I challenged myself because I was so excited to begin sewing that I wanted to learn as quickly as possible. My goal was to focus on gaining sewing skills since I wouldn't be able to buy my own. And though I knew it would be maddening, I thought it would be fun to try, an exercise in self-restraint (which I have little of, especially when it comes to sweets). While I didn't have a shopping addiction by any means, I often had the urge to shop and purchased random pieces either because they were on sale, or because I liked them despite that they weren't a good fit for my wardrobe or style. I wanted to curb that desire.
I also wanted to see if one can save money by sewing... I think cost per piece, for the most part, yes. But it really depends. This topic is a whole post in itself! We'll see at the end of the year...
I haven't written about this challenge much because I've been so preoccupied with dreaming up and sewing new projects. And... frankly, I haven't felt significantly deprived or inhibited by my shopping moratorium. Isn't that amazing?
I don't want my last statement to imply that this challenge hasn't really affected me, because it has. I did a lot of shopping around Christmas-time, and wasn't tempted by anything in the stores. I think that I look at clothing so much differently now. I no longer lust after $200+ Milly shells...
Or the lovely wool or cotton $100 JCrew pencil skirts that are the staple of my work wardrobe could be made with McCall's 3830. And I can make them in the color or fabric that I want.
Really - even though I just began sewing less than a year ago, I question whether I will ever buy another skirt or dress again. Even if a dress is a style I would not be able to make, or is in a fabulous material, do I really need that dress? Couldn't I make one that I'd love just as much?
I think the basics of sewing can be learned relatively quickly. Having sewn pillows and curtains, I was slightly ahead of a complete novice for I knew how to thread a machine and sew a straight seam. However, I had no knowledge of sewing construction, i.e. darts, insering a zipper, understitching. Looking at the first dresses I made, I can already see significant improvement in the past 9 months. My first pieces felt homemade; my more recent ones don't.
The negatives of sewing? You know them!: Sewing takes a lot of time - I work full-time, plus have an hour commute both ways, volunteer for 2 groups, am in a book club, go to the gym 3-4 times a week, cook dinner 5-6 nights a week… that doesn't leave a whole lot of time for sewing. I've wanted to create a better wardrobe, but can only make 2-3 pieces a month, if that. So at this point most of what I currently wear are older clothes, not items that I have sewn.
Additionally, sewing is so frustrating at times. It is awful to spend days, or weeks, on a project that turns out meh. For example, I made a jacket in the fall that I thought I'd love, but have never worn. I gave it away.
However, it is a great feeling to press that last seam, fluff out your new garment, wear it and receive compliments, and think "I made this!". Or get an insatiable urge for a green wool dress, and then be able to make one (hopefully, this month!).
I will be honest with you: I fell off the wagon once, while in France in November. While I was not only in a different zip code, but a different country, it still counts: I bought an overcoat at A.P.C. Surplus in Montmarte. I didn't even need it, I just really wanted it. I was in France, my little sister was getting a coat, it was a pretty good price for A.P.C., and I just caved in... There is no excuse.
Before I started this challenge, I knew I wanted a grey merino turtleneck. It's just a piece, like my camel merino turtleneck, that would go with so much and that I'd wear over and over.
When returning a shirt for my Mom at JCrew after Christmas, I saw one in the sale section, in my size, for $30. But because I am not buying new clothes, I walked away from it. I'm hoping that makes up slightly for my French lapse.
I will admit that recently I've been hankering for new spring-color cardigans.
This would go over everything I own and would make my life complete! (To be said in a dramatic, whiny tone.)
Two winters ago I snagged 3 long merino v-neck cardigans from Banana Republic for $12.99 each (?!?!), and I wear at least 2 of them a week. However, they are in dark colors and will not be appropriate to layer over lighter-colored duds. I don't know what I'm going to wear over skirts and dresses for the next few months, before I can break out my linen summer jackets. (I'm ignoring that I apparently made it through last spring allright.)
I guess the project is getting a bit tough, but don't worry, I will not given in to temptation again!