That it’s Slow Fashion October? (Great blog to follow, by the way.) Yeah, I didn’t either until this week. I’ve since read up on it and I love the concept. Go. Read that link. I’ll wait here…
Done? Good! I love that Slow Fashion October doesn’t limit itself to makers (i.e. knitters, crocheters, sewists…) It’s for anyone that wants to be more mindful about clothes. And it comes at a great time for me. I’ve been rethinking my goal of making everything for me and the girls and thinking about this consumer culture we live in. Am I really doing better if I’m buying loads of fabric and yarn than if I’m buying loads of clothing? I’ve been feeling shy about sharing my thoughts because I know how it can make some people feel guilty about their own purchasing habits. But this month is giving me an excuse!
The post I linked includes prompts for the whole month. One per week. I missed week 1 so you get a 2 for 1 today!
Week 1: Where are you at with all this / What first got you interested in Slow Fashion / What are your skills / What do you hope to get out of Slow Fashion October / What are your personal goals for the month / Do you have a special project you plan to tackle this month?
Anyone who’s been reading me for a while knows I love anything that has to do with textile. I mainly sew and knit but also occasionally crochet. I haven’t made my ethical concerns a main focus on this blog but they’re always there, battling my constant desire for pretty new shoes! I came to slow fashion gradually. When I started, it was for the joy of creating something useful. And then, I realized that handmade goods could never be priced as low as factory made goods. Knowing the companies have no profit issues made me wonder about the workers and the cost to the environment. And I don’t have the answers. But I’m thinking about it and want to be a part of the conversation.
Week 2: Handmade / living with less / quality over quantity / capsule wardrobe / indie fashion / small-batch makers / sustainability
Moving to an apartment in the city has forced me to think about what I really need, not just in terms of clothing but everything! Storage is at a premium here. I’m essentially forced to slowly move toward more of a capsule wardrobe. I used to shop all the time in my 20s and all of a sudden, I just want less and less. I have a few items that I love (some handmade, some store bought) and I just want to wear them all the time. Quality had to become important. I’m not opposed to buying something for myself or the girls rather than making it but the quality has to be there. I have to know that the item won’t fall apart. Ideally, sustainability would be a deciding factor. Fair trade item, organic fabric… But if the item isn’t well made, if it isn’t something I’ll wear, is it really sustainable? Maybe the biggest factor is limiting consumption? Maybe it’s better to buy one not fair trade, not organic item that will last for years and be worn frequently, than 10 supposedly fair trade items? What if the biggest problem facing our Earth is really overconsumption? If we consume less cotton T-shirts, we need to grow less cotton, right? And that means fewer pesticides, doesn’t it? I’m not saying efforts to be green aren’t good and necessary but I’m wondering if it’s enough. And I’m thinking it isn’t. I’m thinking we buy too much…
Am I making any sense here?
PS: Sorry for no pictures. I’ll have some Monday, I promise!
Creative mommy at home to two wonderful little girls, trying to juggle family, sewing, exercise, family, knitting, photography, and did I mention family?
Deux souriceaux 
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