I finally got around to photographing and cataloging my own inventory. And guess what? It doesn't look bad. All that time I spent with my sewing machine in April paid off. Here it goes:
Skirts/Dresses: 5
Bottoms: 5
Tops: 7
Outwear: 1
Bits and pieces: 2
This looks more impressive than it really is. Most Me-Made-May-Liters are wearing one handmade item per day. My personal challenge is much more modest: One item that has gone through my sewing machine per day. So here's the real breakdown:
Completely handmade: 6
Refashioned: 8
Altered: 6
Again, including altered items feels a bit like cheating, but what this means to me is that I was able to bring something I already own from total obscurity to regular rotation. An example? An Odille blouse I bought on sale at a consignment store. I hated wearing it every time I put it on, felt like the collar was choking my neck and it looked awful. So it always went back in the closet. This went on for months. I tacked the collar down and now I have a "new" blouse, something I'll actually wear.
It reminds me a bit of an essay I teach, in which the author relates how he once complained to his grandfather, at 7, that he was bored, "He told me that I was never to use that term in his presence again, that if I was bored it was my fault and no one else's. The obligation to amuse and instruct myself was entirely my own." I think of myself in front of a closet full of clothes, complaining, "I have nothing to wear." And then I start to thinking that I need to buy more of this or that.
So the lead up to Me-Made-May-Lite has been a wonderful challenge. Of the 20 items in my May wardrobe, 14 of them were made, refashioned or altered in April. I've got a few sewing plans, but I think like Zoe, Jessica and Tasia, who wrote wonderful posts on balancing sewing with the rest of your life, we slow down and look forward to May, to enjoying our unique creations, and to summer, on the horizon.
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Balancing sewing with the rest of your life = hard but necessary! I like your thoughts on saying 'I'm bored' too - you're totally right, you have the choice and power to change your own world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention :)
Its great what you have made. I only have 2 completely hand made from scratch items oops! but reading everyone else's blogs has inspired me to try and eventually make all my own clothes...just lots more practise needed :) Have a great weekend xx
ReplyDeleteThat is some inventory you've got! I'm seriously impressed with what you refashioned and made in April! Also, I totally think that altered items should count, because the point is not just the challenge but also to get more clothes into rotation, you know?
ReplyDeleteLove that essay quote about boredom! I've been trying to remind myself of it more often these days and take more ownership over my own emotions and reactions to events. Thanks for sharing it!
fantastic inventory! I can't wait to compare notes on our progress in May :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm equally impressed with your inventory! I and agress with what you're saying about enjoying the process too. today I packed away when I was half way through a pair of trousers, deciding that I want to enjoy making them rather than get frustrated at them not coming together fast enough. Good luck this May!
ReplyDeleteWow-impressive! I think I will plan to participate next May.
ReplyDeletejana
You're so organised cataloging your inventory. I don't think including altered items is like cheating. If by including them it's still going to be a challenge to you then it's still in the spirit of MMM. Good luck with the rest of May.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Me-May-Made a great excuse to wear more of the clothes that we've made! I don't feel like wearing altered or refashioned items are "cheating"... you are still wearing something that is uniquely yours!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you come up with!
thanks, ladies! :)
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