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Ask the readers: Is your taste in fabric different from your taste in clothes?
Way way back in January, Charlotte of the blog seamripped wrote about how her taste in fabric was radically different from her taste in clothing.
I’ve been meaning to write about this ever since. Because I’ve noticed the same thing.
As I said in my comment, I love neutral colors and I wear a lot of warm and muted pinks. I wear tons of black, ivory, and camel.
But if you look at my fabric stash, you’ll find the color best represented there is blue. Why? I have no idea.
I also have lots of lovely colorful and bold prints in my fabric stash, even though I really prefer classic patterns (checks, stripes, dots with the occasional awesome floral).
I think there’s a tendency to go for more attention-getting colors and prints in the fabric store because they aren’t in context. You’re judging them purely on their own aesthetic value, rather than the look of an entire garment. A nice black wool looks sort of boring on the bolt, but can look amazing in the context of a beautiful coat.
What do you think? Are your fabric choices at odds with the colors and prints you actually wear?
Comments
El
June 10, 2013 #
I have just recently discovered this truth for myself. My fabric stash has a lot of large bold patterned prints with bright colors. I hardly wear bright colors OR bold patterned prints. I wear small vintage prints if any prints at all. I started shopping for fabric specifically with a pattern in mind and that is helping quite a bit. My last fabric shopping spree consisted of 6 pieces of linen in muted colors (no prints) They shall all become short pants and skirts. I felt like I had been successful in changing my habits. I have enough children that I can use up the especially bright pieces on clothing for them.
Jo
June 10, 2013 #
Yes, using them up on the kids is my fall back too!
Jo
June 10, 2013 #
Good question! And yes, I absolutely have this too. But I am finding that making myself sew from the fabrics in my stash pushes the boundaries of what I wear, in a good way. I can end up wearing more colourful things than I would have otherwise, or just things that are different from what I would ever have imagined. I currently have a floral tunic on my sewing table, which looks to be turning into a lovely garment, but I wouldn’t have looked twice at it in a shop.
Maybe this is easier though as I’ve never really had a ‘signature look’ or style – as long as it’s flattering, comfortable and feels like ‘me’, I’ll wear it – so I kind of ‘grow into’ homemade clothes that weren’t obviously for me at first sight. And it means that, while I do try to check myself and not buy outlandish prints in the fabric shop, I can allow myself some freedom just go with what appeals and worry about what I’ll use it for later.
annette tirette
June 10, 2013 #
I used to have this, but in a different way: I always ended up choosing the safe fabrics with neutral prints, even though they weren’t the best for me. As I grew older and felt a bit more sure about my own style, I found I was going more for bold prints and actually wearing them as well. A lot of my fabric choices are simply inspired by the things I like, or even by movies or tv-shows. Some of my dresses are literal or slightly more subtle references to my interests, and I love it!
Kat
June 10, 2013 #
Oh, I could not agree more. That’s what I love about your book, that you take the time to plan out your wardrobe and coordinate pieces. I also like how you highlight that sewing can often exacerbate the problem of having too much choice. When I’m at the fabric store now (I didn’t *used* to do this), I now drape a section of the fabric on me in front of a mirror and try my best to picture it as the garment. You’d be surprised (or perhaps not) at how many bolts now go right back to the shelf! It’s really so easy to get excited about a print/colour and not realize it doesn’t look good on you or doesn’t go with what you already have. I swear I have a stash for my ‘fantasy life’…perhaps I should match my life to my stash and not the other way around! :)
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
I do that all the time too! It’s especially good for light neutrals like light camel or sand-beige, because I often notice that a certain shade looks way too close to my skin tone.
Joanne
June 10, 2013 #
I totally know what you mean! My stash and fabric shopping reflect so many beautiful prints, but I rarely buy solids, even though I’d really love to make some basics for my wardrobe. I am taking part in the stashbusting challenge this year, and I can’t seem to get through it. Partly for this reason, and partly because I only seemed to think in sleeveless tops when I was working at a fabric store many years ago, so I have a lot of 1m cuts.
The last time I went fabric shopping I went with a few patterns in mind and really challenged myself to look for basic colours that I know I will get a lot of mileage out of. I came out pretty well! A piece of grey linen, a piece of charcoal corduroy, and black and white polkadot cotton.
Sally
June 10, 2013 #
When I began to sew, I bought a lot of fabrics with prints or very colourful fabrics. But in fact I notice I don’t like to wear these clothes, it is so strange! For some time I begin to think about what I really like to wear everyday: the colours and the sort of textile because it is a pity to dedicate time to sew a garment you will not wear (and it is also wasting of textile). So I realize that I have really different taste in fabrics and in clothing and I try to think about it when I am in fabrics shops.
Mingming
June 10, 2013 #
I’ve found this to be true for myself as well. In real life I live in a sea of neutrals: black, navy, grey, khaki, white, red, & metallics are the only colors I ever wear. But looking at my fabric stash there’s hardly any black or navy in there. Everything is like fuschia or bright teal. My fiance chalks it up to the fact that secretly I wish I were that person but my fear of standing out and clashing keeps my everyday wardrobe staid.
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
That’s really interesting. Maybe you could try incorporating some small doses of those colors if they make you happy!
milena
June 10, 2013 #
This happens to me sometimes, but I have to say I can generally think of the fabric in the context of what my closet looks like. I wear a lot of bold colors and prints, but I also wear a lot of neutrals– think all neutral with one “pop” of bold– so I can pretty much go for anything as long as it’s not super dainty.
Tina C.
June 10, 2013 #
I think I buy pretty on point for colors I wear. I *might* buy slightly brighter versions in slightly bolder patterns, but I really to to think about what I already have in my closet and whether or not it will go with other items, and if I’ll really wear it. This, really, is the by-product of a severely limited budget. My current fabric stash has a lot of red, grays, plum, muted turquoise-y blue, and dark pinks.
Michelle
June 10, 2013 #
I do wear bright, bold colours and also have a similar taste in fabric for sewing/embroidering although I have found that I tend to automatically get pulled towards bold patterns that look good as a small panel but don’t look so great as a larger piece. I have now started to do the same as Kat (above) and drape the fabric over myself in the shop to see how it looks on a larger scale. I have made a few rookie errors with this in the past!
Paige @ LPD
June 10, 2013 #
Not so much in color or prints, but the little clothing I do buy is made of what I would call “Difficult Fabrics”. It’s the fabrics I know to be finicky to sew. Like silks, chiffons, ect.
Roxy
June 10, 2013 #
Yes!!! So many gorgeous fabrics that don’t go with ANYTHING!! It’s a bad habit. But those bright and bold prints are so attractive and addictive!
Katy
June 10, 2013 #
I have just realised this myself – I’m far more adventurous in my fabric choices. I however have seen this as a good thing as I think I’m a bit too boring when choosing my clothes. I look at something I think is amazing due to it’s bright print, pick it up and then think ‘oooh, this is a bit crazy, will it go with anything? Will I stand out? It’s a lot of money…’ and put it straight back. I’m glad that I’m not like that with fabric, I see a bright fabric and I immediately know what I want to do with it. I’m now wearing a lot more colour, wearing more interesting styles of clothes, and getting far more compliments on my style! In fact being brave in my fabric choices is one of the reasons I’m glad I started sewing :)
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
I’m really happy to read this sentiment from you and others, that you feel sewing and buying fabric has expanded your style in a good way!
I guess that is the other side of the coin. When you’re buying fabric, perhaps you get a more clear picture of what you are drawn to aesthetically. Maybe instead of buying less blue fabric, I should just be wearing blue more often!
francesca
June 10, 2013 #
It used to be the case. When I started sewing again after a loooon hiatus, two years ago, my wardrobe was all black – with touches of dark grey and navy…. summer was a bit better with camel and sky blue linen pants joining the blacks and greys. I’m talking work wardrobe here. When I started shopping, I fell for all these gorgeous colours and prints and now my wardrobe reflects them. I think I used to wear what I bought and now wear what I want to wear. So I have (summer) a dusty pale pink linen circle skirt and cropped jacket and a wool teal blue meringue skirt …. I have also made black and grey bottom halves, plus a navy juniper which are my most flattering pants ever…. but i will never go back to the lacy Mediterranean way of living in black!
Samantha
June 10, 2013 #
I found a solution to the disconnect between my love of color and print and what I actually wear a little over a year ago when I discovered the world of Modern Quilts. I can play around with all sorts of colors and prints that I wouldn’t wear on my body by putting them in quilts, thus satisfying my urge to work with these fabrics. And then buy the more restrained colors and patterns for garment sewing. I cannot tell you how relieved I was when I figured this out…..
Angela
June 10, 2013 #
Interesting thought…. I have a little bit that is outside of my normal comfort zone. But… my wardrobe IRL is SO SO SO boring, staid and has absolutely nothing of interest. I once bought a new purse about three years ago and it threw my kids into a fit – “But MOM – that brown purse is you, what are you doing with something else?” Says something that my kids can only associate me with one – and only one – purse.
I am using sewing as a way to expand my wardrobe. It is so hard to find things that fit, and that is part of the reason I stick with such limited selections. As my sewing skills improve, I want to wear those more interesting fabrics!
OTOH, I am very good at sticking with fabrics that work with my skin. I never bring home oranges, olive green, etc that I know will never look good on me, no matter how well sewn. My stash is fabrics that work well color wise, now I need my sewing skills to be worthy of them!
Heather B
June 10, 2013 #
Occasionally an awesome print makes me forgot that I don’t wear brown and buy it anyway. Most of the time I do buy what I wear and wear lots of blue and bird prints. Sounds like I need to shop where you shop. :)
Sewlittletime
June 10, 2013 #
i love colour and rarely used to sew in neutrals – i have recently been sewing more “basics” so have made a lot in navy, and i have also been sewing a lot more knits, which seems to push me towards solids and stripes. when i first started sewing i went for printed cotton every time – so pretty! but i soon realised that although i love cotton dresses i can’t/ don’t wear them every day in this climate. as a result my wardrobe has become a lot more blanced, and i try not to create wardrobe orphans using things like me made may and palette challenges to try and make sure i have outfits rather than garments. i don’t stash much though, and i do tend to shop with a pattern in mind, so that helps.
Lisa G.
June 10, 2013 #
I’ve just been realizing this, too. Currently, I need some solid colored tops, but when I look up on my fabric shelf, it’s all pretty prints! No help there. :D
Kathryn
June 10, 2013 #
This post has really made me think about the fabrics I buy, thank you! I love bright colours and do tend to gravitate towards these when buying fabrics but I definitely pick way more prints than I would actually wear – I need to start buying more plain, high-quality fabrics in bright colours, to make more separates for every-day wear.
Trisha
June 10, 2013 #
I do lots of online fabric shopping, and it has taught me to be more selective. One thing I like about it is that I can think about that fabric a day or week before buying, and sometimes I decide it’s too large a print, etc. However, I’ve noticed there is a lot of blue in my stash, and lots of prints. Or both blue and printed. That’s true of my wardrobe, too. I have to make conscious effort to buy neutral, solid, and something NOT blue so I have something to wear those prints with!
Debbie
June 10, 2013 #
I’ve thought about this topic a lot. I used to purchase fabric with little regard for whether or not I’d actually wear a certain color, pattern, material, etc. just because it looked beautiful in the store. It’s taken me a long time to change my buying behavior, but now I am much better at judging whether or not I’d actually wear a garment made with a certain fabric before I purchase. And, I’d much rather spend my time on something not as flashy, but that I’ll get a lot of wear out and will look good on me than something that is doomed to never be worn.
Claire
June 10, 2013 #
Yes! Thank you for this post. I am drawn to beautiful fabrics, bold and colorful. However, my wardrobe is very basic with neutral colors and simple patterns. Every time I step into a fabric store I know this, but somehow I come home with another bit of fabric that I then spend a year or two trying to figure out how to incorporate into my wardrobe. I’ve been getting better about melding my taste in apparel and my taste in fabric, but it’s slow going.
Thami
June 10, 2013 #
Oh yes, I definitely tend to buy fabric that is very bright and colorful in mostly floral patterns, but in reality I primarily wear darker-color solids. It actually occurred to me a couple of weeks ago that I literally had NO basic cottons in solid colors – not a single one! Absolutely everything in my stash was patterned except for some black and grey wool. I made a trip to the fabric store and stocked up on plain cotton fabrics to add to my stash, and now I am trying to clear out all the fabrics that I know I will never use, regardless of how pretty they are.
Jennifer Lachman
June 10, 2013 #
Yes. I can’t help but pick up at least one beautiful print whenever I go fabric shopping, but almost all of my clothes are solids. I also love to wear light slinky kinds of fabric, but I haven’t yet mastered the art of sewing with them. So I have a sewing stash full of slinky prints, and a wardrobe full of solids and denims.
Kim
June 10, 2013 #
Oh yes indeed! I always go for the fabrics with prints and bright colours, even though I usually wear one item with a print and then a basic shirt or skirt to pair it with.
I’ve been trying to be better about this when buying fabric, but I find that the print-section just appeals to me much more than the solid fabrics..
Also when I find rtw clothes I find that the ones in solid colours usually look better than the ones with prints. Strange thing indeed!
Angela
June 10, 2013 #
I actually have a really hard time buying fabric, and I avoid it. Every. Single. Thing. I have made is purple, so far. I think this is because I want fun fabric, but I normally wear things like jeans and black t shirts, or black dresses. So I get solid purple. I swore this linen I got was a dark blue…nope. Purple. I sorta hate fabric.
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
We all just read your comment out loud here and laughed. I buy blue, you buy purple. It’s a curse.
Heidilea
June 10, 2013 #
I’ve been working very hard to combat this. When I first used to buy fabric, I used to try and find the most unique and crazy fabrics I could get my hands on. If it was the loudest, craziest, or most unique fabric on the shelf, chances are I would want it. I used to love looking at all the different colors and patterns in the stores and running my hands over them, admiring their potential. Fast forward about 6 years, going through my stash one day, I realized nearly everything I had did not match anything I had in my wardrobe and they didn’t even match each other, nor did they match me. Crazy, wild prints are great for summer sundresses, things that stand alone, but not for a working wardrobe.
I kept a few fabrics that could be incorporated into my current wardrobe or used as “wearable muslins,” sold what I could at a yard sale, and donated the rest of a local sewing thrift store. Now, when I shop, I carefully consider my needs and true wants. If I get distracted by what us costumers call “the shiny,” I stop and consider if I really need a fancy or loud fabric, what I would make it into, and IF I was really going to make it.
Charlotte
June 10, 2013 #
Oh, it’s so sweet that you remembered the discussion. Thank you.
I’m trying to really consider my purchases and resist my usual “Mrs. Roper’s caftan” prints, so I returned from my most recent expedition with. . .blue. Tons of blue. A single piece of yellow fabric, but mostly blue. My usual gray-on-gray color palette needs a bit freshening up, I guess.
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
I went on a swirly, psychedelic kick last summer, so I hear you on the Mrs. Roper thing.
Merry
June 10, 2013 #
I’ve been pretty good about this. At the very beginning of the year, I decided to start sewing off of a color palette of about fiveish colors. When I first started sewing, I too leapt for lots of prints, but limiting my colors has helped me buy fabric, both solids and prints, that are actually what I want to wear.
Also, I think it can be a bit overwhelming when you start sewing your own clothes in that you were formerly at the mercies of the fashion industry- the colors and styles you wore were what you were able to find. Now, anything is possible! Sewing your own clothing really does push you to find what your true sense of style really is, unhindered by the whims of big companies and mainstream fashion, because it requires you to pick your fabrics, your colors, and the designs you choose to sew, and you really can have just about any style of clothing that you want.
Heidilea
June 10, 2013 #
This is what I’ve started doing, too. Though, I’ve used the “Color Theory” stuff from the 80s and compared it to popular colors today to help me choose.
Sarah
June 10, 2013 #
For a while, my taste in clothes was radically different than my taste in fabric. This resulted in a lot of unworn and unloved garments. I really worked hard to hone in 0n my preferences and now have a stash an d handmade closet filled with fabrics and patterns I love! Cottons in dots and large florals, solid denims, linen, and corduroy, and knits in stripes. :)
Reb – The Life Nostalgic
June 10, 2013 #
What a coincidence that you wrote this, as just yesterday I posted about making the long-sleeved Violet and wondering why the heck I used a crazy fabric for it when a solid would have been so much more “me.” I’m a beginner, so I am still learning what works and what doesn’t.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who suffers from fabric store delusions!
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
That reminds me of another good rule of thumb I’ve found. Wild, bright, or crazy patterns work best in small doses for me. So for example, a tank top can tolerate a relatively bright color, but a long sleeved dress would be overwhelming. Your mention of the sleeves reminded me of that. :)
Stephanie
June 10, 2013 #
Yes! My fabric choices are completely at odds with what I actually wear. It’s really frustrating because I have beautiful fabric languishing in my stash. I either need to wear it or give it a better home.
I’ve gotten better the last year or so. I’m not buying as much fabric – just as needed. I consider styling options too.
Glad to hear this is a universal issue.
Rebekah
June 10, 2013 #
I had this realization about a month ago actually, and it’s a relief to see that so many other people have the same problem. I bought a few yards of this amazing floral fabric, jazzed about how beautiful it would be sewn up into my favorite pattern, made the dress, tried it on for the first time, and realized I felt like a rodeo clown. It just didn’t work. Apparently bright large scale florals and I don’t mix. I’ve since made the same dress out of black linen, dark wash shirt weight denim, and a dark gray tweed-y fabric, and they all look amazing on. Lesson learned. (After a few adjustments I ended up giving the floral dress to my best friend and it looks fantastic on her, btw.)
Alyson Clair
June 10, 2013 #
Yes! Yes! Yes! I get myself into some trouble when buying. Usually loud out of control prints. I love granny print florals, which no everyone loves.
Virginia
June 10, 2013 #
When I started buying fabric I really found that I bought much brighter fabric then clothing, but it still wasn’t that bright. It helped give me the confidence to stop wearing only black after years of depression and body shame (and some time as a goth). I realized some colour looks good. :)
Sarai
June 10, 2013 #
Yay! What a fantastic thing to read.
I used to wear tons of black too. I still love black, it’s so simple and classy and easy. But color makes me happy, and it’s interesting to discover which colors feel like me, and why that is.
Jillianne
June 10, 2013 #
In my quilting I always go for blues and greens (thinks ocean-y blues and lime greens) and those are the coloras that I always wear. The same goes for print size – generally small/medium. I use black, white and grey as neutrals accent pieces.
However, my sewing friends definitely fall into the category of wearing vastly different colors than they choose for quilting or home decor. Interesting to read the replies. I see I’m in a minority group :)
Iv
June 10, 2013 #
I used to shop for fun prints/yarn until I realized that they didn’t necessarily flatter my figure, so I didn’t wear the clothes I made (this applied for both knitting and sewing, though I only sewn a few garments so far).
My other realization was that I had either bottoms or tops that didn’t coordinate with each other, so I wasn’t able to wear much of them (for me, this was also true for ready made garments); the “closet full of clothes but nothing to wear syndrome.”
Now I try to shop more consciously both in ready to wear, and sewing/knitting my own garments and try to be less impulsive when I see a fabric/yarn that I like; I ask myself first what I am able to make with it that would flatter my ample figure :)
Anna
June 10, 2013 #
I tend to buy colorful fabrics. That’s my problem with RTW clothes, though: I can’t find so many bright things I’d love. Or I only find like one of my favorites that happen to be in fashion. So, I would buy clothes made from fabric I buy if they were available :) (If they are, they are normally children’s clothes… and thus don’t fit me…)
Barbara
June 10, 2013 #
I try keep my bright, bold fabric choices to fat quarters. I use them in small projects for my daughter; doll blankets, pillows, clothes, little bags, etc. I can still see and love the fabric without wasting it, or trying to imagine it as a slipcover or article of clothing for myself.
Diane @ Vintage Zest
June 10, 2013 #
I buy a lot of prints for my fabric stash but don’t have many in my store bought closet. I think the reason is mainly because many prints are just way too noticeable to me, and I don’t want to be caught wearing the exact same item as someone else! If I was wearing the same black dress as someone, it’s not too noticeable. The same full-length dress with orange & peach florals? I would want to leave the party! (I’ve seen it happen!)
I figure that if I find a great patterned fabric, it would be terrible luck if someone else had the same dress pattern and styling in mind and we ended up with the same dress. I can’t imagine that ever happening!
Honora
June 10, 2013 #
I have the same fear of being seen in the same dress over and over again! Prints are very noticeable. I love to use them for bags and little things, but never for my clothing. Sad because I really do love and appreciate a gorgeous print. Marimekko’s bright designs are my favorite!
Iv
June 10, 2013 #
I forgot to add that in home decor fabric I always end up buying sea-foam greens, robin’s egg blue, white/cream, pinky peach and some very light greens and blues. Very light pastels in soft floral prints. However, the majority of these colors just do not look nice on me.
So for clothes I always end up buying darker colors for “bottoms”(to minimize wider hips and tights though I try to purchase colors other than just browns, blacks, navies, however, it is a bit challenging) and lighter fabrics, more prints for tops to balance my top half with the hips.
I love ditsy floral prints and these I use for both home decor and clothes. I love them! However, large scale prints are too overpowering on me so I try to use that for home sewing only.
It is so hard to pass up a beautiful print that I know would not work on me…but sometimes I just can’t resist..
Natalulu
June 10, 2013 #
I definitely have this problem. I have quite a few beautiful fabrics in my stash that I doubt I’ll ever use. I’m drawn to bright bold prints, and colors; yet I hardly ever wear bright colors. Most of my wardrobe is muted earth tones, and spring colors. I have to tell myself when shopping that even though it is cute “will I use it?”
Bry
June 10, 2013 #
I can honestly say my taste in fabrics is the same as my taste in clothes. In clothes I gravitate towards bright feminine, pastels, prints, and florals. And my fabric stash consists of the same thing.
Dawn
June 10, 2013 #
Funny to be answering this question now as I just returned from my lunchtime trip to Joann Fabrics lol. I find myself drawn to the same types of fabrics as the clothes I wear, however I do also find that I am a bit more experimental when it comes to buying fabric in the sense that I will see a pattern or color that I may not normally wear and instantly see it as a beautiful flowing dress or fitted pencil skirt.
Honora
June 10, 2013 #
I am always enamored with prints, but I never wear prints. It is my own kryptonite. But, I just adore them, and purchase them all the time. As a lover of color, I think they must be like gorgeous paintings. I really cannot understand it at all.
As you said, it is hard to envision a solid as something vibrant and full of life. What I need is a better fabric store nearby.
Jenny
June 10, 2013 #
I love prints and color. When I first entered the work world, I wore a lot of black pants and some type of button-down shirt. Boring but appropriate, especially during cold winter months. Now I live in Florida and I love that I can wear dresses every day if I want to. I choose lots of color and prints for my sewn clothing now. It’s nice knowing I can create clothing that makes me feel happy. When I fabric shop I just cannot buy black, camel or beige (at least not in knit fabrics that I seem to favor). My fabric choices are pretty colorful or full of a nice print.
Helen
June 10, 2013 #
I dont have a fabric store near me so its a case of looking for fabric on line for a particular project. I have never been able to get my head around buying fabric just because I like it as I then worry about whether I have enough fabric for any project!
elizabeth
June 10, 2013 #
I find this very interesting, your ‘blue fabric stash’. As a constant searcher for vintage fabric, guess what the most common colour is that I find? … Blue…which means it was bought often but never used.
Christianne
June 10, 2013 #
What alot of good comments ! I just got back into sewing after a long break, and I find choosing fabric to be THE hardest part of the whole process. I have no problem choosing patterns, but with fabric I can’t seem to visualise what the finished garment is going to look like in a particular fabric. I was terrible at geometry, and wonder if visualising a flat piece of fabric made into a 3D piece of clothing is just not my thing. I decided to concentrate on just one item at a time, so I have been making skirts, and getting better and better at choosing a fabric that works with each pattern.
My next foray will be into dresses..I love retro prints and florals, even though my wardrobe is full of solids and lots of black, and I find wearing the prints that I love is kinda fun, and has gotten me out of a rut.
Seamstress Erin
June 10, 2013 #
I think my fabric choices are pretty spot on with my clothing choices – mostly loud and bright and funky and unique. The problem is that no single thing that I sew from my stashed fabric matches anything else, so I have to go out and specifically buy neutrals to make pieces that can be worn with my crazy from-stash items.
Gianna
June 10, 2013 #
I recently had to accept that no matter what I might tell myself in the fabric store, I have a pretty defined style that makes me feel most comfortable – minimalist, strong lines, with the interest coming in with tone, shape, and texture instead of color. I make brightly colored things for myself and never wear them, so I’ve decided to try using the gorgeous bright colors for gifts and such and basically knock off Rick Owens for myself :)
Susannah
June 10, 2013 #
Gosh, we all suffer from the same problem! i think the issue is that when we look at fabric without any particular garment in mind we are seduced by how lovely it looks on the bolt, or draped across the counter in the store. We see it as a thing of beauty in itself, without giving serious consideration to how it will look draped across our bodies. And then worn as part of our daily routine. This is my excuse for some of the vibrant colours to be found in my stash. The fabric is lovely – beautiful drape, looks fantastic. But if I consider wearing it in a garment, it just isn’t me. I have turned two pieces of strongly coloured silk chiffon into scarves (thanks for the tutorial on a hand rolled hem – just perfect!), but there are a lot of other pieces that are going to languish. I’ve been a bit more focussed in recent times, and can now reliably find some greys, blacks and blues etc in the stash, so I can make garments that I actually wear. Much more productive, and has boosted my confidence in my ability to sew. A garment, however well sewn and however well fitted, doesn’t feel “comfortable” if the colour or pattern is not quite right.
Judy
June 10, 2013 #
I have black, black and more black fabric (especially poly-blend knits) in my stash than I know what to do with. I do wear black, and I do wear knits, but not all the time! My clothing choices tend toward separates with one black or brown pice paired with red, gold or orange. I wear more solid colors, but I do like prints as well. I have no idea why I have so much solid black fabric lying around!
Amy
June 10, 2013 #
My wardrobe is so much brighter since I started sewing my own. So much so that I need to balance out all my beautiful print pieces with some simple black white and neutrals.
So many of my makes that I love I look at and think – I would never pick this up off a rack to try on. Which I think is fabulous.
Rachel
June 11, 2013 #
I agree! The fact that my taste in fabric (plaid fanatic over here) is different from what I buy off the rack can be a great thing because it jazzes up my wardrobe. I think there is a balance between buying exciting fabric you’ll mix into everyday wear, and crazy fabric that doesn’t make a garment you’d often wear.
Miss Piggy
June 10, 2013 #
I haven’t actually started sewing…yet, but I’m lined up for a few classes and have been browsing the fabric shops. I think my taste in fabric & clothes are the same. I’m attracted to bright patterns in florals or geometrics in a knit fabric (or stripes) — it’s what I wear and it’s what I “hope” I can sew with. Cross your fingers for me.
Lesley
June 10, 2013 #
Oh what a fabulous post. I was so frustrated by sewing loads of things that I hated and never wore that I splashed out. Instead of buying yet more fabric to make something I thought I’d wear I had my colours done! Seriously, I do understand that not everyone agrees with the ‘colour theory’ thang, but it has limited my choices to a slightly less boring range of colours and now my wardrobe is starting to actually co ordinate. Having said that I recently made 2 dresses in a lovely knit for traveling to the UK. I noticed that the boring black/brown plain one, was worn a lot, while the garish magenta, teal, squiggly horizontal one made me feel too ‘look at me’ and I only wore it under coats and jumpers – hmmmm, more work to be done here!! But I have a lovely navy wool on the cutting mat as I write, cos I love navy and it goes with almost everything.
Robin
June 10, 2013 #
What a great question! I have a large stash, filled with extended families of purchases. There is the exotic branch, picked up from business travel to several countries in Asia. I have a group acquired when I lived in Hawaii for many years, and loved to shop at a sewer’s fantasy store called Kaimuki Dry Goods. I went through a leather period, and a home decor fabric period (and there have been times where these two cross bred – brocade jacket with leather cuffs and collar anyone? The result is lots of eclectic makes, which help me to make more creative choices than most of my choices in RTW. Besides, RTW nowadays consists of a lot of fast fashion, and what is available for purchase looks the same as what everyone else is wearing. So even if I don’t make up much from my stash, it gives me pleasure to challenge myself, and then to really feel special wearing truly unique pieces. I wouldn’t call it art, but it is creative, and different. And memories of when and where the fabric was purchased as well…
Rachel
June 11, 2013 #
Yes, fabric shopping while on trips can make for such special memories! And I like to think of it as an art, especially when you’re able to figure out how to make those more exotic fabrics work as functional wardrobe pieces.
Rachel C
June 10, 2013 #
I have exactly the same problem with RTW as with fabric shopping. I buy very pretty, very colorful prints. Florals, geometrics, abstracts…on blouses, skirts, trousers, even a vintage screen-printed angora sweater. Clothing type doesn’t matter, the majority are prints. My solids are limited. Mainly ribbed tanks and cardigans. But even these are bright and distinctive brights and bolds. You know you have a problem when a yellow tank top and bright turquoise skirt are “neutrals” in your closet. I have been trying to make some solids to coordinate with the prints.
Lianne
June 10, 2013 #
Oh my goodness, this post caused a giant, lovely lightbulb to go on over my head. This is such a pertinent issue to consider! Like some of the other contributors, I invested in getting my colors done and it was the BEST sewing investment I ever made–time and money not wasted on the wrong colors. But the issues of prints vs. solids and “personality” of fabric vs. personal style is key. Thank you for asking just the question to further my thinking about my choices, and thank you to all of you who are writing such interesting things about prints (which I, too, find tricky).
Giggles in the Sun
June 10, 2013 #
this is so true.
It helps when fabric stores have the fabric draped over a dress form, because seeing it this way makes it easier for my heart to realise whether I’d actually wear it or not.
One problem is that as I get older, the colours that suit me change, but I still like the colours. My skin now gets red very easily, so I find when I try on red or pink tops, the colour doesn’t really suit me anymore. Nonetheless, when I look for fabric I am still drawn to those colours.
Claire
June 10, 2013 #
The majority of my clothes are black, blue and pink but I’ve always been drawn to bright colours. I would say that I have worn them more of the brighter colours since beginning to sew. I have to be quite strict with myself when I go fabric shopping and get dazzled with all of the bright colours and prints. Will I actually wear it? If the answer is yes, then I get it, if no, then I leave it!
Zarah
June 11, 2013 #
I’m actually pretty good about this (though it’s probably at least in part because of budget constraints). I’ve also never really been drawn to bright colors or large, bold prints–and my stash reflects this. What I am irresistibly drawn to are super twee little things–lightweight pastels, tiny florals. But I look much better in, and more frequently wear, darker colors, and florals are usually hit-or-miss. So when I find something in a shop, I have to ask myself, ‘now, as an adult, could I wear this without looking ridiculous?’ Usually I’ll (lie and) answer yes, so now before I’ll buy anything, I have to also be able to decide, very specifically, what I’d make from it–not just ‘this could be a dress,’ but a dress with this kind of sleeves, this kind of collar/neckline, bodice fits like this, skirt’s attached like this… If I can, I’ll try to even think of a particular pattern. If I’m not able to think of something realistic before I’ve finished wandering around the rest of the store, then I’ll leave and not buy it. It works pretty well, but I’ve still managed to get a number of things in my stash that I’ll probably never wear.
By the way, Sarai, I’m super jealous of your blue prints stash. Blue is by far my favorite to wear, and I don’t think I’ve ever been able to find a blue fabric I liked that wasn’t a solid.
Izy
June 11, 2013 #
Recently I was on a trip to Vancouver & got a chance to visit a notions & fabric store. Although my working wardrobe consists of beige & white as the base … I so went off the beaten path. I got a modern graphic print (charmeuse – hot pink, grey and black blocks print material) for a licorice dress I wish to make. Under a black jacket or funky jean jacket I can totally work this into everyday office wear. I also stayed true to the neutral tone by balancing out with an eyelet material for another summer office dress (maybe a shift which I will line with a nice baby blue material). I’m still learning to sew however now I see the quality of fabric & the design of the prints as a new way to be artistic. My mom was right because she had my colors done when I was young to prove a point. Add color makes you alive!
jen
June 11, 2013 #
Interesting post!
Yes, I’m the same way!! It has only been in the last 3 years or so that I’ve finally started to figure out what fabric I should spend my money on. When I first starting sewing I used a lot of quilt weight cotton because it was cheap, easy to sew and came in so many colors and patterns. While they can work for certain styles of sundresses, for example, they really don’t make the best garment fabric. One of the reasons why I have so much fabric is that I love the colors, prints and textures but in reality I’m a knit shirt and jeans kind of girl. Usually the only time I stray from this is in the summer when I like to wear pretty floral dresses.
I also think it might have to do with make you enjoy dreaming up to sew or create versus what you actually want to wear everyday.
Do you find you have the same “problem” with other things? For example, I’m often drawn to pretty green and blue yarn for knitting but really, I could just wear grey sweaters and scarves forever. I finally bought some grey yarn because I really thought about what colors I’m most comfortable wearing, and not just what looks pretty in the skein. I also used to make and collect jewelry, some pretty girlie, and yet my tiny studs or simply gold chain are what I wear everyday. :)
Izy
June 12, 2013 #
Oh my, I have done this too with my jewelry & accessories! I started to look at my closet and can see where I needed to jazz things up a bit. My task this year is to reduce the inexpensive garments from my youth & replenish with more quality items. However I’m still keeping my Wonder Woman t-shirt, I’ll just make a meringue skirt to compliment it. Good Stuff!
Lydia
June 11, 2013 #
I am so drawn to florals and gemotrics when I look at fabric, (which I do wear) but have learned to drape and check fabric near my face before I buy – so the mix of colour and pattern are flattering. I usually buy solids, and sew with bolder patterns and colour, but if a solid colour has a lovely texture, sheen, or hand (silk, find cotton, nice blends), I am more likely to buy it. My mom — who does not sew, and has no interest in sewing beyond admiring what I make, is amazing at the fabric store (though she is bored when I drag her!) — she zooms in right away on fabrics that would make great outfits– every fabric she suggestes I buy looks great on me and I wear her fabric choices the best. I really am amazed at her knack for visualizing a garment. I think she views fabric in terms of style, rather than as an ‘art work.’ I am swept away by the beauty of fabric, while my mom ‘sees’ an outfit. I am lucky that when my mom helps me select fabric, her choices ressemble stylish garments that I would buy, while my choice look more eclectic and slightly vintage.
Gaenor
June 12, 2013 #
This is really interesting – this is the year that I am determined to start sewing clothing for myself, rather than bags and other gift items for the rest of the family.
My rtw wardrobe almost exclusively exists of dark blue jeans and black t-shirts – with a handful of brighter coloured knit tops to ring the changes. Historically the only “interesting” clothes I every bought were long, full decorative skirts which is where I have started with my clothing sewing. My first make is a long, 4 gored skirt in a black and cream pattern specifically chosen to work with my brown boots and black t-shirts!
My next make – a vintage style, full skirted dress which I have bought a blue and pink medium size floral print to make a first draft in. Way out of my normal comfort zone, but I am determined to put more oomph into my wardrobe. I have just realised that this is all sounds really organised and sensible, but the truth of the matter is more that buying clothes or fabric to wear scares me a bit, so I have to think really hard about what I want before I can commit.
SunGold
June 12, 2013 #
Thank you for writing this. I thought I was the only one with this problem. My PR name is “Feeling Duh” because I’m so lame at matching fabric to pattern. I buy fabric on sale, patterns, too, and then try to marry them. IRL I wear knits (t-shirts) and jeans in denim or corduroy. My sewing fantasies apparently have me living in woven dresses and pencil skirts.
Julieanne
June 12, 2013 #
Oh my gosh, I’m the same! The other day I was buying fabric and as I was standing waiting for it to be cut, I realised all four bolts I was holding were varying shades of blue. And I hardly have any blue in my wardrobe. I’m more purples and reds. Weird! :)
Trice
June 13, 2013 #
Sometimes. I am mostly a solid color kind of gal. I like simple prints too. When I buy out my normal taste, its mostly to get out of my comfort zone.
Now I am the kind of person that will see black wool and get super excited.
Christina
June 14, 2013 #
Got me. It’s not the colour/print I fall for, but the feel and drape of a fabric. I once stumbled about a lovely cotton/silk blend printed fabric that has a rather ugly print, but I bought it anyway because I loved the feel of it, thinking I’d dye over it… and I have much too much chiffon in my stash. Needless to say that I actually prefer wearing fabric that has some body to it and I love tailored clothes.
isis
June 14, 2013 #
yes, i have the same problem! but what i want to know is what to do with all this beautiful patterned fabrics i have collected but which i’m too ‘sensible’ to actually make use of in my wardrobe…
Kassie
June 14, 2013 #
Re buying fabric different colors than regular clothes
Maybe it’s because when one has to pay more money, buying sweaters etc, then one sticks to neutrals that will go with anything.
But fabric, one can usually buy cheaper and experiment and go bold due to the lesser price.
Florence
June 15, 2013 #
They were, but I’m making that mistake less and less, because unless it’s a small print size in a colour I’d pick out if I were buying off the peg, then I’ve realised I won’t actually end up wearing the garment, no matter how flattering or well made it might be. My main problem is that the fabrics I want to sew with, such as Amy Butler or Anna Maria Horner’s rayon challis, don’t come in prints that I’d wear. They’re amazing designs in stunning colours, but not easily wearable.
Lindsey
June 16, 2013 #
Goodness glad its not just me! My stash is full of bright prints that I would not even look at if it were already a garment! I am tring to make a conscious effort to not act like a kid in a candy store when choosing fabrics ;-)
Etemi
June 17, 2013 #
Such an interesting question! I’ve just made a decision to start making clothes that are not only beautiful, but can actually complement my existing wardrobe. I too seem to be attracted to the pretty, silky fabrics, which works out well for autumn, as my “uniform” usually consists of a dress and black tights, but during summer I mostly wear trousers and T-shirts or blouses. I think the only time I have ever thought straight in a fabric shop when buying fabric was when I was about to make a winter coat. Other than that, for me it’s almost impossible not to end up buying pink organza for a pair of trousers. :)
Claire Bear
July 10, 2013 #
Yes, my clothes fabrics are definitely different from my sewing fabrics. I can’t find patterns that work on me at all, so most of my clothes are fairly plain, but my sewing fabrics are all kinds of interesting patterns.
Claire