Natalie Purschwitz has a Blog called Makeshift where she posts her adventure in creating all of her own clothes for a year! I mean, EVERYTHING she wears is made by her own two industrious hands. She inspires my admiration, without a doubt!
Just considering footwear alone would send any normal sewists running and screaming for the nearest mall! If I had to make my own shoes I would be OK, probably, living in Florida- I could go barefoot until I braided some raffia and stitched up some sandals. Natalie lives in Vancouver and is not so fortunate. I would suggest she knit some boots and felt them. Not only would they be warm, they'd totally match her felted apron.
She started this brave undertaking September 1st so there is enough photos posted to get a rudimentary idea of her sense of style and while simple her garments appear to be comfortable and serviceable. I chuckled a little at the one piece jumpsuit uniform but had to admire the concept behind it.
I can't imagine making my own bras and panties and socks or tights.
I do think I would be inclined to play with different embellishments like embroidery, discharge dying, tea dying and thread painting to add some design elements to take the edge off the simplicity. But really, would you have the time if you were making all the cloths you wanted to wear for the week? Probably not! Best to keep it simple so that they can all be combined and layered together.
She has some rules that she follows, like not having to make the materials that her garments and accessories are made from so thankfully she doesn't have to weave her own cloth!
I love this silk apron over black dress that Natalie made for a gallery opening where she had all of her clothing on display.
I am adding a link to her Makeshift Blog to my sidebar and will try to keep up with her year of creating her own clothing. Go give her a pat on the back and a round of applause!
I would love to make a commitment like that to creating something everyday, or week but it seems to be too much to get tied down to- maybe after all the Art Shows and Holidays I can think about making a bag a week or an apron a day or a quilt a month. It would certainly be a challenge.
I just wanted to share this with you before I go wrestle with some sock monsters and monkeys!
Remember if you are in the St Petersburg area Deb and I are doing the Artoberfest in St Anthony's Park tomorrow from 12-5pm at 1200 9th Ave N.
Here is a link to the Craft Heroes Blog to see the list of vendors.
I hope to see you there and I might just be wearing something handmade...but not everything, that's for sure!
Love & Stitches,
calamity kim
(photos of Natalie's clothing are from her Makeshift Blog)
