and there is so much information available. Keep at it, and let us know if you run into glitches.
We should be able to direct you to websites or blogs that may address your specific needs. Way to go!
Hi all Fasters, I just discovered this site and would like to join in. Is it too late? I pretty much gave up RTW several years ago, not on principle but because it seemed like nothing affordable fit right or was attractive enough to bother with. I turned to thrift shops; older clothes tended to be better made and fit better. Then a couple of years ago I gained some weight and my figure changed drastically, I think more from age (60′s) than weight. Now NOTHING fits right! I’ve been struggling with sewing after a 30 year hiatus, unable to get proper fit. I could find no help locally–everything is for quilters. I’m now enrolled in some online fitting classes and hoping to greatly expand my wardrobe. I admire you all for doing this! The clothing industry does not treat its employees well, and that alone is enough reason for me to not support it.
Chris,
We would love to have you join! Please send a photo and the your online photo album information to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com!
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