clothes | organised castle

I have signed up for Project 333, a challenge to have a wardrobe of just 33 items for 3 months. I will be starting on April 1st so now is the time to start tweaking my list. You can read all about the project here.

I have started my list and here are some of the items I have selected. I wonder if they will all make the final cut?

Black/white striped shirt
Pink cardigan

Black cord jacket
Pink and black striped top

Black striped top
Pink vest

Black/cream blouse
Pink suede jacket

Dusty pink top
Black jacket

Black top with squares

Grey trousers
Black 3/4 trousers

Black skirt

Floral skirt

That is 14 items so far which should just about cover work and going out wear. I still need some casual wear and shoes. I suspect the shoes could be my undoing!

I know that the 3 month period will include a couple of days at an outdoor music festival as well as a celebration dinner at a swish restaurant as well as all of my usual activities.

It is interesting to note that most of the items are between 3 and 8 years old so they have stood the test of time already. In fact the top with the square pattern on it is over 10 years old.

I will definitely add jeans and travel pants as well as a rugby top and polo-neck knit top. The definitive list will be posted in the next week or two. There will also be regular updates on my success (or otherwise).

Will you be joining in?

This is not about my winter wardrobe as it is pretty much the same as last year. In fact I don’t think I have bought any new clothes this season. That may change, of course, but I don’t really need anything extra.

Miss O and Izz are a different story as they are still at the age where they grow out of almost everything from one winter to the next. So, I have have been busy sewing for them and here are some of the results.

A dressing gown for Miss O

……and a nightie – I actually made 2 of them.

Pyjamas for Izz

Corduroy pinafore for Izz

Finally, a hooded jacket for Miss O.

These projects have been successful on two fronts – the girls now have more clothes that they needed and I have less fabric in my stockpile to be used up. Lots more to use and numerous other things I want to make.

I am looking forward to doing more sewing. I must admit I had forgotten how rewarding it is to make garments for small children.

Some people believe that it is not economical to sew but I have to disagree. These things should not be compared to the cheapest you can buy but mid to top-range garments which are of similar quality fabric and construction. It is also important to remember that hand-made garments can be custom-sized with extra allowance in seams and hems to allow for growing, thus ensuring at least 2 years wear out of most items.

Sewing, like knitting, cooking from scratch and growing our own food is a skill which we should all have if there is to be any degree of self-reliance. We cannot simply expect that mass-produced, cheap imported clothing that is produced in overseas sweatshops will always be available.

Do you sew? Maybe knitting or crocheting? Do you use your skills or teach others so that these arts are not lost forever?