Slow Fashion October :: Week 1 ::

Happy Sunday evening! I am finally writing my first post for Slow Fashion October. The weekend did not go as planned, when do they do anyway? So it is late, but I really wanted to be involved in this project.

I think having my second son has really changed my view of the world and what my responsibility towards that world was (It is Sunday night and it is going to be heavy conversation). I started with a simple mantra, I did not want children to make clothes for my children. And I was lucky because I could make clothes for my boys - and therefore have some control over this. Except that this is only half the battle, as to make my own clothes or that of my children, I needed to make sure that the supplies I was buying were also ethical. 

I started to read and watch many documentaries about fast fashion and I was as depressed as I was felt positive about it. Depressed by fast fashion and what it meant , and positive about all the brands that wanted to make a difference and were offering fashionable alternatives to fast fashion products. 

And of course, I decided to make more garments myself. I am first a knitter, but a very slow one, second a sewist - but not as proficient as I would like to be/think, I also quilt, crochet and loves embroidery - which makes it quite hard sometimes to prioritise projects. I am basically on a learning curve, and can only get better. Given my 'limits' I have tried harder to find patterns that suit my shape, and choose colours that I will actually wear. As far as the supplies I am using, I have made a massive effort to destash, and all my new stash is from an ethical source - and I try to be transparent about it, like I expect brands to be. 

To ensure that I really make a concious decision about what I buy, I have set myself a budget for supplies (as well as for my wardrobe). It is a very recent decision so I am not sure whether the figure I have imposed on myself is not too high still. 

This month, I am hoping to learn more about tips to ensure a continuous commitment to slow fashion (and a more ethical stash). I would say one of my goals is to make an Autumn outfit, but I may just say I want to have started it. I have an idea, just need to take the jump and cut. 

Read here to get involved in Slow Fashion October

Friday Randomly Sharing

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to FRS where I share what has caught my eye recently - but where you could also share what has interested you - so please make full use of the comment box!

- Have you heard of the Fold Line? Finally there is a platform to share notes and pictures of patterns we use! Think Ravelry for sewist - at least that is what I understood. If you are a knitter, I am sure  you wondered like me why such a platform never existed for sewists (the Burdastyle community is really not that great - or at least I never used it as a resource). I have now registered  you can see my profile here. Please bear in mind that this is really new - I think it was launched yesterday - and therefore it will only work if we all post our makes. It will take time, but it is going to be worth the effort for this to become as good as Ravelry. 

- More baking over at MiH. The Green Kitchen stories posted a new gluten free wholesome muffin recipe, I just had to try it. I made some changes so that I did not have to do more shopping: I changed roll oats for quinoa flakes, the potato starch for tapioca flour, cardamom for nutmeg; and I just made sweetened apple sauce (with coconut sugar) so I used it. It was delicious and wholesome none the less. Also I made the switch from eggs to chia seeds, and it is wonderful, who knew! I did not make a vegan version - but you easily can by replacing the dairy yoghurt by a vegan version. 

- I just pinned this lovely crochet hat - the ribbing part sounds really interesting, so one of the boys is sorted. The other one will get a knitted hat - this one specifically... At what age will they tell to go away and wear my own knits? 

- The crossroads of should and must - so inspiring. I saw the video, but this is the written script (search for Elle Luna)

- The new pattern from Aime comme Marie is called Aime comme Majestic. I think I like it -  in fact it would  be perfect for my work wardrobe - this version made me like and dislike this pattern at the same time (note she is pregnant...).

- Free acorn crochet pattern - I am in! Autumn I am coming to capture you! You could also go for a walk and get some conkers for this DIY. 

- Love this story about running a second-hand shop. 

- I love the idea of styling nature in the home - I am not sure I will send a picture to enter (I have no space for that prize), but my house could really do with a jar full of feathers. 

- I loved reading Felicia's commitment to Slow Fashion October. It totally made sense to me and my own path to sustainability. 

- I keep hearing about Periscope - here is a guide on how to use it, maybe I will try it. 

- This refashioned denim shirt - just whoah (although there is no tutorial, such a shame. But I will keep an eye out for it!)

That was my list, what has caught your eye lately? 

Friday Randomly Sharing

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to FRS where I share what has caught my eye recently - but where you could also share what was interest to you - so please make full use of the comment box!

- Let's start by some baking - a nutella cake, sounds good, right?! I saw this post from earlier this month (I caught up a bit with posts this week), and I just knew I had to try it just because it looked beautiful (and yes, it got me started thinking about Xmas, and we know how much I love Xmas!). It looks ok for a first attempt, but the dough is too bread like at the moment, and I think I need a brioche type of dough. I have not found a recipe I like yet, so still on the look out if anyone has any to share? 

- This week, Brooklyn Tweed published it Fall 2015 pattern collection. As always it is worth checking it out just for the photography - how beautiful! I am head over heels about this collection but I do have a favourite, the Bannock cardigan. It is also featured in a beautiful plum colourway, absolutely gorgeous. This collection also features the new BT yarn - quarry - very exciting stuff!

- Talking about new yarn, de Rerum Natura, the ethical yarn from France I talked about here, has also launched new yarns - Albertine (a fingering weight yarn) and Penelope (DK weight). I will have to plan a new project - as if I did not have enough WIPs already. 

- And maybe this new project could be the Farmhouse shawl (by Cabinfour). I have seen many versions of this shawl, and Liesl version is beautiful (and her pictures), and reminded me how much I loved this simple pattern. 

- Fringe Association is organising a tag along in October called Slow fashion October, I will try to join in, will you? 

- An epic knitting project by Kessa in stitches - a knitted lace wedding dress. I won't say more, you have to see it for yourself, it is truly unbelievable. 

- Blanket capes are in (again) this season, check out this DIY to make your own! 

 

- New on my playlist is I can't Feel my Face by The Weeknd - makes me so happy. 

- And well, as I am in the England, I have to remind you (or do I have to?) that today is the start of the Rugby World Cup! Check out Matt Dawson's hakarena video. It is quite funny, but then again I don't support the All Blacks. Allez les Bleus!