Hello, sewists! If you are anything like me, you often find joy in the spontaneity of creating garments without a strict plan. It’s always fun to sew the recently released popular pattern on Instagram, to find a pattern similar to a cute top you found on Pinterest, and generally just sew because you damn well please. And there is certainly a place for this kind of sewing. Recently, however, for me, there's been a growing appeal to the concept of sewing a cohesive, functional, and interchangeable collection of garments – somewhat of a capsule wardrobe. Adding this touch of practicality to my sewing room has led me to think a lot about the possible ways in which sewing a capsule wardrobe might differ from the ‘free-range’ sewing I typically do, and I’d like to share a few of these thoughts with you.
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1. From Eclectic Charm to Sewing Cohesiveness
I find joy in watching 'What I Sewed in [insert year]' YouTube videos. When these sewists showcase their beautiful garments on a single rack, it's impossible not to notice the wide range of aesthetically pleasing creations. However, the way I, and many other sewists, typically approach sewing often results in each project being a unique, stand-alone creation. If I were to apply capsule wardrobe logic, my sewing would be focused on creating a cohesive collection where each piece complements the others. This shift in mindset, from inspired randomness to more convergent thinking and planning, has the potential to transform a wardrobe into a more versatile and harmonious ensemble.
2. Skill Based Sewing: The Necessity for Sewing Pattern Modifications & Drafting
The essence of a capsule wardrobe lies in envisioning a curated collection of garments that work well together. However, in planning for my sewing projects, I've discovered that this vision doesn't always align with readily available patterns. Turning this challenge into an opportunity, I've ventured into the world of pattern hacking—tweaking existing patterns to match my envisioned design. This process has not only refined my technical skills but has also unlocked a sense of achievement as I bring my unique vision to life.
3. The Benefits of Sewing Constraints: A Streamlined and Focused Mindset
Sewing for a capsule wardrobe introduces a valuable concept—constraints. The idea of setting a finite timeline, a specific number of garments, patterns, and materials has brought a sense of clarity to my sewing journey. This intentional limitation has compelled me to be more mindful of my purchases and spending habits, while also improving my time management skills. I've shifted from impulsive buying and stashing to making intentional purchases. The fixed parameters provide a clear roadmap, allowing me to focus on creating a cohesive collection without getting lost in a sea of possibilities.
Conclusion
I believe that sewing according to random inspiration has its place in our lives as sewists. However, I think it is worth trying, at least once, to be more intentional by sewing a capsule wardrobe or cohesive collection, in order to extract the most from our intensive and sometimes tumultuous sewing labors. This, of course, might require a shift in our approach to sewing. Have you sewn a capsule wardrobe? I'd be happy to hear from you in the comment section.
Happy Sewing!
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