‘That’s your fault,’ my husband teased after hearing this:
“CONSUMPTION DROPS IN EUROPE DURING THIRD QUARTER OF 2014
The European economy has registered a new decline of the consumer propensity to buy indicator, according to the market research institute Gfk.” (from Sportswear International.)
Ok so I’m probably not completely responsible for the economic downturn, but I may’ve contributed to it by making my own clothes. I hardly buy any R.T.W. (ready to wear) anymore. Once upon a time I did, but those extravagant D.I.N.K. (Double Income No Kids) times are long gone! These days, with five mouthes to feed (including our little dog!) and clothe, etc, we’re all about economising and bargain hunting.
Now I think about it, instead of sewing, I should probably take up metal-detecting, head back to Britain, roam the Scottish highlands, and unearth ancient treasures! That’d be a more lucrative use of my time, at least it has been for this guy.
While I’m waiting to strike gold, I’ll content myself with nabbing sewing bargains, such as Pattern Parcel #6. You can choose how much you pay for this bumper pack of five patterns (six if you pay over $32). Perfect for those of us on a tight budget!
I’ve milked this pattern parcel for all it’s worth. These are the final two of the four garments I’ve made from it so far.
This combo is the Bronte top by Jennifer Lauren and Julia cardigan by Mouse House Creations, both good basic staples, which have been welcomed into my autumn wardrobe with open arms.
Both patterns were straightforward to make and didn’t need any altering. I went with sizes that most closely matched my body measurements and found the sizing for both true to size.
The cotton interlock jersey fabric I used for the Julia cardigan is heavy and stable and more of a jacket weight so it gives the cardigan a structured blazer-like look. It doesn’t drape as well as a soft jersey would. Matching the stripes was headache inducing and due to the curvature of the collar, wasn’t possible all the way round the garment – at least not for me anyway!
I made the cream stretch organic jersey Bronte top to wear underneath and I like the flattering, collar-bone skimming neckline.
The pattern instructions for both were easy to follow and beginner friendly.
Pattern Parcel #6 is only available till Friday so don’t hang about, head over to Pattern Parcel and buy it now.
Are you planning to make the Bronte top or Julia cardigan? What fabric will you use? Let me know in the comments below.
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Happy sewing
Christine
RTW can afford to take a hit. Plus, this way you get better made garments, occasionally for less. But man, I miss those DINK days, too. 🙂 I love the Julia in stripes, BTW. Even if it’s impossible to match up.
Thanks Jill! I agree about hand-made being better quality, I don’t think I could go back to only buying RTW now even if I had the money!