Wallet to make

Many photos, step by step. HERE.

Cool Necklace to make!

I want to make this.

Instructions are here with great photos!

How to stop buying clothes you never wear

To be honest, I do not buy a lot of new clothing. I do buy new shoes. Often. Probably too often. So I think I will also amend my refashion promise to say that I am not buying new shoes either. I have PLENTY of shoes. Unless my winter boots get a hole in them or a pair is ruined in some un-fixable way...I Will Not Buy New Shoes for the duration of my Wardrobe Refashion contract.

In the spirit of cleaning out, minimizing and managing my closet I found this great article on

doing just that. Read here.

Personalize your Form

What the hell is this thing?

Duct tape dress form. Yes. Duct Tape. Yum!

You form it to your very own self and TADA! you can make clothing that fits you in all the right spots.

How-to is here with many photos.

Now I have to ask someone to help me.

My husband is grinning evilly.

Creative Everyday

I usually do not make resolutions.

This is because my life really has never worked that way - the way where I stick to something because I've written it down on a piece of paper somewhere. I have to work in small increments of time with clearly written goals for that time. In this way I have discovered that I live in response to life rather than creating a life that I want. I have carried "old luggage" around with me. That luggage craves the approval of others (some very specific) and does not say NO! when it is too full.

The luggage is too full and I am going to clean it all out.

I am crafting the life I want for myself and my family.

I am creative and that is a true blessing that I have not appreciated.

It is okay that I am the way I am, that I am who I am.

It is okay that my brain works the way it does.

Not everyone will like me.

It's okay that not everyone will like me.

I am loved.

I love myself.

So this year I will...

1. Revel in my love of reading and chart out the 100+ books that I read

2. Participate in Wardrobe Refashion for 6 months and embrace the style I have found for myself and relish my love of textiles. This will include at least one project for each month.

3. Let people know I appreciate them for who they are by connecting with them regularly and for the purpose of good communication and growth of friendship.

4. Complain less with the goal of acceptance of self and others

5. Weekly accountability to my promise to myself on my blog whether anyone reads it or not.

Schedule to follow...

Is buying fabric cheating?

Ok. Not sure if buying fabric is cheating for the refashion wardrobe. hmmm. I bought a bolt of unbleached muslin for base and lining on some items to be refashioned. I didn't have any at all, having used it up for a art book cover teaching project over three months ago.

I did use my coupon for it so instead of $25 it was $12. yay!

I've added a refashion expense list under my pledge badge to the right. I may need elastic and thread, buttons etc as the 6 months go on. Those seem reasonable. There is so much in my art room to get me started though - it will take awhile.

The Pledge

I pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 6 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that my thriftiness brings!

Signed -

Mistie

The Rules

• 1.
  No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
• 2.
  In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
• 3.
  You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
• 4.
  You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

I will spend time over my holiday break getting my wardrobe to a more simple, manageable size and determine what pieces can be refashioned and those that should be given away. The challenge begins January 1.