Mood Board Monday

Sewing has become a refuge for me. I love the meditative hum of my machine as I tune out the world and focus on a project. The latest is a dress inspired by Tracey Reese. I love contrasting sections of the bodice and skirt. Instead of the floral pattern on Reese's design, I'm using an Ankara fabric from my stash combined with navy blue with Simplicity Pattern #1803.

And it's December! I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge ROSA PARKS (!) the seamstress who gives me constant inspiration with her revolutionary act of refusing to relinquish her seat on a bus, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955.

Portrait of a Woman with a Sewing Machine
by Renowned Malain Photographer Seydou Keïta
I wish I had her sewing machine.

ABC: Another Bad Creation

Bib Necklace

The New Vintage

Cardigan: Limited | Brooches: Handmade with Materials from Hobby Lobby | Bracelet: Betsy Johnson | Dress: Handmade with Robert Kaufman Fabrics and Simplicity Pattern 2444 (I should have done a quick steam on my dress before I took pictures after coming home after work, but such is hindsight)

I used to watch YouTube videos religiously and a common theme was “the haul.” The gist was to go to a store usually a thrift store of a discount chain and get as many clothes as possible for a ridiculously small amount of money. To be sure, the women on YouTube should be applauded for their frugality and ability to be so resourceful, but are their any implications for these hauls; and if so, what are they?

I see this pin on dozens of pin boards all over Pinterest. I cringe every time I do, because I have gone into Target and didn't find anything as I wait for a prescription I need.

After scrutinizing the clothes, shoes and accessories, I realize that the quality is not worth the price and I’ll wait until it’s 70% off or forgo the purchase completely. I check seams, fabric, and, construction methods. I have found some polyester garments pilling and running on the hanger! I’ve even seen accessories with visible hot glue—for shame!!!

I love Target and shop there often but I do so discriminately and conservatively. There are reasons for you all to consider doing the same:

1. If the market is flooded with throw-away clothing then what will our children and grandchildren have as the next generation of vintage clothing? Who will carry on the traditions of our grandmothers?
2. Materialism: I raised this issues in a posts that I wrote last December: "I Shopped 'til I Dropped"  and "The Heart of the "Gray" Matter"
3. This article from the Huffington Post about Elizabeth Cline the author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost Of Cheap Fashion, makes several salient points as well. 
4. This blog post from Couture Allure Vintage Fashion Blog explains the anatomy of a cheaply constructed garment.