Just before Christmas, while giving the bathroom a quick spruce before people arrived, I splashed bleach onto this yellow linen dress from Seasalt. I only bought it last autumn and it is one of the most worn items in my wardrobe as it's so versatile and easy to wear. If spilling cleaning products onto new clothes is ringing bells here, you'd be right, as last summer I managed to splash a big blob of bleach onto a pair of cords (also Seasalt, how annoying) and then had to embroider them to cover the stain.
At first I was really, really cross: I do not buy a lot of new clothes, and try to buy quality over quantity, and this dress was not cheap. But on closer inspection the two stains were on and next to the pocket, so I thought embroidering over the marks might actually work quite well.
As before, I took the pattern from the beautiful book A Year of Embroidery
by Yumiko Higuchi, drawing the flowers and seed heads freehand onto the fabric with a fading pen.
by Yumiko Higuchi, drawing the flowers and seed heads freehand onto the fabric with a fading pen.
I decided to keep the colour of the stitches the same, using an off-white as it looks really nice against the mustard yellow.
I also added a few stitches to the other pocket, to make try and it look a little more intentional.
I'm so happy with how it turned out. I think I possibly like it even more now. (I have also stopped using bleach.)
A few other items in need of repair had built up in my craft basket which I decided to address. This pair of crochet bed socks have already been mended once which says a lot about how much I wear them.
Rather than just sew up the holes, I had a look online and came across visible mending, where the garment's tear or flaw is mended in such a way that it almost draws attention to it as something unique and beautiful. With woollen garments, I liked the approach of creating little running stitches that go up, down and across the fabric, covering over the holes as you go. Probably based on the Japanese sashiko method of repair, it is nicer to walk on underfoot than a lump of sewn-together wool, and relaxing to sew.
I also had a few holes in a very much loved long grey cardigan which is ideal for throwing over dresses at work or jeans at home.
I had thought about patching or embroidering the cardigan, but decided to use the same running stitch style of mending in a soft pink cashmerino yarn I had in my scrap basket.
While I probably couldn't get away with wearing it to work now (it's getting a bit bobbly) it's still a much worn item in my weekend wardrobe.
While we're on the topic of clothes, I made the decision last week not to buy any brand new clothes during 2020. I have enough clothes and can't think of anything I desperately need, and I am hoping that this will give me a chance to make sure I really get good wear out of everything I own. I've found a couple of great accounts on Instagram around not buying new clothes and they are unbelievably inspiring. I have a few rules:
While we're on the topic of clothes, I made the decision last week not to buy any brand new clothes during 2020. I have enough clothes and can't think of anything I desperately need, and I am hoping that this will give me a chance to make sure I really get good wear out of everything I own. I've found a couple of great accounts on Instagram around not buying new clothes and they are unbelievably inspiring. I have a few rules:
- I can buy brand new underwear, including tights.
- I can buy second hand: charity shops, eBay, Depop etc
- I can make my own clothes, whether that's sewn or crocheted
- I'm allowed new clothes/jewellery for birthday presents
I'd love to hear of any experiences you have of not buying new clothes. Wish me luck!
Never thought not buying new clothes would end up being a fashion trend. Charity shop clothes are still new ( to you). I agree with new underwear and tights also clothes for birthday presents. Love what you did with the embroidery on your dress.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bobble Off. It makes short work of bobbles on wool and really improves the look.Mine was certainly worth buying.
ReplyDeleteI've not had any new clothes from a regular shop for it must be a decade now (apart from underwear). Not an initial choice but led by circumstances. I only buy from charity shops now due to expense and they are now mostly too expensive for me as well,so it must be three years or so since I made any purchase for myself. Now it's trendy, the prices are generally much too high and it all gets snaffled by people with good incomes and who can very easily afford it and who enjoy their 'bargains'. Shops vary a great deal - the cheaper ones being a bus ride away, which I can't afford.
ReplyDeleteGoing without is very easy when you have little money, it's not fun or a game to see how environmentally friendly you can be, just life and very everyday. From what I see, fast fashion also happens all the time with people who make clothes. They make and buy fabric all the time. It's not a given that the makes are even worn either - poorly fitting or 'just not really them' clothes just go to waste while they get more fabric to carry on their making hobby without thinking about the waste they are creating. Not to mention the huge stashes of fabric and yarn people have. Some people could very well open their own shop. It just comes across as greedy and wasteful a lot of the time. I enjoy a good podcast but the amount of new stuff can be mind boggling. Very expensive too.
Fabric has a huge mark up compared to ready to wear clothes and is very expensive - I sew pretty well but new fabric adds up to expensive clothes these days. Also, there is just as much exploitation of workers who grow the raw materials, dye it or work in factories to make it.
Any item I do have is worn for many years from necessity and because I have what I like and like what I have. I wish I could sew more but can't afford to, that is why I read blogs from makers, something that as a would be creative person makes me sad. I do alter and/or up-cycle but I find it easier to make from scratch. I do have some successes that I am pleased with though. I do like visible mending also.
If everyone wore their clothes out, I would literally have nothing to wear from the charity shops, I am grateful that people have passed on their mistakes etc. I wear clothes that suit my style and am generally decently turned out but just in the same old, same old year after year. There is actually something quite pleasing about wearing an item of much loved clothing out though. I genuinely love the clothes I have, they are nice, suit me and I appreciate them. I feel lucky that people 'throw them out'. Just so long as it is not in the bin. Not so long ago people actually did wear rags and go shoe-less. I don't need to do that because people donate used clothing.
I don't consider that I 'need' anymore clothes so I genuinely don't get that people find it hard to not buy for a month or two. I am not high fashion but then who is? I am not shabby or weirdly dressed either.
Louise
I completely agree anonymous about the price of price of fabric, it is SO expensive. It can cost you more to make an item of clothing than to buy it from the shop!!! And I know where you're coming from when you talk about people's fabric stash, it's embarrasing sometimes what people have got and they just keep buying!
DeleteI am glad anonymous thinks like me about clothes and all the waste that goes on . People are starting to slowly change their ways . I have always repaired my things it is so satisfying .
ReplyDeleteA beautiful - and unique - dress. Considered purchases, whether buying less (or none at all!) is a great thing... good luck!
ReplyDeleteThe off-white embroidery on your mustard dress is beautiful, and really adds to the dress. As for the visible mending, I'm not so sure; maybe it is because I've never seen it done like this before and am not used to the idea.
ReplyDeleteI freely admit that I have far too many clothes, but I wear (almost) everything I have. Some of my things are well over 10 years old and are still worn regularly, especially in my office wardrobe, as most of that was good quality and classic style when I bought them, and I have not outgrown them ;-)
When it comes to being environmentally friendly, my biggest contribution is not having a car.
I have been following the same rules since July. I had some Christmas and birthday money to spend wisely in the sales but other than that, I've been able to stick to it.
ReplyDeleteI have found that the more I buy, the more I want. However, if I don't buy anything, I don't feel as though I want to buy anything.
I am just about to start mending clothes too. I'm trying to find a way to mend holes in the toes of tights!
I have exactly the same decisions for me this New year!
ReplyDeleteI love the embroidery on your dress and the visible mending, I think they're both really lovely. I had a bit of an epiphany last year over how shopping for clothes was making me feel - I don't buy that many but I found that I was often thinking about shopping and always wanting more. I don't actually have many wearable clothes, my wardrobe contains quite a lot of impulse buys where I've been attracted to shapes, colours or patterns but the clothes I wear most often are limited to about 10 items. So in a way I feel like I do need more clothes but I really, really struggle to find clothes that are practical, attractive and made of nice material. I often find the nice material equals odd unwearable shapes or huge expense. Anyway, I've got fed up with it all so I rarely buy clothes any more. I did secondhand September last year and that really changed my habits and my mind set. I think it's fantastic that you're committing to a whole year, it'll be really interesting to know how you get on, you'll have to keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteLove the embroidery. Bleach splashes done when just as you leave for work and hurriedly think "I must just...." used to be a feature of my working wardrobe too. Especially black skirts. (Hasty cover up with black marker pen for the rest of day) Since retiring and conscientiously cutting back on clothes the biggest benefit is realising you don't need a big house with lots of storage - you need just less STUFF.
ReplyDeleteI love how you turned the bleach problem into a very pretty embroidery. You now have a totally unique item of clothing.
ReplyDeleteI love the embroidery too, the dress looks even nicer than it did before, what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love your embroidery, it's fantastic. Well done on getting rid of the bleach. It's not good for the environment at all. My daughter-in-law persuaded me to look at alternative cleaning systems as I try to live as lightly on the earth as possible (which is not very) and I now use the Enjo system, which is just cloths and water and brilliant. Expensive to set up but much cheaper in the long run and much much better for the environment too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful embroidery - what a good idea. I don't think my sewing skills are up to that but I will try the visible mending on a favourite jumper that only gets worn at home.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought any clothes for over a year now as I made that a 2019 resolution. I found it all right but I must admit that I didn't have any occasions such as a wedding to go to. That would probably have tested me. This year like you I'm allowing myself to buy new underwear, clothes from charity shops, anything that I make myself and presents. I shall be interested to see how you get on - it will inspire me to keep going!
Beautiful embroidering and well done on the 'no new clothes' bit, I'm also inspired by the many people out there doing so brilliantly on the environmental front. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteHave you ever noticed "Doomed" clothes?.......these are garments that you have that always seem to be the ones that you damage , are torn by accident, or have washing disasters. For example I had a lovely pink tee shirt that I wore for a holiday journey. During the day I kept brushing the front because it seemed to have attracted white crumbs????? Not really..... I'd splashed bleach lavishly all over . My husband said nothing because it looked like a pattern ! Unfortunately when washed the shirt became too holed to repair .
ReplyDeleteI thought this was such a brilliant post Gillian. You enhanced your golden dress and saved a favourite cardigan. What’s not to like about that.
ReplyDeleteI’ve followed for years but could not comment due to some Blogger/Google tomfoolery. I hinkI have sorted it, for the time being.
Firstly, I have to apologise that this is the first time that I commented on your blog as I have read every.single.one for about 6-7 years. IG has a lot to answer for!!! Anyway, love the stitching on the dress and really love the visable mending, I think it looks fab. I'm with you all the way with not buying any new clothes this year. I've got some fabric that I want to make into some clothes, I'm knitting a shawl (one of the shawls that appears in Little Women), it might be ready in 5 years!!! hahahaha xx
ReplyDeleteA friend and I have embarked on the same challenge to not buy new for a year, with pretty much the same rules. We started in September so are almost five months in and it has been surprisingly easy. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow you did a great job on that dress! That embroidery is so pretty! I don't buy new clothes very often, maybe 2 or 3 items a year but my wardrobe is getting pretty worn out. Ive mentioned to my husband that I'd like to spend a few dollars each month but it just never happens. I don't like to shop that much and buying on-line usually means it won't fit or it's a different shade than what was on my computer screen. So it ends up being just a few times a year. (And to me, 'new' or thrift store... is all new-to-me!)
ReplyDeleteI love your visible stitching, so very beautiful and whimsical. I have a favourite pair of denim shorts which I've been adding patches and stitches to for a couple of years now. I will probably end up putting patches on the patches! I have learned to sew over the past few years and now make my own clothes as well as looking at op-shops. I usually find what I need there. Good luck with your no new clothes challenge. I think it's really worthwhile. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteI don't buy hardly any new clothes. I have a friend who passes lovely things on to me and of course I have a monthly sponsor of fabric from Minerva which I try to spread around all of my family. Your stitching actually makes the dress look better I think. I have just made a pair of PJ's into shorts style because they had shrunk so badly in the leg (gift ones) that they just looked awful for answering the door in!!! Jo xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian. A very long time lurker coming out of hiding to say how very much I enjoy and appreciate your blog. The embroidery addition to your dress is absolutely stunning. I have always admired your taste in clothes and your ability to make and restore your own clothes. I follow many blogs which I love, but I find yours particularly inspiring because we have similar circumstances with children of the same age, out of house working and massive DIY projects perpetually on the go. When I feel I don't have time to do something I find it uplifting to know that you DO find the time and it IS possible! You're posts help me be more mindful about the things I want to prioritise in life. I would be very interested to see which Instagram feeds/blogs/podcasts that inspire you. My friend who is similarly talented in making and embroidery skills has just finished her second year of not buying any 'new' and is doing an amazing job of making the most of the challenge. Partly for financial reasons, but mostly for environmental reasons, and I find her very inspiring too. Thank you so much for spending the time to share your life here, I think with people as generous as you are sharing ideas, we can make a difference in mindset for the next generation. Have fun with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind, thank you. What lovely words. I feel like your request for recommendations deserves a proper post, but on IG I'd recommend: ohwilduk, smallsustainablesteps, notbuyingnew, katgoldin, liveawellife, mollyjforbes, teandbiscuits_x for starters.
DeleteAs for podcasts, I am just really getting into them, but I love The Great Indoors for interior design inspiration/news (the presenters are really funny) and Body Cons for more general health/wellbeing/body image etc
Hi Gillian, this post seems to be bringing out your long term Lurkers! I too have been reading and am inspired by your blog for a long while. This post particularly so. I did the no-buying clothes thing a few years ago and it really helped me to see what I have in my wardrobe and to wear more of it. I have been better since about not buying as many new things. I'm lucky as my Mum and I are a similar size top-wise and things often get handed up and and down. My girls are now teenagers and I was bemused to see child number 1 heading off to school in one of my favourite t-shirts this week. Child number 2 ended up with a new-ish pair of boots I realised were going to be uncomfortable for me. Most of their things growing up were handed down and in turn have been handed down with some things working their way through 3 or 4 families! I feel the same about furniture and home wares- most of our furniture is second hand and I'll look at second-hand shops, Gumtree, Ebay etc first if we need anything. Having said all of that I do have a guilty stash of yarn that I'm working my way through and am liking the idea of 'finish it February'. Having limitations on what you buy either through circumstances, which has been the case for me in the past, and through choice now helps me to be more creative. I hope you find the challenge inspiring and will read with interest!
ReplyDeleteI love your embroidery. It is so pretty! I am a world champion bleach splasher and after splashing recently on not one, but two, pairs of jeans, I have resolved to wear an old pair of paint-splattered jogging bottoms when I am in serious cleaning mode. A couple of years ago I splashed a favourite purple cotton jumper. Arrrggghhh! I found out a paisley printing block and printed the design in bleach over the splashes, then added some beads. The end result was worth the effort, but I was still sorry to have been so careless in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of embroidery over the bleach stain. I have lost lovely clothing because of bleach stains. I love the idea of buying less clothing. In 2017 I did very well on that but had to buy some this year. You are a great inspiration and saving the environment! Thank you!!
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