Projects for Fall/Winter, Indefinitely
I echo the sentiment that sewing is magic; it's a super power. As a creative person, the planning aspect really appeals to me. I love rooting through potential patterns and pondering over which fabric would suit my style the best. Being able to take an idea from my brain and bring it into the physical world never gets old.
HOWEVER, as I pass the anniversary of buying my first sewing machine and beginning this journey (yeah!), I find myself overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed by the amount of patterns and fabric in the world and the rate at which I can produce a garment. I could buy a pattern, buy the fabric, and have a new pair of pants in mere weeks. This is not to brag, this is just to say that I am outpacing my budget and, more importantly, my actual need for clothing.
I consider myself somewhat of a minimalist, in the fact that I try to reduce consumption and reuse or repurpose what I have. As much as I desire to create new clothing, I equally desire practicing habits that protect the planet (i.e., being content with the items I already own). So how do I enjoy sewing while also honoring my desire to consume less and create less waste?
I have spotted several resources that start to answer this question. Fibr & Cloth Studio created and ran by Alexis Bailey, a black woman, is a great place to start. She is dedicated to slower making and sustainability. In her recent newsletter, Alexis shared how hand stitching can be grounding.
An infographic from the Fibr & Cloth Studio newsletter, detailing ways in which hand stitching can be grounding.
Brooke Bowlin, of @secondhand.sustainability on Instagram, has a collection of resources as well. One of her recent posts was very helpful for me. It talked about how every sustainable solution has a trade off. Here is part of what she shares:
"Embracing trade-offs also creates perspective that sustainability will look different for everyone based on the needs, choices, and access that we have."
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With that I will share sewing and clothing-related projects I am starting this fall. The goal is to create/acquire pieces that are well made and that can be worn for years to come, regardless the trends.
Camel-hair, cable knit turtleneck that was previously owned
I thrifted a camel-hair turtleneck. I've heard the natural fibers are "more sustainable" but BOY is this thing itchy! My goals for this item are (1) learn how to properly clean it and (2) make a long-sleeve shirt to go under it.
A tan half-circle skirt with neutral tulle.
This was a learning project. I wanted to make a half-circle skirt with billowing tulle. I don't wear it as is. My goal for this item is to remove the tulle and (fingers crossed) add pleats. I saw the following photo on pinterest that inspired that idea. Update: Yray Ideh post on styling a pleated skirt
A woman smiling in a blue, pleated, shin-length skirt and cream cardigan.
Finally I thrifted a pair of ready-to-wear pants. They are too big and I want to either alter them to fit or find a nice belt to hold them up :)
Thrifted, pre-owned black Calvin Klein women's trousers
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