It is a realization that disappoints me. It's embarrassing really. I value clothing less, if I've made it. I realize that this is not the case for all makers. I truly hope it is not the case for anyone other than me, because making things with your hands is important + valuable. This is one of those truths that is easier to tell someone else than it is to believe for myself.
I look and look at other's creations. I love the look of their architectural linen pants and floaty gauze dresses. I fall in love with the bright white and the earthy natural tones. The shapes are simple and the fit is forgiving. I could make something similar, but...
But...it won't be the same. It won't make me feel the same. I won't be able to find just the right fabric.
But it will probably cost less. I will know whose hands made it and under what conditions.
Why do I feel that it won't make me feel the same? Is it simply the attractive branding? Am I that shallow and taken by what they are selling...sunshine and smiles and soft shadows and warm breezes and sea spray? It's not just a pair of pants or just a dress, it's a feeling.
All of this makes me feel weak and silly.
Why do I only see art on another's page? Why do I only respect craft from another's hands?
No answers...but I hope recognition is the first step.
I look and look at other's creations. I love the look of their architectural linen pants and floaty gauze dresses. I fall in love with the bright white and the earthy natural tones. The shapes are simple and the fit is forgiving. I could make something similar, but...
But...it won't be the same. It won't make me feel the same. I won't be able to find just the right fabric.
But it will probably cost less. I will know whose hands made it and under what conditions.
Why do I feel that it won't make me feel the same? Is it simply the attractive branding? Am I that shallow and taken by what they are selling...sunshine and smiles and soft shadows and warm breezes and sea spray? It's not just a pair of pants or just a dress, it's a feeling.
All of this makes me feel weak and silly.
Why do I only see art on another's page? Why do I only respect craft from another's hands?
No answers...but I hope recognition is the first step.
The best way to combat those feelings...that I can think of...is just to try again. Yesterday's release inspired me to attempt some shorts I'd been considering for a while. That same weird looking vintage Esprit pattern + some tencel bought in January...a muslin and a bunch of adjusting...followed by using the pattern pretty much as it was to begin with...a trip to the fabric store for wider elastic...and I think I might have some shorts that I quite like.
I haven't worn shorts out of the house for a couple years, but I would like a couple more choices for hot weather...whether I wear them out of the house or not. :) It's 50 degrees F again, so I'll have to wait to see how they really "feel". Fingers crossed that this will be a bit of a turning point in my values.
Pattern :: vintage Simplicity 6487
Fabric :: tencel from Blackbird Fabrics
Shown with :: vintage Flax linen tank found on Ebay + in my wardrobe for years
Love,
Jane
I haven't worn shorts out of the house for a couple years, but I would like a couple more choices for hot weather...whether I wear them out of the house or not. :) It's 50 degrees F again, so I'll have to wait to see how they really "feel". Fingers crossed that this will be a bit of a turning point in my values.
Pattern :: vintage Simplicity 6487
Fabric :: tencel from Blackbird Fabrics
Shown with :: vintage Flax linen tank found on Ebay + in my wardrobe for years
Love,
Jane
