Though I’ve been capable of sewing my own clothes since eighth grade, I don’t often do it. As someone who balks at paying five dollars for a t-shirt, I’m not always inclined to pay six dollars a yard and hours of my time to sew basic layering items. But I do like to make things. There is something nice about telling people admiring your dress that you made it yourself. Making something that is definitely not what I could find in shops in Portland is also kind of great.
I like space-girl shoulder detail, things that layer well and simple construction—which yes, those three things can go together. I’m unashamedly in love with the Mad Max movies and watching costume dramas for the clothes. I’m thankful for a world of cheap and comfortable, easy to care for fabrics. What good is an amazing outfit if it binds when you’re taking the train to work or it has to be dry cleaned? Every “how to dress” book I read growing up emphasised finding pieces that were versatile. Clothes are cheaper now and rather than having a few pieces do more for us, we have more of them. Which is silly.
As a result of time and whim, I don’t have a “portfolio” really, of clothes I’ve made. Several are simply modifications, but I do consider the pieces included below and linked throughout this post to give a good idea of what I like to make.
