Pink Pussy

The organizers of the Women's March in Oakland recommended against bringing backpacks, and suggested see-through bags as an alternative.  I didn't have one, so I made one.

The kitty and the silver binding are super-reflective vinyl.

I may have been the only person at the march who paid attention to that bit.  I'm a rule-follower, weirdly enough.

Postapocalyptish

For the past several years, my wardrobe has been largely function-based: between the machine shop in my previous job, and the scene shop I currently (occasionally) work in, I don't dare wear anything that I can't stand to ruin with either grease or paint or just getting snagged on some sticky-outy bit.

So mostly, I dress like a 12-year-old: Graphic T-shirts, jeans (with or without rips) hoodies, chucks.  Wash, rinse, repeat.

And I'm TIRED of it.  And suddenly, I'm looking around and finding things I'd actually enjoy wearing.  I've started collecting images and ideas on Pinterest, pinning the things that appeal to me, pinning ideas and patterns for things I could make. I'm drawn to an aesthetic that's, frankly, sort of post-apocalyptic.  Things that look recycled (things that are recycled), things that look handcrafted (are handcrafted), Things that look (are) well-worn.

Things I'm drawn to:

• Textures:  (knits, pleats, washed linen, wool felt, leather)
• Structure vs. drape
• Asymmetry 
• Layers
• A range of acceptable contexts, from music festivals to formal nights out

Seeing The Force Awakens just before this urge hit was probably a contributing factor, as was an epic project for work, involving vast quantities of hemp, jute, and cheesecloth dyed in smoky purples and greens.

I've been chewing on this idea for a year now, and am finally starting to put it into action.  Some pieces I'm buying (with varying degrees of success re: expectations), some pieces I'm making or re-making. Some things, like my knee-high buckled strap converse, I already own.

So anyway, the Pinterest board.

This isn't a shopping list.  It's mostly for inspiration, because above all else, any additions to my wardrobe must be *wearable.*  The fabrics have to be soft (unlike an unfortunate proportion of my handspun).  If the individual garments are a struggle to put on, or difficult to function normally in, I won't wear them.  There are some styles I know I don't like: anything strapless, backless, halter tops, etc.

I've (re-)made the first shirt.  I have other garments to make and modify.

onward.

Quick shirt remodel

I had one of those sweater things, designed to hang open in front.  It looked fine the first few times I wore it, but then I washed it and the ribbed facing stretched out and the whole thing looked terrible.  (Then I snagged a thread in the sleeve and it snapped when I was trying to ease the stitches back into shape and now there's a hole.)

First step, remove the facing and the sleeves

not sure why this is blue

Then I removed the stitching at the shoulders,  crossed the front pieces over each other, and turned the whole thing backwards.





















I may adjust the shape of the armsyce in front, since it bunches a little under the arm there.  I'm a little bigger than my dress form, so the fit is a little different (less drape at the neck) but overall I'm happy with it. I've turned something I wouldn't wear again into something I'll probably wear (though maybe over a tank top?) and I don't think I'm even going to finish the hems. Raw edges suit the aesthetic.