It has been about 6 months since I started this little blog. Because of it I have learned to do so many new things, like block printing, knitting, and sewing. My sewing experience before this has been pretty slim. However, with a little trial and error I think I am starting to get the hang of it. I would really like to start being a more active seamstress. My clothes are getting old and worn out, and I am tired of buying poorly made items that fall apart after just a couple washes. I think it is time to put those away and start afresh.
I came up with the idea to make my summer wardrobe from scratch. Now obviously, there are a few things that are not very practical to make at home, such as a cute pair of sandals. However, I think many of the items people wear in the summer are fairly easy to put together.
There are so many reasons this could be an awesome experience. First, I think making your own clothes is a great opportunity to be creative and show your true personal style. So many times I go to the store and think, “If only they had it in a different color,” or, “If only it fit a little better”. This could be your chance to make the clothes you always wished you could find, but couldn’t.
This could be a pretty cost effective project as well. You can find some great fabrics at pretty reasonable prices, and the internet is full of great patterns that are completely free. With the economy how it is, this would be a great way to save your family some money.
Finally, so many clothes these days are poorly made. Companies do this to guarantee continued business. If we learn how to make, alter, and repair our clothes, we will have items that will last us much longer than store-bought clothes. This is another aspect that will save money in the long run.
Is anyone interested in joining me? I think it would be really fun to form a flickr group where people can post pictures of their projects. I would do a weekly update on the group and post some of the great ideas people have on this blog. People could share patterns they have come across and get advice about problems they run into along the way. Maybe I can even come up with a prize for the most creative summer wardrobe!
If you are thinking, “This is going to be way to difficult…I have never made my own clothing before,” I am right there with you. I have made a couple things for this blog, but that is the extent of my clothes-making. My general sewing experience is not much better. However, I have been encouraged by the shirt, and I really think this is something anyone can do, even if you don’t have any experience.
Ok, ok, so maybe you aren’t ready to tackle this big of a project. But what about sewing one summer outfit? Or a couple of tanks? You don’t have to start from scratch to participate. Maybe your goal is to alter those pants that just don’t quite fit right. Whatever amount you are up to, I would love to have you participate.
So what do you think? Are you up for a challenge?
Above is my first official (second actual – the shirt was my first) piece of clothing for this project. It is a yellow linen skirt, modified from the basic A-line skirt in Sew You. You could make this out of any basic A-line skirt pattern. I made the three pleats on the side by adding 15 extra inches of fabric, and using 5 inches for each pleat. The skirt zips up on the side.
I’ve been thinking about making a few summer pieces for myself too! I made quite a few things for my daughter last summer but have ventured very little into making adult clothes. I’m willing to give it a try though :)
The skirt and blouse both look terrific! And so do the save-the-dates!
I have started seeing those “by Wendy” shirts everywhere on line and it has me thinking just maybe I could tackle a pattern. Your skirt looks awesome.
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Love the idea! I’m a bit of a lazy sewer so this would be a good way of nudging me to pull my finger out ;-)
Love the skirt by the way ….
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