If you have Netflix you may have noticed some new documentaries exploring fast fashion such as ‘the true cost’.
It’s great that we finally start to talk about how our increasingly consumeristic society is damaging not only for the environment but also for the well-being of other people. I often wondered - how could people think that buying a new jumper for €5.00 or less could be sustainable? I don’t think it would even cover material, let alone craftsmanship! And yes, you are probably right, a brand that charges €50 for the same jumper is probably pocketing €45 for the owner benefits, so higher price does not necessarily mean sustainable (unfortunately, with everything..). So - what can we do? Well two solutions that I have already discussed are:
But what I want to discuss today is: DIY! Yes imagine this: clothes, your size, in exactly the colour that you wanted, fabric that you wanted, right length right width aaand you will be the only one wearing it! So if you are tired of seeing people with the same shirt as you on the train/tube on your morning commute, you might like this option! Yes, true, you have to be a little crafty but honestly you don’t have to be a ‘premium Nobel sewer’ to achieve something nice! Also - you can cheat and use textile glue, just saying... maybe I am lucky that my favourite type of clothes are circle skirts, a-line skirts, boat neck wide falling tops etc.. all pretty simple to make! And you can get inventive too and try make something different, i will try make a sleeved hood, that can be used also as a scarf and hood and will keep me warm in the winter months ... But wait - isn’t this solution still requiring the manufacturing of material ? Indeed, you are right in thinking that but, I have a solution also for that (which makes this all ‘make it yourself’ even more fun! ) : buy the leftovers ! Not only is super cheap (I will make two skirts, a top, the hooded sleeves and some handkerchiefs for about €35!) but it can be lots of fun rummaging through the leftovers and will make each find even more exciting. Of course the leftovers will be of different size to what you may initially imagined , so definitely go with an idea but make it a flexible one. Or maybe this time you won’t make that skirt but perhaps a pretty top instead? Or maybe something great for presents? Or maybe you won’t find anything at this time and you will have to come back. So for this approach : flexibility, patience and a creative mentality are definitely what you need ! And get on Pinterest- full of very simple ideas :) (I am also new to this so my diy Pinterest board is still on the making but check back on it ;) )
21 Comments
10/16/2018 06:51:28 pm
Fab blog and so relevant for today's fast-fashion climate. We need to slow down on the purchases and really take a long, hard look at what we already own. Do we need it? Can we alter it ourselves? Can we swap it?
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Luna S
10/16/2018 10:41:44 pm
Buying second hand can be so helpful! A ton of my kids clothing are second hand and you wouldn't even know.
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10/17/2018 07:32:05 pm
I do not have a lot of sense of art but I think you gave really helpful tips. Sometimes I look at my clothes and think it I really need to use all of them.
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Katy
10/18/2018 08:22:51 am
Great tips! I’m always looking for new sewing projects.
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Bunmieshealthychoices
10/18/2018 10:16:29 pm
Really great tips. I need to get back on my sewing projects after 1 yr break.
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Jenn
10/19/2018 12:26:18 am
Thank you for talking about mindfulness! We defintely need to be more aware of how our purchases affect other people
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10/19/2018 08:04:15 pm
I have recently started sewing. Mostly baby blankets, but I'm determined to learn more. Youtube is a great source.
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10/20/2018 12:19:16 am
I sewed for awhile. I'm not skilled at it, but I love buying handmade clothes. Thank you for sharing.
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Sarbjit
10/21/2018 04:40:49 pm
Those are some great tips !!!! One should innovative !!! My mom does it. Good activity !!!
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10/22/2018 06:39:17 am
My mom sees so well, I wish I could have picked up the skill. It can be such a peaceful activity!
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Puja
10/22/2018 01:40:11 pm
You are right. We seem to be the generation of no DIY. I remember our parents doing quite a lot of things themselves at home.
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Sheena Moncatar
10/23/2018 02:39:59 am
I am trying to become a minimalist. Trying to avoid trendy items/pieces on the racks or shelves. Basically, I have already downsized my closet size by 50%. It was really very difficult to let go at first but I made it.
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10/23/2018 07:40:07 am
Hey I agree that to make DIYs it require great flexibility, patience and a creative mentality! I have personally developed a great linking for the DIYs since my childhood and I promote it alot among the people.
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