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| ~ Buddha with mudra of greeting, prayer & respect ~ * |
to simplifying my consumption and accumulation of stuff (especially clothes)
the statement that started me on Project Minima over six years ago.
I haven't been shopping in stores for clothing during that whole time.
That includes thrift stores. I don't miss it at all. I make or refashion everything I wear. I started to buy shoes from ebay about the second or third year in. And I buy funky sox online when they're on sale once or twice a year. I don't go into clothing stores for anything, not even to look. nah. In fact, I really don't go into stores at all. The ambiance (if you can call it that) is so jarring. Too much stimulation: noise, people, signage, lights, stuff. My True Love does the grocery shopping. Thank goodness he prefers it that way.
One place where I've been completely out of control
is buying fabric and sewing patterns. Yes, it's true, I buy them on drastic sale and online. But still. I have enough of a stash for several lifetimes.
So I stopped cold turkey on 1-1-17. I unsubscribed to mailing lists, etc. If I don't look, I'm not tempted, and then not interested.
I'd like to refine what I already have.
Maybe reappraise my "style" as I, and my body, have changed over the last six years. See what still works, refashion what doesn't. Do some repairing, if need be.
I have a desire to find some piece I like, that works for me, and then do it over and over for awhile. Whether it's a certain pattern or a certain combination of clothing. Like my series of tablecloth dresses from way back when (click on label from sidebar to see those posts). Or like Michele Oka Doner's one dress in many fabrics. Or like Spotty Dogs Social Club's evolution of Tina Givens patterns into her own daily uniform.
Yeah, I don't want more, I want better.
And I can do that.
Without buying a thing.
*the first image posted on 5-31-11, entitled Prequel
Thanks so much for this post. It's great to see you articulate what I've been feeling. I spent a while on the Vogue pattern website looking at new Marcy Tilton patterns and then closed out after I realized my "Buy Nothing For Three Months" applies to patterns too. I have a stash of untried Tilton patterns as it is. AND yesterday I tried to find a robe that didn't wrap and now today see yesterday's Caftan post. But I'm thinking I probably have something in stash that will suit. I was already on this path, and enjoying your posts, when last night my husband suggested we watch The True Cost. I imagine you've seen it...but if you haven't, you might give it a go. We're going to get our 22 and 15 year olds to watch as well. They've been raised on thrift, and know mama sews....but this will be eye-opening. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, it bolsters my resolve!
ReplyDeleteHi Becca, That sounds like me...cruising the pattern sites while ignoring my stash. I realize though, when there's limitations, it helps me to slow down and focus. Creativity flourishes.
DeleteI haven't seen the film, but will do.
I'd luv to see your blog, if you can direct me to it. Thanks, and have fun!
I watched The True Cost last night. It was eye-opening. Thanks for letting me know about it. I recommend it for everyone.
DeleteAnd I remember now, Becca, you've already told me you don't have a blog. ah well.
This post brightens my own outlook. If I don't go in the stores I am saved from buying another thing. I have greatly reduced my thrifting and I have a meagre stash of fabric. I should get to it!! Even if the fabric is gross. And I understand your decision to do the things you like over and over. That's a fantastic idea too. Mastery of the finest things! I might just try that, maybe, I want to, shall, perhaps. Happy New Year, Pao!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Melanie, I wasn't trying to convert anyone. I luv all your amazing styling of pieces you rescue from the landfills. If the fabric is gross, however, it lends itself to even more creative juicing, n'est-ce pas? And you look fabo in everything. I most certainly do not. Even things from the start of Project Minima fail me now as my body changes. So I want to pay attention, to note what works now and make that. And remake what was happening into what is happening. I'm on my way. Happy New Year, bay-bee!!!!
Deleteyay!
ReplyDeletesince more then 7 years i only sew from stash..... and it is still enough left for much more.
but i bought some vintage garments in the meantime, got some hand-me-downs. only buy underwear, leggings, socks new. once a year a pair of shoes. like you the common shops don´t tempt me - last summer i was out to help a friend to buy some office blouses - she was totally puzzled that i was so not interested to look for my own need.........
and nobody saws me in the same outfit a second time :-)
you know my style is maximalist - but i´m minimalist in designing it!
and your way to do style is the reason i read here <3
xxxxx
Yay, Beate. awww, thanks for reading my stylin' blog. It takes one to know one, right?
DeleteI hear ya. Working from the stash works for me too! I'm trying to use what I have, fill gaps in my wardrobe and establish my personal style all at the same time. It's slow going but that's OK! Where's the rush? However I do like to do my own grocery shopping - since I'm the head cook around here.
ReplyDeleteWe're on the same wave length, Louise. Well...except for the cooking...
DeleteI watched "The True Cost" recently as well, and was appalled by the amount of clothing that ends up in landfill all over the world. I buy very few pieces of clothing new anymore, but I do still love thrift shopping. However, my space has run out, so I am concentrating on weeding out the "okay" pieces so I can see the ones I really love. I tell myself that when I retire, I will learn to sew.
ReplyDeleteReally, The True Cost just made me sick. There's nothing wrong with thrift shopping at all. Like they said, otherwise it goes to waist in landfill anyway. But I do agree with the ooo, ooo, I luv it, rather than this is okay, I guess attitude about my clothes. What's the point of that, huh?
DeleteMy space has also run out, so I've instituted a policy of exchanging one bag of donations for each op shop visit. I've given away a bag of patterns but am not game to touch the fabric stash as I'm still regretting the last purge about teen years ago. What can go are the space-hungry things like ceramics and books. I've become far too acquisitive and I think it has held me back from achieving my goals. Far be it for me to give you advice!
ReplyDeleteHaven't given away any patterns to speak of, nor fabric stash. Even my old, old, clothes are being saved for refashioning or for the nuts and bolts.
DeleteThis is an intersting challenge. I'm thinking about how to challenge myself this year, so it's food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing what you decide to make.
Norma x
Oh my, Norma. Wasn't that last challenge of yours enough for a lifetime?
DeleteYes, this year I'm refining my uniform, too.
ReplyDeleteSad that you must be Unknown, Unknown. Good luck on your refinements.
DeleteHi Valerie, I noted your changes-to-be commitment starting with the Mustard Linen dress. Keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteIf you love Me. Oka Diners look may I suggest just one more pattern? Get Tina Givens Iris. It is almost identical though it has some fit issues with the collar piece. I've made it four times already...Three versions are tunics rather than the long dress and with changed necklines. It is available as a PDF and I can also share a great way of adding the pocket that I use that saves time and looks great.
ReplyDeleteOmg, stupid auto correct. Should read if you love Ms Oka Doner's look.
DeleteYes, I've made Iris and agree it's a close match (with the collar correction). I luv mine and added inseam pockets. Do you have a blog where I could see all your versions, corkpop?
DeleteNo, I don't but I would be happy to share a diagram of how I did the pockets on Iris. It makes it faster to sew and looks much neater. You can do it on anything but on this particular pattern it doesn't eat up fabric. I'll work up a diagram so you can make sense of it soon.
DeleteSure, and or photos too!
DeleteThat is exactly why I started making my own clothes. I was so disappointed in the lack of variety, poor quality material and fabric...it actually started to depress me going into clothing stores. I wanted better, my own style, natural fabrics so I started to make my own clothes. Granted some of my earlier clothing is still in great shape but my tastes have changed. I feel like it has been a voyage for me, learning who I am again and what I like. I've discovered that I am not a fan of trousers, that I love dresses, I love patterned tights, I love coloured shoes, that I love cotton...and more importantly that I love to sew and knit and I'm not bad at it either. I'm probably going to post this in my blog now that you have inspired me for the day!
ReplyDeleteYou can say that again, Susan!
Delete