Wednesday 28 April 2010

Me-Made-May Preparations


See that? By all accounts that's what most of the Me-Made-May Support Group (AKA Me-Made-Mayers) look like right now: stitching like women possessed in preparation for May 1st. I know this because of the many blog posts, comments and discussion entries I have recently read and received on the matter.

It seems that after Quixotic Pixels' inventory, I wasn't the only one inspired to make a wardrobe inventory, more beautiful and inspirational images have since appeared in the Me-Made-May Flickr Group's photostream. Click here to read the what some group members have had to say about their inventories. Armed with the knowledge of what they already possess, many Me-Made-Mayers have been making informed plans about what they are going to make. Click here to read the discussion on the subject.

So, what have I been up to on the run up to Me-Made-May? Creating and maintaining the Flickr Group, including inviting and accepting members, for one. (Remember, Me-Made-Mayers, participation in the Flickr group, is clearly optional, but if you have a Flickr account and want 'in', email me your Flickr name to sozoblog@gmail.com, or find the group through a Flickr search and request membership, either/or.).

In terms of my own personal Me-Made-May challenge preparations, I have actually taken a different tack to the majority of participants. After my illuminating wardrobe inventory at the weekend, I found I have more than enough clothes, now the weather is warming up, to create a variety of nice outfits at least for the beginning of the month. Actually, and this may sound mental, yesterday I made the conscious decision to slow down my sewing. My reasoning is this: recently I have found myself becoming increasingly absorbed with the challenges I've set myself (Me-Made-May and Stash Bustin') and have turned myself into an obsessive one-woman clothes factory, at the expense of not only my other interests and activities, but also of the actual enjoyment of the sewing process. I've been attempting to eliminate my stash and stock pile the me-made garments so much that my constant planning of future projects has made whatever current project I'm working on almost an annoyance. I need to turn this sour situation around, slow things down and focus as far as possible only on the project in hand.

I am lucky that my current job is largely part-time, which affords me quite a bit of free writing, blogging and sewing time during the week. I always tried to average an hour a days sewing, but recently have found that cranked to 2/3/4 hours a day, which I have resolved to take back down to 1 hour, to get things back into perspective. I don't like to show (or usually even mention) works in progress on my blog, for two reasons, a) I don't like to jinx a project by announcing my high hopes for it when it may well turn into a FAIL, and b) I don't think it makes for particularly interesting reading for y'all. Despite this, I will disclose that I am currently working on a pair of high-waisted, wide legged trousers in the blue fabric I recently bought. And I'm going to make them SLOWLY and carefully, and hopefully achieve a fantastic fit and overall nice finish.

So, Me-Made-Mayers, perhaps you recall I promised a round-up post with everyone who had signed up to participate and links to their blogs (if they have one)? I seriously thought that was only going to include a handful of people, but now it's looking more like over 70! We ROLL DEEP! The reason I have delayed the post is that people continue to sign up daily, so have decided to create it on the last day of April (Friday). Tune in the check your deets and wallow in the joy of our little creative sub-community! Peops who are still umm-ing and arr-ing about if you want to play along, or haven't got round to letting me know, please do so before Friday to make my epic blogging task easier. Over and out.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Woah. You are single-handedly heading up a sewing revolution. I would so love to take part but don't feel I have enough items yet, and don't want to put undue pressure on myself sewing up for May. (Um, in those two days left.) I would love to join the Flickr group if I may, though. I'll have a go now.

slmpetersen said...

What a great thing! Me Made May - I would spend a good portion of that staying home, due to lack of clothing. I am just now getting back into sewing for myself, so this is a big inspiration for me. I am impressed by the beautiful wardrobes on flickr. May you all succeed in this challenge. Maybe by the time the next Me Made comes around I will be more prepared and could participate.

Claudine said...

Wow 70 people!?! I can't wait.

Sometimes I get a little obsessive about sewing, too. It's a good idea to slow down a bit.

Christina said...

I sewed a dress last night! I'm unofficially joining and hoping it gives me the courage to wear my homemade things proudly...or at all. I'm totally impressed by the ladies who have full wardrobes!

Minnado said...

I agree it's a good idea to slow down sometimes and give up on the manic fast sewing. Great to see so many signing up.

Miss Lottie Lou said...

I really want to take part but between working full time, working on Miss Lottie Lou and doing private orders, there is no time left to make things for myself!! I'm going to follow you all on this journey though and cheer you all on :)
Lottie x

Uta said...

Yea, the joys and trials of sewing and the i-net and finding a balance! Zoe, I'm answering your comment here and on my blog - not sure where you'll look for it! Of course you may (May!) quote me, I'm tickled, eh, honored! Looking forward to MMM. QUITE the challenge:) !! Happy sewing
Uta

jessica said...

I definitely understand about needing to reevaluate sewing, having been through that several times myself! I find it's worst when I am so focused on the end product and my endless list of 'wants' that sewing becomes a substitute for wanting things, rather than a celebration of the process of making, of creativity, or of living true to your own set of values. But when I separate 'wanting pretty and new and shiny things!!!' from a very intentional approach to sewing, then I find myself in a much better place [and more balance in my life]. Not sure if this is how it is for you.

And on a separate note - wow! That is a fantastic Me-Made-May wardrobe. Even if you don't make another item, I think this would be a fantastic group of clothes to work with for a month.

skin said...

wow! I inspired to fill up my wardrobe with handmade clothes too!! this could save lot of money!! just used money to buy fabrics. put bought pattern in used! heee:)

count me in! but i can only start sewing after 7th! after my exam heee

Ali said...

another inspiring post! it was a relief to read your post -- i'm going to slow down, too, as the rest of my life is demanding it. but i wanted to say what an inspiration the lead up to me-made-may has been: a kick in the ass to get to things i would have just as well put off. :)

Unknown said...

Es impresionante. Felicidades!!!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...