The Big Jump

Happy Sunday, wonderful world! I don't have a project for you today, and that's because I have something I want to talk to you about. For a long time I've wanted to create a new wardrobe. Throwing everything out and buying brand-spanking new replacements is extremely costly to us college students. We're poor, and we're okay with that, but we have to learn how to live in a world run on money. Every time I find something I'd like to purchase, the price tag always makes me kick up my heels and run in the opposite direction, with my arms flailing around me in a panic. 

So. Not. Fun.

This year I'm going to get that new wardrobe, and it isn't going to cost me hundreds of dollars to do it (or, at least I hope it won't). 

I'm going to--wait for it--make my own new pieces. Before you start laughing or protesting, let me explain why I'm pumped about this. First of all, I don't plan on the majority being made from scratch. I'm only going to go buy new fabric about 30% of the time. Second of all, I'm going to take advantage of thrift shops, good wills, D.I.'s, etc. I know that isn't considered 'new' to most people, but there are so many pieces waiting to be given new life. Also, the shirt you pick up from a department store for over $30.00, I could snatch up for $3.00-$5.00. Tell me who wins there. 

There are certain pieces I won't refashion, and will buy brand new, like jeans. Sorry, I don't have the guts to try and make my own jeans. 

With a goal as overwhelming as this, I'm trying to think about it this way: The more I sew, the more I deconstruct clothing and reconstruct it to fit my body, the better I will be as a seamstress. Honestly this is killing two birds with one stone. How could I not like that?

My overall plan is to create 3-4 new pieces every month. If I can fit more into my schedule, then you bet I'll do it. Even if we did 3-4 a month, that's 36-48 new pieces by December, which is pretty much exactly what I'm going for. 

What I'm looking to make:

• Tops: T shirts, flowy tops, casual shirts, and dressy shirts.
• Skirts: pencil, maki, circle, etc. Variety is key! 
• Dresses: I want to try and make a wide selection of everyday dresses that can be dressed up or dressed down. I'm looking to use fun patterns and bold colors.
• Tank tops: Mostly flow tanks for the summer, and for working out. Because...why not?
• Jewelry: I've made my own jewelry before, and I loved it! I'm hoping to get rid of the jewelry I've had since middle school and sophisticate it a little. Okay, a lot.
• Accessories: Scarves, bags, headbands, etc. I'm tired of having nothing to add to my boring outfits. 

I'm so excited, and Branson is incredibly supportive of this goal. I hope you will stick around for the crazy ride I'm about to jump on. Tomorrow I'll share my first creation, and it isn't a refashion.

Today I am grateful for...the possibility of creating a new me through my art.