fairdare
  • blog
  • Fairdare
  • ethical brands
  • zero-waste
  • zero-waste meals
  • about

made wardrobe lessons :: value

4/27/2017

6 Comments

 
Picture
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. ​
Picture
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
6 Comments
Heather link
4/27/2017 03:12:43 pm

You are my soul sister. :) While I have yet to make my own clothes, I completely understand the struggle to value self-made things as much as the prettily-marketed things others have made. I've definitely found this to be true as I (slowly) work on making bags to sell. I think this also applies to thrifting. I'll value and care about an item more if I've spent more money on it, even if I get more use out of a thrifted item. It is a fascinating point to consider! Also, wearing shorts out of the house—not my favorite thing to do. :) However, the shorts you made look just as nice as Elizabeth Suzann! I love your sewn wardrobe posts!

Reply
Jane link
4/27/2017 04:32:26 pm

Hey, Soul Sister :: I agree about thrifted pieces, because sometimes I am just settling. If I find a real treasure, though...I will really treasure it. :) I can't wait to see your bags. Your style is just what I like! I often have to try to see my creations as if I didn't make it...and they will look so much better. :) Thank you!

Reply
Ashton
4/27/2017 05:22:52 pm

I'm a fairly new reader but I have to comment and let you know you aren't alone! I rarely sew for myself because I don't usually end up loving what I've made, the exception being a few Alabama Chanin type pieces. I think part of it is always struggling with the fit of things, but I'm inspired by you and others to try again. =) So thank you!

Reply
Jane link
5/1/2017 08:49:09 am

Thank you for the solidarity...although, I do not wish it on you! :) It can be tough to finish things that don't have staying power in our wardrobes...but...Alabama Chanin pieces!? I would love to see them, because I bet they are amazing and pure art! Yes, let's try again...with hope! :) Thank you!!!

Reply
Elisa
5/2/2017 04:32:04 am

The shorts look so nice! The fabric and colour are amazing. I'm pretty sure they will look and feel amazing during summer days.

Reply
Jane link
5/8/2017 08:58:56 am

Thank you so much!! :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    on a journey toward zero-waste, simplicity, + compassion :: daring to choose fair one choice at a time
    Picture
    Picture


    categories

    All
    Fair Brands
    Fairdare
    Garden
    Made
    Reads
    Simple Budget
    Simple Holidays
    Simple Home
    Simple Wardrobe
    Simply Said
    Sustainable Self
    Wanderings
    Yum
    Zero Waste

    archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    all images by jane unless otherwise noted. copyright 2023.
    subscribe via email

    RSS Feed

    Follow