Sweaters, Sewing Rooms, Tunics and a Craftsy Giveaway!

23 Jan Sweaters, Sewing Rooms, Tunics and a Craftsy Giveaway!

This post is all over the place, but that’s how life has been lately…..

THE 2018 READY TO WEAR FAST

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At last I believe the 2018 RTW Fasters are settled, capping off at 1,067!  The deadline was extended by four days  and I’m sorry I could not accommodate those who responded after January 4th. I hope you will follow along, be inspired and sew like crazy through the year!

As of now, 790 Fasters have joined the Facebook page and activity is high hitting 80,00 posts, comments and reactions during these first three weeks! If you are a Faster and are not on the Facebook page but would like to be, please email 2018rtwfast@gmail.com. (Do not leave a comment here about it.)


SEWING ROOMS

Most recently, Fasters began sharing photos of their sewing rooms and spaces. I very much enjoy seeing ‘real’ spaces beyond the professionally staged photos I often see on Pinterest etc.. From nooks in tiny NYC apartments to dedicated sewing rooms, they are producing some phenomenal results.

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Their photos inspired me into organizing my room which hasn’t changed much over the years – just more stuff 😉

THEN

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Sarah's sewing room

I’ve lost counter space to my fabulous new machines and do hope my next sewing room improvement, whenever that is, will make room for a real cutting table.

One lucky Faster shared  photographs of the Sewing Studio behind her house. Originally built as a sewing studio, she had the luxury to customize a space which accommodated all sewing needs including fabulous natural lighting!

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Sewing Room 5


I have been sewing like crazy, and for the first time in over six years, taking photos has been an extreme challenge due to weather and a traveling photographer (aka my hubby).

In preparation for one of the It’s Sew Easy episodes next month, I made the embroidered tunic below.

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I simply love it and will be demonstrating how to take an embroidered neckline from this

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to this, all ready to assemble!

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I’ve also just finished the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s Closet and have another one cut out. Below is a glimpse of the work in progress, but I look forward to sharing the completed sweater with you soon.

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…….. and now it’s time for a giveaway!


Craftsy.com I think of Craftsy as one of the factors that has changed the face of sewing. I bought my first Craftsy class during the first RTW Fast in 2012, and I was hooked. Soon after I finished a basic skirt class, I bought Susan Khalje’s Online Couture Dress Class, and learned the real way to make a dress. That class forever changed my sewing.

As of now, Craftsy offers nearly 200 sewing classes on its website! In support of the 2018 Ready to Wear Fasters, Craftsy is giving away a class of your choice to one lucky 2018 Faster 😊

CONGRATULATIONS to Faster #165…..

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Please contact goodbyevalentino@gmail.com by Thursday, January 25 to claim your prize or a new winner will be selected.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

“Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.” —Diane von Furstenberg

 

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
38 Comments
  • Laura Pommier
    Posted at 07:52h, 23 January Reply

    I love to see how other sewists have solved their storage issues. As new products come on the market, it is a never-ending issue! It is inspiring to see others’ ideas.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:21h, 24 January Reply

      I so agree, Laura! Thanks for the comment 😊

  • Christine Johnson
    Posted at 08:42h, 23 January Reply

    I love every part of this post! I hear your excitement for the year ahead and for what is already happening in the Fasting community. It’s thrilling to be part of this journey for a second time. Thank you for your leadership and vision.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:22h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you, Christine for being such an active participant! I have enjoyed so much watching your sewing evolve over the last few years😊 Really love your clothes and contributions.

  • JeTua Amos
    Posted at 09:07h, 23 January Reply

    Congrats Janine!

  • Catherine
    Posted at 09:31h, 23 January Reply

    Congratulations to Janine! The tunic is beautiful.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:23h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you, Catherine!

  • Lone Star Couture
    Posted at 09:46h, 23 January Reply

    Great post jam packed full of goodies. Maybe it will motivate me to chalk paint my sewing wall built-in. But that would slow down my sewing…lol

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:24h, 24 January Reply

      Hi Dorcas😉 Your chalk painting would take it to another level, but then you’re already up there! Love all your latest makes!

  • Madeline Rodriguez
    Posted at 09:47h, 23 January Reply

    I to have many Crafsty classes that I have done and love it! What I haven’t done is machine embroidery. I have been tempted and with seeing what your doing I will be trying simple things on my Bernina. I want a new machine as mine is 20 years old! Great machine but I will definitely consider looking into embroidery features on my next one. You are an inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:25h, 24 January Reply

      Many thanks, Madeline! I have really enjoyed the Pfaff embroidery machines and never knew embroidery would be so fun 😉

  • Faye Reid
    Posted at 09:52h, 23 January Reply

    Although I am unable to take part in the RTW fast, (my husband is extremely ill with Alzheimer’s) I would so enjoy following everyone on Facebook. Is it possible?

  • Natalie
    Posted at 10:01h, 23 January Reply

    Love your tunic, cardigan and seeing all the sewing rooms. Great post Sarah and congrats to Janine.
    Natalie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:26h, 24 January Reply

      Many thanks, Natalie!

  • Janine Maffett
    Posted at 11:19h, 23 January Reply

    I’m so excited to have won the Craftsy class! Honestly, I never win anything so this is just a wonderful surprise 🙂 Guess I’ll be spending the next couple of evenings checking out the Craftsy catalogue to find something that will help me with my ever-growing list of projects for the Spring.

    Thanks to everyone who shared their sewing spaces. Gives me something to aspire to 🙂

    Janine

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:26h, 24 January Reply

      Congratulations, Janine!!

  • Becky Thompson
    Posted at 11:24h, 23 January Reply

    I’m on FB now more than ever and the interaction with fellow Fasters is amazing! I enjoy seeing the makes of others and am so happy to be part of the wonderful community. Thanks for showing my sewing room! (the converted back patio with the longarm) What an honor!!
    When will your show air? Can’t wait! Congrats!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:27h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you, Becky!
      I’m told the shows will air in the Spring and Fall. More details when I get the actual dates 😉

  • Deborah Penner
    Posted at 11:58h, 23 January Reply

    I also was an early adopter of Craftsy. Then Susan Khalje dress course there is still my favorite all time video courses. None compare to her instruction and the production and extra materials are excellent.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:28h, 24 January Reply

      I absolutely agree with you, Deborah. Craftsy has changed its formatting and has shortened the classes. Her class was long but chalk full of such valuable information.😉

  • Cayla B
    Posted at 12:05h, 23 January Reply

    I love the embroidery on the tunic. Is that design available for purchase somewhere? I haven’t seen anything like it!!

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 12:40h, 23 January Reply

    I love the cardigan – great mix of the fabrics! I see It’s Sew Easy mentioned. Is that on tv or my computer? Sounds like an interesting show.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:49h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you, Mary Lynn!
      It’s Sew Easy is a PBS television show. I know it has portions on YouTube as well. 😉

  • Kerry Rounsley
    Posted at 18:48h, 23 January Reply

    Hello, I love the tunic embroidery and need one like it. I look forward to finding out how to do this.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:51h, 24 January Reply

      Many thanks, Kerry! As long as you have an embroidery machine, it’s not so difficult The Dec. 2 post details my first embroidered neckline 😉

  • Maribeth
    Posted at 19:49h, 23 January Reply

    Thank you for sharing you sewing room with us. Most importantly, thank you for planning, organizing, and leading 2018 RTW Fast. I really appreciate you and Julie for the book and the inspiration. Blessings to you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:52h, 24 January Reply

      My sewing rooms needs an overhaul, but at least it’s organized now😉
      Many thanks for your nice comment, Maribeth – organizing the 2018 RTW FAST has been great fun!

  • Anna O’Day
    Posted at 22:53h, 23 January Reply

    Bought the Tunic Bible. Soooo very happy to hear that you’re doing a class. Cant’r wait!,

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:53h, 24 January Reply

      Thank you, Anna! Do you live in one of the areas where I’ll be?

  • Laureen Larrison
    Posted at 08:43h, 24 January Reply

    I was so disappointed when I saw that you had extended the deadline and I missed it! Snooze you lose I guess! LOL! I love that stripe on the Blackwood Cardigan.! I have been looking for fabric like that. Can you tell us where you purchased it? Love this blog!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:55h, 24 January Reply

      I’ve snoozed and losed more times than I can count! The fabric is from JoAnn’s and I’ll be writing a post soon about it. Many thanks, Laureen!

  • Mary Glas
    Posted at 22:50h, 25 January Reply

    May I ask what iron you use? Mine died today and I will need to find a new one.

  • Jennifer Miller
    Posted at 19:54h, 26 January Reply

    Looking forward to taking a Tunic Bible class in March! Finally getting my sewing in full swing and a lovely tunic will perk things up immensely! And congratulations on the book (so belated) and the TV show!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:42h, 28 January Reply

      Thank you, Jennifer! I look forward to seeing you in Nashville 😊

      • Jennifer Miller
        Posted at 10:00h, 28 January Reply

        I’m so looking forward to the class, unfortunately it is not one that you are holding. This is a local fabric/sewing machine shop that is offering the class (and it’s a very popular one), so we’ll have the benefit of the book, but not your presence. 🙁

  • Andrea Verbanic
    Posted at 11:07h, 11 February Reply

    One of the best things I ever did was buy a tripod to take pictures of myself for my blog. Thanks for organizing the RTW fast. I know it’s a lot of work.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:48h, 11 February Reply

      You are so welcome Andrea. I agree – the tripod is the best ever. 😊

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