I’ve been thinking a lot about clothes lately. How dissatisfied I am with my current wardrobe and why. What I might be able to do about it.
I don’t have all that many clothes, and I tend to wear the same things over and over. Once I’m comfortable with something I don’t want to give it up and I really do wear things until they’re completely worn out. This means I don’t have to go shopping too often.
I’m one of those strange women who actually hate clothes shopping. It’s like a vicious cycle on repeat. I head out to the local shopping centre, sometimes the op shop. I have a list of what I need (I never randomly buy clothes, that is just not my personality type!) And the search begins.
I go through a series of predictable steps. I can’t find what I actually want or need, so I compromise, because I need it, because I’ve worn my other clothes to death. I start to try things on. I start to feel hot. Physically hot. Is it the act of trying on one thing after another, or the building anger that nothing fits or looks right that causes this overheating? Probably an even mixture of the two.
I leave the shop. Sometimes I leave with a purchase, which is never really something that I love, it’s just something to get me by until the next thing wears out and I’m forced to come back.
My body type just doesn’t seem to exist on a clothing rack. I need 3 different sizes, 1 for my chest and waist, a larger one for my upper arms, and an even larger one for my hips. So nothing ever fits.
There is something good about all this, I’m coming to that!
It has forced me into a place of action. I’m tired of not wearing clothes I like. I’m tired of being uncomfortable. I’m tired of feeling like I have not style because I can’t buy what I really like. I want to change this.
So, here is my line of thinking. I’m a weaver. I can sew. Pattern drafting is my weakness, but perhaps I can use existing patterns as a template and change them to fit my body? Perhaps, through putting in the extra work and time and effort, I will be able to produce something I enjoy wearing? And perhaps I will even enjoy wearing it more because I know how much time went into it! Instead of junky, off the rack, ill fitting clothes, I can build my own wardrobe of special pieces! Bingo!
I have already begun. I sketched ideas first, then started looking for a sewing pattern that might fit the bill.
I started with the “Esme tunic dress pattern” from Lotta Jansdotter’s book, Everyday Style. (Affiliate link) This book has so many wonderful, classic designs that I would love to build a wardrobe from. I cut the tunic out from the largest size and sewed up a quick muslin from an old bedsheet. The problem was when I set the sleeves in. They looked terrible! No amount of tweaking and re-sewing could make it look better.
After plenty attempts to change my muslin and plenty of sage advice from Instagram and Facebook friends, I decided to look for a different pattern with a raglan sleeve instead of a set in.
I stumbled upon the It’s Always Autumn blog and found a free Raglan tee pattern. She has a lot of really good free patterns, so be sure to check them out if you head over there. Using that tee pattern I started tweaking and changing to get the dress tunic I had in mind. It took hours of cutting, placing darts, sewing, ripping apart, sewing again and then doing it all over and over, to finally get a tunic pattern that fits me properly and in a style I like! Here is the muslin.
Semi fitted, yet not clingy – perfect! And did I mention that it fits?!
OK, so now onto the fabric. I’ll give more of my warp details next time, but the basic idea is to weave the fabric from an undyed cotton and then dye it to a colour I like. Yes, I want this garment to be as customised as possible!
A lot of my social media followers seem to be right into this idea, so I thought “why not make a thing of it? I can encourage other weavers to make an item of clothing with the same aims in mind. And, if we do it through October, then I can name it Clothtober!” Win, win!
So, I’m going to be sharing more details of this project as I go along (and lets face it, with over 800 ends to warp and thread, this is not going to be over in a flash!) And I hope that I may inspire some of you to choose an item of clothing you want to weave for yourself. According to your skills and what you need in your wardrobe. I will be weaving on my floor loom, but you can do what you like.
Ideas?
A skirt, a fitted blouse, a poncho, a jacket, a top, pants, a hat?
If you feel you need some extra help, here are some classes that may interest you:
Clasped Warp Quechquemitl Wrap
Garment making on a rigid heddle loom
I’ve also been eyeing the Bias Top sewing pattern from Sarah Howard, which looks terrific.
What do you think, is this something you can do? Are you fed up with crappy clothes that don’t fit?
Let me know in the comments if you want to join in. What will you make? Or perhaps you just want to follow along with my project for future inspiration, that is fine too.
Next time I’ll be talking about finding your own individual style, so be sure to check that out.
Until then…
Happy Weaving!
I’ve been weaving for only 6 years and have only made clothing type items. Ruana’s, infinity shawls, ponchos….but wish I could change that up, so I’m all in. Thanks for all you have taught me to this point. Can’t wait to get started. Marilyn
Great, thanks Marilyn!
Sounds great. I agree with your assessment of clothes shopping. Not very enjoyable in the least. I’m in for Clothtober!!!
Terrific!
Wow, I thought this was just me! My husband gets so frustrated with me and begs me to please go shopping for clothes. My wardrobe is wearing out but I’m just like you in a store. I’m short but older so petites work sometimes but they always seem to not appeal to me and the prices are so high for premade clothing that I will have to love it to justify the price. I am a rigid heddle weaver and also a sewer so why am I not making my clothes? So YES I am so excited to join you in your journey! I have looked at the Sarah Howard patterns but haven’t been brave enough to try one.
That’s the problem too, modern styles, ever changing “fashion” and I don’t like any of it!
I haven’t made nearly enough clothes from my hand woven, so running Clothtober gives me an excuse to indulge and make myself something new 😊
Definitely interested! I also hate to go shopping for anything; especially for clothing (exception: fibre and yarns—I love to shop for yarns). A nice fitting dress tunic would be at the top of my list for things to make.
I have a Sarah Howard pattern for overalls. I even have the thread and the cotton to make the sample to tweak it. But seems to escape me for the moment.
I hop i can learn more about sewing something of all i have weavd that fit my body
Love this!! With my changing body and casual lifestyle I’m ready for this challenge. Thank you.
That’s great Becky! It’s so rewarding to make something from scratch, and to make it to fit 😊
Kelly, I think we may be related, although I live a very far distance from you. At the very least we must be kindred spirits. Your descriptions of your wardrobe and thoughts on clothes and clothes shopping fit me to a tee (pun intended)! Every sentence I was nodding “yes” and could almost anticipate the next one. I’m up for this challenge, at the very least to follow along and gather ideas. I’m not really a seamstress (can sew just don’t particularly enjoy it) BUT my best friend loves to sew and makes beautiful items. Hmmmmmmm . . . . maybe do some bargaining with hand-dyed yarns or . . . . a krokbragd piece or . . . . . a couple of lady lunches my treat . .
Sounds like a great plan!
Well, I just had to step in here with a comment and echo that I am also of the same mind. Reading Kelly’s words brought a smile…but now it’s even broader…because there are three of us! Have a great weekend!
Chris
That’s lovely!
This is a great idea! I actually came to weaving about 18 months ago from knitting, spinning then dressmaking, and then thinking how satisfying it would be to spin my own yarn to weave into fabric to make clothing from I was drawn into the world of weaving. Not there yet due to full time work and still learning to weave well, but I think this will be a very fulfilling way to use your own hand woven fabric. I now have a table loom which I will use but do you think a rigid heddle loom can also produce a stable enough fabric to be cut and sewn?
Yes, a RHL definitely weaves a stable enough fabric 😊
I only have a 16″ RH. Are there any types of garments I could make on that? I have never made anything requiring double weave, etc. (I’m fairly new to this).
Thanks, you are an inspiration for me to keep learning.
Susan
I have thought about that quite a bit recently Susan – what could be done with narrower strips of fabric. It would be a great topic of discussion in the Sewing for Weavers Facebook group.
I could have written this about me!
I’d be interested. I sew almost all my clothes, I buy jeans. I’ve been designing my own clothes since I started high school. No cookie cut clothes for me. Also fit and cost and I hate what is out there.
Great to hear you’re already doing it!
I have a rigid heddle 36 inch and would like to see ideas and ways to use that smaller cloth. Many of the weaving clothing looks like a sack with the actual weave making it beautiful. I would like to see more clothing items that look great on with the weave making it outstanding.
Omigosh, I’m just like you, wear the same favorite, comfortable clothes over & over & hate shopping. I get most of my clothes at Sam’s Club. I can sew, but not my favorite thing. I’m anxious to see how your project goes – who knows, maybe I’ll be back at my sewing machine after all.
Hopefully I can inspire you!
I definitely want to follow along! Your shopping experience is a mirror of my own. I have started to take sewing lessons with the goal in mind to weave and wear my own. After all, there are only so many scarves and towels a person needs.
I enjoy your blogs, Kelly.
I had some basic sewing lessons about 10 years ago and it SO helpful!
Hello Kelly – this is a great idea. This is where I have wanted to go – that is, making clothes with my cloth. Of course all I have is a rigid heddle loom. Currently I have on my loom some cloth that I am wanting to make a vest for my wife using Sarah Howard’s vest pattern. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thanks as always for sharing.
Alan
Alan, I would love to see that vest when it’s done!
I have been sewing my clothes for some 10 years. Do not expect that you will have that fabulous fit in the beginning. It is a whole new learning experience, where you have to learn your body, how a certain textile will behave, and a million of techniques etc. I highly recommend you buy the patterns ( there are many indi designer out there) and modify them if needed. Depending on your body shape, I do not recommend pants in your first projects. Same stands for fitted blouse depending on the shape of your upper body, ie sway back, bigger cup size etc
And yes, you can customize them, but… you have to get to the point that you are sure about that your project will work out. Good learning!
I have made myself quite a few basic pieces – like stretch tops and skirts. I like sewing with stretch as it’s very forgiving. I agree, its’ all very good learning – it took me so long to modify the pattern for this tunic, but if it turns out well I will likely use it over and over.
Me too Kelly. Hate shopping! I had a blouse that I absolutely loved and fitted so nice. When it got to the point that I just couldn’t wear it anymore, I ripped all the seams out. Then, I traced the pieces onto butcher’s paper and then traced around the butcher’s paper onto the material. I made a test blouse first using some of my left over cloth hoard so I could problem solve. It turned out so well that I wore it to work. Feels great to get what I really want without the endless round of; take off clothes, put on clothes, take off clothes… Waste of my time. I have way more important things to do.
Thanks for your great site and blog!
Shayne Moon
Ontario, Canada
That is such a great idea Shayne, then you will always have the pattern to re-use.
Well done for taking control of this issue Kelly, and for inspiring us to follow suit. I’ve always felt the same about clothes. Hate shopping for them, only have a few that are comfortable and practical, wear them until they can’t be worn any longer, give them to hubby for garage. If I find something I do like, I buy a few. My aim is to make clothes that fit, even when I was young and very thin I had trouble getting bought ones to fit properly. Currently I’m steadily dropping weight so will have to hold off a while until I reach my (realistic) goal. I will be following your progress in this area though, hoping to follow in your footsteps sooner rather than later.
I hope you reach your goal Gai!
As a female with the same body shape as you, who most of my life made my own clithes, but stopped when fabrics became so expensive and clothes so cheap, it’s great to read your post. I only have a ridgid small loom, so can’t make my own weave, but love the fact you are making clothes to fit unique for yourself.
Well, I’ll give it my best shot anyway 🙂
I’m like you about clothes shopping and for the same reasons. It has been a source of sorrow that I will never be able to wear a simple shift dress because if I get one that fits over my hips, it’s at least a size too big over my bust :'( When I do find something I like, that fits well, I buy several.
You understand me then!
I am just like that, I hate clothes shopping. I hate spending money. I too have different sizes when I buy clothes as my chest does not equal a waist of a certain size but buy any bigger and you look like you put on tonnes of weight. I wear things out until even my husband says get yourself a new jersery this one won’t keep a cat warm kinda thing. The newest article of clothing i got was when my daughter bought me a new top for my birthday. I know that means HINT HINT in neon letters but like you I get hot trying things on because I know it won’t look good. I settle for things that I end up hating so I wear around the house just so it gets overworn and ends up in the ragbin quicktime. I am a terrible sewer however so while I moan about the clothes at least they can’t look any worse than my attempt at sewing. My sewing extends to hemming towels.
Well Esther, it seems we are sisters in clothing! If you can hem towels, I’m sure you can sew simple patterns or adjust existing clothes.
Sounds a great idea Kelly, my mind has been going along this path for a week or so.
Your tunic muslin has inspired me even more, with Spring starting to warm up a little.
Glenda
Spring is certainly inspiring, after wearing all those layers all Winter!
I related with your story. I gained weight and first time I went to the store to buy clothes I cried and went home empty handed. I order pants from a store I trust and adjust them when they get here. I would love to join.A top would work for me!
Yes, that is another problem for me too – fluctuating weight!