Red Cedar
More apocalypse, less angst
Post #3109: Sewing up the [wardrobe] gaps
I’m at a juncture where I have worn out most of my trousers. Four pairs of jeans and four pairs of black leggings – all on the verge of being cut up for rags (the leggings) or additions to quilting projects (the jeans). Knowing this, I had big plans a few months ago to sew pants – but then I chickened out and didn’t end up sewing any pants – but many knit-dresses instead, because those are easy and I had lots of knit fabric kicking around.
Because I am loathe to wear ready-made clothing these days (such poor quality), and there aren’t a lot of options in the thrift stores here (so much synthetic textile!) – this means that I have got to get on some sewing to close the wardrobe gap as we head into warmer weather.
Me-Made-May is coming up – something that’s been around for a few years but I have never consciously participated in. I think this year, I will get on board and use it as a chance to reflect on what is in my closet and be conscious about choosing sewing projects to fill the gaps. I’m also moving towards a wardrobe that does not include much in the way of synthetic textiles (save the odd lycra mixed in with cotton here and there) – because I am aiming for clothing that can eventually end its days in the compost. While I recognize this is a drop in the bucket in terms of textile pollution – the more I learn about the garment industry, the more I want to alter my relationship to the items I wear.
So my pledge starting now and through Me-Made-May is that I will:
- sew to fill wardrobe gaps (even though it’s a bit boring)
- pants
- knit tops out of black jersey
- knit tank tops
- underwear
- sew from fabric in my stash
- continue to finish UFOs
- wear one me-made garment or accessory each day in May
I have a couple of basics – black meditation dress, and a basic black top – cut out and ready to go. I plan to sew those this week, and then go back to the pants plan with a pair of Emerson crop pants made out of cotton twill. Those will also be black. It’s a bit of a dour sewing month – but this is what filling wardrobe gaps looks like at the moment. Fortunately I made some colourful tops this winter – that will help me through the season of transition without looking too much like I’m in mourning.
Post #3108: A smidge of colour theory on a cloudy day
It is so grey outside; let’s think about colour!
I came across this vintage colour wheel in the gift shop at the National Gallery in Ottawa last month – and immediately went online to see if I could find a version to print out for my studio. This work by Hilaire Hiler (1898-1966) pairs emotional resonance with colours, and also breaks down colours by group rather than primary/complementary. There is a whole system of thought behind this of course – but really, I just find this combination very pleasing to me. Although I haven’t done much in the way of textile art – I like the idea of bringing colour to the fore when I do, and this system is another dimension to work from. Of course, since Hiler, there has been tons of work done on colour theory and the psyche, primarily in support of the marketing industry – but his explorations in colour were groundbreaking and remain legendary to this day.
Post #3107: Sewing off the stash
I’ve been doing a lot of finishing and stash sewing lately in an attempt to clear some of the sewing room clutter. Case in point, the over-sized pillow that I finished earlier this week. The teal/red poppy fabric was originally an unfinished (and unflattering) attempt at a skirt, which I then sliced up into quilt squares several months ago – and now finally, it’s done!
The subject of the “stash” comes up frequently in discussions of knitting or sewing. Comparing myself with what I see online – my stash of fabric and yarn would likely be considered neither large nor small – but somewhere in the middle. And still, I don’t like what it represents – which is a tendency to purchase more than I can reasonably consume.
Whenever I start to sew or knit down the stash, I am confronted by how much time it takes to work each piece of fabric into something usable, never mind find uses for all the scraps. Given all the yardage in my collection, I would have to sew every day for a year to get through it all. And there is no way I could knit/crochet all the yarn I have – since knitting is much more time consuming. On the other hand, I like the ability to “shop” my stash when I have a gift to make, or I’m bored of the clothes in my wardrobe. To have nothing on hand would mean continual trips to town, or (more likely) waiting for mail order.
I think the balance is in bringing less material into my house, and ensuring that what I do bring in has some longevity so that even if it takes me a couple of years to use, it won’t feel like it’s from some other moment of my life. I’m also eliminating the purchase of material with Lycra or elastic elements, as I find that breaks down just from sitting around too long, plus it isn’t ultimately biodegradable.
So yes, I’m emptying the bins one project at a time. Progress is slow, but at least it doesn’t cost me anything to sew off the stash.
Post #3106: Basic black
I came to the city for a week of work and shows and have instead caught the flu or something like it. I am cooped up in the condo, too tired and achey to do much more than watch Netflix and knit.
My current project is just this side of boring, a black rectangle knit in stockinette which will be seamed and turned into a poncho once the knitting is done.
The patttern is the Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas and I made a version of it in the fall which I am in love with (and wear often).
Now I’ve decided to make a version of this for use at meditation retreats which necessitates the black yarn. As uninteresting as it is to knit, I will be very grateful to my hands come November when I have a week long retreat and need something warm to throw on when walking between the meditation and dining halls.
Post # 3105: A roundup of makes from March!
When I moved (almost) two years ago, I moved a number of unfinished projects with me. Like the quilt in this photo. I’ve been carrying the squares and the backing fabric around for about five years – both of which I purchased for next to no money (seriously – I think I spent a total of $15 on the fabric here) – and until yesterday it was just taking up space in a drawer. While trying to clear some space for some work materials, I came across it and another unfinished project stashed away together – and decided that it was just time to get it done. I basically marathoned it yesterday afternoon and evening – fast and not fussy – and although there is nothing measured or meticulous about this project, I have a perfectly serviceable picnic quilt.
What makes it a picnic quilt is the fact the backing is plastic tablecloth material – making it damp proof and easy to wipe clean – which you can see in the turned up corner here:
These are really not my colours – but cheery for spring! I look forward to warmer days when I feel the urge to loll about on the grass.
I’ve also finished a number of other things which I haven’t posted here this month. These include another Webster top in double gauze:
Another Coco dress. This fabric has been in my stash for more than two years, and I wasn’t sure if I would want to pull off something this bright – but with a black cardigan it looks great, and these dresses are the most comfortable wardrobe staple:
A new shawl made using a Party of Five set from Sweet Georgia yarns. Pattern is Starburst – and it took me about two months to knit up:
And I’ve been getting some stitch and reverse applique practice in too:
At the moment, I’m working on a crochet curtain (also using up some of the crochet cotton stash), and trying to decide what projects I will tackle in April. As much as I want to tackle all the unfinished objects and get them out of my studio – I need a certain amount of new makes to keep me occupied. That doesn’t mean new materials though! I’ve got so much stuff in the stash to work with – and I want to clear out some of the clutter before sewing season slows down (I pretty much cease sewing in the summertime because outside is so much more fun). As we are almost onto April I guess we shall see what comes out of the studio!
Red Cedar 