Groxie

I recently read a great article by Sharon Astyk about beginning a Slow Clothing movement. Clothing and fabrics are one of the topics that I haven’t touched on nearly enough, but I plan to remedy that very soon. In the meantime, I wanted to draw your attention to what I think is a bold resolution for 2007.

Astyk proposes that we each create an entire homemade outfit, and she pays homage to the women who spent lifetimes darning, knitting, and sewing to keep their families in clothes. I myself am a knitter, so I immediately imagined making us socks, sweaters, and various accessories. But when I thought about underwear, pants, skirts, and coats, that’s when I began to rethink the whole proposition. I have an old Kenmore sewing machine that I want desperately to know better, but in reality I am also terrified of it. I have managed to successfully repair quite a few items, but the only complete clothing articles I have made were created under supervision in a sewing class. I think this is just the kick in the ass I need to overcome that fear.

I’ve avoided making many New Year’s resolutions—I want to be settled out in Portland before I begin to make too many demand of myself! Still, I think this one is worthwhile, challenging but attainable, and just plain awesome. I hope to source my yarn locally (at least until John agrees to let me have an alpaca farm), and I plan on buying the fabric but printing it myself. As a bonus, John might end up with a shirt that actually fits his tall skinny frame.