6 June 2011

Me-Made-June... Days 4, 5 and 6

There was a bit of a debate going on over on another blog about whether Me-Made-Months are getting boring for readers. I understand that not everyone may be into it, and that different people favour different kinds of blog features, but I'd like to give my two penneth worth here to explain a little more of why I decided to get involved.

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]