My Top Tips for Shopping Fabric Sales Without Losing Your Head (or breaking the bank)

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Whitney, what I love about your channel is you bring not just sewing content but planning content. This is so crucial for sewing a wardrobe! This is going to be one much needed ( for me personally) and exciting series to watch!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@delta8885]

Thanks for a super helpful video. Somehow I went from a newbie to someone who’s accidentally buying doubles in a very short time. Urf. Here’s a useful trick for buying the right colour online (I have exactly the opposite problem from you; I’m a Twilight Winter, and I’ve accidentally bought things that are labelled “wine” but turn out to be brown): many places give you a recommended matching thread colour. I have a set of thread colour samples that I bought from Wawak. When I look at the recommended thread colour (especially helpful for reds, blues, and greens) I can tell if it’s a warm or cool version.

[@Ginevra345]

That’s a great tip thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

That is a fabulous tip and I have done that in the past as well! Great idea!

[@nedita9475]

This is gonna be a greta series, thank you! Totally agree that organization is critical to avoid overshopping. Out of sight, out of mind! 😉

[@TomKatStitchery]

I completely agree!

[@susanbhatt3128]

What a great idea for September! I am obsessed with organizing things, so that part of the series will be right up my alley.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@teresastevens2084]

Whitney, your effervescent personality is certainly a huge factor in why your viewers keep coming back for more and more content! This was certainly a very timely discussion as we all are trying to find ways to stretch our hard earned dollars. I’m still in awe of the numbers of women and men who are sewing now, whether beginners, returning to the sewing hobby, or those of us who have been sewing for many years! I love it! That being said, it seems to me that good, quality fabrics are a challenge to find and yes, I will still choose quality over price because the garment I make is custom to my body and will outlast any ready-to-wear garment. Have you noticed even my t&t ready-to-wear store’s garments are of a somewhat lesser fabric quality in recent years? You’ve offered some very good advice in this episode and I’m excited to see what is in store for us in the coming months regarding organization! (When I went from only having Big-4 patterns to diving into the deep end for the Indie patterns, I found over twenty patterns that I had purchased duplicates over the years!!! 20+!!! ) Yes, some simple organization tips would be helpful! I’m still trying to not be as hung up on exact color matching when shopping online for fabrics when I know the quality will be there. Sometimes the difference I see on my iPad is very subtle; other times what I thought was going to be navy blue, because it was described as navy blue, is actually a bright royal blue when it comes in the post. But, I’m learning!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I have noticed that RTW garments that I used to buy aren't the same quality. My mom and I were just talking about that!

[@kimh.4667]

Wonderful video! I’m looking forward to your September series.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@sherril5614]

Great information video! I'm looking forward to the series in September. Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@donnabronner4837]

So can't wait for September content! Love me some good organization!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@MarchetaGibson]

Yesterday I watched a video where you said you are an Autumn and you looked fantastic. You had spent quite a bit of money for that analysis. What changed for you to decide to have your colors done by a different person ? Personally, I think the colors you wore then looks nicer on you. But you always look great and are an inspiration to me. It is not very encouraging that 2 experts gave you such very different answers.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I paid to have my colors done in January of 2020 and was classified an Autumn. Color Guru reached out to me after I had my daughter's colors done with them to be an affiliate and they gave me a complimentary analysis so I could talk personally about the experience. They classified me as a Copper Spring, which is really close to the Autumn palette the first gal gave me (different analysts use different verbiage and classifications). My colors are very similar between the two so I feel pretty confident about both.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I will also say that my hair is too blonde at the moment, which I think makes a huge difference. I have a new stylist and we are still trying to figure out that perfect color!

[@MarchetaGibson]

@@TomKatStitchery Thank you for your reply. I hope that my question didn't come off in a way that you felt you have to defend your decision. It definitely was not my intention...sometimes writing or texting can give the wrong impression. It's just that I am curious as to how you got different results from professionals. And your response makes perfect sense to me. For one thing, computer monitors or other screens are not consistent with the colors they display, which could be one reason. Another reason that I am curious is because you;'ve got me excited about researching my own colors because I am in extreme need for a wardrobe update and I want to love the new items that I add. As it is now, I do not like most of my clothes, I schlump around in jeans, t-shirts and hoodies (like a teen or early college age person). I am either a dark winter or dark autumn. But I think that I am the dark autumn because my skin seems more yellowish than pinkish. But it's hard to tell because it is really pretty neutral. That being said, both color palettes have colors that I know look great on me and colors that look horrible on me, so I am simply picking the best of both worlds as I move forward with re-doing my wardrobe. Thank you so much for your videos. I am 71 years old and still learning! I especially want to thank you for explaining the module concept. Shopping for a capsule is a bit overwhelming, but narrowing the choices to what fits into a module was super easy when I went shopping the other day. I simply stayed with the two colors that I had chosen and was able to 4 of the 6 pieces...which is saying something because I live rural and most of the quality stores that were in our area closed last year. Also making it easy is because I found a boyfriend cardigan first, then it was a matter of finding tops and pants. Thank you again!

[@MarchetaGibson]

I think it is so neat that you are able to change up your hair. Personally, from the videos I've seen, I like your dark hair better. I think it's a good choice for you in the autumn and winter. I can see why you like to go more blondish in spring and summer, as it suits you very well, too. Thanks for all the inspiration you share with us here on KZbin. I appreciate it. This winter I am determined to master sewing with rayon because you have inspired confidence in me that I can be successful with it.

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@MarchetaGibson it’s my pleasure! Your question was not intrusive at all! I can definitely see why you’d be curious and I’m happy to answer!

[@Northandsouthsewing]

lol. I was just going to ask about your “fabric store go tos”. Already answered. Thanks! Great video, as usual!

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 oh good! I love when I'm able to anticipate questions!

[@janet6114]

I love the emphasis on planning. I’m excited about fall sewing now!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@sicplano]

I also think it’s a good idea to stash fabric basics for the express reason that if political situations with China deteriorate you will be hard pressed to find many clothes at the store or even fabric. Nothing against the beautiful people of China but we really have a trade imbalance with them when it comes to textile production and clothing manufacture. Our entire US garment industry has been largely off shored. Note that even clothes produced in Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Colombia often use Chinese produced textiles. There are very few mills left in the US and nearly no domestic garment assembly. Much more can be said here but it’s not the direct reason for my comment. I suggest you have on hand yardage of the following: medium weight denim, basic mid weight interlock knits that don’t require buttons or zips to make into garments, bottom weight knit ponte, and woven shirting. Add to this quality fleece yardage if you’re in a cold climate. With this yardage on hand, if shipping lanes close, you can keep your family clothed. Obviously choose solids and gender neutral pints and colors for the most versatility. I have a collection of every color Rit dye so you can also consider purchasing white stock in the cotton interlock and cotton shirting and dye later. Lastly for repairs go to Amazon and for very little money purchase zip assortments and button assortments. Just like we stock away basic food and meds for emergencies it’s also wise to stock some fabric and basic mending supplies. I’ve just given you all the perfect reason to go out and shop for fabric! Thank you so much Whitney for all your effort in preparing vid content, it’s a lot of work.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 You have totally just given me permission to fabric shop! Thank you!

[@sicplano]

@@TomKatStitchery I actually just went and bought some activewear fabrics to squirrel away- taking my own advice ! Plan for the worst but hope for the best. 😊👍

[@jmfred2726]

Liked this a lot! Kept me focused on pairing down fabric haul because I love textiles and get carried away by not focusing on my capsule needs. Always think of who would like or look good in fabrics I fall for....too scattered. Thanks and will watch repeatedly.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You are not alone! My brain scatters terribly if I'm not careful!

[@bri_a]

That's really helpful to see how you plan things out. Looking forward to videos about economical sewing - especially pattern organization!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@oskarmolly]

Thanks for the video, I'm more of your daughters coloring. Lavender's bring out my coloring, bright red like Christmas, blues. I was just given a blouse that is a draber green, I'll wear it but it does nothing for me. The right colors are important. And also this blouse that your wearing really brings out your coloring. It's perfect for you.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you! My daughter and I both have enjoyed playing around with our color palettes!

[@KnittyT]

I'm looking forward to the newsletter and the September series!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@dianemorrall2687]

Good basic information here...thank-you. I got my colours done 30 (!) years ago and this has stood me in good stead ever since. I'm finding that clothing I made 2-3 years ago go with a piece of clothing I've just made. I almost do it without thinking now and it makes coordinating my wardrobe very easy. My colours were done long before the digital age and I just have a small wallet of swatches in my bag, but it works all the same.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm having the same experience with using my colors. Its amazing how cohesive my closet has become!

[@kandacek63]

Oh what perfect timing. It’s definitely time for me to do some reorganization in my sewing room(s) again, especially as I am giving up my apartment in Minneapolis and merging my MN sewing room (the one with my good tables) into the make shift one I put together at my home here in NE. And since 2020 I’ve gone from having one serger and one sewing machine to 3 sewing machines and 2 sergers. 😬 I very much want to move my sewing room to the basement and my office to my current sewing room, but the thought of getting my nice sewing tables downstairs is somewhat daunting. My husband can’t lift like he used to. But it would mean I’d have space for everything. :) including the projector eventually (maybe). My other thought is splitting my sewing space into two. Upstairs and downstairs. Decisions decisions.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Setting up a sewing room is full of so many decisions, but I do find it fun!

[@jeanettehodge1778]

I loved this episode as you are the same colours and season as me. loved watching the fabric show. thanks Whitney

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@enahitt]

your colors are almost just like mine with my being from Dressing your truth and i do love doing sewing knowing what colors look best on me

[@TomKatStitchery]

I love that as well!

[@enahitt]

organization makes it sewing more enjoyable because you know what you do and dont have or need or not need.your colors are almost just like mine with my being from Dressing your truth and i do love doing sewing knowing what colors look best on me.just made 2 Love notion cardigans in the last few days,working on my fall/winter capsule wardrobe

[@TomKatStitchery]

I completely agree that organization does make everything more enjoyable!

[@ManitoulinGirl]

I'm so excited about your September series. I'm moving to a new house and will be setting up my new sewing room. I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you so much!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Did you take a look in the closets and dressers in my 3 Guest rooms and closets and not to mention my sewing room? You mean flat surfaces are not supposed to be stacked 10-15 pieces high of pre-washed fabrics with fabric info, a pattern assignment and the notions all in a packet complete with thread? (I have 6 stacks like that) And, a ton of clothing fabrics along with bag making and quilting kits and fabrics in drawers and stacked across my 8 ft long long arm? Hmmm…nope, I see nothing wrong with that except I need to concentrate on sewing more. Right now everything that takes Royal Blue thread is on the table right now. I have 5-8 patterns cutout and ready to be sewn on my side table right now. Busy, busy, busy. And, I am lovin’ that!

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I love it! I will say that organization looks different for everyone!

[@Sewsew60]

Great video and such good advice!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@victoriahannah1633]

These are wonderful bits of buying tips & organizing. Sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and this will help me to focus better. I like your comment “when I get a minute I’ll sew this up.” Mine is when I get a good month or more I’ll make something up. Lol.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this!

[@helenhamilton9473]

I did colour guru too with your encouragement ( and also seeing the difference it made to you) and it has been a fantastic help in buying fabrics. And I love the idea of organising - just the execution isn't crash hot.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I agree that having a color palette helps so much when fabric shopping!

[@terrysmith5173]

Thanks. Great information. Looking forward to the September series.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@grammykcutter6374]

I re-signed up for your newsletter. I had originally signed up when you first offered it but I have not been receiving your newsletter. I checked spam to make sure my computer wasn't canceling you but no it has not. I enjoy your channel and I think this new series will be great. I need help organizing. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! Send me an email at [e-mail] and I can look into your newsletter account!

[@TIMAbyFK]

I always love your videos Whitney, I learn so much! Great fabric picks! Happy sewing!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@kathygann7632]

I like the looser, softer look of your hair, not that my opinion matters at all, or that you should care, or that strangers should comment on your looks when it has nothing to do your expertise…

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 Thank you! My hair loves to curl when its really humid outside. It gets weird in the drier air so I have to straighten it then. It is much easier when I can just let it go!

[@jacqpot9413]

Thanks for these helpful tips. I am really looking forward to what sounds like a very beneficial September content!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@cjane51]

Whitney this is a great idea. You inspire me! I spent Monday cleaning out my closet. I shopped today, it is my birthday, and I bought 2 items, both on sale, that I wanted and need. Looking forward to the new videos

[@TomKatStitchery]

Happy birthday! I hope it was a fabulous day!

[@libbymcculla2650]

Loved this video -so excited for your videos in sept. + my card with fabric requirement on it, such a good idea. Thank u.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@janet6114]

Ack reds! I’m a cool red and it’s so tough to see the fabrics online.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Reds can be HARD! In my experience most that are labeled just red or cherry red tend to be the cooler ones.

[@karolmolpus9536]

Thanks 👍 Always spot on😉

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@karentiffin656]

So helpful - thank you Whitney. 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@christinedoede4929]

Looking forward to your September videos and ideas.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@laurieginsburg3336]

Great info! I have been known to get caught up in the frenzy of a good sale. Have you done a video about how your stash is organized? I really struggle with that.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I've got a video about organization coming this week!

[@norakathleenbertoglio4414]

This was a great informative video! Looking forward to getting the little card for my wallet.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@wmissie048]

Can't wait for this series. I've been following your videos for awhile now. Just working on my first project. You and the Sewing Bunny are teaching me to sew. :)

[@TomKatStitchery]

I love that!

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

Looking forward to September series as basic organization is always necessary. Love yr ideas however honestly cannot promise u fabric control during sales 🤪! Xx

[@TomKatStitchery]

It doesn't always work for me either 😂.

[@Northandsouthsewing]

Just getting started watching, but had to stop because I had my colors done and I have my little palette card, but there are no names on the colors and there is not the neutral color circles on the back. It doesn’t look like it’s the same. I got my colors done right after I heard you talk about it. It was June or July of last year. (2021). I already realized a few months ago after you saying something that I had never gotten the email that had additional information so I contacted them and they got it right out to me. So I guess I am wondering if there is something else that I perhaps don’t have. Anyway, back to watching…

[@TomKatStitchery]

They did redo the back of their cards (they do this every 5 years) a few months ago and this is one of the new cards. I think you can buy the new card for $15 if you want it. There really isn't that much new material, it's just laid out differently.

[@jeanmurray5539]

Whitney! I just finished watching your video and boy oh boy I love, love, love the content. Can’t wait to hear about the September stuff because I really need this great guidance. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with your subscribers. This should really get me in order for things I really want to do with my wardrobe that needs quite a bit of help. You made my day 😊.

[@TomKatStitchery]

What a lovely comment! This makes me so happy!

[@margaretgorski7947]

Loved the video. I enjoy seeing fabric hauls.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@Marie-gv3jw]

Could you please resend the show from yesterday? I couldn’t find the information about matching patterns and matching them with fabric? 3:57

[@TomKatStitchery]

Are you meaning the sew the look video I did on Tuesday? It can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baiYXpSbibZ_mbc

[@eileenroth9868]

Thank you so much! Great information!❤️

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamilehbaadarani4740]

Very helpful informations ❤️

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@camille.c]

Looking forward to the September series! (Especially the organisation videos. Would particularly like to see a discussion on how to organise project plans and picking which patterns and fabrics you want to do next, and how to 'assign' things to projects so you actually use your stash. Are sewing planners a thing? You seem quite prolific and I often wonder how you keep that pace going.) ALSO! One trick i do use that nobody ever mentions in how-to-save-when-sewing videos is just... procrastinate making those decisions and buying your sale cart lol. If you get busy with other life stuff and never get around to checking out, you won't spend that $$ 😅

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 that is a great point! I can definitely talk about all those things in September!

[@brigittev9917]

Thanks Whitney, I needed that kind of help as I'm beginning to sew all I can in my wardrobe (which is very empty at the moment). B

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@genevievemurray-smith2153]

Hi. This was very timely as one of my favourite stores is having a huge birthday sale. My Achilles is always the pretty prints, but I have been (mostly) very good and stuck to solids for the majority of my purchases. I’ve also been rather honest with myself about what I actually enjoy wearing and what works best for my lifestyle, so I could ignore all the pretty satins, chiffons and georgettes. Using my colours has also been a budget saver, especially when I’m not sure about the colour, I just scroll on by. 😁 So thanks for a fun vlog. I felt seen, validated and supported☺️, and you had some great tips as always. I really need to take some time to reorganise my collection, it’s a bit out of hand at the mo. So that’s next on the To Do list.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You are not alone! I have struggled with the SAME things!

[@TheSwissy4me]

This is great thank you. Any tips for someone like myself who wants a new look? I’m tired of the old same oh same oh, you know what I mean. I’m feeling like I want to have something a little more interesting …

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! That sounds like a great video idea! Stay tuned!

[@janepack850]

Very very helpful info. Thank you. I will be referring back to this video. Thank you Whitney

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@dstiffy1]

Great Ideas!! Thanks! Looking forward to the September series!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@Olivia-ko6mi]

Do you have a video on making the Mccalls 8090 you are wearing?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I don't have a sew along for that one. It is a lovely pattern, however, I still wear that dress quite a bit in the summer months!

[@kandacek63]

I saw the pointelle and wondered. I love pointelle and you don’t see it very often. I’m already on the hunt for a purple something to make Mom a Metra blazer for Christmas. I wanted a modal jersey but haven’t had any luck finding a true deep purple.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Have you checked StyleMaker and Minerva?

[@kandacek63]

@@TomKatStitchery I’ve been combing those two sites. Minerva has a ponte that might work, but I was kind of hoping to find something fleece-backed. I want it soft but structured.

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@kandacek63 ooh! That sounds amazing!

[@texasproud8822]

Thank you

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Sale frenzy is a life long struggle for anything!!! You showed great restraint. Fabric budget???????? what is this you speak of???? LOL xxxx

[@TomKatStitchery]

I hate to say it, but a fabric budget probably wouldn't be a thing if it weren't for my CFO (aka husband). He keeps me on the up and up 😂.

[@alexandrawellington8028]

@@TomKatStitchery oh dear! Luckily my husband just says "more fabric?" as it arrives. However, my mum, daughters and BFF are the ones who will say "you have enough fabric...and there will always be sales"! Why are people so unkind? 😂

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@alexandrawellington8028 right?!! There is no reason to be mean 😂😂😂

[@karolmolpus9536]

You look great today ❣️

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you so much!

[@rrgozz]

New subscriber here. Am I missing something? In January 2020 you said you were autumn and now you are a Copper Spring. How does that work? I want to get a color analysis done and I think I am an autumn but I want to make sure. BTW you look fabulous in autumn colors.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm right on the line between the two. A Copper Spring is the warmest of the springs and is really close the Autumn I received in 2020. The biggest difference is dark versus lighter/medium colors. I only had them done again because I now collaborate with Color Guru.

[@Escape10mom]

This is great info! Can't wait for Sept as well!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@lindacrusco-stebbins9187]

Whitney - I signed up for your newsletter about 2 weeks ago & havent seen anything???

[@TomKatStitchery]

Send me an email at [e-mail] and I can look into it!

[@donnastiles2518]

Great video as always. This answered a question that I had. Was wondering if the Minerva club was worth it. Thanks.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad this was helpful!

[@gabistephens]

Love the tips! Where is the pointelle from?

[@denisedorsey2889]

Those were all fabrics she bought from Minerva.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I"m so glad! The fabrics were all from Minerva. I do have links to all of them in the description box if you're curious for more details!

[@SewYourselfaCapsuleWardrobe]

Like yourself, I'm committed to making my own capsule wardrobe and bought Jen's Capsule for the first time in June. I have a question though - I also aim to knit some of my pieces and know that you knit too. How do you plan your knitting pieces for the upcoming capsule before it has been published and before you know the colours and silhouettes for the season? Help!

[@TomKatStitchery]

While I don't know any of these things for sure, I've noticed that there are a few silhouettes that keep popping up in the capsules as well as silhouettes that I know I love on my body so I just go from there. As far as colors, I just use some of my basic colors, if it's an unknown and those usually work in the color palette (I always tweak the color palette for my own colors).

[@SewYourselfaCapsuleWardrobe]

@@TomKatStitchery that's great advice, thank you!

[@donnabronner4837]

Did Color Guru. Was easy and WILL save me from buying wrong colors which I've done many times. Also downloaded the wardrobe basics. Made me really reconsider what I need.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! I hope all of this is helpful!

[@messymia2899]

I can’t wait for September series!! I’m so excited to get a plan together for my wardrobe! This was an AWESOME idea!! I have a question- do you prewash all your fabric? Also, when do you wash it , just before use or as soon as you get it and then put it your stash for future use? Do you dry in dryer or hang it out to dry? Have a Great Week!!! 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you're looking forward to September! I prewash everything except my wool coatings (those just get steam shrunk). I wash everything on delicate in cold water and then dry my yardage in the drier (I try and wash everything as soon as it comes in). Most of finished garments get washed on delicate in cold water and then air dried.

[@dstiffy1]

did you have to do a FBA on the wanderlust dress?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I did. I used the method that she has outlined in the pattern and it worked great!

[@cheriecz5994]

Lady McElroy

[@TomKatStitchery]

I LOVE Lady McElroy!

[@JosieStev]

Sew excited for your Sept content 🦚

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

You had it right the first time...habit of sewing

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂😂😂

[@Grace-lw4hd]

What a fantastic series! Thank you, thank you!! 💕

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

[@kellyprivatte7583]

I just buy everything you discover. lol

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂😂😂 I love it!

[@anessaharris9947]

🇨🇦😃

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️