Saturday, December 21, 2013

My Fabric Confessions...

First I want to say a very heartfelt thanks to everyone who left a comment on my last post.  I'd written the post a couple of weeks ago and I kept dithering about whether or not to post it.  I mean it's the internet and nothing is ever lost or gone and did I really want to be that vulnerable here or even worse start a firestorm over my opinions?  So thanks for understanding and for your own wonderful comments!

Next....
Everyone has their coping mechanisms...mine is to buy fabric.  Seriously, I've been known to skip lunch for a week or two and save that money to buy fabric...and as you can tell from the previous post, it's been stressful around these parts so ALOT of fabric buying has been going on. Storage be dayumed! Peace of mind and not standing in Times Square screaming like a lunatic is more important to me. So along with boxes of Christmas presents arriving on my doorstep, there have been several boxes of fabric.  Yes, I know I said I was going to stop but when it comes to balancing sanity vs holding to a pledge...I'll go with sanity every time!

First...
I've seen various sewists in the blogosphere making amazing outfits from Girl Charlee fabric and you know I can't let there be a new fabric spot out there that I haven't tried. When my girl Gaylen, who authors the blog, GMarie Sews, made this cute dress...I knew I had to go find out what was happening at Girl Charlee. They have some awesome ponte knits...one of my new favorite fabrics. I purchased a couple of yards of both of these...



The ordering process was very easy. Costs per yard aren't prohibitive. There were emails upon the purchase and when the order shipped with tracking info. Which I personally love because then I can figure out when my package will arrive. I will definitely order from them again because there are a few other pieces on the site that I want!

I think I'm one of the last to jump on the Girl Charlee bandwagon but a whole bunch of sewists can't be wrong so I would definitely give them a try!

Second...
Want to see the other pieces that have arrived lately?  These are from some of my favorite internet fabric haunts...

From Emmaonesock...



From Fabric Mart...
these just recently arrived:


Red/Green/Tan wool plaid suiting

...and these are winging their way to me as you read this...Fabric Mart is having a sale ~ 40% off suiting and yes, I bought me some...yesterday was particularly stressful...





I can honestly say that not only did each purchase make me feel better but also that as each package arrived I was even happier to have them join the throng in the sewing cave.  Speaking of my fabric collection, I found this photo on Pinterest and I have to tell you that my blood pumped a little faster and I started to drool...

photo courtesy of:  Clearview Designs

Is this not the most amazing fabric collection evah?!  By the looks of it she has more than I do which also makes me happy! *LOL*  I won't be the only old lady who dies with more fabric than she had time to sew!

...as always more later!



39 comments:

  1. There is nothing wrong with buying fabric when stressed. If I had storage space, I would buy more fabric. For now, I'm working out of my projects planned as I tend to buy a pattern, fabric for said pattern plus all of the notions needed and then bag it. I must have 100+ bags stashed in the entry hall, the bedrooms, the dining room, the laundry area plus bins of fabric in the attic.

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  2. Love your new fabrics! It's not possible to have too much. Especially when you turn them into such fabulus outfits. You aren't hurting anybody by buying fabric, so enjoy!

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  3. Thanks for the shout out! I hear you about being stressed - I'm glad to see you are buying fabric again. I'm wearing the dress from the top fabric again today. It's one of JB's favorites. Love those suitings you posted they are stunning! g

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  4. I want to move into that sewing room!!!!

    I too buy fabric now when I am stressed. it beats eating and eating and eating (as I used to do) and beats drugs and alcohol which lots of other people do!

    I figure as long as I am not spending food or bill money I am good! ;-)

    Yummy fabrics. I need to get some knits from G.C. Especially since I have a few more jacket patterns that must. be. made.!

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  5. I didn't have a chance to comment on your previous post but I support you all the way, sewing blogger is what I want to see, (as opposed to fashion) after all sewing is my obsession too. I'm glad you found a stress reliever in the fabric purchases :)
    As for Girl Charlee, I love their happy colorful prints and could order so many things from them. That black and white ponte is fab and I wished on my blog that someone would order it. So I can't wait to see what you make.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Beth

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  6. Lovely fabric purchases! You should be happy - I know I would be.

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  7. When work commitments ( I work full time too), family issues and just general responsibility keeps me from my sewing studio I find it very rewarding to shop for fabric. Isn't it the passion for fabric that makes us sew? It sure does me and I think that applies to you too, Caroline.

    That tweed is spectacular. I am off to check out Girl Charlie. Thanks for the lin.

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  8. I love your blog you are so inspiring. Life overwhelms me at times and buying fabric is my release. I don't drink or smoke so we all need something to make us feel better, why not fabric, it so satisfying.

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  9. What lovely fabrics! I LOVE the teal and black stripe from Girl Charlee, and the patterned rayon twill from Emmaonesock. Can't wait to see what you make from them. I always enjoy your posts. :)

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  10. Buying fabric is my favorite stress release. I love your choices. There is something so satisfying opening up those boxes when you get home from a stressful day.

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  11. Carolyn, I am just catching up - I had missed your last couple of blog posts. I am so glad you are taking care of yourself and your creative spark! We do love you and your blog exactly as you are! If you *want* to change things up, that's fine, too! But definitely honor that creative spark that is you!

    Those are some beautiful fabric acquisitions - I look forward to seeing what comes out of your sewing cave.

    It also sounds like you've had some great successes at work - congrats! Of course, the down side is that leaves a bit less time/energy to sew. But I think it's because you know how to take care of yourself and honor your mojo that you *have* been able to blog successfully for so many years!

    Congrats on this huge milestone!!

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  12. I LOVE the teal and black stripe from Girl Charlee and I would love to buy them too. Can you please tell me there item numbers, I couldn't find them on the website. Thank you.

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    1. Katerina - I couldn't find them on the website anymore so they've probably sold out.

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  13. You have some wonderful fabrics heading your way and nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.

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  14. Yep, always nice to know that we aren't the only people in the world with our own little fabric stores in our sewing spaces! Now you can shop your own store/stash... you sure did find some lovely pieces.
    I do hope you can relax and enjoy your Christmas Holidays. Merry Christmas!

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  15. Ooooh, pretty! I was tempted by the Fabric Mart suiting sale, but then I found some awesome stuff at the local-ish independent fabric store and spent my fabric money there instead. Your pieces look exciting. Also - I totally understand why you buy fabric when stressed - I am similar, except, maybe I buy more when I am depressed than stressed. But, well, colors and textures make me happy.

    Also, according to some random video I saw on YouTube once, "Whoever dies with the most fabric wins." The game wouldn't be so fun if it wasn't as much of a challenge ;-)

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  16. As long as you don't have a little voice making you feel guilty then go for it. Buying fabric is fun and there is no law that says you must turn it into a garment. Its a collection :)

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  17. I have a load of fabrics stashed in a bag. The picture of that room has given me an idea to display them instead. As for random fabric buying I do it sometimes, and then it's after a while I find a pattern that will work perfectly with it. I'd rather spend my spare money on fabric, much safer than drugs and alcohol Lol

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  18. Let me saying I like your style. The fabrics from charliegirl are awesome. I didnt find them on the site. Would you mind giving me the names?

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    1. I'm sorry but I have no idea what they are called. I did check the website and I believe they've sold out but they did have other interesting stripes available.

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  19. No, I think I'm probably the last to try charliegirl. I love your fabrics - especially that rayon twill!

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  20. Wow, you have some beautiful stress relief there. I think that is a fantastic way to reduce stress by the way - essentially you are surrounding yourself with beautiful opportunities. Amazing! :-) I don't blog as much as I'd like to purely because taking photos is such a pain in the neck for me. So you are an inspiration to me in terms if both sewing ability and photos. So thank you for 1500 invitations and counting! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Rachel :-)

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  21. Love the post and I love the fun new prints you got from Charlee.

    However being a little bit of a fabric collector myself I do find your photo of the "most amazing fabric collection evah" a little humorous.

    That is so far and away *NOT* the most amazing collection for a true seamstress. Now for a quilter, sure, but an actual "I'm going to make something fun today" seamstress as myself. NOPE!

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  22. Nice to know that there are a number of us who buy fabric when stressed, and at least you keep your taste level. Of course, for myself, I have to include patterns (on sale) and unique sewing notions (which I do use). But like several others said, better then drugs or alcohol.
    Have a wonderful holiday.

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  23. It's a lot better than drinking under stress! Some beautiful fabrics there and I have to admit to falling off the wagon too. Manhattan fabrics is having a 40% off the entire website sale until tomorrow maybe? I bought some very nice quality wool jersey. I succumbed to a fabulous animal print cotton from my favorite internet purveyor, Emmaonesock and I got a piece of red and cream striped cotton from Fabric Mart for a skirt for my dd. When I first spied it, it was $7.99, I went to buy it the next day and it was $2 cheaper. Back to the original price the day after. Didn't notice a special sale that day, but who am I to quibble at a good price! Glad to know that I am in such good company!
    It's a pretty wall of fabric, but lets face it it's only quilting fabric and that certainly doesn't turn my head. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  24. Drooling over your latest fabric purchases! I have not purchased fabric from Girl Charlee,obviously I think I should visit their site to see what I can find. I guess that makes me last one to buy from them.

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  25. Such great purchases!! I want them all too. :)

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  26. Love the fabric you bought. I completely understand buying fabric when stressed! I have done that more than once myself! I think I could give you a run for the money on the size of a fabric collection. Take care and I wish you health and happiness in the New Year!

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  27. The purple suiting from Fabric Mart looks like the pantone color of the year- orchid. Very nice choice! I don't need stress to buy fabric. If I see it, and I can afford it, and it is something I really want- I buy it. I have found too often, if I wait, it will be gone. And I will regret it.
    That sewing room is nice and organized. But I hate to break it to you- you have more fabric than that! Those are fat quarters and single yards for quilts. Not garment lengths. Those shelves are not deep at all. Never be ashamed of your stash. It is well deserved and much cheaper than therapy for dealing with stress. Happy Holidays!

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  28. fabric buying is a great stress reliever, your new picks are great, unfortunately for me I'm allergic to wools (boo hoo), so, it's linens,silk,cottons and rayons for me. Love your style and adventurous nature. Sewing blogger anytime over the strictly fashion blogger.

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  29. Stress buying fabric (and books in my case) - a double edged sword for me. I'm trying very hard to stop, the initial purchase feels good, but then it makes the stack of unused fabric bigger, and then I feel worse. I'm glad it works for you because you really do use that fabric, and your stash is well thought out, and works for you.

    That last photo is indeed impressive, but for garment fabrics, yours is more so. Not dissing quilters, but it's so much easier to build a huge stash when you buy mostly 1 yard or less. Those are so much easier to fold and store than many 3+ yard lengths of fabrics, some of which really don't want to fold nicely.

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  30. LOL - I want to be helpful and offer to let you reduce your stress by buying fabric and sending it to me but then... you wouldn't get the package in the mail and the patting factor. Darn.

    I know how you feel. When I'm stressed, I want to go to Fabricland and I tell myself I'll just look but I won't so I have to stay home otherwise I'll have more stress with bills I can't pay. I sort my fabric instead.

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  31. I applaude you for sticking to your resolve for as long as you did. However, if buying fabric makes you happy and you can afford to do it -- DO IT! Life is too short not to smell the roses.

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  32. Nothing like adding some more fabric to the stash to make you feel better! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and you gets lots of sewing done in your staycation!

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  33. OMG - that photo from Pinterest made me drool, too! I want that!! And now I know you're the one that scooped some of that gorgeous tweed from EOS. I've been eying that every since she put it up on her site, although I haven't caved yet (I'm saving for silk drapes that my DH has said he won't pay for). But I agree with your sanity before keeping fabric fast pledges. Keep the pretty fabric coming along..... :)

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  34. Beautiful fabrics!! Nice way to cope.
    You do what you need to do. I prefer shoe shopping, but I can't always afford them, so I hunt ebay for patterns, instead. I can always find a good .99 pattern!!
    Now to start sewing them....
    Happy New Year!!

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  35. I love that navy and green print you bought from Girl Charlee. I wanted to buy it myself but I have too many works in progress and very little room for fabric storage, so I resisted. I can't wait to see what you make with it!

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  36. Carolyn, thank you so much for your business and the shout out for Girl Charlee Fabrics, much appreciate. Happy New Year!

    Best,
    Heather
    www.girlcharlee.com

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