Sunday, February 8, 2015

Irony


I am finally getting around to reading Overdressed:  The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion.  As expected, the contents are rather depressing.  


To sooth myself after reading a few chapters, I spent some quality time in the sewing room . . . hand basting underlinings and seams together.  (This project is about as far removed from fast fashion as it gets.)


Which struck me as rather ironic.


And reminded me how thankful I am that I can make my own clothing!  Happy sewing, everyone!!


16 comments:

  1. I really want to read this book , im hoping it will give me the push i need to sew more, or best case scenario to be sew inspired lol that i dont buy stuff ever again and sew and create exclusively everything i need want desire. Does the author talk about child labour like in india with clothing manufacturing, cause that is a complex one, its very catch 22 , while it provides jobs for poor families that need all members to work to survive, it is shit and a good example of white privilege, and the fact that consumerism wins over human/child rights?

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  2. The clothing these store sell are only one use. Even if you are careful like my daughter (they wash their precious items by hand and put them very carefully in plastic hangers to dry) the fabric rips, the decorations fall and the whole integrity of the piece is lost with the first wash. My daughters are now understanding the importance of hand made clothes, taylor made. That's why I have more work to do! (but I'm happy to oblige!)

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    1. ?? I enjoy sewing but I also have store bought clothing that is over 10 years old. There are ready-to-wear garments that will last for many years that have sturdy fabric.

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  3. I am taking a Fashion and Retail Studies class this semester and that is part of our course (which is awesome because I have been meaning to read it).

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  4. http://jezebel.com/the-work-that-goes-into-a-haute-couture-dress-is-breath-1649754506

    Knowing of your love of things like this.

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  5. I read Overdressed a few months ago and was startled to see how mush we are all tricked into fast fashion. It does make one happy that she can make her own clothes.

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  6. I have read that book and it is excellent.

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  7. I've also read that book and found it great. Some parts were boring as it was written by someone new to textiles, but it did make me think a lot of our disposable society. I read it last January and have made all my clothes since (after a few years of a sewing break when I really took up knitting). It's been so liberating to not buy clothes from the store ever, and slowly replacing my existing wardrobe with handmades. Falling in love with sewing again has been amazing and I thank that book for being the catalyst I needed.

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  8. I had to go back to the library website to see what I'd thought (I post reviews so I don't check out books I've already read and forgotten) : "A good subject, with interesting but very anecdotal support. Scattered presentation of her material - on the other hand, it was a very FAST read because of that."

    I do push this book on my young friends, because it is a pretty easy read, and if you aren't committed to the idea ahead of time, it sells it well enough. I just wanted more, I guess.

    Going back to basting and listening to audiobooks today. I find I do more aspirational sewing after I read your blog. Thanks!

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  9. "Overdressed" is on my bedside table, I must get on to it. Just after I make this pretty frock ;-)

    Another interesting read is "Deluxe - How Luxury Lost its Lustre" by Dana Thomas which explores the world of luxury brands and imitations.

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  10. Even though I sometimes get frustrated at how slowly it feels like my skills are progressing, I'm still always so pleased that I can make my own garments, and don't have to rely on "fast fashion" and the disappointing fare that is offered to us in RTW stores. I love hand basting underlining - it is such a soothing task :) Your fashion fabric is lovely, btw! :)

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  11. Yes, that was a depressing book to read, but it was thought-provoking as well. I admit that I still buy t-shirts and other inexpensive items, but I'm definitely more mindful about how much I purchase. It made me glad that I am able to sew too!

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  13. Stop the car!!!

    Is that wool & mohair boucle' from Britex Fabrics you are working with, Laura Mae???

    Envious others have been adhering to a "strict editorial Lauratorium" . Rest assured, that's on its way out the window.

    Oh, you'll be over - hearing from them soon enough, missy.

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    1. Good eye - it is indeed from Britex (my latest guest blogger project for them). Not the easiest fabric to work with, but it was definitely worth it!

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