A Fine Line

How fine do you define your line between repurposing old clothing and full-on cheating?  My line needs to be defined for 2012!

I've determined that alterations will be counted as cheating.

Deconstruction and reconstruction into something else will count as repurposing.

Also, I do not plan on doing alterations or deconstruction on anything that I currently own because that would defeat the purpose of this whole year.  But If I am at a thrift store and see something divine, I will be allowed to create something from it.

Things that are not okay:

• Magically turning a pair of jeans into shorts by chopping the legs off
• Creating a designer muscle-shirt by hacking the sleeves off of a t-shirt
• Bringing new life into an old t-shirt by cutting off the bottom and making a belly-shirt... well, that's not okay for many reasons
• Taking the seams in on anything to create a 'skinny' look... also not okay for other reasons

Things that are okay:

• Turning the item into something else completely by deconstructing and reconstructing (like using the fabric, seams, and zippers from a pair of jeans to make a jacket)
• Using the fabric from one item to create a similar item (like using the fabric from an old t-shirt for a new shirt pattern, but not cutting out all the seams and then making the same t-shirt)
• Cannibalizing felted sweaters from the thrift store for socks and mittens... but not underpants!
• Cannibalizing old soft cotton t-shirts for sporty bloomers (underpants!)

Also, you can repurpose the word 'cannibalize' to mean 'reuse' instead of 'eat other people'.

What items are you able to cannibalize for different projects?  (doesn't have to be sewing or knitting... thinking outside the box is for everyone!)

Homemade Clothing, Homemade Detergent

If you're gonna go, go all the way.  If you are going to take the time to make your clothing, take the time to put the proper care into them.

A friend of mine sent me this link to Being Creative (to keep my sanity) with a tutorial on how to make your own laundry detergent.

Now, I have tried to do this before but I had some issues.  Well, one issue.  I used a bath bar instead of laundry soap.  I had a ton of undissolved white soap nubbins on everything until I exclaimed "Zounds!  This project has left me with a poor taste in my mouth!"  So I stopped eating the soap and went back to regular detergent.

Until now.  I used the proper Fels Naptha laundry soap this time.  I also added baking soda, which had not been called for in the previous recipe I used.  So now... now I have some of the softest laundry I've ever had.  And now I have some of the least smelly laundry I've ever had.

The questions that have popped up on my Facebook Discussion:

Does it dissolve in a cold water load?  Yes.

Does it take care of smelly stuff?  Yes.  It passed the test on my kitchen towels and martial arts uniforms.

Is it easy to make?  Yes.  Don't grate your fingers when you're shaving the soap.  Twice.  Like me.

Does it work in an HE washer?  Yes.  However, you would have to put it straight in the drum as I'm not sure that it would work in the dispenser box.  It does not suds up at all.

My cousin has also been making her own detergent, but she has been making the liquid style.  The Common Room has a tutorial for liquid soap.  She referred to it as her 'vat of slime' but said it worked well and got her clothes clean.

So go wash things!  My next laundry-related item to make will be wool dryer balls.

What things do you find essential in your laundry room?

Re-setting Up Shop and Unearthing Embarrassment

My sewing room is not just a sewing room but sometimes a catch-all room for things that I'd rather not put in the attic.  This month, my sewing room has been home to 30+ shoe boxes and many personal hygiene products.  My mom and I put together shoe box gifts every year for the homeless in Rochester filled with soap, shampoo, razors, and some warmth items like socks, hats, and scarves.  It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy.

But now, I have gotten the chance to get all that stuff out of my sewing room... and now I have a ton and a half more space than I did before.  So I decided to so some slight reorganization.

I've kept my notions in a tackle box for the past few years.  It's a great idea if and only if you never have the urge to set things down on it.  Because if there's something on top of it, you tend not to want to move the stuff so you can open it.  So you end up with a ton of extra notions because you don't feel like rummaging to see if you already have that notion in your stash.  You know... not saying that from experience or anything!

So I went into the attic and acquired my husband's abandoned 'stuff' cabinet shelf thing of which I don't know the official term, but you usually see them on a workshop table filled with nuts and bolts and other junk.  It's perfect because it has a ton of little drawers that I can see into and get what I need.  And I can set things on top of it and still be able to get into it.  I just need to remember not to put anything in front of it!

So in my organization, I came across some old half-done projects.  One of them was supposed to be for my niece, who is a bit over a year old now.  I should have finished this bunting when she could have still fit into it. Now I have no reason to finish it because I waited too damn long.  This is when I start waiting for someone else I know to produce a baby girl.  My lesson: don't start time-sensitive projects when you are in your creation-lull.  Maybe I can put it on the cat.

I also found some half-finished Christmas presents from last year.  That one is kind of embarrassing.  I promise I'll finish them some day... and if you're reading this, you know who you are because I gave you the voucher for it last year.  My lesson: don't celebrate Christmas.  Err, I mean, don't tell someone ahead of time that you're making something for them.  Especially right before your creation-lull.

What is your favorite way to keep things organized in your craft/sewing room?

What unfinished projects do you have haunting your soul?

Remember That Part?

Do you remember that part I said the other day about making sure you take the first step?  I forgot to mention the whole 'not giving up after you fail at the first step' part.

You see... I'm trying to learn how to knit socks on double pointed needles.  I very nearly threw said double pointed needles at the instructions I was working from.  That's bad because they instructions were up on my computer screen.

Try not to let your first few times discourage you, particularly if you really want to learn a skill.

You can do it.  Just keep your focus.

My Favorite Question

Because I'm very excited about my 2012 challenge, I have been telling everyone!  When you tell someone of an extreme challenge like this, there are bound to be questions.  The most common is about whether I'm making my own underwear.

My favorite question, however, is:

You're not going to be wearing jeans anymore, are you?

This entertains me because it means that people have some serious preconceptions about home-sewn items.  There are visions of formless sacks, pajama pants and pillows that we all made in home-economics class in middle school.  When sifting through pattern catalogs, it's assumed that these pieces can only be made by professionals.

Well... wrong!

I am currently working on two pairs of jeans; one in medium blue denim and one in an olive green bottom-weight.  I cut this pattern this morning and will be pinning and cutting this afternoon and tomorrow.

My sewing machine is probably the bottom of the line model, but it doesn't have too much trouble getting through the thickness of denim.  Just make sure to use the proper sized needle!

Someday... someday I will invest in a heavier-duty machine that will sew through anything!

I have not made a full length pair of jeans before, but I have made a pair of denim shorts.  This was my first look into learning how to sew a fly.  It is intimidating at first, but the pattern I used explained it pretty well, pictures and all.  Getting past that first try is the hardest because you're so worried about screwing it up that you don't do it at all and aren't able to learn how.

ALWAYS take that first step.  You can't start your journey without it.

Also, believe in yourself.  Don't let others sew seeds of doubt.  Sew your own seeds of success!

I Refuse!

No, I'm not going to go into this kicking and screaming.  I should... it would make this whole thing much more dramatic.

I refuse to stop learning.

A good portion of what I plan to make will be sewn.  But what about those many other pesky ways to make clothing?  Like knitting.  Crocheting.  Macrame.

I refuse to wear macrame.

I have knit things in my life.  I am very good at straight knitting.  However I can't purl, ssk, knit in the round, or hold knitting needles properly to save my life.  I need to start from the beginning when it comes to knitting because I think it would be neat to make socks.  Boring white socks get boring after a while.

I was on a really big knitting kick more than five years ago.  I got so frustrated that I gave up.  But luckily (in some cases) everything that you give up you can always start again.

Learning is a big part of life.  When you decide to stop learning, you are effectively dead.

This year, I will learn to knit properly.

General Post-Rush Lag

I always have my great ideas on a day when I can put my ideas into effect.  The following several days are inevitably filled with everything that keeps my from sewing.  While I try to do a little bit each day, I do like to spend a morning and afternoon on something if I can.  But when the mornings are filled with chores and errands galore, it's difficult to get into an afternoon mindset.

Thursday mornings take me to the Rochester Public Market, which is where I do the bulk of my grocery shopping.  Being that Thursday is the only day I can really make it, it needs to be done.

So I've just gone to the market.  Big deal.  Home by 9:30am.

I need to do something with that cauliflower in the fridge so I can fit these apples in there.  Process and freeze.

But wait!  There's only one slice of bread left.  *gulp*  There are no slices of bread left!  Out comes the sourdough and the mixer.  Bread made.

The laundry needs to be hung up, by the way.  Just sayin'.

Hungry?  Time for lunch!

Trash day tomorrow.  Get the trash and recycling together.  Swear off excess packaging.  Again.

Cry havoc!  And let slip the dogs of war!

You know... all in a days' work.

Perhaps the sense of urgency will become apparent when it's January and I'm shoveling snow in a 60s faux vintage party dress.

Attempt to Rush In

So my first piece of clothing will come from this pattern, a Butterick coordinates set.  I chose the long dress version for a couple reasons.

1.  I wanted something easy to throw on in the morning.
2.  I wanted something that I could comfortable wear inside our outside.  I think I already scare the neighbors enough.
3.  Pockets.  I hate carrying a purse.
4.  There is no 4.  Just checking to see if you're paying attention.

I've had the pattern completely cut out since at least July.  And it sat.  2011 got in the way.  I also didn't have the right fabric picked out.  Now I do.  I bought some light blue quilting fabric with bird silhouettes on it several months ago with the intention of making a bathrobe.  I thought that it might make a nicer dress.

I cut out the fabric with the aid of my loyal cat Elvis, who decided that it was time to play with his toy mouse as soon as I laid everything on the floor to start working.  We have a mutual understanding.  I try to work, he tries to make sure I don't work.

So everything is cut out and marked.  I'll be sewing tomorrow.  I need to pick up some seam binding for the neck and armholes and get my eyes checked.  That part has nothing to do with the sewing, I just need new glasses.

I like to use french seams, particularly when I'm working with stuff that easily unravels or is not encased in a lining.  I have a regular old sewing machine, so serging is out of the question.  That's okay though.  French seams make me feel uppity.

That being said, things must not get done.  Like feeding the cat.  So he leaves me alone.  Maybe.

Taking Inventory

I decided to jump into this project knowing that I had a few things that I could wear until I got my wardrobe up to snuff.  Those 'few things' turned out to be a few shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants from my Halloween costume, a zipper hoodie, a couple tank tops, and my night-shirt.  And, of course, several Halloween costumes that I probably wouldn't wear in public.  Although some people would probably enjoy seeing me wear my pirate coat regularly.

My better inventory involves all the fabric I bought on clearance knowing that someday... someday... I would make something awesome with it.  And my box of patterns that I knew... someday... someday... I would make these awesome pieces of clothing.

That someday is here, dammit!  I won't let all these things sit in the attic and taunt me any longer!

I have some fabulous Spiderman licensed fabric that would make a great button-down.
I have denim and bottomweights to match with a pattern for jeans.
I have a ton of clearance knits for shirts, loungewear, workwear, and activewear.
I have some suitings just in case I need to go to yet another funeral.  (srsly, I went to three last year)

Sometimes planning is just so easy.  Time to get DOING!

Obligatory First Post

Disclaimer:  I am not a great blogger, judging by the previous ten blogs I thought would be a 'really great idea!'  I just want to get that out of the way now.  Trying to identify and then quantify passion can be difficult since I do so many things.

I came up with a personal challenge for 2012.

I will only be wearing clothing that I have made myself (or the occasional item hand-made by a friend).

On January 1st, 2012, I will be putting away everything store-bought.

There are a few things that are not being counted... at least for the first six months:
Undergarments and socks
Outerwear (it's COLD here...unless we have an unusually warm November... like now)
Some activewear

Getting started now might not be a bad idea... otherwise I'll be stuck with a pair of shorts, a tank top, and a pirate coat on the first of the year.