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Yesterday I put out our second fairdare mini challenge...make one piece of clothing. If you've never made a piece of clothing before, this might sound a bit daunting... or near impossible. I promised that anyone can take this challenge, though, and I firmly believe that. So let's look into this a little deeper and get some inspiration!
If we're going to take the time to make, we'd probably like our efforts to produce a wearable piece of clothing. I've tried to choose pieces with that goal in mind...no aprons or oven mitts here (although those can be fun to make too). :)
Hand sewing:
Natalie Chanin is a fair clothing pioneer...every part of the process that goes into making one of her garments is considered from fibers to dyes to sewing. She started manipulating thrift store t-shirts decades ago...cutting them apart and sewing them back together into chic new garments that were sold at Barneys. Today her creations utilize organic American cotton, employ local sewists, and look like museum quality works of art. Natalie generously promotes the craft of sewing by sharing her sewing techniques, materials, + patterns. Patterns for the above creations (+ many more) can be found in one of her four books detailing methods from threading a needle (yup), to disassembling a t-shirt, to sewing up a fabulous skirt, top, dress, scarf, etc. Check out one of Natalie's books from the library and gather lots of inspiration from her website. Online classes and kits are available, if that appeals... but all you really need is an old t-shirt or two, scissors, a needle and thread, and some time.
If we're going to take the time to make, we'd probably like our efforts to produce a wearable piece of clothing. I've tried to choose pieces with that goal in mind...no aprons or oven mitts here (although those can be fun to make too). :)
Hand sewing:
Natalie Chanin is a fair clothing pioneer...every part of the process that goes into making one of her garments is considered from fibers to dyes to sewing. She started manipulating thrift store t-shirts decades ago...cutting them apart and sewing them back together into chic new garments that were sold at Barneys. Today her creations utilize organic American cotton, employ local sewists, and look like museum quality works of art. Natalie generously promotes the craft of sewing by sharing her sewing techniques, materials, + patterns. Patterns for the above creations (+ many more) can be found in one of her four books detailing methods from threading a needle (yup), to disassembling a t-shirt, to sewing up a fabulous skirt, top, dress, scarf, etc. Check out one of Natalie's books from the library and gather lots of inspiration from her website. Online classes and kits are available, if that appeals... but all you really need is an old t-shirt or two, scissors, a needle and thread, and some time.
Knitting or Crochet:
This is one of those times when the power of the internet amazes me. I learned to knit from a book (psst...library), but you can also watch tutorials online that will have you knitting or crocheting in minutes. There are lots of free patterns on the internet too. All you'll need is one or two skeins of yarn and a coordinating pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook to make a cozy, beautiful, useful garment. A scarf or a hat is a great, wearable place to start.
I started by knitting scarves...lots of scarves. Choose a couple of skeins of chunky yarn you like, check the label for coordinating knitting needle (or crochet hook size), and get right on to knitting (or crocheting) using your book or tutorial. Cast on the desired number of stitches (maybe 12 or 18), knit each row until your scarf is the length desired, and bind off. Add fringes or pom-poms, if you like. Some of my favorite scarves have been this simple. These cowls would be great projects too. Purlsoho makes a learn-to-knit booklet with three scarf patterns included...and an all-supplies-included kit too (although I'd personally recommend chunkier yarn to start)...if that appeals.
A hat requires a couple more knitting skills, but is not difficult. This is one of my favorite go-to patterns for hats + Osprey is a nice, non-pricey American wool. My favorite hats are made with this same pattern + Misti-Alpaca Chunky (handpaint too)...which is a more expensive yarn, but one skein is all that is needed and it is supremely soft.
Here are a few more lovely learn-to-knit kits if that interests, but I almost hesitate to mention these as learning/knitting does not need to be this costly.
This is one of those times when the power of the internet amazes me. I learned to knit from a book (psst...library), but you can also watch tutorials online that will have you knitting or crocheting in minutes. There are lots of free patterns on the internet too. All you'll need is one or two skeins of yarn and a coordinating pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook to make a cozy, beautiful, useful garment. A scarf or a hat is a great, wearable place to start.
I started by knitting scarves...lots of scarves. Choose a couple of skeins of chunky yarn you like, check the label for coordinating knitting needle (or crochet hook size), and get right on to knitting (or crocheting) using your book or tutorial. Cast on the desired number of stitches (maybe 12 or 18), knit each row until your scarf is the length desired, and bind off. Add fringes or pom-poms, if you like. Some of my favorite scarves have been this simple. These cowls would be great projects too. Purlsoho makes a learn-to-knit booklet with three scarf patterns included...and an all-supplies-included kit too (although I'd personally recommend chunkier yarn to start)...if that appeals.
A hat requires a couple more knitting skills, but is not difficult. This is one of my favorite go-to patterns for hats + Osprey is a nice, non-pricey American wool. My favorite hats are made with this same pattern + Misti-Alpaca Chunky (handpaint too)...which is a more expensive yarn, but one skein is all that is needed and it is supremely soft.
Here are a few more lovely learn-to-knit kits if that interests, but I almost hesitate to mention these as learning/knitting does not need to be this costly.
Beginner sewing machine projects:
If you have access to a sewing machine, these patterns and tutorials might be a good place to start exploring its possibilities. The sewing machine's manual or an experienced friend would be helpful in getting started from scratch, but in their absence this free basics class looks like it would be good too. Purlsoho is a great online resource for free projects with great visual and written instructions. An elastic waist skirt or a pair of pajama pants (patterns in this, this, and this book) would a great wearable first sewing machine project. If you are ready for a little bit bigger challenge, a Fen top, a Scout tee, or a Linden sweatshirt might appeal. I believe that all of these patterns' instructions are clear and thorough.
I get excited looking at these projects! Simple projects are still my favorites. :) I know that this is not necessarily a simple challenge, but I do believe that it is possible. If you choose to try it, be gentle with yourself. Take your time. Remember that with each stitch you are learning. Whether this challenge results in a wardrobe staple or a little less desirable piece, let it inform your future purchasing. It takes skill to sew each piece we wear every day. :)
Love,
Jane
If you have access to a sewing machine, these patterns and tutorials might be a good place to start exploring its possibilities. The sewing machine's manual or an experienced friend would be helpful in getting started from scratch, but in their absence this free basics class looks like it would be good too. Purlsoho is a great online resource for free projects with great visual and written instructions. An elastic waist skirt or a pair of pajama pants (patterns in this, this, and this book) would a great wearable first sewing machine project. If you are ready for a little bit bigger challenge, a Fen top, a Scout tee, or a Linden sweatshirt might appeal. I believe that all of these patterns' instructions are clear and thorough.
I get excited looking at these projects! Simple projects are still my favorites. :) I know that this is not necessarily a simple challenge, but I do believe that it is possible. If you choose to try it, be gentle with yourself. Take your time. Remember that with each stitch you are learning. Whether this challenge results in a wardrobe staple or a little less desirable piece, let it inform your future purchasing. It takes skill to sew each piece we wear every day. :)
Love,
Jane
