This was the first year I have ever participated in Me-Made-May and it wasn't nearly as stressful as I imagined it to be. I managed to keep to my pledge for the majority of May and discovered a lot of decent and wearable clothes hiding in my closet that I will wear more in the future. More than my own daily challenge I enjoyed seeing everyone else's me mades go up all over the internet every day. So much inspiration!
To recap, here are
five lessons I have taken away from Me-Made-May'14:
DO I NEED MORE DRESSES? HELL, YEAH!
Okay, I own 21 me-made dresses. That should be enough for anyone really. I'm an economical and environmentally-conscious person and could choose to call it quits. But what would life be without over-indulgence and excess? I want more! Particularly more dresses, because I live in dresses. I chose to wear a dress on 16 out of 31 days. I like wearing dresses more than anything else. I have so many plans for more dresses and I will not stop sewing them. That's a promise.
I DON'T MAKE JACKETS OR OUTWEAR! WHY NOT?
Well, I did notice this before Me-Made-May, but consciously wearing handmade every day has made me realize even more that from all my indulgent dress sewing I rarely (
read never) take the time to sew something more involved or practical, like a jacket. I live in England and never leave the house without a jacket - not even in July. A couple of colourful, yet practical, outerwear items would really brighten up my wardrobe.
EVERYDAY CLOTHES SHOULD REQUIRE MINIMUM IRONING
I did stick to my goals and iron quite a bunch of stuff so that I could wear a more diverse range of clothes during Me-Made-May. But, really, clothes that need excessive ironing will never become everyday staples in my wardrobe. I will be more careful to make only simple, easy-to-iron clothes out of fabric that will crease a lot when washed or generally just stay away from some of the usual culprits. There are only so many hours in a day, and most are too precious to be spent hunched over an ironing board.
WEAR IT, DUMP IT OR GET OVERWHELMED
I need to be honest and strict with myself when it comes to some of my me-mades that never get worn. Maybe it's time to find another home for them. Some I might refashion, others might be better off at a charity shop or recycling depot. It may feel harsh to send one's own hard efforts and handwork to be recycled, but it is also good to move on. Even an unworn garment has had its place and function. Every crappily made or badly fitting garment has taught me how to be better and improve with the next garment, and has given me hours of joy in making it.
I HAVE A LOT OF ME-MADE CLOTHES!
I remember many, many years ago, when the thought of owning a dress that would fit me well and was made by me with fabric and pattern of my choice seemed like an illusive dream. If that Stephanie from years ago could see the contents of her future wardrobe she would be incredulous and over-joyed. We, as makers, seem to sometimes forget or take for granted what we make. Me-Made-May is a great celebration for handmade clothes and it is fantastic to see how much the community has grown over the past years and how many people find joy in making and wearing their own handmade clothes!
So, that's it from me for Me-Made-May'14. See you again in 2015!
Any lessons you have taken away from MMM'14?
