Slow Fashion October

Many of you have likely heard of a recent movement called "Slow Fashion October", and if you have been following me on Instagram you may have seen some of my handmade wardrobe projects.  A couple of my goals this year was to wear more handmade clothing and wear more of my handknits.  I have been learning to sew and make my own clothes with the help of friends, my mom and Jeremy's boss.  Even though I know many of my dresses, tunics and shirt have been faaaaarrr from perfect they make me so happy.  I feel great in them and I get a lot of compliments which makes me want to continue.  I can also pair this with another love of mine - thrift shopping.  

When you are a bigger gal like myself, sometimes it is hard to find nice clothing that fits properly.  I have been leaning towards a more minimalist style with what I wear, simple designs, neutral-ish colours, something that I can pair in a number of ways etc.  I have found peace in a few designs and designers who make it simple for beginners like myself who are looking for something to make them feel good AND look good in (no matter what size you are).

Ann Carolyn Smock (dress version)

Purl Soho
100 Acts of Sewing
​Ellen Mason - Odacier
A Verb for Keeping Warm
Grainline Studio
Merchant and Mills
Fancy Tiger Crafts
Tessuti

Ann Carolyn Smock (tunic version)

Driftless Cardigan - Grainline Studio

Dress #2 - 100 Acts of Sewing

Tunic #1 (shirt version) - 100 Acts of Sewing

Mandy Boat Tee - Tessuti

I have gained a lot of inspiration by going through #handmadewardrobe and have been making a list of items I would like to make.  The fun part is changing them up with the addition of hand knits; cardigans, shawls, scarves, and more!  Here are a couple patterns that I have in my queue that I want to add to my Handmade Wardrobe

some cloudy day by tiny owl knits

Tall and Toasty Stay-up Legwarmers by Lynn DT Hershberger

Leg Warmers by Jane Richmond

February Lady Sweater by pamela wynne

Boxy by Joji Locatelli

Ponchetta by Elizabeth Smith

Tales from the Isle of Purbeck - MKAL by Annie Rowden

Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West

The Tube Thing / Schlauchdingens by Julia Marquardt

These are just a few examples, you can understand now why my queue and unfinished projects list is so large.  There are so many hats, skirts, and fingerless mitts you can add, and don't forget all the handknit socks you can wear with each item!

You don't have to be an expert to participate in Slow Fashion October,
@slowfashionoctober writes that it is “A celebration of the small-batch, handmade, second-hand, well-loved, long-worn, known-origins wardrobe.”  I have been finding myself going back to the traditional ways of doing things and making my own clothes has been very rewarding.  Just one more aspect of my life I am trying to make "handmade".  If you need further inspiration you should check out these wonderful women who have really inspired me
​Sam Lamb
Terhi Montonen
Ash Alberg
Jessica Lewis Stevens
Cal Patch
So why not play along?  Anything you make this month that you post online, use the hashtag #slowfashionoctober.  Challenge yourself, share your work with others and have fun! If you don't have time to play along, there is always #MeMadeMay :)

My goals this month are to sew a few more dresses/tunics, finish my shawls in the works and a pair of socks.  What have you got planned?