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The Ultimate DIY Challenge: Making Your Clothes For An Entire Year

 

cliff jump

Once in awhile it’s nice to stretch your boundaries and try new and exciting challenges. When it comes to DIY and living green, there are a lot of different ways that you can try to decrease your footprint while expanding your skills and techniques.A few months ago, I tried the no ‘poo method of washing my hair, and I am still using and loving it! In hindsight, this challenge seemed like it was going to be daunting, but once I settled in it wasn’t a challenge at all. 

Over on Insteading, there is a great article pointing to a 365 day challenge of making all of your own clothes. In 2009 an artist named Natalie Purschwitz, challenged herself to create all of her own clothing, shoes, undergarments, and accessories for an entire year. Her challenge, called the MakeShift Project, is an “art and research project that examines the relationships between ‘making’, ‘clothing’ and ‘living’.”  This blog is a great read and details the challenges and triumphs of such an undertaking.

While challenges like the one Natalie did for her MakeShift Project are inspiring, it’s nice to think about how you may be able to put your own spin on a challenge like it without such a large time commitment or worrying if you have the sewing skills to make it happen. One way would be to try and wear nothing new for an entire year. Second hand stores, estate sales, and even friends’ closets are a great way to change up your wardrobe without stepping foot into a big box store. Another way to incorporate this type of living would be to just start small and make a few staple pieces for your wardrobe. Over on Crafting A Green World there are tons of great DIY clothing tutorials, like this one for a skirt made from a t-shirt. No matter what your skills or time commitment, you can still challenge yourself in new and exciting ways.

Would you be able to create all of your own garments and accessories for an entire year? Do you think that you would be able to incorporate some of the other suggestions into your daily life to try a challenge like this one? Do you currently make any of your own clothes? Do you have any tips and tricks for those that would like to start making their own garments?  I would love to hear some of your comments and opinions on this project. Feel free to leave any comments, questions or links!

[Cliff jump image by Automania via Flickr Creative Commons]

Written by Maria

Hey there! I'm Maria Raffaelle and I currently live in Chicago, IL. I have a passion for all things eco-friendly in makeup, skincare, haircare, and fashion. The crafter in me loves to put a DIY twist on beauty too! One of my goals is to help women realize that they are all beautiful; no matter their size, shape, or skin. Let's celebrate the beauty in each of us, together!

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