I am an advocate for well-made handmade garments and accessories in this fast, trend-based fashion era. Learning and participating in Fashion Revolution and MeMadeMay, I was starting to feel that many people, especially people who don't understand handmade clothing have this notion of Handmade = Homemade = cheap and ugly. I wanted to change that. Throughout the past 7 years since joining Ravelry and blogsphere, I have been inspired by so many indie designers and crafters. The finished objects I've seen were fashionable, flattering, filled with love and careful planning. Yes, there were some not-so-nice ones too:
But I promise, handmade fashion is not any less fashion-forward than mass manufactured fashion.
A couple of weeks ago, I was catching up on podcasts on my ipod. I met Teresa, of CanaryKnits at TNNA 2 years ago and was thrilled to know that she had started podcasting. While I was listening to Teresa talking about decluttering, KonMarie Method from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and her capsule wardrobe, it made me think about my own closet full of unworn clothes, stash fabrics and yarns that was stuffed under the pile of clothes because my in laws occupied my work room since Logan was born. How awesome would it be to declutter, organize, get rid of things that do not "spark joy" and then fill the space with beautiful handmade clothing that I put love and care into from scratch.
I left a comment mentioning this thought on Teresa's blog and then the conversation started, and the idea turned into a real thing: Handmade Fashion Challenge 2015.
WHY: Your clothing should be relevant to your life and impart positive energy into your every day. We want to encourage you to make pieces you’ll actually wear this fall/winter, and share the experience with your fellow crafters on Instagram!
WHAT: Mini collection of your choice of 4 pieces for your wardrobe fall/winter 2015 wardrobe. Anything, any craft, any skill level you want. But definitely something you’ll use.
WHERE: Instagram. The visual format is straightforward and the hashtaging allows everyone to easily share with each other. You can participate by announcing your planned pieces, photograph your progress, your finished items, and anything in between. Just remember to hashtag #hmfc2015
WHEN: July 1 - October 31, 2015.
PRIZES: A winner will be drawn from the pool of participants who have completed their challenge.
HOW: To be eligible for the prize draws, you MUST post finished garment photos of each piece you’ve created by October 31, 2015 with the hashtag #hmfc2015
Winner(s) will be announced on November 3, 2015.
RESOURCES:
Quiz: find out what will fit best in your wardrobe
Instagram: take fun and interesting photos with the free apps Aviary, Fused, Rookie, Instagram Layout, and more!
Thoughtful wardrobes: read more on the helpful Coletterie blog https://www.coletterie.com/wardrobe-architect/wardrobe-architect-2015