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

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

 

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 even plans to continue the RTW Fast through 2015 🙂 Read on…..

 This is my first year to join the Ready To Wear Fast. When I read about it about this time last year I KNEW it was something I wanted to be a part of during 2014. So far, I have yet to purchase any new clothing.

There are several things that participation in the RTW Fast has done for my sewing:
1 –  the more I sew, the more I improve. That would make sense but it’s important to put into practice.
2 – I have been able to really challenge myself. I have made things that I only thought about before, but became a necessity since I wasn’t buying anything.

This Vogue coat (8933) was the first necessity.

3 – I also find that I make faster decisions since I can’t wait forever to figure out what to make.
Another of my favorite parts about the fast has been the stash-busting aspect. I have used material I’ve had for years just because I needed to make something. Of course, I have bought plenty more too!
Initially I was concerned about some upcoming events I had (my son’s college graduation, in particular) and my inability to buy jeans (what would I do if I needed a new pair?), but with greater confidence, I just got to work and made what I needed. These are just some of my favorites:

While it’s not always easy to forego shopping, it has been well worth it. My confidence in my sewing ability has grown, and I’ve sewn so many items that I now have enough clothes to put together as outfits. I have learned and used new techniques that I’ve never tried before. And the community of sewers is amazing – always encouraging and helpful.

The only thing I haven’t done yet that I plan to make is athletic wear. And this whole experience has made me look into other aspects of creativity. For example, although accessories are allowed, I am looking for some good material to use to make scarves for myself (have you seen the price of scarves lately?!).

This is definitely something I look forward to continuing in the new year!

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Many thanks, Denise! To learn more about the clothes Denise has featured today, please visit her blog So Sew Simple.

I also want to congratulate PEGGY ABRAMS, winner of the Marcy Tilton gift certificate! Please contact me at goodbyevalentino@gmail.com by Friday, November 7 to claim your prize or another winner will be selected.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Marcy Tilton Giveaway. What a huge following she has!

Until soon 🙂