above is a small selection of my outfits for the past month, the whole lot so far can be seen in my Year of Handmade flickr album, here…
So I’m halfway through my year, wooooot! I’m feeling so pleased with myself and how it’s all going; with the end of winter on the horizon I truly believe the most difficult bit is nearly over now and I’m REALLY looking forward to shedding some layers, getting into some warmer weather gear. I’m pretty bored with all my winter wardrobe – standard procedure for this time of year! even though I think the last month saw me getting more “interesting” in my wardrobe choices,discovering new combinations, and mixing and matching things up a bit. Anything to generate some excitement into the winter blahs.
Something funny; I’m still pretty shy about telling people in my real life about this project. Hardly anyone even knows that I’m doing this thing. It feels like a huge thing I’m doing in my life right now and for some reason I just don’t ever bring it up in conversation… like, on the weekend I met up with a bunch of old school friends and while everyone was talking about their kids and their lives and their own current activities etc, I just didn’t even mention the fact that I make all my own clothes. Not sure if it’s that I worry that people are going to think I’m crazy, or not normal, or a raving loony; generally I have always marched to the beat of my own drum anyway. Also, I’m often a cripplingly introverted person. This probably sounds counterintuitive, since maybe I don’t come across that way on my blog here… it’s different when you’re just tapping away on a keyboard all by yourself and it’s easy to imagine no one ever looks at it. Like, I talk about myself and my stuff here, but not really in real life. Weird, huh. Maybe I just feel like I get it all out here thus obviating the need to mention it for real. Ha!
Carolyn, I totally understand not telling people you know or meet about making all your own clothes. I too am an introvert — in real life we would be gawping at each other wondering what to say instead of having this conversation — and I am very uncomfortable if I become the center of attention. And, in my experience, telling people you made the clothes you are wearing is certainly a way to become the center of attention with people looking at you, your clothes, and asking lots of questions.
I relate to what you said on so many levels. I’m also naturally more introverted. It’s not always an easy way to be, is it? I am fascinated by the fact that you have made all of the clothes that you’ve worn so far this year. That is AMAZING! I am very new to sewing my own clothes. I made this totally funky dress that turned out way too big for me. However, I wore it to work (I’m a teacher) and got a few compliments. I worked up the courage to tell some of the people that I made it myself and they were actually pretty impressed. I have since fixed that dress disaster, by the way. I think you might be surprised to hear what people really think in your real life about what you are doing. It really is a big deal. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Your work is always interesting to read about. I suspect your friends sometimes a bit of envious of your outfits, not knowing what a fantastic seamstress/shoe maker/knitter you are. Your creativity is so clearly displayed in your styling of outfits — thanks for sharing!
I love the shape of the green skirt with the pleat detail. Is it self drafted or a commercial pattern as I’d love to have a go!
thanks Becca! It’s based upon Vogue 8363 with some modifications; you can read more about it here if you’re interested:
green corduroy skirt 🙂
I think it’s even MORE fun that you have friends who don’t know you are famous on the internet! It’s a delicious, mysterious secret, ha! In the internet sewing community, you are looked to worldwide for inspiration, for wardrobe styling instruction, and for your excellent tutorials. All presented in such an interesting way! It is a huge deal. And yet I understand not mentioning it. It is actually such a huge thing that you might feel you were “tooting one’s own horn,” so to speak. Like someone else said above, it would certainly produce alot of attention if they did know. As a fellow introvert, I would be weighing out the pros and cons before mentioning it, or you might end up in the newspaper, and such. Well, I am glad you decided to tell all of us in the sewing community about your sewing adventures!! Thank you for all I have learned from you.
when I started trying to only wear my own makes a few years ago, if I was asked I would explain I made it myself it was my anti fast fashion stance (which at the time it specifically was), but I stopped after a while as really people don’t think beyond the 5euro dress they got in Pennys……. now I prefer my own clothes for so many reasons. Years ago when I was in art college, I had a conversation with a (drawing) tutor and he was saying something to the effect that a true artist should live a full creative life, make everything themselves, and of course I had to throw in the comment ‘yeah macrame shoes’….(to put it in context this tutor did not make any of his clothes, so I thought it a bit whimsical of him). however- I do think of the conversation now, and can see his point. there is something so enriching about wearing me-mades, as one blogger once put it – becoming your own luxury brand – (because you deserve it). and thanks for all your inspiring blog posts –
I don’t think you are alone. Most of the people I work with have no clue I make my own clothes and those that do have no idea of the extent of it let alone that I blog about it! I am also an introvert and feel a bit awkward letting on about this little corner of my life (or large corner depending on how you look at it).
You are such an inspiration and I admire your year of handmade very much! Making shoes tops it all. Knitting your own socks is quite common, but most people in real life wouldn’t understand the joy it creates sewing your own clothes or underwear let alone shoes! When receiving a compliment about a dress sometimes I would admit that I sewed it myself and that “sewing is my hobby”. But only my fellow sewists I met through the internet and my daughters and husband and know about my blog.
Thank you sharing your creative makes and your thoughts,
SaSa
It’s just as well you don’t say you’ve made it yourself because the next comment will be “Will you make me one?”
Really enjoy reading your blog, especially the shirts you’ve made for your menfolk!
It’s okay to live a double life. I understand perfectly. You can come to your internet community and ‘toot your horn’, we appreciate you.
The trouble with the people around us that we meet and talk with is that, all too often, there comes a judgment and one doesn’t feel appreciated, let alone understood.
So keep the double life if you are okay with that. We will be here.
I think so many of us can relate to your thoughts here! I rarely tell anyone that I sew, let alone write about it. I’m more of an introvert like you, and just hate the attention! Even when it’s glowing and positive. My husband likes to tell people about my blog and shows off my work and I just feel mortified about it! Actually, it’s only on IG that anyone I know IRL sees my sewing. Anyway, hats off to you for your continued year of handmade. You’re such an inspiration!
Yes I can totally relate to this. I too am an introvert with most people. I also lead a double life. The internet and blogging gives an extra dimension where you can be yourself not what people think you are ( or should be). Its great to be so secret yet so open at the same time.
C, love this very candid blog entry. Have you read, “Quiet; The power of an introvert in a world that can’t stop talking?” Read it now. I think it’s the best book I picked up in 2013. You’ll love to see yourself on the pages of that book. What you might categorize as “weird” will suddenly make sense. And, another point of view: Why hide this very important side of yourself from the very people who love you the most? Your friends will treasure knowing you more deeply!
thank you Bette! yes, I have read that book; a few years ago when it came out. You are right, I could totally relate to all the anecdotes and theories! Yes, it is silly to hide a part of myself from people, especially my closest friends, but it always takes me quite a lot of time to work up to breaking out with a piece of news or something that’s going on with me. I expect I will, eventually 🙂
I think I would consider it a bonus – do you know what, your clothes are so good maybe it doesn’t cross their minds that you are making them, they probably think you are just a really stylish shopper. When people stopped asking me did you make that? about two years ago I told myself it was because they were better and didn’t look handmade. Now people say “That is a great skirt/outfit etc.” instead so that is better isn’t it? Love your photo boards, it is so similar to what I wear (except I haven’t ever made my own tights) but you inspired me to make my own bra so you never know! Jo x
Carolyn- I turned 50 this year, and to celebrate, I decided to only wear clothing I had made for the entire year. Unlike you, I wasn’t really prepared–I started with a pair pjs and some tights. But I am doing it! Most of the people in my life know about it, but they have a hard time getting their heads around it–you made that? and you made that? Did you make that? Yes. I am wearing only clothing I have made, and when I get really good at it, I will have a wardrobe like Carolyns! I think every maker should give it a go. I am learning so much about myself and it isn’t just about the stitching. I have very much enjoyed your posts.
thank you so much, Maria! and good luck with your year! I’m very interested to see how you go! If you only had pi’s and some tights, I’m guessing you must have frantically been making some underwear and at least one dress that night before you started!!
I previously did a year of handmade in 2013, but didn’t include shoes in that year. I’ve made masses of clothes over the years, so it wasn’t difficult, but ever since I have REALLY wanted to do it, including the shoes. Finally just decided to bite the bullet 🙂
Way to go! I am an introvert as well, especially so in crowds.
What prompted you to start making shoes?
It just felt like the final frontier! also I REALLY wanted to do my Year of Handmade challenge, including shoes. I’ve done a year of handmade previously, in 2013 I wore only clothing made by myself, but let myself off from shoes. I felt pretty good then about achieving my aims re clothing, but not doing shoes felt like a cop-out, and I vowed to go the whole nine yards, including shoes; one day.
Great post, Carolyn! It’s amazing to see how many of us relate to what you said. I, too, am an introvert and absolutely hate being the center of attention. Your blog posts are very interesting and you do a great job in bringing out your personality in your posts.
Love, love, love seeing your daily outfit combos and oh-so-cool boots and shoes! Congratulations on reaching the mid-way point of your goal! Interesting in reading not only your post here, but the other comments, in how we relate our garment sewing to our ‘real life’. I usually do not bring it up…. at all. In the past when I’ve tried to tell non-sewing friends….. which is everyone btw!….. that I’m sewing my clothes, it’s created this awkward silence where they do not know what to say and usually the response is simply ‘oh’….. ‘how nice’….. and change the subject as quick as possible. Lately, I’ve been quite brave in speaking to the nice ladies who cut my fabric at my local fabric store(s) and share a little of what I’m making…. particularly if it’s something out of fabric purchased at that particular store. The very first time I told a fabric cutting lady was when Simplicity ran the photo of my bird dress on their FB feed, and that was almost as an aside because it did not even cross my mind until I saw my fabric still in stock there. Well, she got so excited after seeing the photo, that she rang for the store manager to tell him and have me show him the photo too! Now, whenever I’m in there, she always asks me what I’m up to. That was a cool experience. 🙂
I know there are a lot of comments already I just feel compelled to add my two cents. I am an introvert and a sewing blogger, I have never told any of my friends in real life about my blog. Most of my friends don’t even know how much I like sewing. They probably wouldn’t have known I sew expect one year I got a sewing machine for my birthday which I did tell them. I don’t know why I wouldn’t tell more people in real life; I feel like sewing your clothes can be uncool, and everyone has made some comment of oh that great you can sew but I absolute hate it. Now I have a blog which most friends don’t know about (some do as I link to it from my Instagram account which they follow), so I have a bit of a double life. Thanks for opening up and sharing this it made me feel maybe I’m , not the only crazy one 🙂
I love this post! By the end of winter I’m wearing the same clothes every day and don’t care. You have style and lovely color! I feel like you’ve really nailed your look, your style. I’m glad that you blog. It would be a pity if your lovely personality didn’t have an outlet.
I also don’t tell people how much I sew. I was out with friends the other day, wearing a totally handmade outfit, with my handmade bag, and no one knew. I didn’t bring it up. I think it’s because I feel like a weirdo when people start making a fuss about all the stuff I’ve sewn. Also, people don’t really know anything about sewing, so the conversation just comes to a dead stop if I try to talk about it.
That said… sometimes I really wish I had a sewing friend! My husband listens to me talk about seam allowances and the like but he doesn’t really know what I’m talking about.
Thanks so much for sharing all the things you make. 🙂
That’s amazing! Well written with lovely pic of you
I think sewing is a hobby that lends itself quite well to us introverted individuals! You can just plug away on your own, enjoying the solitude inherent in the craft and creativity. I do find that I enjoy having “Sewing People” to talk about it with though, which is where blogging and Instagram can come in handy; real-life sewing friends are wonderful, too–they “get” it! Perhaps sewing makes me so excited that, on that topic, I can stand to be extroverted! =) But I don’t dare talk much about sewing with non-sewing people! And for that matter, I would certainly never, ever, EVER tell my real-life friends/family about my blog–not even my sewing friends. On the rare occasions that someone has found it, I am horribly embarrassed–it never occurs to me that somebody would bother reading it, hah!
At any rate, I am glad that you share your creative pursuits with the wider “us”: you make such beautiful things and you do it with a good sense of humor and openness.
So interesting. I’d always assumed that someone as skilled as you would be ‘out’ to their friends about every one of their projects and new makes.
Having just read Quiet by Susan Cain, I think you’re absolutely right that being an extrovert in the online world is not the same at all as being an extrovert in real life. So if sewing is part of your inner life, and not something you feel like sharing with everyone you meet, that’s just fine. But if you secretly want to tell your family and friends more about your work, you definitely should. The things you make and achieve are awesome!
(I haven’t shared my blog with my family and friends either – even though I know it would definitely bring more traffic…)