The GBSB Sew Along Challenge 1 A-line Skirt, Part 2 Fitting

Wait!  What?  You're not shaped like a fit model with an exact ten inch difference between waist and hip?  Me neither.

The whole reason for a sew along is to make something usable, so unless you are built like the fit model used by the pattern company...deep breath...you're going to have to adjust the pattern to fit your real life body (or whomever you're making the skirt for).  Now, before you start weeping and wailing over the thought of trying to fiddle with a pattern that was obviously made for some industry ideal shape (which, by the way, is so not realistic for most women), let me assure you that a skirt is one of the easiest things to fit----really!

So, big deep breath...and exhale.  Better?  Good.  Let's get started.  I'm going to show you the basics of how I fit a skirt.  But, if you need more help, better instructions, or just want a more indepth fitting reference, I can recommend the books Fit for Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto, Pattern Fitting with Confidence (used to be Fitting Finesse, I think) by Nancy Zieman, and The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen.  I've had classes from Marta and Sarah and both are very knowledgeable on this which totally shows in the books.  I've also enrolled in Craftsy's Sew the Perfect Fit class with Lynda Maynard, which so far is quite good.  There are also fitting classes on Pattern Review from time to time, although no skirt ones at the moment.

Choosing a Size

I think this part stumps many people, especially those just starting into sewing clothes.  Pattern sizes do not coorelate to ready-to-wear sizes.  For skirts, I fit into size 6 at most stores (we all know how varied sizing can be between brands), but in patterns I usually range around a 14 depending on the company and cut of the design.  Huge difference!  So first thing to do, toss out of your head any preconceived ideas of what "size" you should be.  You are the size you are, the only reason we care at all is to know how to cut our fabric. 

This pattern gives two sets of measurements--one for your measurements (to choose a size from) and one for the finished measurements of the garment (so you'll know how loose the clothing fits).

To choose a size for skirts, ignore all that fluff about bust measurements, not needed here, go straight to the waist and hip measurements.  Remembering that this is just a starting point, find the ones that are closest to yours (they may be different sizes!) and mark that.  When I'm working with a simple skirt, I usually will opt for the hip measurement even though my waist would indicate a larger size (if your waist is bigger than your hips, you'll want to go with the size which matches closest to your waist measurement) otherwise, I'd find myself swimming in fabric around the hips making an A-line skirt more like a full skirt!  I'm no curvy girl, there's not a huge difference between waist and hip (and there's less now than used to be, lol), so I find it easier to simply adjust the waist area rather than fiddle with the shape and drape of the entire skirt. 

Maybe you fall in between "size" measurements or your waist is bigger than the "size" for your hips.  This is not unusual.

If you want to be able to keep your original intact, then I recommend tracing the pattern pieces first.  I like to use the Tru-Grid by Pellon as it is sewable, drapes more like tissue and fabric, and can be seen through for easy transfer of marks.  (Other great options include Swedish tracing paper, medical exam table paper, tracing paper...)  Once I get the originals traced off in my chosen size, and add seam allowances if needed (hello, Burda--yes, I like to pre-add the seam allowances, because I tend to forget that Burda doesn't have them already in and that makes for some very unhappy discoveries of having cut the sewing line instead), I cut generously around my tracings at the side seams (usually I leave a couple of inches extra).  Then pin along the sewing line.  (If you're using a pattern with seam allowances included, you'll want to mark this out with a pen so you have a reference line to follow.  I like to use a different color just to distinguish it from my cutting line.)  Also, pin any darts or pleats.

Now, carefully try this on over your undergarments (including slip and tights/pantyhose if you wear them normally).  You'll want to have a clip or two to hold the zipper area together so that your hands are free.  Standing in front of a mirror will help you to see any areas that aren't fitting.  Simply unpin those places and repin so that the fit is better.  Around the waist, make sure you unpin and repin in equal amounts for each side.  If the front darts are poofing funny, try taking them out or making them smaller in depth (leave the length as is).  Maybe your back darts need to be deeper (I don't have much of a booty so this is never my problem)  Also, take a look at the side seam and hem--are they straight?  If not adjust by pulling up the front or back a bit.  (By wearing a "belt" of elastic at your waist over the pattern, you'll have a reference for marking a new "waist" when done adjusting.  Mark with a pen prior to taking off the pattern.)  You may need to add width to only the front (or back) rather than both.



Here's a view of some basic adjustments (from Painless Sewing) that you can make.

At this point, I carefully take off the pattern and make a pen mark over each pin that was adjusted.  Now, make these changes to your traced off pattern.  You may need to smooth out the transition from waist to hip or the curve of the waist.  If you made your waist area larger or changed the curve of the waist, don't forget to also adjust the facing to match.

Here's a quick view of the pivot slide method for adjusting skirt width (also from Painless Sewing).

Your adjusted pattern may look a bit Frankensteined with it's additions and adjustments, but that's okay.  The point is to have a pattern that fits you perfectly which you can then use again and again.

You can see that I've added to the width at the side seam once since the original tracing and adjustment and made that same addition to the facing.  Once you've got a pattern that fits you, little adjustments for weight gain or loss are easy to make.

Once you've made your adjustments, you are ready to make your skirt.  If you still aren't sure of your adjustments, you could always make a muslin to test the pattern with real fabric.  This could be necessary if you were using something stiffer to trace your pattern on.  A muslin is also handy if your weight changes (or you're planning to change it) as you can test adjustments to that before making permanent changes to your already fitting pattern.  (I have Crohn's Disease, so regular weight change is a part of life.  Sometimes I only take in or let out a side seam a smidgen, but sometimes I need to make bigger adjustments.  And while I plan on getting into a more toned shape {aka flatten that tummy somewhat} after finally gaining some much needed weight...there's nothing wrong with having a few new skirts in the mean time.)



After some weight gain, I adjusted the pattern and tested those adjustments on my old muslin.  You can see that I still chose to leave the front darts off, but needed a bit more room at the waist for my front piece.  Much easier than doing sit ups!

While fitting the pattern adds an extra step to the process, it is well worth it to have a skirt that is fit at the waist and hips properly and already has the length you want.  Once this is done, you can focus your attention on the fun parts like choosing fabrics, embellishments and style changes!





The GBSB Sew Along--Challenge 1 A-Line Skirt Part 1

The Great British Sewing Bee Sew Along begins...

Watched episode 1 yet?  If you have, then you know that the first challenge involves sewing an A-line skirt from a pattern.  Contestants were to show that they could properly carrying out basic techniques such as following pattern instructions, inserting zippers, sewing darts, etc. while completing a basic skirt.  They could also embellish and personalize it as long as they did not change the basic shape of the A-line.  For the experienced sewers, it was really about perfecting technique and showing the ability to work with linings, tricky fabrics, etc. and for the less experienced, getting the zipper in correctly seemed to be the biggest challenge. 

Skirts with an A-line shape fit at the waist, skim over the hip area and continue to widen just a bit, and fall slightly out from the body----like the legs of a capital letter "A".  This is different from a straight skirt which fits at the waist, skims over the him and then continues at that same width to the hem---like the sides of a capital "H".  Pencil skirts taper in after the hip area---like a "V" and, of course, there are flared or full skirts that have more volume to them than a classic A-line, often created with gathers, godets, panels or pleating.  Let's face it, there is an infinite variety to skirts!

For this challenge, we'll be sticking with the A-line style skirt with darts and zipper.  Do you have to have a commercial pattern?  Nope.  You are certainly welcome to draft you're own.  Books such as Sew What! Skirts and classes such as Craftsy's Design and Sew an A-line Skirt (which happens to be on sale at the moment) can teach you to draft a custom pattern. 

Commercial patterns for A-line skirts abound and you can choose one of the ones listed below or find a different one.

Burda 04-2013-122
Burda 03-2013-109
Burda 11-2012-124
Burda 10-2012-121A
Burda 09-2012-116B  (I'll be making this one for a second skirt.)
McCall's 3341
Butterick 4461  (I'll be using this one for my first skirt demo.)
Colette Ginger
Simplicity 1717
New Look 6106

As you can see, there's quite a few out there, and those are just the ones I listed.  There are also vintage patterns and independent designers available.  Just make sure that, for the purposes of this sew along, it has a zipper (can be on the side or back) and darts.  There are lots of really cool a-lines out there with buttons, wraps, even elastic and there are lots of other skirt styles, but save those for another time.

Just like in The Great British Sewing Bee, you can choose your length, embellishments, fabric, lining, etc. and for this sew along, you can choose to fit the skirt to whomever you want.  That's right---it should fit the person who'll wear it!  Unlike the show, which simply used the manufacturer's sizing for a mannequin, we want to actually be able to use what we make.  Because of the need to fit the skirt to a real person (and still hold down our day jobs), we'll be taking more than the 3.5 hours allotted to the contestants.

Don't panic though---fitting a skirt is really easy!  You only need three measurements to get started:  waist (in this case not your natural waist, but where you actually wear your skirt), hip (widest spot below the waist, this may include more thigh) and length.  It is totally okay to have a friend help!  So, go pick your pattern, fabric and plan some embellishments.  Don't forget your zipper, interfacing, thread, etc..  I'm trying to use what's in my stash, so I probably won't need to shop for anything for this challenge.  (I was going to add the need to have supplies and pattern in a week, but I know many of us need to order online to get anything decent or plan trips into bigger cities, so just begin the time frame when you have your needed supplies.)

Remember, that while this is to challenge ourselves, its also about having some fun with sewing!  So go ahead and pick that crazy novelty or seasonal fabric, get out the trims, and make it fun...after all, we're making a skirt, not performing brain surgery!

Imagine hearing this next part in a British accent...

You'll have two weeks total (from the time you have pattern and supplies) to complete the challenge including fitting your model.  Your time starts...now.

The Great British Sewing Bee--And a Sew Along!

Recently, some of us in the United States have been introduced to a BBC show called The Great British Sewing Bee.  I love the focus on sewing from an amateur contestant viewpoint.  (Also, the lack of snarky behavior from both participants and judges is refreshing after Project Runway.)  The show only has eight contestants and four episodes, so not a huge time commitment, but lots of fun to watch.  (And, let's be honest...using a fun British accent makes everything more interesting.)

Fortunately, some very thoughtful individuals have put the episodes on YouTube for the rest of us to watch.  (Warning:  The last two episodes have those annoying commercials in them.  Hopefully ones without them will be uploaded soon.)

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

After watching, I got to thinking.  I've always wanted to try a sew along to Project Runway, but so often their challenges don't really fit into a practical everyday sewist's life.  I mean, really, do I want a dress from the hardware store or men's stripper pants.  Nope.  No way.  But...with this show, the challenges are practical, doable, and can be done within budget.  And I can stand watching the episodes again to get details and inspiration. 

Thus, I've decided to have my very own The Great British Sewing Bee Sew Along, or The GBSB Sew Along.  I'll be taking each challenge in order but adding more time to allow for things like actually fitting the patterns to myself or a victim volunteer model (aka sisters, cousins, etc.), finding the needed clothing for alteration challenges and real life jobs.  I'm also going to try and only use from my stash, but I may need to get notions, linings, or a particular challenge fabric.  It'll definitely push me outside of my comfort zone (fly front trousers, gulp).  You can start any time, so if you're reading this a month from now, don't be shy about joining in the fun! 

Anyone want to join me?

If you do, be sure and join our Flickr group to show off your project photos, and don't forget to grab the button over there on the sidebar.

Online Craftsy Class Reviews--A Handful of Minis

Well, if you haven't already heard about or checked out Craftsy, you are really missing out....really.  I've been enjoying their courses now for several months and have been learning things left and right.  Now, I'm sure you're thinking, "I just don't have the money to spend on classes right now" or "my work schedule just won't allow me to attend classes," but I'm here to tell you that if those are your excuses, you'll need to go shopping for some new ones.

First of all, these are online classes.  Yes, that's right, you take these classes on your computer--whenever you want (and if you have a laptop, where you want).  So, got a half hour before the kids come home from school, up at 2 AM wide awake, or just feeling the need to sit around in your pjs Saturday morning?  You can take your class (add headphones if you need to block out the kid's Saturday morning cartoons).  I really love the online format that Craftsy offers because I don't have huge blocks of time for packing up my stuff and driving off to classes, and I live in a small town and have to commute into a larger city to find any classes anyway.  I also have a schedule that sometimes opens up regular free time, but then won't for a month or so...and sometimes I just get busy with projects.  Having classes that wait for me is a blessing!  No more stress about trying to complete class projects before the class is done or the online time slot expires.  I can buy a class and "attend" five months later!  Which brings me to my next point...

...the cost of classes these days.  Have you checked out local city classes?  Wow!  I've seen classes range from $45 to over $200, and we're not talking college course hear, we're talking once a week for a month max.  Ouch!  Other online classes are only for a set length of time and then bye-bye instructor and videos.  My pocket book doesn't quite mesh with my desire for increased hands-on knowledge.  Craftsy was my solution (plus, even though I adore books, sometimes seeing something done is better).  Their most expensive class is $49.99 (with a money back guarantee).  Not bad for a never-ending, always available, classroom with top notch teachers (Kenneth King, Sandra Betzina, and Angela Wolf to name a few) and professional quality video.  Still, I admit, that's a little outside (okay, way outside) my budget despite the great offering.  But, Craftsy often puts their classes on sale for $30 and less (lots of times you'll find them for $9.99 and $14.99 around holidays)!  So, just keep an eye on their facebook page or sign up for the mailing list and you'll find the classes you want coming up on sale sooner or later.  I think I only bought one class at full price (a birthday gift from my sister), the rest have been $25 and down.  Now that's do-able!

So, as if that weren't enough, Craftsy has started offering mini classes--for FREE!  Yeah, I'm in love.  I sign up for all the free ones.  Now that is in anyone's budget.  You're probably wondering if I'm commissioned by Craftsy, I mean what with this infomercial and all...nope, I just am really excited to share the opportunity with you because I love learning and always get sooo frustrated when things are always so expensive (even books through Amazon can be pricey).  I get tired of not having the money for something, or finally having some spending money, but no time or would have to travel to another state or something. But, just so you know what you're getting yourself into, I thought I'd give a few quick reviews on some of the sewing mini classes I've recently finished up (I'll review the paid ones later).

First, let me say, some web browsers or computers might be a tad slow in the whole video buffering process and cause pausing.  I had this happen with Internet Explorer.  Try switching to Google Chrome, that  solved it for me.  I also found that getting the lesson started and then pausing for 30 seconds let the buffer get ahead in downloading so that it didn't have to pause to retrieve more info.  It's really not a big deal, and the high quality video is so worth it.

Bag-making Basics:  Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch

This mini is information packed!  And so useful too.  I'm pretty sure next year's Christmas will somehow involve totes or bags for everyone.  Taught by Kirstin Link (from Sew Mama Sew), you will learn to make a basic zipped pouch (think make-up bag, snack bag, sewing project bag) and a reversible tote (think grocery bag, library book bag, going to church and keeping the kids entertained bag).  Each step was clearly explained and demonstrated--which was nice, because sometimes people skip steps and you're left scratching your head.  Kirstin is so calm and pleasant that pretty soon you're convinced that you too could make these bags--and you actually can because it is explained so well that it can easily be accomplished by even a new sewist.  I liked that the fabric requirements were based on fat quarters, but you could easily cut pieces from larger fabric amounts, so you can have fun with those designer fabrics or even use up those fat quarters in the bundles that didn't make the cut for you last quilt.  And, even though it is free, and so the teachers are not required to monitor and answer questions, Kirstin does a pretty fair job of responding.  Also, others in the class often chime in with good suggestions and helpful advice.  I also thought the zipper instructions were better than many of the patterns out there.

I signed up for this one mainly for the reversible tote.  In our area, the major nearby city has a plastic bag ban going into effect soon, and I'm sure other places will follow suit, so I'm in need of grocery bags and those weird plastic woven types in the stores just don't hold up well--I always end up with busted straps.  Plus, I like to walk to the store often and bag that can fold up easily, and look good, would be nice.  I'd never used a cloth bag until I got a free cloth bag from the Green Bag Lady in a giveaway and I've really enjoyed having it, so I know I would use more if I had them.  I think I'll make a waxed canvas bag for the rainy season (its Oregon, I need waterproof sometimes) and some basic cotton ones for sunny days.  My goal is to not need any more of those plastic bags that seem to multiply in the dark and overwhelm the little spot we store them in.  I'll probably lengthen the straps given in the class so that I can wear the bag over my shoulder when walking rather than hand-carry.

Bag-making Basics:  Drawstring Bag & Bucket Bag

Another mini with Kirstin Link that you'll find extremely useful and use again and again.  This class has the same great video quality and instruction style as the previous bag class, so you won't be disappointed in that regard.  Each step is covered and supplies can be found easily.  I really like the idea that you can customize these bags so easily with changes in fabric, trim, pockets, and size.  You'll learn to make a padded, cylindar shaped tote or bucket bag (fill it with your latest knitting project or let a child have it to carry toys in) and a lined drawstring bag, so useful for holding all sorts of things like gear, gift bags, laundry sacks, etc.  All of you yarn people out there will love the little bucket bag to tote your projects around in.  It's just the right size and with the padded sides it doesn't flop over. 

I've already used the drawstring bag information to make pillowcases for my brother, so you can see that the information easily translates to other projects.  I'll probably make myself a laundry bag next or maybe some camping gear sacks with the drawstring bag info.  I think the bucket bag, made larger, would also make a great fabric scrap bag.

Sewing Machine Feet from A to Z

This is a really short class, even for a mini.  I watched it this morning while waiting for it to get light enough to put the hummingbird feeder back out.  The information is also extremely basic, with just the most common sewing feet introduced.  There are no projects and the machine feet are briefly explained and demonstrated.  Still, the instructor comes off as friendly and approachable and the video even has still shots of the feet so you can really see them.  And, if its been awhile since you've used some of those extra feet or you're wondering what to do with some of the ones that came with your machine, its a good place to start.  I would also recommend it for someone new to sewing who might be wondering what foot to add to their arsenal next.  The feet introduced were zipper, invisible zipper, gathering, rolled hem, blind hem, buttonhole, braiding/couching, quarter inch, roller, and darning/free-motion.  So, even though it is a shorty, go watch it and refresh your memory or pick up some tips.  Maybe they'll make another class with more feet--or even better, one that shows how to use attachments for vintage Singers!

There's also a Sewing Machine 911 class that gives some basic machine care, but I haven't watched that one yet...I got distracted when they added the free pizza making class with Chef Reinhart!   

Well, that's a whole lot of typing, but I hope you'll try out some of these classes, they do offer great information, are beginner friendly, and the idea that a company has gone out of its way to provide a quality free item is really something that should be supported.  There are free classes in other topics too---food, cake decorating, jewelry, knitting, etc. 

Next time...free mini quilting class reviews.  And maybe a review on the pizza---I mean pizza class.

Pillowcase Bags for Brother

I had my brother's name for Christmas this year and decided to make him a bag for all his adventures.  But, then he sent a list of ideas, none of which were bags.  Well, I'd already bought the fabric and hardware, so he was just going to have to live with a bag.  Still, I wanted him to have something he wanted so I saw the custom pillowcase idea and went with it.  (Apparently he has some odd size pillows due to a groupon purchase by an ex-girlfriend.)

Well, I'd just finished watching the two free bag making classes on Craftsy (which you should definitely check out) and one of them was on a lined drawstring bag---bingo!  So with measurements of the weird pillow in hand, I calculated out what I hope is the correct dimensions for manly pillowcases. 

Yes, that is my foot in the corner!  These sheets are soft and have a kind of sheen to them.

I used two twin size sheets for these and had some of each leftover.  I picked navy and chocolate brown as colors as they would go with whatever sheets he has, don't look grungy as fast and are "manly" colors.  (Apparently he didn't want the polka dots, hehe.)  Also, sheets are pretty thick and sturdy for multiple washings and where he goes to a laundry mat (and is a single guy) I figured anything remotely resembling a delicate or casual cycle is nowhere to be seen.

The inside is reversed with chocolate for the main part and navy for the stripe.  The blue side has the drawstrings.  This makes them into pretty sturdy fabric bags that can be used for things like stuffing the bedding in when going to the laundry mat.  Not a bad idea for college kids either.

So, there you go--four pillowcases that take up the space of two!

Christmas for Stars

Well, once again, Stars made out like a bandit this Christmas--but he's so sweet, that it's fun to give him things.  He got lots of tasty treats from my brother including his favorite salmon bites from Zukes and a can of Taste of the Wild (the prairie one) canned food (has bison and venison and lamb in it) because my brother thought it was too cool to think of Stars eating on a buffalo.  Stars, the dire wolf baby, scarfed that stuff down like it was cheese.  Watch out Montana!

Stars likes to unwrap his own presents!  Some help from a sister is needed at times though.

From one sister he got a pile of beanie babies which he will lovingly rip out the eyes on at some future date.  (He's very particular about taking out all hard safety eyes on every toy.) From the other sister he got a really brightly colored pillow pal bear (right bottom corner in above photo) which he has happily dragged around the house to shake furiously at random moments (usually near my head).  He also likes to lay his head on it.  Mom and Dad gave him lots of treats too.

Grandma sent him a polar fleece blanket.  She makes "quilts" from polar fleece using her serger and they're quite wonderful to wrap in while reading a book.

All cuddled up in a blanket from Grandma, well, until the rather bright flash went off!

I made Stars a new bed pad for by the front door where he likes to take up watch.  You can see part of it in the above photo--its the green stripe fabric thing folded up funny on the right.  I also made him his traditional Christmas blanket and a new coat.

The blanket is made from upcycled denim and corduroy on the front and one of those plush cuddle minky throws you find in the stores.  The corduroys include a dark navy, plum, lilac, bright pink, a couple of reds and a dark teal color.  There's even three rectangles with a puffy scottie dog applique on them.  Needless to say this baby is soft and squishy, perfect to cuddle my Stars in.

Thanks sis for holding that up while I tried not to trip over Christmas presents!

 I wanted something modern and free form but not wobbly curvy.  So I stuck with strips, squares and rectangles, some of which I cut at angles.  It turned out pretty much like what I was envisioning, so I'm happy with it.

Here you can see a bit closer how the pieces are not wobbly but are skewed and and wonky sometimes to add to the overall mod art look that I was going for.

Stars adores his new quilt which he has slept under for the past few nights and guards from any who might think they're going to borrow it!

Finally a few minutes of sunshine.  Stars happily went out for photos... well, he went out happily, but he didn't want to cooperate for photos.

His new coat is from a lovely raspberry corduroy (not so pink as the photos show, more purple in it) and lined with a baby blue sweatshirt fleece sewn fuzzy side out.

Look fast!  Here's the blue lining used.  Stars was busy chasing anything he saw, so I was busy chasing him!

I used my typical Butterick 4226, this time with the collar which is rather oversized but gives a classy touch to this basic coat.  I did skip the whole add binding hassle and just sewed each piece up wrong sides together and then turned right sides out.  I attached the belly band straps and collars to the exterior body piece before sewing it to the lining body piece so that the ends would all be neatly concealed in the seams. 

See the top stitching around all the edges and the stitching for the velcro strips.

I again used the 12 inch strips of wide velcro which is something I will continue to do--it makes it easier to adjust for size changes and gives a more secure attachment.  (The last thing I need is a strap coming undone while he's tearing through the yard at top speed!)  I simply zigzag around the edges.  Also, I put the soft side on the straps that will face Stars so that he won't be irritated by the prickly side or get his hair caught in it.


A bit fuzzy because cooperating was not on the menu, but you can see the side of the coat where the straps open at.

And after being told to settle down so I could get decently focused pictures....

Little mopey face!  He really is a good little guy.  He just has a bit of a cold and was finally getting some sunshine.

So, all is forgiven and I'll just make do with chasing down a happy border collie for out of focus pictures.

There's my smile!  And a great view of the other side of the coat.

So, Stars loved his Christmas presents along with the beautiful lights on the tree and constant Christmas music, but the photo shoot was definitely over!

Enough is enough!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

There's a lot, and I do mean a lot, of great deals out there.  Where will you shop?  While there are some awesome finds in stores, those lines can be nightmares and the crowds, goodness!  Avoid both with some online fun (yes, I do love the online shopping).

Here are some great places to check out (and no, I'm not a sales rep, just a happy customer):

Craftsy is offering classes for $19.99!  I'm enrolled in several (a great way to spend my RSI recovery time) and they are well produced and a fun way to take a class (because sometimes 1 AM in my pjs is the best way to learn, or at least the only quiet time).  Quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cake making--they've got the range.  Heck, there's even a cheesemaking class on there!  Want to make a skirt--boom!  There's a class.  Learning to sew--boom!  Another class.  Modern quilt making or free motion quilting?  Well, you get the idea.

Fashion Sewing Supply is offering 15% off popular interfacings!  Those of you who've ordered from here know that Pam's interfacings just can't be beat.  There's a whole range of both sew-in and fusible, many of which are offered in both white or ivory and black.  Pick up some fusible pro-tricot deluxe and pro-sheer elegance, two of my favs.  Maybe you signed up for that shirt making class on Craftsy--don't forget the interfacing!  I like the pro-woven light crisp and pro-woven shirt crisp, two great fusibles that any shirtmaker should have on hand.  While you're shopping, get some of the elastic for skirts and pjs (I use the 3/4 inch for pjs all the time.)

Of course there are places like Amazon which runs deals all day, as well as their regular discounts on books.  (I'm such a sucker for books!) 

Patternreview has a sale going on their classes (just signed up for a couple of the online ones to try), membership fee is discounted, and they've got a sale on some of their patterns and cd/e-books!  A great community over there too!

Most of the fabric stores are having sales too.  Here's a few:

Fabric Mart
Fabric Depot (if you're near Portland, the retail location has lots of sales too)
Nature's Fabrics
Fat Quarter Shop (code "jingle" gets you 25% off)
Fabric.com (go to their coupon corner for additional savings codes)

So check out your favorite spots (don't forget sellers on Etsy) for some great deals and have fun!