It's been a YEAR!

Well it's official!  It has been a year since my RTW fast began back on December 1.  I have to tell you, I have never given up anything for a full year.  I thought of refraining from shopping for Ready to Wear clothing for a year was going to be scary BUT once I got the ball rolling, it was the easy.
There were times when the garment I was making didn't turn out right and I thought, for a moment, that it would be easier to buy the darn thing, but with persistency I got through it and it became easier as the months went by.  I think mostly because I was able to sew all the things that I wanted and needed.  This year has taught me a number of things about myself:

1. I can do anything if I put my mind to it (cliché, I know).  Forcing myself to give up something that I loved has given me a better understanding of what motivates me.  I was able to reflect on WHY I felt the need to shop for clothing, knowing full well that they maybe ill-fitting, etc.  I surpassed my goal for the year of 1 garment a week and I never looked back!
2. That there is more to life than shopping.  My life was still very busy without the shopping and I often found myself wondering, when did I have time to shop?
3. It allowed me to hone my sewing skills.  To better understand the art of garment making and to appreciate that it takes time to make some amazing garments that will last.  
4. It is important to be more selective.  Because I am able to sew most of my own clothing, I can be more selective in what I purchase.  I don't have to run into the store at the first sign of a sale.
5. Have fun!  Sewing can definitely be trying at times, there were times when the garment didn't go the way I wanted it to.  BUT in the end I truly enjoyed my sewing experience. The fact that people do this for a living, I AM JEALOUS.  The piecing patterns together, the choosing the perfect fabric...it was all FUN

The Ready to Wear Fast was one of my highlights for the year!  I have to say, it is unlikely that I will every go back to buying RTW garments on a regular basis.  I have given up my moratorium on RTW but I will definitely be more selective in what I purchase.

Here's the year in review:

Happy Sewing.