Monday, November 15, 2010

Decisions

Well, I've decided on a break-up. A break-up with Burda magazine that is. I have loved my Burda magazines and still do. But, in the last year I have not made a single thing from the 2010 issues. Not only that, I am unhappy with the new printing of the patterns (twice as many pieces on a single sheet) and the price has gone up. I really considered giving it another year, but really, there has not been much in the last year that I want to make. I have about 3 years worth of the magazines, so I have plenty to keep me busy. Besides that, I also have pattern boxes full of Vogue, Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, New Look, and KwikSew plus numerous independents such as Fashion Sewing Group, La Fred, Pamela's Patterns, Loes Hinse, etc. Do I really need to buy MORE patterns that I have no where to store? I think not. I will miss getting my monthly Burda fix, but I'll get over it.


Next Decision - I've decided to enter two contests. The Endless Combinations on Pattern Review which is currently running, and the SWAP (Sewing with a Plan) on Stitcher's Guild. That one doesn't start until the end of next month. I haven't done any contests for a while, but for me they are good motivators.

So, here is my plan for Endless combinations










First - the herringbone pants. I will be using the Loes Hinse Oxford Pant pattern for these. I saw these pants in her shop and really liked them. I really like this herringbone fabric. I had to buy extra because it was in pieces and there wasn't one piece long enough to make the pants. I will use the extra to make a skirt.

Next, an ivory knit top. I haven't decided which pattern I'll use yet, but it will be simple with long sleeves.


Third item will be a skirt from the herringbone fabric. Again, I don't know which pattern I'll use, because it will depend on how much of the herringbone I have and what shaped pieces are left over from the pants.





Next up will probably be an orange T shirt. I'm planning on using the Marcy Tilton pattern for those. I will actually be making the one that is shown in orange

















After that, I will be making the Garbo jacket from the Green Moss fabric. It is a bulky sweater knit. Loes also had these made up in her shop, although she used the Biarratz pattern, but the tweak made it look just like the Garbo.










The last item I will probably make are the Hepburn pants. I have never made pants like these before, but I'm going to give them a try. One of the views eliminates the paperbag waist, so I'm sure I'll be doing that.

I have other items that also want to make to go with this plan, but I always want to do more than I have time to do. Also, since the SWAP will be coming up soon, I will have to take a little break inbetween the two just to get other non-sewing stuff done!

6 comments:

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Wow! 2 contests especially since the SG SWAP has such an interesting twist! I'm liking the pieces you've picked for the Endless Combinations contest.

Maryissewfast said...

I'm breaking up with Burda this year too. Like you, I have several years to pull from and an insane amount of patterns. I think I will be okay. Besides, Barnes & Nobles carries individual issues if I absolutely have to have a particular issue!

Mary said...

Your plan looks wonderful and I love that tangerine for the tee shirt. Have fun sewing all these pieces. You know, I have not been sewing long (only about 2 years seriously) but I am overwhelmed with pattern choice right now. I just feel a bit like an addict...so I can understand your decision to forego the Burda renewal. I also have lots and lots to sew without buying any more patterns.

Elaray said...

Although I understand the reasons, I'm a little sad to hear about your break-up with Burda. I'm sad because a loss of subscribers is bound to have an effect on the magazine. I've have major issues with the single pattern sheet and I'm not happy with the price increase. But I'm not giving up on Burda. I always seem to stay in relationships longer than I need to whether it's a magazine or a man!!! ;)

Mariela Alethia said...

I love the fabrics for the Endless Combination contest. Especially the orange fabric. As far a patterns, I decided this year to cut back on buying patterns. So far I'm doing pretty good.

Nancy Winningham said...

Elaray, I'm hoping that any affect on the magazine will cause them to take a look at their format and adjust to fit the subscriber base. It is especially hard for me to unsubscribe because there is no store in my area that carries Burda, so I can't even pick up an issue here or there. Even last night I was looking through the last several months and didn't see one thing that I wanted to make. :-(