What to do with the clothes you no longer love.
You know I encourage you to sort out your wardrobe every 6 months or so, ideally at the change of each season. One outcome from this will be some unloved cast offs. However, it will also help you focus on what you’ve got, remind you of the things you might not have worn in a while and can inspire you to create new outfit possibilities.
So, what do you do with the items of clothing that you’re ready to part with?
I’m sure one of your initial thoughts is to give them to charity. Which is no bad thing but I’d say think of your friends first, especially for those decent pieces that haven’t been worn but were never right for you in the first place – that blouse that just never looked the way you hoped it would when you got it back home, the jumper that you know isn’t the right colour for you but you bought it anyway because it was a bargain. So why not think about organising a small swish party and swap your clothes with your friends so that they can find a new home. If you’re local to me, I’m always happy to come along and help out with some style advice!
Alternatively, particularly for the things that might have seen better days – those jeans that have bagged at the knee, the shirt that has worn at the collar (these don’t just have to be your clothes, consider what’s in your partners wardrobe too!) get creative and turn them into something different.
How many of you have a sewing machine? When’s the last time you got it out? Have you considered turning that shirt into a bag or making a cushion? A summer dress into a makeup bag or two? Well, if you’re not brave enough to tackle this alone, (and I certainly wouldn’t be), then you need Stephanie Thannhauser! Stephanie is a freelance illustrator, print designer and teacher who turns her creative hand to repurposing your redundant pieces of clothing into beautiful new creations.
Stephanie runs a range of workshops from beginners to the more advanced sewers and encourages you to be creative in a fun and relaxing environment. She is passionate about being more sustainable and sharing her knowledge and expertise.
So to help you do this I thought I’d ask her a few questions and share her answers with you to get you thinking about a few possibilities.
What inspired you to run these courses?
I wanted to share my love of sewing and help others be more creative. I get a buzz from seeing the faces of students when they have achieved something they thought they couldn’t do.
What do they include?
My classes are built around the idea that you complete something every week, so that you get a sense of achievement. Participants go home with an item they can show off to their family and friends. I also supply all the materials so that takes the stress out of having to get the right stuff.
The six-week beginners course starts from the very beginning, so sometimes people arrive having never threaded a needle or sewn a stitch before. By week six they have built their skills so much they are inserting zips and making buttonholes. It’s a great thing to see. My classes are fun and not stuffy or old fashioned. You make great products, learn lots of hints and tips, plus you are learning a skill that you’ll have forever.
I am not sure I’m creative – are there techniques to think more creatively?
Everyone tells me they aren’t creative which is sad really. We have a perception that creativity is only recognised if you say produce a painting worth millions but creativity is many things from choosing how to decorate you house, choosing clothes you wear, knitting a baby cardigan or planting flowers in your garden. I believe humans are innately creative; it’s modern society, comparisonitus and lack of confidence that makes us think we aren’t able to create. That’s rubbish, we just have to let ourselves go and be brave – and it helps if you’ve got a guiding hand!
What will I get from one of your workshops?
On the beginners course you’ll learn a new skill, have fun and be able to sew independently once the course is completed. The Intermediate course covers how to up cycle clothes and make them into new useable items. Being able to sew is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while having fun.
What do I do if I’m interested in one of your workshops?
Email me at stepht168@gmail.com
As always, if you need any help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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