Tuesday 11 May 2010

The Sew Weekly

I have so many things to take photos of to show you all, but I'm in the depths of studying for my summer exams at the moment and so never remember to take photos until it's too dark. I need to show you how my cardigan is getting along (almost finished, just waiting on the buttons arriving in the post!), how Windowsill Farm is doing now the warm weather is finally here, my first attempt at making essential oil with homegrown herbs (using a recipe from The Virgin Gardener, a completely marvelous book) and my next knitting project (just ordered the needles off Ebay, so excited to start!).

In the meantime though, here's a blog I've recently got pretty into. It's called The Sew Weekly and is all about the lovely Mena, sewing herself one dress a week in an attempt to have a fully homemade wardrobe by the end of 2010. It's a really inspiring blog if you're into sewing and clothes making, reading it is really encouraging me to continue learning to make my own clothes. So far I only have 2 dresses to my name, but I've got a whole load of projects lined up in my head to keep me busy over the summer.

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In the 'About' section, Mena talks about the slow clothes movement, her love of vintage styles and the pride that comes with wearing something you made with your own two hands. Your clothes are ultimately the first thing that people see and judge you with, rightly or wrongly, so I really like the idea that my clothes stand for more than just who I am, but say something about my principles as well. I don't mean t-shirts with 'Ban the Bomb' emblazoned across the front (although obviously there's a place for them as well), I mean clothes that make a statement in a much more subtle way. Clothes that say 'I disagree with sweatshops', 'I am keeping traditional skills alive', 'I disagree with consumerism and the way we treat our planet' and 'I want clothes that look good on ME, not just size 0 models'.

And obviously I want to look good doing it!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you posted this, I nearly ordered you The Virgin Gardener for your birthday! T'is a marvellous book indeed. Have you had any other recent book acquisitions? I have ideas, but don't want to double up on you! xx p.s. Looking forward to seeing how your cardie turned out!

Unknown said...

Haha, good for being a nerdy blogger! I haven't really bought any other books recently, though I did get the River Cottage Veg Patch book for Christmas, which is pretty awesome also! I've asked Ellie and Grandad for the Alys Fowler Edible Garden book for my birthday so I'm pretty excited about that!

If you're thinking of birthdays though, I would love a garden organiser, like Frances' wedding planner but for the garden. Only if you don't have other ideas though, you always give the best presents! xx

Anonymous said...

We're clearly on the same wavelength - I'd planned to get you your suggestion all along! I'm glad you mentioned the Alys Fowler book though - I did *consider* it but thought you'd likely get it from someone else, so...! You'll just have to wait and see what turns up towards the end of the week! :-) xx

Unknown said...

We're psychic! I'm very excited now, all this talk of presents! You'll have to start dropping me ideas for your birthday as well, I know it's a while away but it's good to keep the eyes peeled! xx