Keep/Donate: Black Jacket - YouLookFab Forum

Hi Everyone,

Now that I'm back in Oz, I'm going through all the things I left here, and trying to figure out what to do with it. I've got about a suitcases' worth of things, that I either need to: donate/purge, send to the US for storage, take back to the UK with me.

First up is a jacket. I don't really have a picture of it, unfortunately, but it's a black one-button blazer in a metallic floral brocade. The collar's pretty dramatic, and it was always intended as an evening jacket. I'm at a bit of a loss for what to do with it, so I'm hoping you can help. Here's the score:

Reasons to Keep:
1. I made it
2. I like it.
3. It's very nice fabric (Vera Wang, from a collection she ordered the fabric for but didn't produce during the 2008 recession)

Reasons to Purge:
1. It doesn't fit--2 sizes too big.
2. To make it fit, I need to re-make it (I like the design enough to do that).
3. I don't have access to a sewing machine, so this re-make process would't happen for…18 months at least. probably 2 years.

So what would you do? Store it for 2 years, or pass it along for someone else to love now?

11 years ago

Liz

Veteran

That fabric sounds wonderful!

If it were me, I'd pass it along instead of storing it. I know myself well enough to know that storing a major project for two years means I probably wouldn't ever actually get it done. It would just be a lot of unfinished nagging guilt sitting around in storage for a long time.

BUT ... that's me. If you love to tackle projects and love the "remaking" type of sewing, then you might want to store it and have fun remaking it two years from now.

unfrumped

Isn't actually remaking it 2 sizes smaller kind of a big deal-- as opposed to a little nip and tuck ? If so then you've got a lot of barriers to using it-- distant future, iffy fit and results, changing tastes.

Janet

(website)

I'm with Liz, but I know myself too well. I have a few "project" things around my house that have been waiting for years and just need to go away. But if this jacket is really special to you, and you have a place for it, then maybe it's worth keeping. Care to share a photo?

Kiwichik

It sounds lovely but if it's not going to be worn for at least 2 years. Pass it on.

Astrid

Maybe you know someone who would appreciate it? If you're sure you'll have the energy in the future to re-make it, you could keep it. I probably would never come around to it, but that doesn't mean you can't. The fabric sounds lovely!

donnat

I would definately pass.

rabbit

If you think the fabric is unique enough and flattering enough on you that it would be a real shame to let go, and you think you might have time to remake it soon and without too much time/difficulty, if you had sewing machine access, it might be worth looking into places where you can rent machines by the hour. I have one in my neighborhood, it's a little quilter's workspace and you just go in, bring your project and book a machine. There is nice light and worktables. I'm not sure of the cost so you'd have to consider that.

Otherwise I'd let it go somewhere that will appreciate it.

froggiebecky

Good points, ladies. Thanks for reminding me of reality. Into the donate bin! Someone will love it.

Active Member

Borrow or rent a sewing machine? If you REALLY like it enough to bother with this, of course.

tricia w.

As lovely as your jacket sounds, waiting two years to remake it would have me passing it on. I've held on to things in the past, thinking I will alter them and it's never happened.

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