Sewing my wardrobe

I have come to a pleasant realisation.

I was hanging out my washing and for almost every item I had mended in some way, there was a me-made garment hanging next to it. Have I really made that many garments in the last few years since getting serious about the hobby? Is it even a hobby anymore when you’re well on your way to having a majority of clothes made by yourself? When does a hobby become a true passion?

I have made garments like:

• Shorts!
• T-shirts
• Pyjamas
• Underwear
• Skirts
• Dresses

To round out my wardrobe with me-made items I would really like to learn how to make bras as well as underwear. I’m not sure about socks, I’ve never seen a sock sewing pattern! I’ve crocheted a pair of winter socks and I'm learning knitting so I can make them using other skills for now.

I made a button up blouse in 2022, and have a couple more tops in mind that I hope to get to this year. I'd like to do more sewing for loved ones too, I have an idea for my sister-in-law, and a couple for my sister. I made a cute little apron for my nephew for Christmas, which was a quick and easy sew!
I'm currently making a pyjama pant pattern for my husband for the next time he needs long or short pyjamas. I took too long when the last pair gave out and he had to buy some! But I'll be ready for next time with this pattern.

Future challenges for finishing up my wardrobe will be activewear and jackets. Both of these categories use fabric I have little experience using and from bought garments I’ve explored seem to have quite specific skills for assembly. But I’m not worried too much about these for now, this year I’ll focus on bras, tops, and sewing for loved ones.

I have so much fabric right now from my last couple of secondhand shopping trips. I’d like to do all my sewing this year with the fabric I already have! I may need to buy threads or notions if I don’t already have what I need, but I’ll do my best to use my stash of those things too.

As well as the growing pile of me made garments, is the growing pile of garments made only with reused materials. It adds another element of interest to the pieces and gives me a strong sense of satisfaction that I’m doing well in caring for the environment through this hobby.

I'm excited to see how many sewing projects end up in my and loved ones wardrobes by the end of this year!