15 Jun Dare to Wear
When I started sewing again in August 2011, I vowed to wear my clothes in public. I’ve been true to my word with two exceptions – here and here. While a job well done should be reason enough to do one’s best, knowing that others will see (and judge) my clothes is one of the incentives to get it right.
Hubby and I spent the weekend in Charleston, SC, where my daughter and her fiancé were honored with a party hosted by friends of the groom’s parents. I packed a Me-Made suitcase and hoped for the best.
Clockwise from the top left:
- The ruffled Cynthia Rowley top, now in year 3 works for nearly any warm weather occasion, and it was perfect for Friday evening cocktails on the terrace with the girls.
- Saturday evening at a luau. I reworked portions of this dress. Though the criss-crossed straps didn’t work out, I successfully moved the straps to the center front and achieved a similar look to the pattern cover. I also added boning to the front seams to provide additional shaping.
- I couldn’t resist wearing my new Pucci dress to Trattoria Lucca, our favorite Italian restaurant! (The humid windy weather did a number on my hair 😉 )
- Father’s Day brunch at the Rutledge Cab Company in my new yellow maxi.
- The Ribbon Skirt’s Charleston debut made me proud 🙂 From a Saturday morning shopping trip to a casual lunch with Katie’s future in-laws, it generated compliments at every juncture. A boutique owner even asked me if I would design clothes for her store! I declined the flattering request, but it’s moments like these that underscore the virtues of sewing clothes.
I believe wearing the clothes we sew is a wonderful exercise in building self-confidence on many levels.
- In social settings wearing Me-Made-Clothes can bring about almost celebrity status.
- Shopping in precision-fitting Me-Made-Clothes will quickly remind you that RTW rarely fits without costly alterations. I tried on lots of clothes along side my daughter this weekend. The gorgeous clothes tested my willpower on the hangers, but lost their appeal in the dressing room.
- It’s just downright empowering to have Me-Made-Clothes mistaken for designer apparel.
So now I’m curious. Do you wear your Me-Made-Clothes? With pride?
Rose OK
Posted at 22:46h, 15 JuneI wear something I’ve made everyday for the past 2 years. Certain outfits always get compliments. When I see the price of clothes in magazines and see how they fit, I know I am ahead of the game.
Sharon
Posted at 22:55h, 15 JuneYou bet! I left ready to wear behind about ten years ago and would never go back. It is so wonderful to wear clothes that fit!
ewellons
Posted at 23:09h, 15 JuneYou look absolutely stunning in all of your me-made clothes. And yes, I do wear mine with pride. In fact, it has gotten to the point that everyone knows that I make my own clothes so I would be embarrassed to wear RTW! I must say, it took some time before I was comfortable wearing what I made. But my DH, like yours, loves to point it out to others! She made that, he’ll say proudly. I honestly can’t remember when I last wore anything that I hadn’t made myself. So liberating!
Carolyn
Posted at 23:14h, 15 JuneAll.the.time! So glad you had a wonderful weekend wearing your awesome me-made garments!
Anonymous
Posted at 23:32h, 15 JuneThe fashion wear you made is lovely. It’s marvelous that you wear it with pride. Your girls are beautiful…wait…didn’t you just sew their prom dresses? And now one is getting married? They grow so fast, don’t they?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:15h, 16 JuneLOL! That was a dress she wore to a wedding, but you’re right, they grow up fast 🙂
Mary Lynn
Posted at 23:42h, 15 JuneYour daughters are lovely! If I can ever get the fit thing. The last thing I wore that I made I felt
very loving hands at homey. Try Pane e Vino on Warren St. Really wonderful Italian!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 17 JuneThank you, Mary Lynn! I’ll certainly try Pane e Vino 🙂
Angela
Posted at 23:46h, 15 JuneYes, I wore two different outfits I had made today:) I don’t have enough to always wear me-mades, but there is something about wearing them that does give me (and my daughter) confidence. You look lovely in all yours!
Nini
Posted at 00:14h, 16 JuneI just started to sew 3 years ago and I’m finally starting to feel somewhat brave enough to wear my me-mades. I am petite like you (only 59″) and RTW almost always requires some adjustment. I love your blog and really connected with your reasons to start sewing your own clothes. It’s so gratifying to make garments….especially when the result is something I’m proud to wear. Still a work in progress, though. 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:14h, 16 JuneThank you for the nice comment, Nini 🙂 It is a truly gratifying endeavor , but I believe I may always be a work in progress!
Vanessa
Posted at 00:25h, 16 JuneYes! I am slowly incorporating more and more Me Made clothing into my wardrobe, and wearing them! My Me Mades fit better, and it does build self confidence. I am only now starting to sew my own clothing seriously, yet I look forward to the day that most all of my clothing is replaced by what I’ve sewn!
jennyrecorder
Posted at 00:27h, 16 JuneThese days I wear more me-made than shop-bought. It is a lovely feeling knowing that I look good and no-one else will have the same garment. The big thing for me, is finding fabrics that stand out and say “Look at me”!!! I almost always feel special in my me-made stuff 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:21h, 17 JuneI too love owning unique garments and found online shopping the only way to go based on my location 😉
soapjoy
Posted at 00:57h, 16 JuneYes, I do, always with great pride! Although I am not as accomplished a sewist as you, I just love wearing clothes that fit ME, is original and I know no one else in the room is wearing it, and costs a FRACTION of what a RTW would cost. Also, wearing Me-Made clothing has gotten me out of the wearing-only-black rut; I now find myself wearing lots of brights and whites! I joined your first cohort of RTW-fasters and have continued my fast. I even sewed my doctoral graduation dress (a tank maxi) I wore last month! Thanks for encouraging me and others to start and stay on the Me-Made adventure! Joy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:58h, 19 JuneHi Joy,
Sewing my own clothes got me out of the black rut too!
I made it!!
Posted at 01:01h, 16 JuneYes! I wish I had more! I noticed in Me Made May that I was missing a few things in my wardrobe, but I hope to have that fixed by next May!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:59h, 19 JuneHa! It doesn’t take long to fill in those missing wardrobe pieces. Good luck!!
Amanda
Posted at 01:16h, 16 JuneYes! I am still not always there to with the fitting, but the construction is as perfect as I can get it! I have found out my sewing also ups it’s game if I use gorgeous fabric……so now I need to stop churning out and go for quality. I had forgotten how much I love that ribbon skirt of yours!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:00h, 19 JuneThank you, Amanda! I too sew more carefully with higher quality fabrics 🙂
Angie
Posted at 01:20h, 16 JuneFirst, I have to say I’m surprised that one of the two things you haven’t worn in public is the tunic. I thought that turned out just great on you. Do I wear the clothes that I make? Absolutely! I’ve certainly had a few rejects over the years, and I do console myself by saying that at least I learned something in the process. But the majority are winners and I feel very proud when I wear them — especially when I get compliments. Once a woman told me that she wanted to start shopping where I shop because she really liked my jackets. I didn’t get a chance to tell her that they came from my sewing machine . . . !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:18h, 16 JuneHi Angie! If you’ll notice, the point of the neck facing does not line up with the center of the geometric design. I didn’t notice it until a reader pointed it out to me and now I can’t wear it 🙂
Barbara
Posted at 02:18h, 16 JuneYour outfits look lovely, I especially like the ribbon skirt. I might have to try that. I wear my me mades all the time. I like that the fabric quality and the fit are better than shop bought. Ive got to really appreciate beautiful fabric. Im rapidly ending up with too many clothes though, does anyone else find that?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:03h, 19 JuneBarbara,
It’s so easy to end up with too many clothes, but for me some of these I consider to be practice garments. I’ve learned something from each thing I’ve made. Do try to ribbon skirt! It’s fun to make and wear 🙂
Barbara
Posted at 05:18h, 20 JuneThanks for your reply, I like your suggestion of considering garments as practice and I’m now planning for a ribbon skirt 🙂
auntychacha
Posted at 02:20h, 16 JuneDo I wear my makes? Absolutely! I do wish, however, that I was at the point where I could follow your example and wear me-made all the time. I am still refining what works on my body. If only I could work out how to stop skirts creeping up my waist each and every time I wear one we would be in business! You look beautiful as usual!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:04h, 19 JuneThanks, Aunty Chacha! I don’t wear me-made every day by any means, but I do wear them regularly 🙂
Emmely
Posted at 03:16h, 16 JuneI try to wear everything that I make at least once. Some items I love more than others so not everything gets as much exposure in public. If the fit isn’t quite right I’ll probably wear it less often. I do find that now that I am getting more sewing experience more items turn out the way I would like them to so they actually get worn a lot.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:05h, 19 JunePractice makes perfect, doesn’t it ? 😉 😉
Denny
Posted at 03:57h, 16 JuneYes, I wear everything I make and receive beautiful comments from strangers which I am thankful for. Does anyone else have a “certain friend” in their lives who is extremely jealous of our given talent and takes every opportunity to make you feel uncomfortable? It makes me feel anxious when I am seeing this person and I fret over what I should wear because I know the “evil eyes” are scanning every stitch and the comment will be “Oh I suppose you make that” in a very sarcastic tone minus a compliment!
Nancy
Posted at 09:52h, 16 JuneI have an uncle who was like that – jealousy is a sad thing. I think you should just laugh it off – when she says something derogatory it probably means that it’s your finest work yet.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:07h, 19 JuneYes, I have someone in my life like that too. It’s hurtful but you just have to feel sorry for them and hope they find happiness one day.
The Eclectic Seamstress
Posted at 04:49h, 16 JuneHi Sarah, no wonder that you can wear your me-made clothes with pride, as they are lovely and look absolutely professionnal. As a beginner sewist, I tend to struggle since some of the garments I sewed unintendedly fell into the homewear only category because of fitting issues, sewing mistakes etc… But I do have a few handmade things that I wear outside of the home, and whenever I do, I feel immense pride even though nobody would ever mistake them for designer apparel (at least not yet ;-))!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:08h, 19 JuneWe all have garments that didn’t turn out quite right 😉 However it’s important to focus on the ones that turned out just the way you envisioned!
Jean
Posted at 05:14h, 16 JuneThere is nothing more rewarding than receiving lovely comments from complete strangers on clothing I have made myself. I have been wearing more and more “me made” clothing lately. I found participating in “Me Made May” this year was very encouraging and I have dispensed with my work uniform in favour of wearing “me made” clothing. I have been making lots of basics that I will wear regularly and I have stuck to the RTW fast this year as well. Thanks for all your inspiration Sarah.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:09h, 19 JuneThank you for such a lovely comment, Jean! Congratulations on sticking to the RTW Fast 🙂 🙂 🙂
Vicki
Posted at 05:21h, 16 JuneOf course! Nothing better than getting compliments on “home” made!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:09h, 19 JuneI so agree! 🙂
Summerflies
Posted at 05:40h, 16 JuneI do wear what I sew even if the fit isn’t perfect (even far from perfect). Why? Because even my imperfect fit is better than the imperfect fit that I would have to pay too much for. I get personal satisfaction from making things, I love the pride my son has when he says that I made something he is wearing and I like encouraging others who have no clue that they could do it too. You and your family look lovely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:10h, 19 JuneThank you Summerflies and how nice it is to read about your son wearing clothes you make for him 🙂
wearawyatt
Posted at 07:01h, 16 JuneI certainly do, I have been sewing clothes just under 12mnths now; I realised about March time that I had not bought a single RTW since Christmas so subtly joined the pledge of abstinence- I make a conscious effort now to wear a piece of hand-made everyday, so working on a more “cake than frosting” type wardrobe. Even though many friends/colleagues know that I sew, its such a thrill and make me plump up the plumage when I receive comments like ” you never made that!!”
Even this morning, I had a friend on the school run comment about a simple top I was wearing, she had popped round yesterday evening, to see if I could take in a dress for her, the said blouse/top was on the table- she couldn’t believe it was “flat packed” just 12 hrs earlier and today I was wearing it!
Would never have thought so much pleasure and satisfaction could come from a hobby 🙂 keep on sewing xx
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:12h, 19 JuneWhat an inspirational comment! Many thanks for sharing and congratulations for sticking to the RTW Fast. So glad to have you join in 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:02h, 16 JuneGreat pics! And, yes i wear clothes I make and it makes me feel good when people compliment them!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:13h, 19 JuneBoy, do you look good in your clothes, Becky!
Laura Casey
Posted at 07:41h, 16 JuneOh yes, almost everything in my closet is made by me….my friends tell me that I’m the best dressed friend they have! I saw a dress that Cissie made, I have the pattern, but I won’t look like Cissie till I drop some weight….so wearing what I have..but in a lighter moment…..I will be wearing the same dress pattern that Cissie made for a Sept. wedding I’m attending. It’s her LWD I love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:14h, 19 JuneI love that dress too, Laura! I bet you are the best dressed of your friends 🙂
Diane
Posted at 07:42h, 16 JuneAm packing now for my annual trip with my sisters and nieces. Everything ging into my suitcase will be Me Made!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:11h, 20 JuneCongratulations and have a great trip!
mzsweetpea
Posted at 07:42h, 16 JuneI loved you’re week-end pics…..!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:11h, 20 JuneThank you, Laura!
black label
Posted at 07:47h, 16 JuneAlways wear mine with pride.
The downside to everyone knowing that I sew is that when they see me in something RTW (& they dont know it) they ask “oh wow, did you make that too?” When I say no they look so disappointed 🙂 hahaha
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:12h, 20 JuneLOL! I know that feeling too 😉
helen
Posted at 07:48h, 16 JuneI do wear my clothes but I am a bit shy of saying ” I made it mysel “. Sometimes if complimented I just smile and say thanks. I need to get better at self promotion!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:03h, 16 JuneHelen,
I know how you feel. Most of my friends know I make my clothes, but I never tell a stranger I made something unless I’m asked where I bought it. 🙂
Beckie
Posted at 07:59h, 16 Junewearing my me-made wardrobe almost exclusively for the past 2 years has made me completely intolerant of the ill-fitting, poorly made clothing I see in stores
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:12h, 20 JuneI agree, Beckie, although there are some gorgeous pieces of RTW that could bring me down in a hurry!
Keys Maddox
Posted at 08:09h, 16 JuneSuch special times for you, your family and your creations!!
Sent from my iPad
>
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:13h, 20 JuneIt truly is, Keysie. Thanks for the comment!
Diana
Posted at 08:21h, 16 JuneI wear my MMclothes every day and have been for many years. I think I successfully figured out how to be a well dressed retired woman thanks to our craft. Not only do I wear my MMclothes every day but I sew every day too. Love your blog!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:14h, 20 JuneThank you, Diana! When I left my office job, I didn’t know how to dress and felt I had nothing to wear. Congratulations on overcoming this obstacle!
Marion
Posted at 08:29h, 16 JuneI wear what I make unless I just can’t stand the finished product! You and your girls are adorable as is your darling husband. Great work.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:15h, 20 JuneThank you for the nice comment, Marion! Hubs is pretty cute 🙂
Meegan
Posted at 09:03h, 16 JuneI make and wear all my clothes – can’t imagine otherwise! I love that each is unique, and it fits.
You sew beautifully.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:15h, 20 JuneThank you, Meegan! I’ll eventually get to the stage you have reached. Congratulations!
Mary Jo Barclay
Posted at 09:05h, 16 JuneYes I wear me made daily. Packing for a visit to NC right now and everything in my suit case is MMade!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:16h, 20 JuneOh, very nice! I hope you have a great trip to NC 🙂
thecaroler
Posted at 09:45h, 16 JuneI love dresses, but RTW dresses don’t love me back. So I sew, and now I have made a bunch of dresses that in their season don’t spend much time on the hanger as they are worn almost as soon as they are clean.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:17h, 20 JuneI love making and wearing dresses too. Now that I’m sewing I have more dresses than I could ever imagine 🙂
Ji
Posted at 09:58h, 16 JuneYes! I only sewed a couple of T&T dresses and tops. I really love them because they’re comfortable and they fit. I’m still not entirely rid of my RTW habits, but I’m getting there. =)
You always look so lovely in your MMade clothing. I really enjoy your blog.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:17h, 20 JuneThank you, Ji! It is quite wonderful to find a T&T pattern isn’t it?
Nancy
Posted at 09:58h, 16 JuneI wear my memade clothes proudly and always have. It’s true when people know you sew, they are almost disappointed when you say that you are wearing something you DIDN’T make. I have a terrible time sewing pants but was planning to make them too but a friend of mine gave me about 20 pairs of really good quality pants that all fit me very well so I’ll wait a bit before I give pants a shot again. My rule of thumb is this – if I can make it cheaper and better, then I do but if it’s free or would be more expensive to make, then I buy it. (Although this is happening less and less). I’ve even started making over old clothes into new fashions.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:22h, 20 JuneTWENTY pairs of pants???????? Your rule of thumb is spot on, Nancy!
Monica
Posted at 10:37h, 16 JuneI’m not surprised the boutique owner asked you to design for her store. I assume you did not take the offer as you are planning your own line. I’d definitely like to see some GBV patterns/fabrics/notions. Love your style!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:21h, 20 JuneWhat a nice comment, Monica! I’d love to start a line of patterns but have nothing planned as of now 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 10:42h, 16 JuneHow great you all look – sounds as though it was a memorable weekend! I love the strap do over on the aqua dress – very cute. I still struggle on tops to wear with my ribbon skirt…must work on that! This is such a great topic for discussion – how we feel about our me-made wardrobes and others’ reactions to them. I don’t volunteer the information, but often times someone who knows I’ve made what I’m wearing will point it out to someone with us who does not know and it’s very gratifying watching their reaction. This happened in a meeting the other day (I was wearing the 20-dart dress) and my boss pointed it out to an architect who was flabberghasted and wanted to hear all about the process. He could not believe that people actually did that. I told him it wasn’t much different from using construction blueprints…you just use fabric instead of building materials!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:20h, 20 JuneJulie,
Thank you for your comment! The weekend was great. I have decided to try a peplum top with the ribbon skirt. I have a close fitting knit top worn on the outside that looks nice with the skirt but it has seen better days. Hopefully I can get the peplum made in the next few days 🙂
……. and that 20 dart dress looks anything but ‘homemade’. I’m sure the architect was flabbergasted!
Cindy C.
Posted at 10:49h, 16 JuneOh, yes, I love wearing my own creations and have from the very first one. When I started sewing, the local fabric store’s owner had exquisite taste and always stocked very high quality fabrics in stunning colors and patterns. So anything made from her fabric really stood out, and people would gush over how beautiful each garment was. That’s what got me hooked — that even my very first me-made garments could inspire compliments that my tasteful, high quality RTW clothes didn’t. RTW made me look well-dressed and proper; me-made garments made me glow with happiness.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:23h, 20 JuneYou are so lucky to have a wonderful local fabric store, Cindy!
Treva Putsche
Posted at 10:51h, 16 JuneI love the reworked blue dress! If I had your collection of me mares I would definitely wear them. I’m just starting to make a few things for myself and I’m so particular about fit, its nutty. I use to wear all my me mades years age, so I’m sure I will again.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:24h, 20 JuneHi Treva! Changing the straps on the turquoise dress was just what the dress needed to give it some punch. Many thanks for the comment 🙂
LinB
Posted at 12:00h, 16 JuneIf I did not wear me-made clothes, I’d be nekkid most of the time. And no one needs to see that!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:24h, 20 JuneLOL! You must have quite a collection 🙂
Alex in California
Posted at 13:09h, 16 JuneBrava! A star is born.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:25h, 20 JuneWhere? 😉
Rachel
Posted at 13:18h, 16 JuneAbsolutely I do – what’s the point otherwise? Some I wear with more pride than others though of course…. 😉
“Your body deserves better than that” is a fantastic comment – well done Mr G.V.
Rachel ☺
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:26h, 20 JuneHubs is always coming up with funny one liners 😉 I agree with you but some people are bashful about wearing clothes they have made in public.
Lisa C in Dallas
Posted at 13:26h, 16 JuneI don’t sew garments (just quilts) but I truly enjoy your posts. I made jewelry for several years (until I discovered quilting and with work I only have time for one hobby) and had the same rush when someone complimented me on a piece I was wearing. Thanks for blogging. You and other bloggers make my lunch hours pass very enjoyably and quickly!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:27h, 20 JuneHi Lisa and thank you for the comment. I once sewed quilts and admire jewelry makers so very much 🙂
Sheree
Posted at 13:30h, 16 JuneFor me, although I spend a lot of time sewing, I cannot achieve the success rate you have. I am always happy with the quality of sewing, but I get stumped by either the fit or not liking the style on me once finished. I also think that it is natural to be far more critical of our own makes than we would be of a RTW. Having said that, once it all comes together great, it is a lovely feeling. Especially when complimented on!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:28h, 20 JuneI hear you Sheree. If the muslin can’t be tweaked just the way I want it, then I don’t make it. I won’t wear something that doesn’t fit either 😉
sometimessewist
Posted at 13:54h, 16 JuneYes, I totally wear all of my me-made clothes with pride! Sure, not everything turns out like you’ve imagined, but some of my “meh” completed garments have turned into my most worn.
I have a dream to someday wear an outfit where I’ve made everything. I have too many interests, so I think I’ll have to be barefoot for that outfit (totally not going to take on shoemaking, no matter how interested I am), but once I finally get the courage up to use my bramaking supplies I’ll be pretty close to my goal!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:29h, 20 JuneLOL! I don’t intend to make shoes either. Many thanks for the comment 🙂
Sandra Cunningham
Posted at 14:50h, 16 JuneI make it a point to wear something memade.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:29h, 20 JuneEveryday? I’m impressed!
Nana
Posted at 16:29h, 16 JuneYes, I wear my me mades. Still not getting much made, but very proud of what I do get done. Funny that one of your no wears is a pattern that I pulled out of a discard box at the store that I shop in often. The Lime green jacket pattern. Thought the pattern was very cute…..did you ever make it in any other fabric or was it just the pattern that did not work. I am also 62″ tall and usually short jackets work for me.
Love the Cynthia Rowley top…..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:31h, 20 JuneThank you, Nana. I never made the jacket again. I’m sure my fabric and trim choices were all wrong. It was entirely my fault, not the pattern 😉
Jerris Lane
Posted at 17:16h, 16 JuneI wear mostly me mades and like you if it does not meet my expectations for fit and style “out it goes”. If I can’t fix it I don’t wear it.
Can you explain how/where you put boning in the aqua (blue?) dress?
Your sewing is an inspiration.
Jerris
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:35h, 20 JuneHi Jerris! Well…….. this was emergency boning 😉 I used the skinny metal boning strips from an old dress into casing made from double wide seam binding. Then I stitched the casing to the seam allowance. The top of the casing was sewn into the facing seam and I secured the bottom and side to the allowance itself. It worked and doesn’t look sloppy but it certainly wasn’t kosher!
Sharon Ell
Posted at 18:49h, 16 JuneABSOLUTELY! I wear all my Made Me clothes in public. I will admit that sometimes they are one-hit-wonders. But I have made a personal choice to rock what I make in public. It brings so much joy to me to know that what I am wearing—I made it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:50h, 21 JuneOh you are doing some big time rocking the me mades this year, Sharon! You are looking good, my friend!
Myra
Posted at 19:42h, 16 JuneOMG absolutely! I have been wearing “me made” clothes for years! I just wish I had more sewing time to never buy RTW again! My closet is predominately “me made” and I like it! Your clothes are beautiful and anyone would not only want them, but my guess is they would actually pay good money for too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:50h, 21 JuneThanks Myra – you look fab in your clothes 🙂
Terry kretzmer
Posted at 19:55h, 16 JuneYes, i love wearing the clothes that I make. I love the complements. No one ever complements me on RTW and that has to do with they don’t have the fine tuned fit. I still haven’t made jeans, slacks or shorts. Luckily I have enough to carry me though the season. By the end of summer I should have the last 5 pounds off so I will need to address those items then.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:51h, 21 JuneGood luck with the weight loss – I’m trying to lose 5 myself 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Carol
Posted at 20:33h, 16 JuneI am me made if ever anyone is and have been for quite sometime! I can’t buy clothes anymore the quality and prices drive me nuts! The time it takes to pick that junk – I’m done knocking it off or making it! LOL!! Great Pics!!! You make me made’s proud!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:52h, 21 JuneLove this comment, Carol! Many thanks 🙂
Fifty Dresses
Posted at 21:10h, 16 JuneWhat a gorgeous family you have, Sarah! And, yes, I do wear my own creations – all the time. I have found that almost without exception, people who find out that I sew are fascinated! The subject opens all kinds of conversations – and so do my clothes.
Urbanite
Posted at 09:49h, 17 JuneI can see why: your wardrobe and the stories behind what you create are fascinating.
Fifty Dresses
Posted at 10:47h, 17 JuneThank you!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:53h, 21 JuneThank you, Karen! Your clothes suit you so well and I agree – the subject of making our clothes truly generates some interesting conversations.
redplaidskirt
Posted at 21:13h, 16 JuneYes, thanks for asking! I love wearing the dresses I make! I am difficult to fit and am still working on mastering my personal FBA — usually gets too big in the ribcage area……. woe is me! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:53h, 21 June…. but once you get it you will have one fabulous fit!
Karla
Posted at 10:00h, 17 JuneHave you seen this particular dress from burlap? http://liftbump.ijreview.com/2014/06/14020-teenager-takes-prom-dress-game-next-level-rocking-potato-sack-good-cause/
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:54h, 21 JuneNot until now! So creative 🙂
lisa g
Posted at 11:28h, 17 Junei definitely do! i love pulling out my handmade garments for everyday wear. i really have little desire to buy or even shop rtw. shopping stresses me out since i would always have a very specific thing in mind and (surprise) could never find what i wanted! love that i can make my own.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:55h, 21 JuneI love the clothes you make Lisa! I’m glad to know you wear them – a lot!
Kathryn Tavares
Posted at 12:14h, 17 JuneDo I wear what I make? Absolutely! After investing all that time and money I work it until it is right, but it is not always absolutely perfect. If that’s the case, I wear it for one season and the Salvation Army gets it at the end of the season. I don’t have the time for all my clothes to be my creation, but it is a dream of mine to do so. I enjoy your blog, thank you for continuing it.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:56h, 21 JuneThank you, Kathryn. I still have favorite RTW’s as well.
sewruth
Posted at 15:19h, 17 JuneI looked in my wardrobe and found that 90% of it is made. I haven’t signed up to a RTW Fast but I think I’m on one nevertheless. I always wear my own clothes but like you I’m a little bit loath to say “I made it.” When someone compliments me I just say “thank you” – I don’t want the fuss. The funny thing is – we’re going to a wedding in July and my first thought was not “What will I wear?” but what pattern will I make? Empowerment….
sewruth
Posted at 15:20h, 17 JuneOh I also wanted to add how fabulous you look in all your makes – even those reserved for ‘gardening’
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:58h, 21 JuneAt my home it’s yard work – gardening seems to need more finesse – something that escapes me.
Thank you for the nice comment Ruth!
Vernelle Nelson
Posted at 15:32h, 17 JuneI wear the clothes I sew ALL THE TIME… 90-95% …mainly because I don’t like the quality of the stuff I see in stores. By wearing things I make, I’m assured of not seeing myself, I know my clothes are made from quality material and the workmanship is excellent.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:59h, 21 JuneKeep it up, Vernelle! It’s truly not too difficult to sew as well or better than RTW 🙂
Rita Holladay
Posted at 11:06h, 18 JuneWhat a darling post. You don’t know what it does for me. I’ve sewn all my life; my Mom made beautiful clothes for herself, my twin and me. I sat on the end of her bed and watched her sew for hours as a child. I’ve always had “original” clothes by choice. When I say I’ve made something the reply is “oh, nobody sews anymore”! I happily reply yes they do; there are beautiful young women sewing couture and blogging about it. Real artists are happy that it is not a lost art, others just aren’t interested. One thing is a given: it is an art form, a lonely task, and not one to engage in unless you are almost “driven”. My laid back golfer husband just shakes his head when I get going on a new project but he supports me all the way. Life is good.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:03h, 21 JuneThank you, Rita! I just read the most interesting post that you might enjoy: http://www.practicemusicsewingfaith.com/?p=23
Marguerite
Posted at 14:37h, 18 JuneWhat a beautiful family! Your daughters each have your smile too. To answer the question, yes I wear all the clothes I make. Wore my first me made skirt to 4th grade. My teacher asked where my mother had bought it so she could get one for her niece! I still remember it…a plaid box pleated wool number. Right up to last week wearing a lilly pulitzer copy ( bought the lp fabric on eBay ) to my husband’s 45th class reunion. So it’s been a me made life long story for me! What I like best, and you always bear this out, is that when you find a style that you really love, you can duplicate it over and over.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:04h, 21 JuneThank you for your nice comment, Marguerite! There’s nothing like a T’nT pattern for sure 🙂
scooterphoenix
Posted at 16:32h, 18 JuneAs I grow as a garment maker, I’m more confident in wearing “me-made” clothes. It really is a badge of honor & I wear it proudly even of it’s only a few pieces.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:05h, 21 JuneHere, Here! I definitely agree 🙂
holly
Posted at 18:51h, 19 JuneLooking back at your two posts of garments you didn’t end up wearing, I think the tunic top IS a winner and maybe just needs to be styled differently for you to feel comfortable. Light coloured trousers maybe?
As for the green jacket, I like it on you BUT I think the colour is wrong. (As for the ric rac, less said the better!) Maybe a charcoal, beautifully draped wool fabric? I can’t see you going back to this pattern in a hurry, but I don’t think you should abandon it for ever.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:09h, 21 JuneThank you, Holly for your thoughtful comment! The point of the facing misses the point of the geometric design and it drives me nuts. I don’t mind the style of the green jacket either – maybe one day I’ll try something similar again 😉
holly
Posted at 01:54h, 22 JuneOK, I concede your point; the pattern being off centre to the facing is rather obvious! What a shame; it would bother me, too. All the best for your current project; measure twice, cut once. Can’t wait to see the finished dress.
Carolyn
Posted at 01:41h, 20 JuneThat’s wonderful that you are proudly wearing your own clothes, and you should be too, they look lovely on you 🙂 I haven’t worn RTW in years now but very few people I know in real life would know that fact about me and I don’t talk about it unprompted. Celebrity status? I’m afraid not! I worry that if people did know they would probably think I was a little weird 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:11h, 21 JuneLOL – my celebrity status circle is pretty small 😉 ……. and I’m still thinking about your Scandinavian wardrobe!
AJW
Posted at 08:20h, 20 JuneYour fabulous weekend wardrobe is testimony to your wonderful eye for fabric and design, your terrific technique and skills, and your confidence. You look fabulous in every photo. Thank you for sharing your work and philosophy, and for providing the incentive for all of us to up our game and wear our work proudly. You are an inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:13h, 21 JuneThank you AJW for such a lovely and thoughtful comment 🙂 I’ve loved connecting with other sewers through blogging – it’s truly life enhancing 😉
Susie
Posted at 17:59h, 21 JuneYes I do, and wore a couple things last week on a 3 day girl’s trip to NYC…thought of you when I was in Mood. You have inspired me to make a 2nd post for the year on my blog…maybe! I have been conscientiously choosing to make my clothes this year, particularly since moving to the high school and teaching clothing construction classes.
Martina
Posted at 11:56h, 23 JuneI went to a conference last week, and wore all me-made tops…including a cotton boucle jacket trimmed with bias fringe for my poster presentation. I’m heading to Italy on Thursday, and just had a marathon weekend sewing a travel wardrobe…which I think will fit in fine in Milan!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:07h, 23 JuneWow! I’m truly impressed and hope you have a great trip to Milan 🙂
Cindy C.
Posted at 23:24h, 23 JuneWaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiidaminit. Those pictures do not lie. You changed the straps on the front of the blue dress AFTER you blogged about how you couldn’t accomplish that original pattern’s front v-strap design. You’ve been holding out on us, girl!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:57h, 24 JuneLol! Go back and read #2. I’d never hold out on my treasured readers!!!!
Cindy C.
Posted at 15:23h, 24 June*blush* I totally missed that — you did indeed describe another go-round on those straps.. And the result is très chic!
Sharon
Posted at 00:01h, 25 JuneMost definitely, the only way I can get clothes to fit me the way I want them to! Getting compliments is so rewarding.