Friday, January 17, 2014

Stash Busting and TNT's (Tried and Trues)

I have spent the first two weeks of 2014 contemplating my very large stash of fabric. I can't even remember how I acquired all of it, well mostly I can. Its called working graveyard shift and being the first to receive sales flyers in my inbox. For the record, buying fabric does not replace talk therapy and anti-depressants, just so you know.

Though, I can't deny the tactile pleasures that come with a new box of fabrics. I'm sure if I did some digging there's be research on a small endorphin rush that temporarily satisfies the mind and body. But I'm totally feeling lazy so lets just pretend I might know what I'm talking about, k? 



But what I wanted to talk about is actually sewing up all this fabric using Tried and True patterns (TNT - patterns that have already been fitted and can be made up again and again. The Hawthorn being one of my example). It was after reading Cation Design's post about continuing the stash busting into 2014 that I sat down and made a list of all the patterns I've done the work for and will probably make again. I was kind of surprised at the list. Here they are in no particular order.

Current TNT Patterns:

Simplicity 2369 Wrap Dress
Lady Skater (and a million variations)
Vogue 8747 Princess Seam Blouse
New Look 6564 cropped jacket/bolero
Vogue 8701 raglan sleeve dress 
Vogue 8679 raglan sleeve knit sheath dress and a-line skirt

Wow, that's actually a lot now that I think about it. I mean, that's what I thought to myself after writing it all down. But I also decided there were several gaps to fill in and made another list of patterns I WANT to become TNT's. 

TNT's To Be:


Which, looking at it on screen instead of my Sewisit's Notebook (Thank you Dad!) its seems like a way bigger list to tackle. I think I'm going to focus on separate for a bit. Those being Jasmine and Thurlows first. 

And here's the thing, the majority of my stash was bought with one of the above patterns in mind already, with several one off statement pieces on the back burner. Some of them have been on this back burner for years, waiting for me to level up my skills, I may not have been prolific but I certainly had a lot of DING! moments (gamer humor, i can never escape it).

I, ladykatza, in an effort to be frugal with my purchases pledge to sew with stash fabrics at least 85% of the time. I shall continue to expand my TNT pattern selection as well as use existing ones thoughtfully to make a more cohesive and functional wardrobe. 

I also want to get back to writing process posts on my works in progress so as to help other sewists along in their journey to a self-made custom wardrobe that will make them happy.  Oh, and be better about replying to comments. I LOVE COMMENTS. Seriously, I read all of them. I want to get better at keeping up with other sewcialists as well.

So, what patterns do you have that you want to make into TNT's or are already TNT's. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Take care and have a wonderful day!


12 comments:

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  2. Welcome to the Stasbusting! I think your TNT idea is a great one! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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    1. Thanks so much! I love the idea of infinite variations on a theme.

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  3. Hey your list of TNT's is longer than your "will be TNTS" that's great. Like you said, take it one pattern at a time. I'm sure you'll have some of those done before you know it.

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    1. I think I may have even left off a few but they were kind of hard to explain as they are serious pattern hacks. I think Thurlows need to be on the top of my list.

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  4. I'm working on this sort of in parallel to you trying to define my personal style before making lots of plans with a view to finding tnts.

    Looking at the things I love in my wardrobe and where I have got to on the personal style thing current tnts are Megan nielsen Kelly.skirt, Renfrew, basic circle.skirt, tiramisu red velvet and hummingbird skirts, Hawthorn.

    I want to improve the fit on my Alma (wasn't doing fbas then), and planning to work on emery dress, Miz mozelle and sureau

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    1. Finding your personal style is key for a thoughtful wardrobe. I've had a pretty good idea for some time on what does and does not look good on me and I have been experimenting a good bit because sewing allows you to wear things that you normally couldn't get to fit in RTW. This has let me expand my options a good bit, so now its about thoughtfulness.

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  5. Oh, you guys make stashbusting seem so cool! I don't know if I have the willpower, though. I spend way too much time in close proximity to fabric. /sigh. I think I need to start picking projects based on fabric, rather than starting with the pattern---when I start with a pattern, I tend to decide I need a different fabric I don't have, whereas if I start with the fabric, I can pick a pattern to go with it... I dunno. All I know is I'm bringing in more than I'm sewing up and that is going to become a problem, if it isn't already. And I still haven't sewn up the stuff you sent me LAST winter! That's a crime! :(

    I love your list, though---good luck!

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    1. That's a lovely shetland wool! Its ok though, you'll get to it when you get to it, and I'm not twisting anyone else's arm to follow in my footsteps. This is more about me making time for myself.

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  6. Happy TNTing! Just remember to have fun - I feel like you are up against so much pain-wise, that it's important not to let rules and pledges get in the way of your stress-release and hobby!

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    1. I actually had a long talk with my therapist about my fabric buying habits and she asked poignant questions. "Is it causing financial hardship? Are you unable to do things with the family that you would have been able to do otherwise". Its a good litmus test for my buying habits. And you are right, it should totally be about having fun.

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  7. I would like to just HAVE a TnT pattern or two. I dress pretty in almost a "uniform" so TnTs would be great for me.
    Somehow thought I always end up sewing for other people instead of myself. LOL I think that will have to be my sewing resolution for the year; sew for me and get a TnT pattern!

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