Giving up RTW Tag

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...

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...

29 Sep Silk Tunic #2

Posted at 09:45h in Mood Fabrics, Sewing Tops, Simplicity Patterns by goodbyevalentino 54 Comments

Hubs and I were among the passengers of some 2,000 cancelled flights to Chicago this past weekend………. The only upside of missing our friends’ wedding was the unexpected weekend of sewing time, and I resumed my tunic mission. Better? Many thanks for providing such great suggestions for raising the bar on tunic sewing. I especially enjoyed receiving this Pinterest link loaded with tunic inspiration! Like many of you said it’s in the details and I got busy modifying the Simplicity 4149 tunic pattern I made last year. Relaxing the fit of my existing muslin allowed for a better drape which is easy to see...

02 Jul J McLaughlin Refashion

Posted at 07:54h in Ready to Wear Fast, Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014, Refashioning Clothes, sewing clothes, Sewing Tops by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

The RTW Fasters and I are halfway through our pledge to abstain from buying ready-to-wear clothes during 2014! Lots of the women are knocking it out of the ballpark sewing incredible clothes too. I've found reaching the halfway point serves as a great incentive in achieving nearly every goal I've set out to accomplish, and I celebrated the six-month marker by cleaning out my closet. :) While I've questioned the wisdom about going on the RTW Fast during the same year of my child's wedding, the closet exercise proved my decision sound. Closet organization generates a different type of creative pleasure for me. I do not...

02 Jan One More Day

Posted at 08:08h in Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014 by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

Dear Readers, The positive response to the 2014 RTW Fast invitation is all things good in addition to a little overwhelming! I've had many requests from readers who want to join the 2014 RTW Fasters since yesterday's post. If you are interested in joining - and did not shop for RTW yesterday - and will send me ALL of the information today - I will be delighted to add you to the list. Please send 1. Name 2. Online photo album or blog address 3. Photo - preferably a headshot 4. Send to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com I'm happy to extend the RSVP through today, January 2 and would love...

01 Jan Happy New Year!

Posted at 01:01h in Ready-to-Wear Fast 2014, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

Ready - Set - STOP! Buying clothes that is…. It's time for me to stop shopping and start sewing for an entire year :) This time around I am in the company of nearly two hundred women who accepted my 2014 RTW Fast invitation. Click on any of smiling faces below to see the entire group of the 2014 RTW Fasters. Aren't these 200 women amazing? They represent women across the globe and feature a diversity of skills and styles as well as a diversity of shapes, sizes, ages and races. The new 2014 RTW Fasters page found at the top of the blog is designed so...

05 Dec 40 Techniques

Posted at 08:32h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 53 Comments

My goodness - I'm loving the R.S.V.P.s coming in for the 2014 RTW Fast! Whether one is stuck in an RTW rut, ready to improve sewing skills or just enjoys the thrill of owning a unique wardrobe, the RTW is gaining momentum and I'm delighted to take the plunge with so many dedicated sewists :) I also hope those readers not ready to take such drastic measures will cheer us on through our trials and tribulations as well as our triumphs. _______________________________ What's happened to my sewing, you might wonder? As of today I have a bonafide sewing room! I made do by sewing in the...

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...

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...