Datcat

This is difficult for me……. really difficult. A childhood of poverty and perpetual “hand me downs” means that I am used to wearing clothing that is ill-fitting, not liked, and close to falling to pieces. When I buy clothes, I am subconsciously looking for the cheap price, and that means that sales are a particular problem. In the past I would buy clothes that don’t quite fit, usually too big, and then either convince myself that they do fit, or make do with dodgy alterations….. all because they were cheap. I tend to hang onto clothing, well past its “use-by” date, usually until it falls apart. However, I need to accept that I have a good job (and so does hubby). This means that I can afford better quality clothing, so it lasts well. But I need to let go of clothing that no longer gets worn, even when its still in good condition. The last year or so has created a different mindset and approach. I have confidence in my sewing ability to alter clothing to fit me (see the previous topic on refashioning a skirt). I am no longer interested in sack like clothing, preferring fitted lines that flatter. And I am slowly coming to the realisation that I don’t need to scrimp and deny myself. I will never be silly with money, but liking an item at regular price is no longer as much of a trauma.

I am on school holidays at the moment, so in the next week or so, I will be doing a major wardrobe purge ……… purge …. such a good word. This isn’t going to be plucking out a few items and stuffing the rest back. I plan to bring in my mobile clothes rack, and remove every hanger from the wardrobe. All shoes will come out, all the cardigans and jumpers from the top shelf. Then, it will be time to assess each item of clothing …… does it fit? is it useful? do I like wearing it? does it make me look frumpy/fat/pregnant? have I worn it at all in the last year? the items to go back into the wardrobe, are the ones that answer all those questions the right way. The rest will be going to the charity shop. Hopefully, this will help me pinpoint the gaps in the wardrobe, so I can sew myself some new clothes. I plan to do the same with my clothing draws …… and *gasp* ….. my shoes!

This is going to be a huge job ……. but it needs to be done. The last couple of days I started on new work clothing, inadvertently putting together a small capsule set, and I realised that if I don’t know what’s in the wardrobe, how on earth am I supposed to know what to sew.

Ok …. so a start has been made. First up I pulled down the jumpers and handbags from the shelf above. I think because they have been up there so long I don’t have much of an attachment to them, so that was relatively easy. I am now down to 6 handbags, two large work ones, two casual cross body ones, and two evening bags. And so we start……….

Next I pull out all the shoes. This isn’t as bad as I have been in the past, but still not great.

I find shoes that I will never get back into (4 inch stilettos), shoes I bought when my feet were swollen and are now too big, and a succession of closed in work shoes that have worn out and been shoved to the back of the wardrobe. Oh and unwise sale purchases, including an ugly 1950’s styled pair of maryjanes. What on earth was I thinking?

I still have a lot of shoes, but I am thinking if they are out where I can see them, I might exhibit better control.

And so the pulling out process has begun. The rack holds the wearables, the pile on the dresser is definitely charity, one pile on the bed is charity, the other is “try them on and check they fit”. I have found some spectacular clangers …… 1990’s plum pants (ssooo not fashionable now), worn out stuff, and more synthetic fabric than I will ever need to wear.

Ok ….. I will update ….. but this is it for the moment.

Woohoo, a sewing programme!  Whoda thunk it?

Mind you, its only in Britain, and only through youtube do us Aussies get to see it, but still its there.  And what great viewing!   Don’t get me wrong, this is not a show that has lofty expectations.  Contestants aren’t producing catwalk level designs, bespoke outfits intended for movie stars or socialites.  Instead the focus is on technique, quality of finish, and simplicity.  This is the sort of show that inspires people to try out sewing, rather than just coveting the finished product, because while it shows that sewing is obviously not easy, it does make it seem do-able.

Of course, there are a range of sewing styles and approaches featured …. it wouldn’t be interesting if they were all Martha Stewart types.  And I think a few of us established (read older) sewists find the approach by Tilly and the like, just a bit annoying, perhaps because she is young, fearless and dives in headfirst.  The token gay guy Stuart, is a bit frustrating, but he is honest about his skills, and tries really hard.  But to balance this is the wonderful Ann, who is someone I aspire to be when I am in my 80’s.  Elegant and yet approachable, I actually have chatted to Ann online, as she is a member of a forum I frequent.  She is an absolute goldmine of sewing information, always helpful with suggestions, and generous with her praise.   The lack of nastiness and the obvious friendship that I can already see developing, is refreshing.  It is a competition, but really these people are competing against themselves, showing their best technique.  I really enjoyed the caring atmosphere of the show.  Of course someone has to be sent home, and that is sad, but remember we are watching a “reality television show” and that is the nature of the format.  Still, in the meantime we get to see some real people, tackling sewing, and in the process, hopefully inspiring others to give it a go.

The Great British Sewing Bee