« Making Beauty | Main | Looking Forward »
July 16, 2006
Making Do
One of the funnier misconceptions of fiber related obsessions is that it saves you money. If you're in the habit of buying $400 sweaters and $100 scarves and $25 socks, you might be right. Those prices do not include labor of course. And no I'm not kidding. Have I mentioned how much I love alpaca? And have you checked out the price of great sock yarn lately? How many of your budgets have dissolved at the sight of hand painted laceweight?
I thought so.
With sewing you have a bit more of chance. But even then. Trims, buttons, zippers, etc. oh blessed etc. Still the joy, the joy of being able to clothe yourself, is pretty damn awesome. It is especially awesome if your circumstances have become more modest.
When I traded in money for time, I was motivated by a great, no fierce, desire to live the life I've always wanted - now. For decades, my wishes started with the words, if I had more time.
If I had more time, I could make my own clothes. Clothes that fit me and my personality. Clothes that fit the roles I wanted to perform. No more heels, no more designer suits, no more makeup. I want to walk to town on a blistering hot summer day wearing sandles, a t-shirt and a breezy cotton draw string skirt.