A few weeks ago I was thinking about how sad it was that my finished sewing projects - things I slaved over for weeks and cherish in real life - only get one viewing on my blog. After the "big reveal" post I quickly move on to planning and making the next project, anxious to finish it quickly so I'll have something to show. This doesn't seem right. For me, sewing my own clothes is a lifestyle choice, and wearing the clothes in everyday life is as important - if not more important - than the act of making them.
So I had an idea to do a "sewing projects revisited" feature on my blog where I revisit a finished garment and show three or so photos of me wearing it in real life, styled in different ways. A bit like the remix posts by the Clothes Horse, which I really like for encouraging readers to treasure the clothes they already own rather than constantly going out to buy more. But this would be even better as I didn't buy the clothes in the first place! (Although I could never reach Rebecca's sartorial and photographic standards, of course.)
But then it was time for Me-Made-June, so I thought I'd put the "revisited" posts on hold and join in with a more social, communal scheme instead. MMJ has introduced me to new stitchers and the Flickr group has provided lots of sewing inspiration. And I love reading the blog posts - seeing what people wear everyday for a month is fascinating to me, not just because I'm nosey and like to peek into other people's shopping baskets in Sainsbury's, honest, but (also) because it's a triumph for sewing culture to see homemade clothes out in the world, in real life, for a whole month. This may seem routine for people who have been sewing for decades and are used to wearing their homemade wardrobe all the time, but for the new batch of stitchers like us it's wonderful.
Thank you, Zoe!
Day 4

What's Me-Made in today's outfit?
Denim Beignet skirt
Where was it worn?
Pottering around the house, a picnic on the Mall, and a date at the pictures (to see Meek's Cutoff - highly recommended).
How often is it usually worn and why?
All the time, more than anything else I've made. I love it so!
Will it be worn more often in future?
Surely that's not possible? (Maybe it is. And don't call my Shirley.)
Day 5

What's Me-Made in today's outfit?
Upcycled granny chic skirt
Where was it worn?
Spending a geeky day with my boyfriend. I was getting tired of finding photogenic backgrounds for my outfit shots, so settled on this charming spot. Like it?
How often is it usually worn and why?
Not that often, actually. I guess it's a little girly-bohemian for my usual style, and beige doesn't look great on me. But it's pretty comfy and looks good with coloured tights in the winter.
Will it be worn more often in future?
I think so, yes. I almost forgot it existed, so MMJ has been good at reminding me what it's in my wardrobe.
Day 6

What's Me-Made in today's outfit?
Dazzlingly Red Beignet Skirt
Bow Belt
Where was it worn?
Meeting at the Freer Gallery, working from home, and dinner out with my adorable boyfriend.
How often is it usually worn and why?
I wear the skirt quite a lot. I love red, it's really easy to wear, and the lining makes it lovely and silky on the inside. The gabardine is pretty hard wearing so I'm not worried about how many times it has to go in the wash. I wear the belt even more - everytime I wear this skirt, and often with dresses and stripey tops.
Will it be worn more often in future?
I'll probably wear the skirt a lot more when I go back to work.
[Soundtrack: 'Touch the Hem of His Garment' by Sam Cooke]
For what it's worth, I don't find them boring. As a fledging stitcher, I find it inspiring to see what other people have actually sewn. Plus, I'm just nosey about what other bloggers look like!
ReplyDeleteah, controversy...what would life be like if we all thought the same thing? :-) I love the Me Made...series of challenges and wish I could play along this June. Life is too complicated for me right now so I content myself with reading a few blogs of those of you who are participating.
ReplyDeleteI sew because I love clothes, and wardrobes planning, and accessories. So I like to look at real people (not models) in their creations and get ideas for my own wardrobe. I also get a kick out of looking at the younger fashions and trying to pick elements that will work with my 50 something self.
Your skirt choices are really cute, and I am glad you are giving the boho skirt some time in the sun.
I'm totally new to blogland and fairly new to the sewing and I am really enjoying the me-mades.
ReplyDeleteIt's giving me ideas and a kick up the arse to get a few projects underway.
And its much more refreshing to see real people wear their own clothes in real life than the usual models/celebrities staged to look unfeasibly cool.
I like it.
I suffer the same concerns .... I sometimes package a few days up at once in a way to lessen the impact of lots of outfit posts - so it's interesting to see what other readers replied. I guess Flickr is the place to do this more, & I have yet to get in gear & join in the fun. Tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI love Me-Made-Months! I'm just developing from cushion maker to clothes maker so I'm so inspired by seeing what you're wearing. Obviously my little list of patterns I want is increasing and increasing and increasing.......
ReplyDeleteYou are so photogenic! I love the backdrop in the second photo as well :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing Me Made posts. To be honest though, I don't usually read through them as deeply as I do sewing construction posts. I skim and check out the photos. It's more just to see the clothes in action, which I guess is the whole point.
I like the MM posts. I haven't mde enough to participate yet, but I hope to be ready next time! I like it best when people combine a few days, like you do, and maybe alternate them with new stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing us to Clothes Horse! I was immediately mesmerized by her style and photography, wow! And I love the granny skirt, it looks good on you!
I love seeing what you've made. Especially your beignets! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely outfits, and great backdrops! :)
ReplyDeleteI get the controversy, but I also like to see what and how people are wearing their me-mades on a day-to-day basis...
Well, sheesh! If people are bored with Me-Made then they have the free will not to read about it. I am enjoying MMJ myself. Thank you for introducing me to it and a whole world of other ladies who sew.
ReplyDeleteI whole heartedly agree with Mary's sentiment - the world would be boring if we all thought the same. I think the debate has been a valid one, though my daily blog posts probably indicate which side of the fence I fall on! I think Me Mades have really inspired people and brought a community together. I suspect that daily posts are not for all bloggers or all readers. That's fine!
ReplyDeleteYes, well said Mary! I've always enjoyed reading Me-Made posts and am just thrilled that I've finally made enough clothes to be able to participate. Love your outfits and backdrops in this post. The last one is especially bonkers! x
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I LOVE me made June (or whatever month). I really like seeing what people make, but I also really like seeing how people where them in "real life".
ReplyDeleteFor me honestly, it really depends on if the photo is interesting (cute outfit and or interesting background)otherwise it does get pretty boring. That's one reason I didn't join in this time around, I'm terrible at photo taking and I've been sewing nearly my whole life with no major gaps so it really isn't a challenge for me when half my clothes are made by me.
ReplyDeleteI'd echo many other comments that I find the Me-Made challenges inspiring. There is still the pervasive little voice in my head of society telling me that people where handmade if they have to, if they can't afford "real" clothes. Seeing all the pictures from the Me-Made challenges inspires me to say that you can be fashionable and chic and have fabulous clothes because you made them that way to suit your own style. Fabulous! Not to mention all the great idea to try out as I learn to make my own clothes.
ReplyDeleteI don't find it boring at all. I wish I could have taken part in this one but as I'm fairly new to sewing clothes I have't really built up enough in my wardrobe to make it work. I am however very busy sewing at the moment so hopefully will be able to take part next time.Does anyone know when the next time is?
ReplyDeleteI think the one thing I have learned since posting about MM months is the varying reasons for participating. It was very enlightening and made a lot of sense to me. I am definitely looking at the whole phenomenon with different eyes now.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing it because SO many people do it that it keeps it interesting. And I like your point about how we should be satisfied with using what we have in different ways. And wow, I've never been to that blog, but it is AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteP.S. LOVE the construction photo. I've been trying to get more creative with mine as well.
I don't find them boring. This world of blogging and the challenges are all fairly new to me. I am interested in seeing what others have made as it inspires me to continue on my journey in having a totally self made wardrobe. And anyway,I admit it I'm nosey too! I like to feel I'm getting to know people through there photos and posts.
ReplyDeleteHow on earth can Me Mades be boring? I read other peoples blogs to be inspire my own sewing projects and to further enhance my blog. Me Mades are indeed the shopping baskets of supermarkets, not only to see all the clothes worn in context and to appreciate the effort put in but also its an interesting insight into the readers' lifestyles. I love my alfresco-coffee-people-watching-Sundays but I can do it nationally and even global with a Me Made! I'm so looking forward to 'boring' the pants off people when I've got enough clothes to do a Me Made!
ReplyDeleteI think it's delightful to see the next generation or so of sewists proudly showing off their creations. Very inspiring even to life long sewists like moi. I rarely go a day without a me made garment and I still get a thrill from that.
ReplyDeleteI think you re all a good influence on me - I am finishing seams and making more of an effort on my own clothes than I ever have before, as most of the sewing I do is for others, what with one thing and another. :) So thank you!
porta potty-picture = awesome
ReplyDeleteLove your skirts! And your location shots are just so much fun!! I love me made months--It's such an nice challenge to revisit some sewing garments!
ReplyDeleteI agreee! Definitely nice to see things in real life, and you can't be stitching *all* the time (even if you'd like to) so having outfit photos can keep you blogging when life is busy :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
I love the Me Made series as well. I am no where close to being able to participate, but it's fun and inspiring to see everyone wearing items that they made for an entire month. Show off your hard work! I would love seeing how you style one item different ways to help illustrate that you can do more with less.
ReplyDeleteNot at all boring - I love them :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I like style blogs anyway, so obviously I like this, but I also think your reasoning is spot on. I'm always happy to see the Beignet skirts trotted out, and in context is even better. I also love Rebecca's series, mind, so you could keep that on the backburner for the winter, perhpas? ; D
ReplyDeletehmm. I don't think me-made-month posts are boring at all! I like outfit posts in general. Though they can be a bit monotonous (if every day is like "shirt from h&m, skirt from forever 21, vintage belt" ... yawn), seeing clothes that people have made for themselves is super inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE seeing these posts, across all blogs too! Its great to see the inital garment on its debut, but I also like to see how its creator styles it in different ways, and how it fits into their everyday wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I feel like I've made enough, I'm certainly joining in on the fun!
P.S thanks for blog crushing on me this week, it made my day! x
It is so special to be able to wear your own stylish creations, the outfits can be so much more classy when they fit you perfectly.
ReplyDeleteTilly I love the beignet skirts. You wear them so well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the great debate about MMJ posting, I like to post everyday because i have something to say related to that outfit, and it is a way for me to remember how I felt about that particular outfit, on that particular day.
I'm not participating(hoping to be able if you do it again in September)and I LOVE reading the posts everyday or weekly. I too feel like if you make it, it should be cherished and worn. Some people are never satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI love that random door above ground! And the contrast between your outfit and the port-a-potty/tracker-thing was great! haha
ReplyDeletex mordrian
Seeing your various Beignet versions has convinced me to buy the pattern. It's so versatile and flattering! I especially love the red one with the bow.
ReplyDelete