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The benefits of making your own clothes

— by Alyson Walsh

 

 

Frances Tobin, The Makers Atelier – wearing a top created with one of her patterns.

‘I think we are all becoming more aware of our shopping habits, questioning where our clothes came from and at what price to the environment,’ states Frances Tobin founder of The Maker’s Atelier. ‘The slower and more considered route of making them for yourself is the perfect antidote to fast fashion.’ Darning, mending, tweaking and upcycling are subjects that come up over and over again on the That’s Not My Age podcast. The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant spoke of sock-mending, and as a fashion stylist, Caryn Franklin has always included an element of DIY in her creative work. And this make-do-and-mend mentality was instilled in me as a child. Whether caused by environmental concerns and the backlash against fast fashion or a renewed interest in crafting and creating, sales of sewing machines, knitting needles and dress-making patterns are soaring. When Frances from The Makers Atelier told me that the latest issue of her magazine was taking a fresh look at tailoring, I asked how I could get involved. Sadly, the only thing I can make is a mess, so my contribution came down to modelling the latest blazer design.

That’s Not My Blazer photos by Charlotte MacPherson

 

‘The immediate benefit of sewing your own clothing is the sense of achievement that comes with creating a garment, in a fabric of your choice,’ adds Frances, ‘And the enjoyment of making. In the longer term, we have a different relationship with clothes we have made for ourselves. The garments have more intrinsic value and they are less disposable.’

There’s an interesting feature on the Rise of Upcycling HERE. More about The Maker’s Atelier magazine HERE. And don’t forget to listen to my podcasts with The Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant HERE, fashion activist and academic Caryn Franklin HERE and knitwear designer Debbie Bliss HERE.

Are you making and mending?

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