Slow Fashion Misson

There have been a few things happening in my life recently that have really caused me to stop and reflect on what is truly important to me.  It has also caused me to look around at the clutter in my life and think that simplifying things in a meaningful way may bring more peace and happiness to those important things in my life.

Reducing clutter can be therapeutic, but that can also mean it is difficult.  I am not going on binge throw-away sessions throughout my home, but trying to tackle one aspect (maybe two) at a time and really putting time and thought into what I am doing to change, not just what I intend to reduce or simplify.

It makes sense that one of the earliest things I am tackling in the quest for peaceful simplicity is my wardrobe.  I am a maker.  If you are reading this blog, chances are you make things, too.  I took stock of my closet and was appalled that, for being a maker, I had very few quality, handmade items.  What I had was a collection of clothing I'd been dragging along with me since high school.  (I am in my thirties now.)  While my closet was fairly full, there really were only a handful of items I wore with any kind of regularity.  And nothing in my closet demonstrated my love of handcrafting or brought to mind any journey that hand made items often document through their stitches.  Like I said, I was appalled.  I give away almost everything I make, and while I love making things for other people, maybe it is time I take a moment and make something for myself and share some of the love and value with myself.

I emptied my closet and only put back items that had extreme sentimental value or that I wore more than once in the past year.  The rest of it went to Good Will.  That is the start.  The next step is the to begin my slow fashion wardrobe, created by me, one stitch at a time.  A very important part of the journey for me is to use materials that are ethically sourced and sustainable.  I have already selected some patterns and materials and have begun.  I am both knitting and hand sewing items for my wardrobe and have this crazy notion I might even weave some cloth to make clothes with.

Another benefit to this slow fashion mission is that making brings me peace.  In more ways than one, every article of clothing I make for my wardrobe is part of me that contains both joy and sadness.  Each item, as with every item I make, is a meditation on my life.  It is important to me at this juncture that I keep some of that mediation with me.  It is important to me, as well, to show my children that we can make high quality, beautiful things that last and that we don't need to jump into the race of needing and wanting more and more with each passing trend.  

Long story short, I thought this would be a wonderful place to document my slow fashion journey.  As I begin my wardrobe and start to complete some pieces, I want to share them here.  Maybe you can join in.  I think we can all use a little self-love, so let's make a few beautiful things for ourselves that have meaning.  (I say this, and I am starting this process, but of course I have three or four projects in progress that are still going to other people...I can't help myself.  But that's okay, too.  I just need to make sure I include myself.)