One of the things that made shopping difficult for me was the awareness I have of company branding. I guess I take advertising too seriously, but I feel like I know what woman each designer is targeting, and none of them are me. Shopping in a department store offers some nicely generic possibilities because each store has its own brands and they seem to be based on larger parameters, like “urban 25-35 year-olds.” But Marshall Field’s shut down and I never found a suitable replacement.
When I try on clothes I picture the models in the ads and the people I’ve seen wearing those things and know it’s not for me. I happened to have a pair of coach tennis shoes that I wore to my fancy dentist. He actually lit scented candles in the examination room and had a camera that could project your cavities on a large flat screen monitor. When I sat in his chair and put my feet up he said, “Hey Miss Coach,” and smiled. If I had been a person in the habit of wearing designer stuff, he wouldn’t have commented. It was really embarrassing- like he was saying to a toddler, “Wow, you’re walking!”
I thought that by making my own clothes, I would have things that I felt right about wearing. I would never come to class matching one of my students. I wouldn’t be misusing someone’s brand. I also fantasized about opening my closet doors to a perfect wardrobe. I could really enjoy wearing my favorite clothes, knowing I could always make them again if I happened to ruin them. I also had been feeling a little pang of yearning every time I saw this classroom of dress forms through the train window as I passed one of the design schools downtown. I just wanted to sew. I wanted to learn everything about fashion and making clothes. I was seduced equally by the fantasy of the result and of the process.
If I have any talent, it’s for ignoring the mounting evidence that I’m not good at something. I had hoped that I could be wearing homemade every day when I teach this year. I’m afraid that isn’t going to happen because I don’t want this project to be any more about embarrassment than it already is. The bright side is that it gives me time to wear out my initial wardrobe and to say a slow goodbye to the few things I really liked.
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7 comments:
Hi! I've wandered over from The Sartorialist's site. (He's great, isn't he?)
I just wanted to tell you that I truly admire what you're doing. In fact, I'm pretty darn jealous of your project. Gah, am I sick of my wardrobe, but I have no patience to sew!
There's a blog I visit that may be helpful to you. I've got to "know" Ann through her funny comments on Project Runway fansites. She has an online fabric store and also writes sewing advice columns. You shouldn't hesitate to ask her advice re a fabric or pattern.
Best of luck!
-- desertwind
http://gorgeousthings.blogspot.com/
http://gorgeousthings.com/fabric_store/index.php
Thanks Desertwind! That site is really helpful. I'll post a link to it.
hello, i came over from sart's site too! i really love what your doing. The clothes you are making just seem to be getting better and better too! i particularly like the black dress under the "back to school" post, the blazer with the yellow paisley lining, and the grey hooded cape!
the outlet for communication and inspiration that the internet provides always amazes me. i encourage you to keep putting your name and site out there - you deserve recognition and encouragement!
good luck and keep on making beautiful things!
ally
allysonmeier.blogspot.com
(maybe i will finally start posting my work as well!)
Hi there! I also found your site from sart's site.
This may sound goofy, but I'm really proud of your year-long project! I'm a trained seamstress in bridal and formal wear, and I rarely sew my own "normal" clothes. I also know how frustrating it is to learn how to sew while trying to create finished (and wearable!) garments. I wanted to let you know I think you're doing a great job.
Best wishes!
~anne
Anne,
Thanks a lot for the encouragement! I can't imagine sewing bridal. Lucky for me, that's one dress I won't have to replace (I hope).
Ally,
I appreciate your comment. Thanks very much!
Everyone else,
If you haven't checked out The Sartorialist's blog here it is:
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
He has taken the form of blogging and used it to its best advantage.
Your creativity is inspiring. I think your clothes look great. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks Anna!
I'm so glad you're still reading along. That's inspiring to me.
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