After reading this post (True Cost) by the Sweaty Knitter, I’ve really been compelled to slow down on my fast fashion consumption. Now granted I hate shopping for clothes in general, and try to do so only when I need something… but things like t-shirts never really fell into that category. Mostly because you know your size, so you can just order and order and order. I have lots of t-shirts, mostly with quirky sayings on them.
But I think I will need to change the way I view clothing. As a start to that- my knitting goal for 2016 is to knit myself 5 tops. Sweaters, cardigans, tees, tanks, shifts, shells, vests – whatever. Just knit five of them. (This small number also leaves room for other projects to be sandwiched in between. Like socks… toys… hats…) The idea is to slowly remove my reliance on fashion-driven apparel. (Most apparel is fashion-driven, why else do you see a certain type of sweater in the store one year, and you never see it again?)
I think I will slowly phase out my fast-fashion items, and satisfy my need for slogan t-shirts, by getting a button-maker. This way I can design my own buttons. I’m also thinking about doing a little screen printing…
Funny how transitioning to more hand-made items means I pick up MORE crafts. 🙂
At any rate- I thought I’d state my plan, instead of waiting till New Year’s. Mostly because New Year resolutions are made to be broken, and I fully intend to make this a lifestyle, not just a resolution.
Love this idea! I can’t imagine thinking that 5 tops in a year is a small number, but that’s because 1. I’m DEFINITELY not a speed knitter and 2. Between the kiddo and having been in school for the past 5 years (and signed up for 5-7 more with the new program that starts in a few weeks), knitting time is sadly slim. But if I make a sweater for me, my partner, and my daughter each year, I’m happy. 🙂 It’s a slower process, but still working towards a more sustainable wardrobe
Well- it’s all in how you look at it. I completed a blanket-sized shawl, one six foot blanket, I’m 65% through a five foot blanket, and then I have a baby blanket to do this year. That’s easily the equivalent of 4-5 tops, plus change. For me- I think 5 tops is completely doable.
Do your kids have any extracurricular activities (sports, cheerleading, debate teams, etc)? Maybe you can knit during those!
Unfortunately, she’s a bit young for that kind of thing– she’s 1 tomorrow! But I will have a *little* extra time when she starts daycare– whatever time isn’t sucked up by schoolwork, anyway!
Oh, sorry! I thought you said that she’s been in school for five years! 🙂
Haha nope that’s me. I finished my BA then went right into an MA program and am about to start a PhD!
That post inspired me in a similar way.
Yep me too!! :)) as you know hot climates make things difficult and I usually sew a lot for the summer instead, but this year I’m knitting tees, up to my fourth and my goal is six. 🙂
I’m doing this too! I’d been thinking about it and Sweaty Knitter’s post gave me the final push I needed to start making more of my clothing (tops) and replace other items with well researched as sustainable pants. Title 9 has some great pants and I highly recommend PACT underwear.