Saturday, November 17, 2018

Do you?

Do you cut out a pile of garments to be sewn and then sew from the pile?


It was something I tried back in my early 20s.  I cut out a large pile of garments. Before I got to the bottom of the pile, I was totally turned off and didn't want to sew the garments. It probably didn't help that I did it during the summer when I was working. By fall I had to change living arrangements and my job so the things I cut had lost their appeal.  

Fabric & patterns were more precious to me then (having less disposable income) so I was majorly disappointed when the fabric sat unused and eventually got thrown away because I was no longer that size.

I developed a policy never to cut out piles of garments again. Basically I've lived the cut one, sew one policy for decades. However, earlier this summer, I cut out four projects and managed to sew my way through all of them. I was bitchin' by the end of the pile but I did get them all sewn.

It made me look at and think about my sewing differently. See I always have sooooooo many projects on my to-sew list. Then there are the ideas that float in and out that never make it to my list but tickle me creatively. A couple of weeks ago I was drowning in sewing ideas. There were so many projects demanding my attention. I needed to do something more about it then just write them on a list. 


So one evening I headed to the sewing cave and pulled fabric and placed them with patterns. The next evening I pulled notions and trims to go with each project. Even making a list of a few items that I needed to purchase from Pacific Trimmings. Though in actuality, after searching the notions stash, I found everything but two things which made me happy...so very happy that I'd shopped the stash first. 

Now that I'm working in the garment district again, I find it's so easy to head to M&J or Joyce Trimmings or Pacific Trimmings that I'm neglecting the very LARGE notions stash I own. I'm glad I looked before I bought this time!

Then I started cutting. Most of what I'd paired with fabric was TNT patterns...items I'd sewn before with success. Each cut garment was paired with it's notion and pattern, then piled on the cutting table. I'm presently sewing my way through the pile. Instead of the angst I thought I would feel so far I'm not bored with the pile. Then again I'm still in the beginning stages of sewing the pile so we will see how I feel as I near the bottom of it. Though I am encouraged since I'm only working Monday of Thanksgiving Week and then it's four weeks until Christmas Break, so I have plenty of sewing time coming up.

This brings me to my "Question of the Day."  Do you pre-cut piles of fabric/garments to sew?  If you do, how many do you cut at a time?  Do you do it seasonally?  Have you been successful with this type of sewing? Also, do you worry about ending up with UFO's? If you don't, why not?  Do you have the same concerns I use to have?  Or do you just prefer the one off sewing? 

This is the Question of the Day, so talk back to me. I'm really interested in hearing your answers to the questions. Oh and here is a good place to say, that I understand why you read my blog on a reader (i.e. bloglovin') but I don't check my account there often, so if you leave a comment or ask a question I probably won't see it.

There are finished garments up next on the blog because pics are being taken tomorrow.

...as always more later!



71 comments:

  1. I end up with SO many UFO's
    (I just found 4 from the late 80's...I cut out several skirts...I loved the ones I finished but...I've got two left...and two out of 4 dresses I cut)
    However, just recently, I cut out 3 pairs of pant out of one length of material and managed to finish all three...small victory
    I would only cut out more than one project at a time if they were related AND use the same thread color....

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  2. I do usually cut more than one thing but mostly because I hate cutting out and I think I might do moresewing that way. I am currently finishing my hardest project to date. I had cut out some PJs as well but I already am going to a 3 rd pattern because I don’t want to do PJs because I need sweaters!!

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  3. I usually only do this when I go away on a sewing retreat, but I'm currently in the process of cutting out a pile of garments and I'm not going anywhere. Lately I've found that there are so many things that I want to sew that when I actually have time to sew I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I'm hoping that cutting out 5-6 projects helps me focus and make the best use of my limited sewing time.

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  4. I'm a one at a time person. Piles would get in the way too easily. The exception will be some XMas gifts that aren't clothing that are small enough not to be annoying.

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    1. Looking at piles of cut garments would totally stress me out.

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    2. i hadn't thought about gifts...
      I do cut out several dopp kits or small toys at a time and bag them up in separate ziplocks.
      That's the key: Does the whole thing fit in a ziplock bag

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    3. Same here. I have 5 support staff to make gifts for. So they all get the same thing. I put them in piles with the notions and try to get thru all of them in 1 weekend. Last year, they all got cosmetics bags. I have to find something for them all this year. And I pull fabric from the stash.

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  5. One at a time for me. I end up changing my plans too many times otherwise. I only cut two if I’m making two of the same item for my boys.

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  6. I cut out one thing at a time and then finish it. I would never get anything finished otherwise, and would end up with tubs of UFOs.

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  7. This is a very interesting question! Usually I cut one and finish it before moving on. But sometimes, I get on a cutting roll and cut 2 garments at a time. I do find this to be more efficient but usually, more than 2 garments would mean my urgency for a certain garment might change because I am a slow sewer. When all my work pants wore out at the SAME time and I had to replace them quickly, I picked a narrow leg TNT and a straight leg TNT & cut 3 at a time. But after all that "cake" I promptly made 2 tops with hand embroidery and embellishments ("frosting") - cut 1 at a time.

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  8. If I am making a project for myself I tend to cut it out one at a time because I’m less likely to end up with a pile of UFOs that way. If I’m making commissioned projects I’ll batch cut because it’s more efficient for me to do that.

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  9. I only ever cut and sew one garment at a time. I love the process from start to finish. However, I will probably have a quilt on the go at the same time, a piece of embroidery and an EPP project.

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  10. Currently sewing Christmas presents and I've batch cut the ones that will all need similar colour thread in my machine and overlocker.

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  11. I got similarly burned in my younger years and don't batch cut mostly these days except when making multiples of something like fleece hats or Christmas stockings. Sometimes if making more than one garment from a fabric I cut at the same time to get the best layout from the fabric. When using the same thread I sometimes have multiple garments being sewn at once, but mostly it's sequential.
    I'm about to start a coat which might be hard going, so might have some other pieces alongside that to ease the frustration.

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  12. Just wanted to take the time to say that I really love yoyr blog. :) and as for the question I 'm a one garment at a time person. I've only cut multiple at a time when making costumes for my dance troupe. Then its just more efficient and i can bully them into helping me cut but i cant let them sew so. :) i still end up with ufos ob the one at a time policy. Sometimes i just get to frustraded with something and it ends up getting hemmed jears later. I'm really lucky i havent changed sizes much...

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  13. One at a time especially since these days I use lots of sewing magazine patterns. Tracing one of these at a time is more than enough.

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  14. One at a time--mainly because my back won't tolerate the process of cutting out for longer periods.

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  15. I do the pile! I hate cutting out- if I have the ‘sew to destess’ urge upon me, the cutting will throw cold water all over it!

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  16. Whenever I've cut out several projects at a time I find that I misplace parts! Lately I found some large, clear plastic bags and keep my projects in them. Also if I locate the absolutely perfect buttons, trim or obscure notion I can put it in with the project to use when needed. I try not to have too much on the go at once, but am an enthusiastic seamstress with usually about 6 projects on the go at once. These days I have a jacket on the go, harris tweed I bought in Scotland, I find about an hour a day on that is enough because I'm trying to do a really good job. It was expensive stuff! Then if I have any more sewing time I'll work on one of the easier projects. Happy sewing!

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  17. Great question and very interesting to read through all the comments. I'm with you,I did it, it failed and at a time when money was harder to come by. I mostly go one at a time, though the variant to that is; one pattern, a couple differnt fabrics (making sure the thread can blend with the fabrics). Or grandie's cloths where they might be different sizes but all the same fabric. I hate misplacing bits, or forgetting what I was thinking I'd do with this garment.

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  18. I am a one at a time project person, but after reading your post and the comments I am intrigued by the idea of the pre-cut pile! But.....I often change my mind on fabric & pattern pairings. Not sure how I feel about being locked in to my choice. I've been considering the idea of sewing a capsule, so pre-cutting a few pieces with that plan in mind might make sense. Thanks, Carolyn, for giving us something to think about :-)

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  19. Oh my word this is such a great question and I am lapping up both your blog and the inspiration from the comments. You have made a lovely community here Carolyn, I really appreciate your experience and the comments and wisdom that others share here. Thank you all.
    As for me I cut one, make one but now considering if it would be ok to have more than one wip. My problem is I don't have a dedicated sewing space so keeping a cut pile presents a problem of its own. I am sure to come back to this post and read it again.

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  20. I do both.

    When I am sewing utility items, such as underwear or scrub tops I cut out a bunch at a time, because: 1-they are simple sews and I sew them quickly and 2-they are not inspiration sewing.

    If I am sewing fashion items, I only cut one at a time because of the excitement of new and shiny things. I have cut multiples of fashion items before and managed to force myself to sew all of them but it was torture, and I hated it. Never again.

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  21. The only time I have cut multiples successfully is when I nailed down a great pants pattern. I could make them in 2 1/2 hours without getting too fancy about it with linings, Honk Kong seams, etc. It didn't bother me and because they were the same pattern, each one got better it seemed.

    I have tried cutting multiples as you have and like you, totally don't want what's at the bottom of the pile by the time I reach it. I took a pledge years ago to only sew one garment at a time and I swear it increased my production. I haven't broken that promise yet! I know in my heart if it were cut I would really hate myself for having something cut out I didn't want and now have wasted fabric. Ugh. My brain, like yours, is always filling with the next new thing I want to try so to stymy myself with lots of projects that I now have to finish just doesn't work for me. I do get that maybe for some this planned multiple cutting works but not for me.

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    1. Just want to add that I am drooling over the velvet in the pile. Yikes, that's nice.

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    2. Bunny - that velvet is AMAZING and what's under my sewing machine needle right now.

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  22. Sometimes. I just finished 10 skirts. 3 for me 7 for my DIL. I did cut them all out then sewed them.
    But by the time I got to my last 2 U was ready to make something else.

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  23. Even though I don't like cutting out and it does save me time I rarely sew from a pile. Sometimes I will cut 2 at a time if one is a simple top. I just change my mind too often. I was ready to turn this beautiful black and white plaid ponte into a tunic and then I saw an amazing picture of a similar fabric made into a soft jacket. I still have not decided which one will get the most wear. I have started to make statement pieces and those type of garments just don't work with doing a bunch of pre cuts, at least for me. Thanks for such a great question Carolyn.

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  24. Hmm, not cutting a PILE, but it happens to me to cut out 2-3 projects at a time and then sewing them one by one. Mainly because my weekday sewing time is very limited to late evening hours, so it makes sense for me to do the pattern adjusting, positioning and cutting during a week-end with some daylight and with a fresh and rested mind and do the sewing part during the week in little sewing intervals.
    However, I have never had more than 3 projects cut at the same time, that would be a straight way to UFO production :o)

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  25. Oh my, that could have been me, cutting out and then never finishing. Been there, done that and try not to do it again. That said, when I'm going into production sewing as in, make four shirts with different fabric in the same pattern, or the same fabric in different sized shirts, I will cut out, bag up and put in line for sewing and then start sewing and work my way through. What works best for me is to bag the prepped fabric, patterns and notions together and then pull from the bags, cut and sew.
    Theresa in Tucson

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  26. I like to batch cut but I find I get bored sewing the same thing, so I guess the answer is, it depends on how I feel. I think I'm more productive if I at least gather what I need and start cutting but I've been known to abandon things based on my fancy which leaves me with some dissatisfaction.

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  27. I used to cut out several garments at a time because I disliked cutting. Now I cut one or two at a time when sewing for myself as I like to keep my options open. But, of course, when sewing costumes for groups I mass cut. Good question, Carolyn. Karen

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  28. funny, I just did last sunday for the first time ever ! Copied 3 patterns, adjusted, selected fabrics, cut everything … 1 skirt is waiting for its zipper & lining, 1 dress need to be hemmed, the other was only cut :) I'm unsure if I will do it again, I'm afraid some will end up in the UFO pile.

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  29. I'm such a perfectionist that I'm *done* by the time one pattern is cut out! I recently discovered cutting with my tiny rotary cutter. ***LOVE***

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  30. We are probably close in age. As a young woman I bought one cut and one pattern and sewed it up. Financially and space wise that was all I could do. Now I have a large pattern and fabric stash and it is not making me as happy as it once did. Just last week I gathered about 10 cuts, paired them with patterns and stacked them to sew. Like you I use a pattern multiple times, so some of my fabric piles are multiple fabrics paired with one pattern. I need to commit to finishing each project before moving on to the next shiny thing.

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  31. I will do a few, if I'm doing a stack of similar items. But my limit is THREE. More than that and I lose all interest.

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  32. I don’t usually do this but I’m trying it now because I have a nice chunk of time to sew. If I only have a little time I don’t really enjoy just cutting things out. Also, I tend to lose pieces if I cut things out in advance.

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  33. I only cut one garment at a time---but, about 1/3 of these pre-cut garments end up in a ufo pile, then trashed or added to scrap box. I really don't like to cut at walk away. If I at least round up everything I need for the project and serge the pieces, I will most likely finish. If I cut and walk away--I lose the passion that came with the original idea.

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    1. Wow, what coincedence- -this was posted today by Anne Whalley.
      http://www.annewhalley.com/blog/2017/10/10/sewing-garments-that-take-your-wardrobe-orphans-into-work-full-time-key-pieces

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    2. I just went and read Anne's post. She makes all the points we're discussing here and why I haven't pre-cut a lot of pieces in the past. I am going with this pre-cut session though because I think it will help me accomplish getting these garments made during the next 6 days. Cause all I have to do now is sew...not sure I'm taking it pass this session though. That's why I was curious about what other sewists did!

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  34. I prefer to cut out one project at a time. A lot of time lately I take a weekend and cut out sets of garments since my sewing time and energy is limited. I have a drawer in my sewing room that I use to store over-sized plastic bags. As I cut out a garment, everything goes into a separate bag. By bagging up each project it keeps everything together. If I decided to sew something else, I just move the bags out of the way. I dislike clutter on my cutting table and the bag keeps everything organized. I have an area on the end of the cutting table where the bags go until I'm ready to sew that project.

    It makes it easier to sew at night when the garment is needle ready. I just finished 9 of 10 tops that I cut out over 3 days. It took me three weeks to sew up the tops. All of the patterns were easy simple TNTs using the same color thread.




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    1. Towanda - I'm thinking about the bagging option though I'm not sold on the cut everything out and sew from the pile method yet. Also, I would need to find a place to store the bags and I'm not ready yet to redo the sewing room, though it could use some updating. But your thought process is what's attracting me to the cut a lot of stuff and then sew at your leisure process.

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  35. On the one hand, I don't much enjoy layout and cutting, the basement table for this purpose frequently has other stuff on it, the basement is dark and cold, and my back gets tired easily. On the other, I too would quickly have a pile of UFOs, easily get bored and uninspired, would hate the disorganization that would follow, would lose or gain weight/interest, so all of these issues apply to me. My only exceptions to one-at-a-time is production work (summer work pants - same fabric/pattern and I need them all at once) and I do tend to buy discounted pieces, and so have learned it's best to layout and cut the entire piece at once rather than be left with a smaller piece I have to track and use later.

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  36. I'm mostly a one at a time gal. With exceptions - I can cut a bunch of shirts for JB or clothing for Eleanor without it stressing me out - but if it's clothing for me - forgetaboutit! g

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  37. I take such a time to cut out that it would be frustrating to do batch cutting. Also I never start anything new until I have finished the previous garment. This means my production rate is pretty low especially if i get stuck with something. On the other hand i am never swamped with too many garments and always have something on hand or a challenge to look forward to.

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  38. One at a time for me. But once in a while, when I REALLY want to sew specific projects, I'll make an exception and will cut more than one project out. The exceptions are rare for me.

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  39. I am a one at a time girl, but what I do do is sort some fabric from my stash and pair it up with a pattern that I think would work well with said fabric. This was I get some of my "creative" ideas put into fabric a pattern pairs and when I get finished with a garment I look through my fabric/pattern pairings and see what I want to do next. If the pairing still pleases me then that will be next project, and its surprising how many fall out of favor after a bit of time has passed. The ones that still please me are always a pleasure to sew and I don't get bored. So I always have something ready to cut when a project is finished.

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  40. I don't have a space to put up my cutting table permanently. I set it up in the bedroom and it's huge. So when I get it set up, I cut out at least 2 garments. But I don't do much more than 2 or 3 at a time. I often find something I would rather make and regret cutting out ahead.

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  41. I almost always sew 2 or 3 things that use the same color thread, so I cut them out so they're ready to sew. I put each project, along with its pattern and notions, in a low basket, so organization is easy, and in case a little time goes by, it's simple to pick up again. I enjoy working on different garments at the same time.

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  42. I usually cut one project at a time. though this summer, I cut a couple at a time, and have yet to sew them. So i do think my original cut one at a time works better for me.

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  43. Yes I might have a few things cut out at a time. Sometimes I am just in the mood for tracing or cutting rather than sewing (I know that sounds crazy!). I can also be a great procrastinator so if I can decide on a pattern/fabric match it's good to get it cut out before I change my mind and start going through all my patterns again!

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  44. I just cut and sew one item at a time. I like to focus strictly on that garment. I try to use creativity to solve any fitting issues (I'm very picky about fit), or decisions to be made about any style changes I want, or techniques to use. I spend a lot of time on each garment, thinking through each step in the process. I rarely look at the pattern instructions; I'd rather figure things out for myself. If I worked on more than one garment at a time, I would not be able to give each one the attention it requires. Sometimes by the time I finish a garment I'm getting tired of it, but that's ok, because I'm rarely disappointed with the end product.

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  45. I cut out one at a time, however I sew clothes and make quilts. I usually sew a garment on one machine, and a quilt on my grandma's reliable black Singer simultaneously. The reason is that I sew until I have to press, then switch projects to get to the same place. Then press both projects, and repeat. I like the cutting out process. There is always the excitement of starting something new, and the elusive thought that this project will be done perfectly without fitting and seam ripping issues. (The reality is that the seam ripper is my best friend).

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  46. For me, it depends on the yardage I have. I bought 10 yards of this movie monster print fabric, and decided I would go ahead and cut out 4 items from the fabric at one time. I cut out a dress for one of my daughters, a skirt for the other, a shirt for my husband, and a blouse for me. While I was laying out all the pieces for all 4 patterns, I could pattern match as necessary and be economical with the pattern layouts. As I cut out the 4 items, I had 4 separate piles going on my ironing board, to keep all the pattern pieces with the appropriate pattern envelope. I actually sewed on all 4 garments at one time, being very meticulous about the pile of pieces needing to be sewn together, etc. All 4 garments turned out very wonderful, and in the end, I think it saved me time. All of THAT being said, I usually only cut out one project at a time, but usually I have fabric and patterns already piled together in my fabric closet.

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  47. It usually works best if I only have 1 or 2 garments going at once. And I don't cut them out at the same time. I'll cut and start 1 garment, then when I get to the point where I have to take it upstairs to the attic to press, I cut and start the next one (yeah I hate climbing those stairs. And right now it's COLD up there!). When it's time to press the first seams on the second garment I take both upstairs and do some pressing. Then I sew each garment to the next press session, press, rinse, repeat until both are completed. The last 2 weeks I had 5 garments going at once (or at least overlapping) like this. I started with a denim shirt and a simple raglan turtleneck. The turtleneck was done in no time, but the denim shirt took more time, so it played with 2 more raglan tops and a pair of pull-on jeans. If I'm making something challenging, such as the bomber jacket I made this Fall using not-quite-enough of several fabric remnants and a "re-imagining," shall we say, of an existing pattern, I devote my full attention to that project alone.

    I have batch cut the same pattern before, but my back doesn't like it and it's a good way to end up with UFOs and a bored me.

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  48. I do both. Letting you know I'm reading and admiring!

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  49. I do sometimes (like you) need to get the ideas out of my head, and it's good if I can go ahead and cut a few of those ideas out. It's like once I cut, I'm committed, otherwise I keep changing my mind and nothing gets done! So, even if in the end I don't finish one of those projects, at least I can say I tried :)
    But I hate it when life gets in the way and a garment that I was all gun-ho about gets forgotten at this stage. It is really hard to get back to it, especially once the season changes, ha!
    Like others too, I feel like once the whole thing is cut, I can work on it a bit at a time.
    Great thread!

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  50. I used to only cut/work on one project at a time. But recently I decided to batch cut and so I cut 5 things (mostly Renfrews and TNT long sleeve knit tops) and I sewed them all up! It made me very happy to have 5 new tops by Monday morning. This works for me.

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  51. I rarely do bath cutting. I prefer to work on one thing from start to finish. If I batch cut I never seem to make my way through the pile before being interrupted by another (usually client) project. The one time I batch cut is when making several pair of pj pants for my kids in the fall/winter - they go together quickly enough that I can cut an assemble several pairs (assembly-line fashion) in an evening.

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  52. Because cutting out is the absolute worst part of the sewing process for me, I'll cut out 10-15 projects at one time. Doesn't matter if they are for the correct season, or are all the same color, or size. Just get the grunt work out of the way.

    Then, you can railroad through your machine all the pieces of all the garments that use the same color thread. Do all the boring pressing bits at one go. Takes longer to finish an individual garment, but by the time you're done with one (or two) spools of thread, you've finished an entire wardrobe component. Or a whole stack of holiday gifts.

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  53. I wish I could do that. I have so little time alone to concentrate that I usually think about a garment a long time before I can cut it out. But years ago I did do it with kids clothes I was making to give away. Usually 2 or 3 out of one cloth and then move on.

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  54. When I was sewing for my widowed school teacher mother, I would cut out one at a time. Then sew it up. I bagged the cut out pieces with thread, notions and pattern in a ziplock bag to keep it all together so I wouldn't misplace things during the conversion of my "Sewing Room" back to a dining room.
    The years she wanted multiple garments from the same pattern(s), I would stack and cut multiples. We made sure most of the fabrics used the same color thread so I could assembly-line sew. I sewed until I needed to press, then back to the machine to continue to the next logical sewing point, etc. It sometimes felt like it took forever, but then when I finished, I would have multiple finished garments and outfits!
    When she became ill, I was concerned that I had too many outfits cut out and would never finish them. I was so glad that I had finished all the cut-out garments and she had worn each of them several times before she died.
    So for me, it was a time saver to cut multiples. But then again we did most of the cutting out together on Saturdays. I was a stay-at-home mom and had more time freedom than she did during the day. Especially since two of my three children were in elementary school. Plus, I could stay up later and still function than she could with needing to be present for her first graders.
    The year she retired marked the year I went back to work part-time at a job where I could wear jeans and t-shirts. So I didn't sew for myself.

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  55. 13 garments over a few days, I would hate it too. I love all the sewing processes but do them each as required. I would love to know if my theory is correct and if so, why, why would someone who dislikes cutting mass cut? Blame it on my exhausted head tonite. Great topic, Carolyn.

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  56. I keep 2 gallon ziplock bags and I put pattern, fabric and notions together in project packs. I don't have a sewing room or very much storage space so this works for me. As I cut and sew my clothing, I may have several projects cut out at once (such as pants, tops or jackets) and then sew them up. I try to never have more than 3 projects cut out at a time. It makes sewing doable for me. Even though I am retired, I still have a lot of commitments that interfere with my sewing time. I am teaching myself pattern drafting so hopefully, my days of purchasing patterns are over. I do have a master top and pant pattern from which I create variations. Thank you, Judy Kessinger ... www.fitnicesystem.com. I love her design workbook. I also like Kwik Sew and Silhouette patterns. Being in a wheelchair most of the time, a nice pair of slacks, a tunic length top, and/or a top with a jacket fits all of my clothing needs. I no longer own any skirts or dresses except for a few special pieces from years ago. I love reading your blog and you inspire me all of the time.
    Marty Cobb in Memphis, TN!!!
    Brighten each corner where you are ... SMILE!!!

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  57. If I'm trying a new to me pattern, I cut and sew one at a time so I can tweak as needed. I may not even cut all the pieces before starting to sew and fit on me.

    If I'm cutting TNTs or to order, I cut in batches from the same pattern. I may cut 3, one for me, one for DD, another for an old friend who is a similar size to me. Then I sew in batches or series by thread color. By the time I sew 6 black items in a row, I am ready to sew COLOR. Right now, I have a piles of gray, burgundy and bright blue items to cut out and sew. I do need black pants and my DD asked for leggings. But that's obligation sewing and not very exciting.

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  58. I cut a LOT all at once. I block out a day, or several, pull everything out and cut until my hand feels like it will fall off. I do this because I need to use my dining room table to cut, which also gets used for all of our meals.

    The summer of 2017 I cut almost ever piece of fabric I owned at the time, put the cut pieces into individual zip loc bags, sorted the cut garments by season, placed each group into a big shopping bag, and have been working through the piles, seasonally, ever since. It has worked out perfectly for me.

    I have done a few "bought the fabric, cut the fabric, sewed the fabric" projects in between, but my mass-cutting spree was inspiring for my sewing. I've sewn a lot more in the last 16 months than I otherwise would have because of needing to overrun my dining room like I need to.

    If I had a dedicated sewing room or even a space that wasn't the hub of my home, I may feel otherwise, but for now, in this time of my life, it is definitely the way I will work.

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    1. Wow! This is amazing especially because you've been sewing from that pile with no regrets for the last 16 months. I also love the discipline of adding some cut and sew pieces and then going back to the precut fabric piles. I am in awe!

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  59. Mostly I'm a cut & sew one at a time girl, but there have absolutely been times that I've done multiples- especially when making a capsule wardrobe, or several from the the same pattern (I don't yet have TNTs, but I'm working on it). I won't do it all the time ever, but it can be a very useful and timesaving strategy.

    Doing multiples well IMO requires good planning just like you've done and having a well-appointed stash can be a wonderful place to seek out "all the things"! I also use large ziplock bags for storage of thread, notions and everything, especially now that my memory has gotten so wonky and it's so easy for me to misplace bits and pieces.

    I've been thinking that I need to do a mass cut-out for a particular quilt project and soon. So I'll clear the dining table, put all 4 table legs up on 28 oz. cans (which raises the table up enough to reduce back fatigue for me), make the fellas go out to a movie, put on a really good Spotify playlist and go to town!

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  60. I mainly cut one project at a time. I have cut several patterns at one time, normally because they are part of the same sewing project-jacket/skirt/top. On occasion I have a favorite pattern and decided to cut two fabrics to make two garments, usually tops. For a long time, I would not make two of the same pattern but have changed from that philosophy as I realized that I sometimes purchased tops or pants that were in different colors, so why not use a pattern more than once. I will say you have influenced me in doing this as I love how you make the same pattern several times but change the look by adding a new design idea to the same pattern.

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  61. The only thing I've ever gotten from cutting out multiple garments is UFOs. I am about to cut out a sweater set for my dd for Chanukah but I'd never hear the end of not finishing that! But, it's rare for me to cut out multiple garments anymore.

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