Last year though, I did partake in a massive cull of my own wardrobe. I offered a number of hand made items to a friend and the rest went into the Vinnies clothing bin. I haven't regretted much of that clean up. Most garments were earlier makes that didn't suit my style or weren't made well. I even found one of my dresses for sale in my local vinnnes for $7!!
Clearly, fashion and personal style change, but sometimes particular styles come around again and you realise you can wear certain items that have been lurking in the back of your wardrobe. It's at these times you kick yourself for getting rid of things.
On a recent trip to Gorman, I spied a really cool, inky navy corduroy skirt and realised it was remarkably similar to my Sewaholic crescent. I've ventured deep in the back of my wardrobe and pried it from a rusty old skirt hanger. It hasn't been worn for at least two years. I'm going to trim the hem a little, take in the volume and wear it with black tights and gold boots. What an easy wardrobe addition for this winter!
I'm feeling a little sad about losing my Tova dress. I may have to buy some more fabric to make myself feel better. I may even go to my local Vinnies just to check it's not hanging on a rack, but I'm not terribly hopefully I'll find it. :(
Tell me, have you ever had Spring cleaning regrets or do you hoard for fear of losing something that may one day be awesome again?
I'm a hoarder! I've only thrown out a handful of me made garments, and even though I was certain I didn't want them I felt an itch to buy them back when I saw them for sale at Vinnies (I resisted). I'm hoping the chuckouts will get easier the more I make and the more skilled I get though...
ReplyDeleteSo far this month I've given away at least 11 me-mades. The remorse was there but when I realised these reflected my developing sewing skills and style changes I felt better about passing them to someone who would appreciate them. It's still an emotional ride everytime.
ReplyDeleteI hope mine is still available from Vinnies tomorrow, but 6 or more months down the track it's not likely :( I hope it gets easier too. I still haven't thrown out any Liberty garments. They can always be refashioned!
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will get easier. There isn't much RTW left in my wardrobe now, aside from jeans and they get worn to death before they are out of fashion. Though I do still have a box of 'fat' and 'thin' jeans stored just incase my size changes :P
ReplyDeleteOh I very much understand the regret. I've given clothes to friends and my sister in law then regretted it because they looked so good (but had to remember that I didn't look so good in it). And I've regretted getting rid of some of my fabrics
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, my Mother is a ruthless spring cleaner. Growing up I would come home to find precious things gone. Now I totally get it, I do not want to be surrounded by Things. If it doesn't get used I mustn't need it so I get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteA bit sad about your gorgeous Gromanesque Tova dress, I've really been wanting that pattern lately.
I used to stress about giving things away, thinking I would regret it later, but I've moved past that. I live in a small apartment, and I've moved several times, packing and unpacking garments that NEVER get worn. I've kept a few really beautiful things that I never wear just because I love them, but otherwise, if it's been hanging in my wardrobe for a year and I haven't worn it, it has to go. I just don't have the space!
ReplyDeleteI seem to be ok giving away clothes and things I've made, my worst problem in the last two years has been scraps and left over bits of fabric….I always worry I could make something out of them and I might get rid of them/donate them only to have to buy similar for another project later….hence my stash overfloweth. But creating space means you open up to something new and wonderful to come into your life….as my counsellor used to tell me.
ReplyDeleteFeel your pain!! I made a Colette Hazel dress in cloudy fabric a couple of summers ago... it was so cute! I went to grab it at the beginning of last summer & it was nowhere to be found! I can't believe it! I have absolutely no idea what I must have been thinking... idiot!! :(
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I've done this! but the cleanout felt so good :-)
ReplyDeleteMany years ago in a house move and in a fit of "oh my God I have so much stuff" I had a huge cull, and there are a few items that I heartily regret moving on. Sigh. Now everyday stuff gets moved on, anything too daggy to wear is (where possible) re-purposed into cleaning cloths, anything that I am just bored with wearing goes to the op shop. My frocks, however, are a whole different story. They are archived (and cataloged) with the hope that my daughter will see them as treasure in 30 years time. And I guess even if she doesn't there will be someone who will.
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