(I’ve pledged to wear only clothes handmade by me this year and to sketch my daily outfits in my Fashionary. I’m calling this the paper doll project)
17th-22nd June
from left:
dyed corduroy skirt, white drape-y top, new-old hoodie, black tights
dyed sludge-y little skirt, chocolate cardigan, raspberry Tshirt, raspberry jersey scarf, paprika tights
denim dress, denim shirt, swirly tights
purple jeans, olive wool jacket/cardigan, white Tshirt, green knitted scarf, hand-knit socks
bell-sleeved denim top, purple Tshirt, ombred red skirt, red tights, hand-knit scarlet socks
oo-la-la dress, hand-knit socks
23rd-28th June
from left:
white Tshirt, strawberry jeans, chocolate knitted cardigan, hand-knitted socks, raincoat
teal dress, calico knitted cardigan, black woollen tights
drape-y little top, PM clipped wings top, little grey skirt, charcoal spiral leggings
grey top, little charcoal skirt, old brown knitted cardigan, brown/charcoal cable scarf, paprika tights
grey LS Tshirt, white Tshirt, PM gathered hole dress, beige scrumpled leggings, hand-knit socks
white Tshirt, ivory jeans, chocolate knitted cardigan, hand-knit socks
29th June – 3rd July
from left:
raspberry Tshirt, ivory jeans, chocolate cardigan, hand-knitted socks
white Tshirt, strawberry jeans, olive felt cardigan/jacket, hand-knitted socks
(to Supernova) Servalan dress
white Tshirt, emerald skirt, calico cardigan, hand-knitted socks
ivory Pattern Magic twist top, ivory curtaining skirt, swirly leggings
black Tshirt, chocolate cardigan, raspberry scarf, red ombre skirt, red leggings, hand-knitted socks, raincoat
It’s roughly half-way through the year of wearing exclusively my own handmade clothing! – barring shoes! so this is a good time for a progress report, yes?
Well, it hasn’t been difficult since I’ve been at it for years and as a result have plenty of handmade clothes! It’s been really really cold lately, so I am super glad for my healthy collection of cosy tights and toasty warm hand-knit woolly socks. I haven’t felt like there is anything missing from my winter wardrobe at all! Oh OK then, not my summer wardrobe either (sigh)
I’ve been taking photos of my daily outfits a coupla times a week, not to publish here, but for me to assess whether my clothes are still looking reasonably fresh and presentable. It can be a drag setting up the tripod and everything, but I still think that taking your own photo regularly is the best way. Because, you know what? I think the mirror does lie, but the camera does not! Last week I did a bit of a cull and got rid of some really worn and daggy things. This felt like a huge load off my mind. NO, I am not going to show those awful photos here! and while I can’t say the cull has led to any actual holes that desperately need filling (dammit!) at least I have a few weaker areas that I am looking forward to addressing, tout suite. From stash, I promise! ;D
A few commenters have asked whether I will ever wear clothes NOT made by me, ever again… well, I have kept a few treasured RTW items, some things of sentimental value like souvenirs from trips overseas, some gifts from family and friends, and some things that I bought years ago just because I really liked them! All of which I have tucked away out of temptation’s way for this year. Some of these have been commandeered by Cassie for her own use and I haven’t decided yet whether I will reclaim those at the end of the year. I’m thinking probably not!
I am really enjoying wearing only my own clothes, it’s been as rewarding and as satisfying as you can imagine. And drawing my outfits is great fun and hasn’t gotten old yet, for me at least!
Its not old for me either… I really enjoy seeing what you wore all week, you put together such interesting and fabulous combinations. It inspires me to look at my own wardrobe with fresh eyes.
Thank you so much Malady 🙂
I have also noticed flaws that the camera reveals but the mirror does not! However, I really, really dislike taking photographs of myself so try not to look to hard, so tend to only notice issues once I have published them on my blog – doh!
I love this, I wish I was as good as you at sewing/knitting to have that many clothes! I LOVE the purple flares and the ohlala dress 😉 your sketches are really cute and a great idea overall to keep track 🙂
I think this is such a great project. I think it's most women's dream to have beautiful clothes they love and that suit them, also to know what they have and to use it all. Each of those concepts is surprisingly difficult for people these days – the fashion industry is about making money, not making women look good. Sadly. Love your Fashionary!
I do agree about the photographs. It's an excellent idea. Prior to MMM I was infrequently photographed, being camera shy, and sometimes I would be shocked at the condition of my clothes when I saw them in pictures as I tend to just put them on out of habit. MMM showed up some really horrible-on-me pieces. I learnt a lot about what looks ok and I hope to learn even more next year!
🙂 I'm really enjoying your sketches and your thoughts about going entirely handmade.
What cracks me up is that we seem to have had similar weather the last couple of weeks (ok, definitely more rain over here, but similar temperatures), with you wearing winter clothes amd boots amd me in my summer dresses and reaching for sandals whenever it isn't raining. 😀 Funny what you get used to…
Nice! I can't wait till I get to the stage where I can wear only hand-made clothing (either by me or a family member / friend).
I truly admire your discipline. I'd love to attempt, but it will be a long time before I have enough stock to make it reasonable, but you do inspire me! And, I finally ordered a fashionary.
This post is a great inspiration to me! I also endeavor to bring me clothes sewn by me all year, however I do not get to get to your level, you are great!!
Such a great post as always.
I like how your tights fit perfectly. I have to work on not having baggy knees…
And I now have my fashionary and coloured pencils. I feel like I'm back in kindy again with my drawing book and pencils. But I know I won't be as disciplined 🙂
I so admire you for being able to wear self-made clothes for a whole year. It's very inspiring to know that a.) it's possible to dress yourself entirely in homemade clothes, and b.) you can have a wardrobe far superior to what could be bought in stores. It's something that I knew to be possible, but I still love to see it in action!
It's nice that you've gotten to the stage of having made enough to fill all your basic categories; now you can sew for fun, technique, art, whatever and still wear everything self-made. And I imagine your style has evolved as you can have whatever you want and are less (or differently) influenced by trends.