Goodbye Valentino | Ready to Wear Fast

09 Feb A Movement?

Posted at 18:08h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 25 Comments

I am thrilled, elated and joyous that the RTW Fast is catching on. Could become a movement? In late September I was informed by a reader that the day after I completed my RTW Fast, a sew-a-long inspired by my 1 year challenge started on the Pattern Review website in my absence, with many citing me as their inspiration. I was quite moved to say the least. Just last week I learned Pattern Therapy along with thirteen other women are hosting a year-long challenge for home sewers who want to commit to ONE YEAR of sewing to build their wardrobe. The challenge is to avoid purchasing clothing beginning...

13 Jan Le temps de nettoyage!

Posted at 21:27h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

My sewing room looks like an absolute war zone. From pictures knocked off the wall to a floor covered with everything and anything. Would you believe my calendar is still showing August 2011? I started sewing my own clothes on August 31st, 2011 and never looked up. Some might describe this sewing frenzy over the last 16 months as enthusiasm, which it was, but to me it's more like I was possessed by making clothes. I truly thought of little else and it shows all around my house. I'm ready to leave the mess behind and sew in an organized space. This week...

08 Jan Odds & Ends – Plus a New Top!

Posted at 20:45h in Craftsy, McCall's Sewing Pattern, Mood Fabrics, Ready to Wear Fast, Sewing Tops, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 56 Comments

While I wait for my Mood Fabrics to publish my first garment-of-the-year post, I believe it's a good time to clarify a misconception among some readers. I have recently received several comments from readers who believe I have continued my RTW Fast into a second year. Not so...

22 Dec December to Remember

Posted at 11:12h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

Snazzy Sew 'n' Sew got her Sewing Mojo back. Cissie continues to inspire us all and Jilly's hand has healed. As for the title of my post - I got that from Barbara Dean; her words not mine. The RTW Fasters "behind the scenes" rapport is nothing short of inspirational to me. Other than providing support for anyone who wanted to give up buying clothes for a year, my vision for the page was pretty loose. With the help of Google Groups, these ladies communicate with each other all the time sharing tips, seeking advice and support. Christmas is not only...

03 Dec Holiday Fasting

Posted at 08:17h in Mood Fabrics, Ready to Wear Fast, sewing blog, Sewing Dresses, Sewing Tops, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 31 Comments

A funny thing happens when sewers quit buying clothes…… they become very clothes conscious. At least that is what’s going on with the RTW Fasters, and it certainly happened with me. I became obsessed with all things clothes. I recently asked the Fasters to briefly comment on the experience so far and to date no one said they miss shopping for clothes – quite the opposite. Many have expressed a new sense of freedom as shopping for RTW is becoming a distant memory. So what are they doing? Robin bought a practically new Bernina Artista 200 last month and is all over the place...

28 Oct Lucky 13

Posted at 21:26h in Ready to Wear Fast, sewing blog, sewing blogs, sewing clothes by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

Maybe it’s just my love of Halloween surfacing, but I often believe the number 13 gets a bad rap. Today I added the 13th committed person to the RTW Fasters’ page and decided it was time for an update. These 13 women represent a diverse geographic area including three countries and several states scattered from Florida to California. They have been communicating about topics important to them as they sew themselves away from the retail madness, but more importantly they are sewing beautiful clothes. Linda, living in a warm climate resists the t-shirts and crops scene, and recently completed this crisp periwinkle...