Author: goodbyevalentino

14 Jan Supersize Me!

Posted at 06:58h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 116 Comments

Maybe it’s just me but on January 2, I was craving an oversized shirt to hide my holiday indulgences…. and when I’m in an unattractive state of mind, the fabric I like to turn to is silk. This Famous Designer Black and Off-White Animal Print Crepe de Chine was the perfect antidote for my post holiday doldrums. I feel better already! My pattern of choice was Simplicity 2447, but it wasn’t just oversized, it was supersized! Before cutting into the silk I made a full muslin which required one alteration after another. The photo below shows the muslin after the excess is pinned out...

09 Jan Introducing the 2015 RTW Fasters!

Posted at 12:02h in Ready to Wear Fast, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 25 Comments

This year the 2015 RTW Fasters are going at it alone, but I would hardly call them a ship without a rudder! It is truly a thrill to sponsor this group of new and returning RTW Fasters on the blog. Why sew rather than buy clothes for one year? I started my first Ready to Wear Fast in 2011 to save money, but the RTW Fast led me on an interesting journey of self discovery and enlightenment. No doubt I improved my sewing skills, but the fast led me to experiment with new styles and colors, develop a sense of discipline and a sense...

31 Dec The Kitchen Sink

Posted at 13:09h in Mood Fabrics, Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014 by goodbyevalentino 94 Comments

Dear Readers ~ Many thanks for your enthusiastic responses to my last post! It was simply heartwarming to hear from you :) The end of the year roundup is not one of my favorite posts to write. I find it difficult to choose favorites with anything. I can’t name my favorite song, meal, movie, book or vacation spot, however I find it very important to review, reflect and learn from my experiences. Sewing during 2014 took on a life of its own with a second Ready-to-Wear Fast accompanied by a wedding. I bought nothing yet sewed fewer garments than I expected, which...

26 Dec Happy Holidays Giveaway!

Posted at 21:45h in Goodbye Valentino Giveaway, Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014, Sewing Books by goodbyevalentino 455 Comments

In a world where there is no such thing as bad publicity, I managed to let a November GOMI thread get to me. Who would have thought refashioning my husband's 10-year-old cashmere sweater would have set off pages of fallacious comments about my lifestyle by the snarkers? During this holy season and busy month I completely removed myself from the negative GOMI energy and returned to my musical roots. This December instead of sewing, I practiced the piano and presented two Christmas programs with my father. The break was refreshing and renewing, and now I'm ready to get back to sewing and...

17 Nov RL Cashmere Refashion

Posted at 15:15h in Ready to Wear Fast, Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014, Refashioning Clothes, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 81 Comments

I often read and hear conversations about whether one really saves money sewing clothes. It's all relative of course. With the exception my two Susan Khalje garments and Mother of the Bride dress, I've spent very, very little on clothing. Personally, I love comparing what I've spent on sewing and refashioning clothes to what I would spend buying similar garments. Case in point: Sweater: Exclusive for Intermix for Intermix Oversized Boyfriend Crew S...

16 Nov Guest Post – RTW Faster Julie Starr

Posted at 14:14h in Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 67 Comments

If you visit the Pattern Review website then you certainly have seen the gorgeous clothes and helpful reviews from Julie Starr. We live on opposite sides of the small state of South Carolina, but I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely woman last year. I was so pleased when Julie signed up for the 2014 RTW Fast and found her post fascinating while reading about the way her sewing is influenced by her daily surroundings. Enjoy...

14 Nov Keeping the Faith – Vogue 8776

Posted at 12:15h in Mood Fabrics, sewing with knits, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 160 Comments

What’s more valuable than a Caped Crusader? An artist...

05 Nov Guest Post from So Sew Simple & the Marcy Tilton Giveaway Winner!

Posted at 21:44h in Goodbye Valentino Giveaway, Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014, sewing bloggers, sewing blogs, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 29 Comments

I still find it hard to believe that nearly 400 lovely women joined me for the 2014 Ready-to-Wear Fast! In January, I created a 'Secret' Facebook page for the RTW Fasters. The lively news feed which features all things sewing has served as a source of support and encouragement during the year, and has created a spirit of camaraderie among the group. Now in month 11, the RTW Fasters have sewn quite a collection of garments. Equally as important, they are approaching a huge achievement which extends beyond their new clothes. Today, I'm pleased to introduce Denise from the blog So Sew Simple. Denise has made some great garments this year and...

02 Nov Marcy Tilton Interview & Giveaway!

Posted at 12:24h in clothing designers, Ready to Wear Fast, sewing clothes, Uncategorized, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 548 Comments

A Marcy Tilton interview and giveaway? It's true! Get yourself a cup of coffee or beverage of choice, sit back and enjoy! _______________________ I am so pleased to announce the utterly creative Vogue Patterns designer, Marcy Tilton is kicking off my series of interviews with leaders in the sewing industry. When I think about how I'd live my life differently if given the chance, I'd certainly be more adventurous like Marcy Tilton, who in the mid 70's, with a group of friends, drove from Denmark to Kenya. When her clothes began to wear out she bought wonderful cotton fabrics from the markets and made herself...

31 Oct Scuby Dooby Doo & Giveaway Winner!

Posted at 08:15h in Craftsy.com, Goodbye Valentino Giveaway, McCall's Sewing Pattern, Mood Fabrics, Sewing Books, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 78 Comments

Although sewing Halloween costumes are but fond memories these days, I could not resist the vivid holiday colors in this Scuba Knit ordered from B & J Fabrics. What does the dress really look like under the 20-year old Eileen Fisher cardigan, you wonder? Here is the front, and here is the back ;) What a fun dress this was to sew! If you have never sewn with Scuba Knit I encourage you to try it. Many scuba knits feature high-resolution digital printing almost resembling photographs. It is nearly impossible to make a garment too tight when sewing with this fabric - scuba knit is...