Now here’s a sewing challenge I can get behind completely.
But as someone who already almost never buys clothes, it was challenging to think of a pledge to make! Here’s what I’ll be working with:
1. I’m going to work on appreciating beautiful fabrics with my eyes instead of my wallet: just because it’s gorgeous and would make the perfect pattern-x doesn’t mean it needs to become MY version of pattern-x. Gods know at this point when I add fabrics to my stash it becomes a project at the end of such a long list that it will take me years to get to it, at which point I won’t want to make that pattern anyway.
2. I’m going to find other ways to support the local fabric stores I love besides buying fabrics I don’t need. I’ll take the classes or workshops, or introduce friends to them, or give gift certificates for classes/workshops/products to friends, etc. Because I do want these stores and places to thrive and often that means I am buying things I don’t want and can’t use (even though they are very nice!); I need to find another way.
3. I’m going to work on slower sewing projects. There is this loop I’ve been caught in where, to justify the fabrics I’ve bought, I try to race through the sewing projects so the stash doesn’t get “too much,” which just transfers the excess from the stash to my closet, where I can’t possibly wear it all. So I want to work on slowing down on the sewing: make more complicated clothes, screen print or embroider projects where appropriate, and make more things for other people.
I’m also looking at the 30 Wears Challenge, which also asks you not to buy (or make) a piece of clothing unless you believe you will wear it at least 30 times. This sounds like a good judgement check at the moment of purchase or cutting and I’ll be posting about this and the slow fashion challenge on IG. But, you know, probably slowly.
I can’t believe 2019 is almost over! What are your sewing hopes and plans for 2020?
Hi friends! Happy holiday season to you! As we come to the end of another year, how about a fresh new challenge for a fresh new 2020? I’ve started up Slow Fashion 2020, where you decide what challenge you want to set for yourself in terms of being more sustainable with your clothing making/purchasing. As […]
via #SlowFashion2020: Create Your Own Sustainable Challenge — Frivolous At Last
Zoopolis 
I have just donated fabric with pattern to the local Thrift store, and am bagging and sorting a lot of craft stuff to go to the library for kid craft afternoons.
And am trying to stay out of the local fabric and craft store. Not sure I can manage this one.
You are brave!
It is going to be a challenge for sure. It’s the only kind of shopping I like!
Thank you for this! I’ve been thinking of all the ways I can reduce waste lately and you are helping me think things through. You probably already do this, and I do as well for most things, but I’m going to avoid buying things that contribute to the microplastic problem. Difficult because my winter uniform is fleece leggings and long hoodie!
Yes, I avoid synthetic fibres too as much as possible for just that reason. I’m not sure what’s available where you live but I’ve been told there are also filters you can get for washers that catch microplastics before the enter the drain, and that might be worth looking at too, if fleece is an important part of your winter wardrobe. 🙂
And you’re welcome. And I’m sorry it took me so long to respond! I’ve been shaking the worst cold.