Victoria Louise :: Creating a sustainable style » Inspiration

Writer’s block, but with sewing…

VL — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:00:44 +0000

So, you’re familiar with the idea of writer’s block? Well I think I have a serious case of that, but with sewing.

I’ve just spent 3 hours discovering the wonderful world of BurdaStyle (which seems perfect for a beginner like me), I have shelves full of books, a head full of ideas, a cut out dress pattern from ‘making things from vintage patterns’ class and a thousand started-but-not-finished embroidery, sewing and crochet projects but can’t set myself to do any of them. Its a bit like standing at the bottom of an insurmountable mountain and I think I’m a bit overwhelmed by it all!

It seems that crafting and dressmaking requires a lot of patience and acceptance that you can’t expect to be able to do everything instantly. But I want to be able to do it all instantly and its frustrating! This is a bit of a diversion tactic. Instead of getting to it and just tackling something I’ll just write about it here instead. I never seem to get writer’s block with writing.

Can anyone help me shake off this feeling?

5 Ways to Craft Green

VL — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:47:33 +0000

I’ve just posted a little article over at my other blog, Green Girls Global, on 5 tips for crafting green.

I’m sure more experienced crafters will have lots more gems on how to recycle and cut down waste when making, so please do share them. If you send me your green crafting tips (either here or at GGG) I’ll compile another list and publish it, with your tip credited to you of course :)

Oh manifesto!

VL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:43:13 +0000

It wouldn’t feel like a proper start without an official commitment to what I’m doing, in terms of keeping this thing green and responsible. In fact I made the commitment a little while ago in my ‘Hand Made Statement‘, a manifesto for my crafting activities, over on Green Girls Global.

The thing is, I might have been a little hasty and ambitious. Don’t worry, I’m not falling at the first hurdle, I’m just being realistic. You see, my hand made statement eluded to the fact that I would only ever use second hand / organic / fair trade materials and I can’t promise that.

So, here is my slightly softened but still suitably solemn hand made statement:

If I know how to make an item of clothing or accessory I will try to do that before buying a similar brand new item.
I will try to use vintage, second hand and recycled materials first. As an alternative or where these are not available I will seek organic or fair trade fabrics, yarns etc as long as cash and availability will allow.
Other than downloading online patterns I will aim to use second hand paper patterns or books or loan these from the library or friends
I will continue to learn new skills and techniques and share these new found skills with others.