Wallet to make

Many photos, step by step. HERE.

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.

Confessions

I have a confession.
Maybe two.
I realized something on coming home from vacation and unpacking.

I have way too many clothes for one person.

At our vacation spot we had a washer and dryer so we could wash as we needed to. I packed up our respective suitcases knowing that I could wash on demand. I had with me a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and a pair of capris with about 6 shirts to intermingle mix and match, and one button-down sweater for the chilly times. And one set of PJ's.

I was more creative with the 6 shirts/camisoles/t's than I have ever been with the 30 shirts all together in my closet. And, okay, I live in Michigan so I have to have "all-weather" clothing. But seriously. Why do I have so many clothes? Why do I have so much stuff? I'm stressed out when I open the closet and stressed out when I do the laundry and for what? Will clothing suddenly stop being made and I will be naked?

I love fabric. No, I'm not kidding. I really love fabric. And vintage clothing. Texture sends me into dreams of sewing and softness. Looking at fabric grouped together in piles of glorious color gives me a peace and happiness that is downright hard to explain to a non-believer.

I will clean out my closet. I will recycle and donate my unused and unneeded space hogging stress causing clothing.

Does anyone else have this problem? What is your solution? Where do you buy American made clothing? Sustainable clothing? (because when the ones I wear are threadbare, I will not choose to run naked.)

(confession number two: I love children's books. I collect them. I read them all the time. I use them as teaching aids in Art class.)

Handmade Card

A card I created for Bailey. Her Open House is today. Gooooo Bailey!! The card looks alot warmer in real-life. Handmade paper is yummy - that is the base. Then I used a face made from paperclay and fabric and ribbons.