Me-Made-March '11: Days 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31!

Hi peops! Thanks for bearing with me throughout my latest me-made challenge. Final installment:

Day 27:

• Me-made denim sailor trousers
• Me-made Saint cardigan
• Me-made leopard top
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

This was the day after craftaganza and I was sporting a sizeable me-made hangover. I did manage to make it out of my me-made pyjamas though and actually further than the sofa, so the celebratory bevvies couldn't have been too numerous!

Day 28:

• Me-made Saint cardigan
• Me-made wool dress
• Me-made stripey T-shirt
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Day 29:

• Me-made denim sailor trousers
• Remade/refashioned sweatshirt
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

I understand that not much of my outfit can be seen behind my work colleague Piglet there, so you'll just have to trust me. He's a big fan of attention, so I though he might appreciate a blog appearance.

Day 30:

• Me-made black sailor trousers
• Me-made leopard top
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

As previously explained, I cannot take credit for the gorgeous neck scarf, which was created by the lovely and talented Jessica. Mad props to her for keeping my neck warm all day! I seriously nearly forgot to take it off to go to bed.

Day 31:

• Me-made black sailor trousers
• Me-made corazones blouse
• Refashioned cardigan
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

So there we have it people, all done! Another whole month rocking the me-mades in an attempt to spread the word that handmade clothing and accessories can and should be worn with pride. I've stated my intentions and reasoning for these challenges on many occassions, but I have to say that I am proud and very grateful that once again peops from all over the globe elected through their own free will to join me. I also want to thank everyone who commented and gave my outfits props. The encouragement and support was gratefully received.

So, in summary: No, I didn't make any new trousers, and; No, I didn't refashion as many sweat or knit items as I'd planned, and; No, I didn't get round to making any more day-friendly dresses. But that's ok. The fact that I got by with what I have once again shows me that I don't actually need all the clothes I would like to make, and that a few comfy separates can go along way with a little creative combining. I certainly had more outfit variety than Me-Made-March 2010, and this year I was living in a much colder climate with a mountain of other things (moving flats, craft market organising, working full-time etc.) on my plate that weren't applicable to a year ago. Of course, the shine of novelty has worn off a bit more, what with this being my forth challenge of this ilk. But the creativity and variety shown and support expressed by the other participants largely via the Flickr group continues to make these challenges such a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and this MMMar '11 has been no exception.

Future challenges?! Watch this space, announcements to follow soon.....

The first Brighton Craftaganza. Papped.

All the way back in January, I disclosed an on-going project I had been working on which came in the shape of a craft market named Brighton Craftaganza. Six months of planning and organising finally came to fruitition this Saturday when the first Craftaganza event was held at a deconsecrated church/turned art gallery called Fabrica in Brighton, UK.

Personally, I have never organised anything on this scale before. I've had stalls at various handmade markets and craft fairs before, but I didn't have any idea what it would entail to actually sort one out from scratch. The day itself was totally awesome, and I enjoyed it so much. I really want to share with y'all, my lovely blog readers, some of my favourite images and bits from the day.

We started the day at about 8am with a bare, chilly hall and a massive pile of trestle tables. Lisa, Steph and myself had some wonderful helpers which came in the form of our partners (including the illustrious Patty, of course, who was also Official Photographer for the day) and two lovely volunteers, Laura and Rehannon. I can't thank these people enough, especially Laura and Rehannon who were so sweet and funny, they both even came along with homemade cakes! Got to love that.

We decorated the hall with balloons and bunting (nearly 40 metres may I add, made by my own fair hands from fabric scraps I got from work) and the potentially dreary church hall looked Spring-like and beautiful. It's such an awesome space, insanely high ceiling with sun light streaming down (if the sun chooses to shead some that day).

All the sellers, of which there were about thirty one, including three food stalls, dribbled in over the next couple of hours and set up their wares. Then all of a sudden, BLAM!, it was 11am and time for the doors to open. I shared a stall with this lovely lady....

My good friend, the amazingly talented Michelle from Naught Little Pony! I had some skirts and bags on sale, and Michelle had an incredible array of brooches, necklaces, cushions and more. It was so nice to spend time with her, as well as meeting and chatting with almost all the other sellers (the ones in our stall's vacinity at least).

I didn't get as 'spendy' as I could easily have done (I left that to Lisa, who seemed to be on a mission to by something from each stall!), but Patty and I did get an incredible print and some greetings cards. When choosing which sellers' applications to accept, Lisa, Steph and I really tried to reach for a wide variety of products with a decent level of quality and a range of approaches to make this market as inclusive as possible. I think we managed that well, there were so many really individual and unique products that even the least craft-friendly shopper would have been hard pushed not to find anything that appealed to them.

Look! It looks like a real craft market doesn't it?!


Meeting the other stalls holders was a total high point, as well as chatting with some of the steady flow of punters and visitors who came through our doors. A special shout-out goes to a lovely lady called Jenny (I think it was Jenny, I'm so bad with names, sorry!) from Rustington who introduced herself and told me she reads my blog! Email me and we'll go for a bevvie!

It was hard to tell from behind the stall, and because I spent most of the day involved in conversation and sausage rolls, but the whole thing seemed to go smoothly and be well attended. Some stall holders (including myself) didn't make as much cash as others, but so far the feedback from all the stall holders has been really positive.

Steph, Lisa and myself (pictured above) were actually pretty sad when the day came to a close. We've now got quite a lot of analysising, thinking and discussing to do to figure out the next step for this formidable trio and the Brighton Craftaganza 'brand'. We definately want to organise more markets but we have other exciting ideas in the pipe line too. Watch this space.... (or this space!)

Me-Made-March '11: Days 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26

I just got myself in a total pickle trying to get my photos in the correct order and realising I'd missed a day out. Now that wouldn't have happened if I'd been keeping up to date with my documentation of this challenge, would it?! Only a couple more installments now, can't believe this month has flown by so quickly.

Day 22:

• Me-made denim sailor trousers
• Me-made ruffle front jumper
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

This is probably my most comfortable me-made outfit (aside from my pyjamas). This jumper has actually held up pretty well considering it was made over a year ago and has received many wears and washes since. I must give props to whatever random synthetic fibres the fabric is made from!

Day 23:

• Me-made black Jenny skirt
• Me-made stripey T-shirt
• Refashioned cardigan
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Initially meant for evening/going out purposes, last Autumn I ended up rocking this skirt regularly in the day time too. It simultaneously makes me feel nice and curvy and annoyed at all the fabric round my middle!

Day 24:

• Me-made black sailor trousers
• Me-made Saint cardigan
• Remade blouse
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

It was totally not the right weather for wearing this blouse, which is made from the type of synthetic fabric that always makes you feel cold. Great for when I lived in Spain. Now? Not so much!

Day 25:

• Me-made denim sailor trousers
• Me-made Simplicity 3835 top (the first of the millions I've made)
• Me-made Saint cardigan (not shown, so don't think your eyes are going funny!)
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Rubbish outfit born from a desire for variety. I made this top ages ago when I was first getting back into sewing clothes. I made it from quilting cotton (school girl error) plus the original sleev pattern was always a bit too tight for my chunky upperarms, so it's never been that comfortable if you need to move your arms a lot. It's even more restrictive when paired with my Saint cardigan. At work I need to move my arms A LOT, cutting out garments and the like. I'm a genius.

Day 26:

• Me-made Macaron dress
• Refashioned cardigan
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Brighton Craftaganza day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The crap behind me is all the stuff for my stall. It was a rocking day and this outfit took me through the whole day: from 8am through the whole market, and out the other side into evening to imbibe some well -deserved congratulatory cocktails. More on Craftaganza tomorrow.....

Me-Made-March '11: Days 18, 19, 20 & 21

The tinternet is back on! It's quite glaringly obvious how much of life and communication is conducted through it when it is taken away from you for a while. Let's not dwell on that right now, I've got some catching up to do...

Day 18:

• me-made denim sailor trousers
• me-made stripey long sleeved T-shirt
• me-made vest and pants
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made coat and bag

A cosy, if predictable, get-up I'd say.

Day 19:

• me-made denim sailor trousers
• me-made black stretch top
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

Day 20:

• me-made faux vintage dress
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made Saint cardigan (when I went outside)
• me-made coat and bag

I actually wore my leopard coat instead of my navy wool one for a change, but regretted it as soon as I stepped outside! This was a ridiculously optimistic outfit considering it was a lovely sunny day but actually still pretty nippy. Which is why I changed as soon as I got home into this:

• me-made black sailor trousers
• me-made black stretch top
• me-made Saint cardigan
• me-made vest and pants

Wearing all black reminds me of when I used to help out back stage at my school's drama productions!

Day 21:

• me-made black sailor trousers
• me-made stripey T-shirt
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

According to my boyfriend, my wide legged trousers make me look short. This photo is evidence to suggest he's right. I'm over it.

Me-Made-March '11: Days 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17

Okays, I’ve been AWOL round these parts recently, so I’ve gots me some catching up to do.

Day 13:

• Me-made pyjama bottoms
• Me-made ruffle front jumper
• Me-made vest and pants

I basically stayed in all day packing up our belongings ready to move to a new flat (woo hoo!). I’ve seen some other candid souls on the MMMar ’11 Flickr group photo themselves in their jim jams as an accurate reflection of their daily outfit, so here’s mine!

Day 14:

• Me-made denim sailor trousers
• Me-made Saint cardigan
• Me-made Sencha blouse
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Phew! Move day. So exhausted. Nothing else to say.

Day 15:

• Me-made black sailor trousers
• Me-made leopard long sleeved top
• Refashioned cardigan
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

Surprisingly this is not a repeat outfit, but I’m feeling as though my outfits are getting a bit repetitive anyhow. Maybe I would be feeling like that anyway at this point of the year, when I’ve been piling on my warmest clothes for months on end and just want to be in a different season already. I just find it pretty boring when my most imperative wardrobe concern is warmth, rather than if my clothes are reflecting my mood or personality or what have you.

Day 16:

• Me-made ruffle front jumper
• Me-made denim skirt
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

This skirt was rediscovered during the move to our new flat. I don’t think I’ve worn it since we travelled back to the UK through France last August. It was totally not warm enough yet on Day 16 to wear it, but it was really nice to have a different garment and silhouette thrown into the wardrobe mix. I’ve been too busy sewing stock for my stall at the impending Brighton Craftaganza to get any new threads finished for myself to make MMMar ’11 more interesting.

Day 17:

• Me-made black sailor trousers
• Remade/refashioned sweatshirt
• Me-made vest and pants
• Me-made coat and bag

TOTAL outfit repeat. I got to day 17 without a repeat though, which isn’t bad in my book. Considering how often I usually rotate the same few outfits, I’m really pleased to have got this far. Plus, not repeating my outfits was never my main goal, just a little side-bet I find I end up having with myself! I do really like how these challenges make me invent new garment combinations and consider my mid-week outfits far more than I normally do. Making that conscious effort to present myself differently has a direct effect on my mood, for reasons I can’t be bothered to explore right now, so it’s funny that I don’t do so very much on all the other days that don’t get documented for the eyes of my blog’s readers and Flickr group viewers.

So, as you may have gathered, my recent absence from this blog and sporadic involvement in the Flickr group is due to my recent move. I have been checking all the awesomeness on the Flickr group when I can during my lunch breaks at work, but haven’talways had the chance to comment. I just want to say how awe struck I am by all the fantastic and imaginative creations and refashions that other MMMar ’11 participants have been wearing and sharing this month. Thanks everyone who has been involved in making this a very inspirational month so far, and to all those who are not directly participating but have been so supportive. The challenge continues...

Me-Made-March '11: Days 10, 11 & 12

So the days of March are now in double figures. Spring's pretty much here and I'm gearing up to move flats and start a 'new season' of my very own. But what you really want to know is, what the hell have I been wearing over the last few days? How on earth have my me-mades functioned through the stresses and strains of being me? Let's take a look....

Day 10:

• me-made faux-vintage dress (bad choice as the sleeves are quite tight and rubbed off a lot of the remaining scab on my new tattoo. What? You don't want to hear about my scabs?!)
• me-made Saint Cardigan (worn for most the day, but for some freakish reason I must have deemed it warm enough to remove it for at least long enough to take a photo)
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

As I mentioned on the Flickr group, note to self: make more day-friendly dresses. Soooo much easier to throw on a dress to make a nice outfit than trying to juggle a million separates. Now watch me make a million more separates instead of making a single dress... I never learn.

Day 11:

• me-made black sailor trousers
• me-made corazones blouse
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

After all my witterings about not having anything warm to wear with this blouse that wouldn't flatten the stand up collar, I figured out my new refashioned cardi has a neckline almost wide enough to leave the blouse's collar unfettered. Good enough for me, plus the cardi's colour is almost the same as the green in the blouse. I celebrated with some cider, nachos and wine later that night!

Day 12:

• me-made navy front fold skirt
• me-made stripey T-shirt
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

It always wierds me out a little to be blogging an outfit whilst I'm still wearing it, seems a bit too meta. Anyways, I may go out later and change my outfit, I will document it should that event arise, fear not my lovelies! Laters patatas!

Me-Made-March '11: Days 7, 8 & 9

Ok, there's no time to lose! There's a lot to get through today. Day 7:

• me-made denim sailor trousers
• me-made Saint Cardigan
• me-made black 1/2 sleeve T-shirt
• me -made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

No, I didn't make the lovely neck scarf, it was lovingly hand-crafted by the wonderful Jessica. Go and check her blog out, say hi from me! I might change the specifics of my challenge to be 'all me-made clothing, refashioned knitwear and items hand made by other MMMar '11 particpants!' I can't tell you how much I love this neck scarf. When I wear it with my Navy wool coat and knitted beret, I look like a member of the French Resistance!

Day 8:

• me-made dark grey wool dress (some pattern from an old Burda magazine that I no longer have)
• me-made black 1/2 sleeve T-shirt
• refashioned cardigan
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

If it was a normal day (i.e. not a day when I would photograph my outfit and put it up on the internets), I would probably have slung on the same outfit as yesterday. I have you witnesses to thank for making me dress with a little more variety! I haven't worn this particular garment combo before, but the layering meant I was toasty-warm all day, even with half my arms exposed!

Day 9:

• me-made ruffle front jumper
• me-made denim sailor trousers
• me-made vest and pants
• me-made coat and bag

Not much to tell you about this outfit (other than I just split vegetable chilli all down the front of the ruffles), both main components are tried and trusted friends on which I can rely. So, instead I would like to take the opportunity to thank the incredibly talented and ultra sweet Cecili from Sewing and so on for giving me a Stylish Blogger Award. The fact that it came from one of the very most stylish ladies I've e-met (the term I now use for describing internet friends and acquaintances) makes me even more grateful! One of the 'rules' attached to accepting this award means I must now tell you seven facts about myself. I loved reading Cecili's answers, as it gave us a chance to know this very interesting lady a little better. If you do not wish to know more about me, look away now! If you are, here are seven sewing-specific facts about me (I found trying to come up with seven general facts a bit daunting, where to start?!):

1. I sew from 9am -5pm every week day for my job, plus I usually work on my own sewing projects during my lunch break and sometimes in the evenings and at weekends.
2. At work, the flat lock sewing machine I use is on the work bench so I sew standing up! This freaked me out at first, and I used to kind of perch on the edge of a high stall, but I've got used to it now.
3. My domestic sewing machine I have a home was given to me about ten years ago. It was sitting unused in the garage of an old lady that my dad gardens for. He asked her if I could have it (I was studying fashion at the time) and it's been with me ever since, having survived moving house a million times during my twenties, plus being shipped to Spain and back.
4. I bought my overlocker (serger) secondhand for about £40. I totally abuse it: never oil it, never get it serviced, never clear the dust out, never even change the needles between thick and thin fabric, yet it's way better behaved and reliable than the industrial overlocker I use at work (touch wood!).
5. My current sewing projects I'm working on are some shoulder bags made from African wax fabric to sell at Craftaganza and a squillion metres of bunting to decorate the aforementioned crafting event.
6. At work, I probably make on average 4 garments a day, starting with a pile of fabric and a pattern to finished garments with labels ready to be collected to be taken to the shop. If using jersey, knit or sweat, I usually average more, but I don't tend to use that much these days. I've learnt quite a few shortcuts and tricks to be able achieve this level of output, sometimes I don't like being forced to make these shortcuts, but sometimes it really does make me question why I've been going the long way round for so long! I've kind of found myself in a niche these days of making the woven garments for our clothing line, which I'm fine with me, except putting in six zips in a row sometimes pushes the limits of my patience!
7. I started making little fabric handbags which I sold through local shops when I was in my third year of my fashion degree. It was a nice break from my university projects to focus on something else, something that was more immediate. Making that first sale (to someone I didn't know) was the biggest rush I've ever experienced!