Reading · While I was knitting

This week began with the news of Everlane being acquired by Shein. Among other things, it served as a strong reminder that sustainability is not a one-and-done concept. We cannot simply shop our way into sustainability.

Thrifting, borrowing, swapping with friends, and mending are all great ways to embrace slow fashion. Rather than thinking only in terms of certain brands, slow fashion is better cultivated mindfully through the way we shop and by learning how to care for our clothes in order to preserve and extend their lifespan.

Taking up a hobby like sewing, knitting, or crochet can also be a creative and enjoyable way to express your personal style. You gain complete control over the entire process, from choosing materials to deciding on the design, style, and fit. I also find that it helps curb impulsive purchases and encourages more thoughtful choices.

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Share While I was knitting

When we start making our own clothes, we understand a lot more about our own fit preferences. As knitters we become eager to learn new finishing techniques and incorporate small refinements that can improve the look and finish of a hand-knit. Over time, this translates into a more discerning eye when selecting ready-to-wear clothing as well.

For makers, custom-made clothing does not have to remain an unattainable luxury. We can acquire the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to create garments for ourselves. Here are some tips to help you make informed choices and create clothing that feels truly right for your body.

Know what already works in your wardrobe: A sense of style
It makes a whole lot of difference to your knitting when you start observing and making note of things you like and don’t like in your wardrobe.
They can be simple things like:
✔️I like casual clothing.
✔️I like neutrals and earthy colors mostly.
✔️Sometimes I like a pop color here and there.
✔️I like collars - round neck collars, shirt collars.
✔️I do not like negative-ease in my garments.
✔️I like some of my clothing to have a touch of decorative elements - nothing too overpowering.
✔️I adore pockets! And so on..
Do the same with items that don’t work in your wardrobe. Think about why you do not wear some items that often. Is it the color, is it a chore to put on, something about the fit, etc?
When you have an understanding of your own style, you’ll naturally want to channel it into your knitting - by choice of materials, shapes, colors etc.
Look beyond the picture When you’re contemplating about knitting a pattern, ask yourself some questions and explore a bit to ensure that you actually create something you’ll love to wear.
✔️Is there a garment (store-bought or handknit) with similar lines, similar look that already works well for me?
✔️Do I regularly wear similar items like my wardrobe? What will I wear it with?
✔️Does this garment fit into my lifestyle and will I have multiple opportunities to wear it?
✔️Does this style or shape flatter my body in a way that I feel so comfortable and amazing when I put it on ?
Fabric feel
✔️Do I like the fabric made in this yarn weight? Do I like how it drapes ? ✔️Is it worth knitting at this gauge? - This applies to fine and heavy gauge. A fingering weight sweater might take longer to knit but I know I’ll love the results. A bulky weight sweater sounds like a fun idea and a great instant gratification project but I doubt I will actually wear it.
✔️Do I like the kind of yarn that’s used? Will I be able to substitute well if necessary?
Customizing it for yourself: Fit and the look
Patterns are written based on sizing standards. I know from experience and observation that I don’t always fall under the same size number in various clothing brands as well as knitting patterns.
I have learnt to treat knitting patterns as guidelines and plan my unique alterations to get a better fit by being more aware of my measurements. For example, I usually have to knit a couple inches less than the suggested full body length in patterns.
I have written about this in my earlier posts: Before you cast on and Planning to knit a sweater you’ll love to wear.
Also, use your knowledge from Point 1, to estimate changes you’ll make to adapt the sweater to your style.
✔️Will you switch it to a neutral color?
✔️Will you add a pocket?

What was the last garment you knit and what did change about it to suit you better? I’d love to hear in the comments.♥️

Knitting and personal style

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