Hello!
I’ve been thinking about my 2015 wardrobe requirements and sewing plans for this year. To be honest I was kinda shocked at the sheer number of things I sewed last year, and not in a good way! It wasn’t lost on me that my favourite projects for last year were also the ones upon which I lavished the most time and thought. So I’m thinking that to slow down, take my time, be more mindful; would be both a rewarding and sensible thing to do. I mean, I have clothes. Quite enough really. But I still want to sew. So it makes sense to concentrate on making fewer, but more individually labour intensive things, with an eye to provenance, longevity and quality of finish.
You know that word of the year thing? I haven’t had one before but it’s a fun concept, yes? Anyway I’m giving it a burl. This year I wish to be more thoughtful in my sewing.
My on-going pledge to abstain from RTW will continue, so there may be a certain amount of maintaining-my-basic-wardrobe kind of sewing happening too, but I still would like to stretch myself with a few new patterns and skills. It would be cool to make a few more Pattern Magic things. And shoes! And some Alabama Chanin sewing, which is definitely an exercise in slow thoughtful sewing!
Also, and in the same vein, last year Nicki of this is moonlight contacted me about participating in her one Year one Outfit project. You can read all about it on her blog; essentially the project involves making for yourself an outfit using all materials sourced and produced locally. Obviously this does not mean simply visiting the local Spotlight store! but at a much more grass roots level. So for me, finding Western Australian farmers and sustainable producers of their own yarns and/or fabrics, and making a high quality outfit using only these. This also pertains to all dyes and finishing touches! The only thing I think maybe we can give ourselves a pass on is thread, since I think the only threads we can get here are Gutermann’s. I’m pretty excited about this project and my brain is already buzzing with opportunities. This one should be quite a challenge!
I’ll just give one clue as to just one of my ideas, contained in an instagram I posted late last year from my friend J’s farm in Cunderdin… 😉
Also;
I was quite inspired by Lauriana and Sue‘s vintage pattern journeys of last year. The vintage sewing pattern pledge is conceived and hosted by Marie of A Stitching Odyssey, and I only wish I’d thought of joining in last year! Whatevs, this year I’m IN.
So, I shall see how I go! Some of these things might overlap.
Oh, and also this year, I will join in with Anne of Pretty Grievances‘ Jungle January for the first time; it’s in its third year so what took me so long?! and hopefully Zoe‘s Me-Made May, as per usual.
wrt the former; my Jungle January fabric is flapping on the line, drying, as we speak! um, should that be type? read? anyway all I shall reveal for now is that it is totally different from the expected, mwahaha. 😉
To be appearing here, very soon…
Carolyn, there are so many interesting and fun plans here, it's going to be a great year for you and me as a reader! I'm really intrigued by the local garment challenge. It scares me in a way (if it's doable, what I'd find out), but also very tempting. Will be watching your progress with interest! Rachel
So exciting to see what you come up with! I will be putting a rough plan out there soon, and scheduling in some farm visits :). I also look forward to seeing all your other garments come to fruition too, your makes always seem thoughtful to me. Nicki
I am looking forward to seing your 2015 wardrobe 🙂
2014 was a very successful sewing year for you. My opinion is that your plans for 2015 is going to show the growth of your sewing journey. I believe that sewing quality garments that would stand the test time is worth investing. I am looking forward to seeing your 2015 wardrobe.
That sounds like some great plans! The One Year One Outfit one sounds particularly intriguing–not something I'd be able to do myself, since the only things they grow around here are chickens and soybeans/corn, and feathers aren't practical for my daily wardrobe. I'll be very interested to see what you're able to come up with for that!
Great post! I too share in your thought of slowing down a bit, taking more time and being more mindful….I could not have said it any better! I have plenty of clothes now that I have been sewing up a storm, so I want to really think about my needs a little more. Sewing for my kids keeps me always on my toes trying to keep up with the growth spurts.
I love your plans for this year! I'm certainly intrigued by the "One Year One Outfit" challenge… can't wait to see how it pans out for you!
I did the vintage challenge and really enjoyed myself – do join in Caroline. Jo x
Excellent plans. Looks forward to reading about one year one outfit, sounds amazing. I'm also trying to slow my sewing down this year and make more complex things. Best wishes.
Happy New Year, Carolyn! What a lot of proyects! I´m sure you will show us many interesting things. Always a pleasure to read your blg!
I wish I had the energy to do some Alabama Chanin sewing for myself but given my very plus size I might be forever making it. I love your photo though. lol
New Zealand
thanks RobynK. Alabama Chanin sewing is time consuming! but it's good for a mindless project for in front of the telly. Goes quicker that way too 🙂
Lots of fun things planned. Good luck with it all!
I love the word of the year idea! I always enjoy reading your blog and by the looks of your goals, this year will be so much fun to follow you and your sewing journey! Happy New Year Carolyn!
Congratulations Carolyn on being profiled in Vogue Pattern Magazine in the latest issue. When the column first started about a year ago, they were asking for recommendations so I sent in your name and blog. I received an answer from Kathy Marrone, editor, saying they had heard of you. I now know why I received the answer I did since they started working on this issue about a year ago. I have to admit that when I see an email letting me know you posted a new article, it is the first mail I open. I have enjoyed your how to segments, bought books you have used (Shape Shape and Drape Drape) plus tried different patterns (Vogue 1155 and 1247) that I never would have if you hadn't made them. In those cases, the ones you made are so much more attractive than the one pictured on the pattern itself. I even like the little treats you leave recipes for. I believe Vogue made a great choice in you. Again, congratulations.
thank you so much for those kind and thought words Andy's Mom! Needless to say your lovely comment has totally made my day! and thank you for letting me know the Vogue article is out, now I must go and seek out that magazine! 🙂
I love this! I'm on a similar vein this year with thoughtful creating. I've already bought my fabric for this year and plan on sewing from that exclusively. I would also like to make more lounge wear. I really don't have too much me made.
I look forward to seeing all of your creations!
I'm sure it will be a creative year!
You are planning a very different year with some amazing garments in mind. I look forward to seeing your creations.
I think 'thoughtful' is a great theme for your year's sewing and I completely agree about feeling I should value quality over quantity. (Although I have to say some of my most loved garments are things I made on a whim and some of the thing which don't get worn were carefully considered and lovingly crafted. In my wardrobe, there is no clear trend about which creations will be the successful ones)
I think you are taking on some very interesting challenges this year. And it's great you've joined the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge as well. I'm looking forward to seeing your take on it.
'Thoughtful' is a good word and I can see you have already applied it to your plans. One year one outfit sounds very interesting and I can't wait to see what you are able to source and what you create with it. It will be an exciting year.
Carolyn, thank you for all the inspiration you provide us in the sewing world. I've followed your blog for…well, let's just say, a l-o-n-g time. Most of what you accomplish exhausts me since I'm still a full-time worker-bee; but I aspire to be like Carolyn! I've long thought about 'fibershed' and slow sewing. As I anticipate my wardrobe and retirement in a couple of years, 'thoughtful' seems especially appropriate. I'll let you know how One Year One Outfit goes when I check in in January 2016! Thanks again!
thank you Nancy JC! I hope you enjoy your 1 year 1 outfit too, and wishing you the best of luck with it! 🙂
Hi Carolyn! Thank you for sharing your thougths, I enjoy reading your blog! Last year I made a lot of clothes for my two doughters (mostly quick and cheap projects, lot of serging) and for my mother (a bit more quality projects). This year I have decided to focus on selfish, slow sewing, for myself, not so much serging as stiching perfect little stitches by hand and trying the french seam (which I have never used even after sewing for 30 years). I have a question for you, if you don´t mind! Both my 9 year old boy and I think your dog is absolutely adoreable! What is the breed of it (pardon my english, google translate says "breed" I don´t know if it´s the right word in english). It looks like what´s known as "Australian shepherd" in Sweden but I am not sure..? Thanks!
thank you Isabella! and yes "breed" is totally the right English word to use. She is a Border Collie. Thank you for your kind comment too, and I hope you enjoy sewing for yourself; it sounds like you've earned it 🙂
Oh, I see! I´ve only seen black and white Border Collies before. Thank you!
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