You have lost access to your pattern bin albeit temporarily. What now?

Well, plenty. I could have gone on a shopping spree for new patterns but chose not to, storage space being at a premium right now due to home repairs and such works. Besides, my pattern bin is full of favorite patterns that have been successfully executed, repeatedly; I do not wish to replace all that tried and true stuff — those bins contain the backbone of my sartorial plans.

The pattern bins are in a blocked off shelf, except the Vogue Donna Karan tunic mentioned in a previous post (unfinished and disappointing as of now); also inaccessible are all interfacings and inner structure items; plus, all pressing equipment. An iron and small, portable ironing board were the only items I purchased cheaply to tide us over.

So, let’s think out what to do now:

Find the Positive: On the happy side, I have total access to the main fabric stash, saved scraps, sewing machine, serger, threads, most notions and gadgets.

Change Sewing Plans and Mindset: I discovered that I could just change sartorial-sewing plans. There’s one wardrobe item that doesn’t need a commercial pattern — the kurta — a wonder of geometric manipulation. So, a kurta is what’s on my dining/sewing table now. For details on how to make it, type kurta in the search box on this blog.

Do you have a sewing list? Consulting my sewing list for other no-pattern possibilities are decorative pillow covers and a coordinating duvet cover — these have consistently been rolled over into the next list (eye-roll emoji); maybe this year…..

Assay the work-in-progress (or abandoned) pile: To compensate for the now-WIP black jersey tunic mentioned above, I peeked inside the unfinished stash. I still love these unfinished stockings! This may be their time in the winter sun. “One in, one finished” should be a stash-ist philosophy.

Surprise yourself with new approaches and processes: Ooh, almost forgot that the half-done Donna Karan Vogue pattern has pants included, so I could mess around with pant fitting should I want to —— amid the home improvement noise and mess.

Assay the accessible bookshelf: There are patterns included in some books and magazines stored on my still-accessible shelf. The out-of-print Stitch magazine has pattern inserts for featured projects. I saved whatever old issues I had because the eye candy vibe is admirable. I am currently looking through the issues to find a project — may not be a wearable, but fun to make. Fun fact: they printed some of my projects in a couple of old issues. Not the gorgeous skirt shown below.

Remake existing stuff: I have three men’s shirts previously owned by my brother just imploring me for a refashion into….. something. Looking forward to that excellent brain excercise.

What else could I do? Daughter #2 suggested doing something crafty — she is a crafter herself. Knitting or crotchet, or fun gluey crafts, anyone? Me! Me!

I don’t think I’ll miss my pattern bin for a while, but patience has it’s limits for a dedicated fashion sewer; we’ll deal with those if/when we reach that point.

May this 2025 Holiday season, and the year 2026 bring you joy and bliss.

Love,

Samina