Slow Fashion October Week 1

Slow Fashion October or Slowtober is a yearly social media conversation piloted by Karen Templer, creator of the Fringe Field Bags that are ever so popular in the knitting world, in 2015. The idea was to open up a dialogue about how fast fashion has been contributing harm to our environment, and for use crafty folks (knitters, crocheters and sewists alike) to be more considerate of where our clothes (and fabrics) come from (see the Fringe Association blog here). 

For Slowtober 2018 Templer created a series of Action Items and Discussion Prompts to move the conversation along. Some of the questions are loosely based on Seamwork/ Colette pattern's Sew My Style series, but put it's own spin on it.

Since the temperatures have begun to feel more fall-like and I've started to switch out my warm weather clothes for heavier fabrics, I thought I'd take a look at the action items and prompts to help me evaluate what stays and what goes. 

First I gave my Personal Style Pinterest moodboard an overhaul. Most of my personal style pins are primarily neutral in color (black, white, beige, or gray) with a pop of bright color. I also appear to be a fan of prints such as animal print and polka dots. 

Personal Style Pinterest board

Colors I wear

When I'm looking for wardrobe inspiration I frequently turn to Instagram, Pinterest, and what's trending on the High Street. I often find that I want to immediately make anything that Kate of The Fold Line, Heather Lou of Closet Case Patterns or Rachel from the Stitch Sisters makes, and I love edgy style that UK television presenter, Emma Willis has.

 

When I imagine my future wardrobe, I want it to be professional with a bit of quirky edge (somewhere between a Wes Anderson film star and a rock star). At the moment I typically wear separates- pants and a shirt, and I rarely wear dresses, skirts, shorts or heels. I know that my favorite clothes are those that look professional enough to wear to work, but are comfy enough to lounge around the house and run errands in without getting embarrassed (I know. I want it all!)

Check back to see if I can move closer to my ideal wardrobe as my Slowtober progresses.

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What I'm Listening To: Twice- Likey

How have I not shared this song before!? This week I'm listening to "Likey" by the Kpop girl group, Twice, and this song is pure pop fluff. 

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What I'm Listening To: BlackPink- Ddu-du-ddu-du-du

Hi friends! I'm back to listening to Kpop this week. This time I've been listening to Black Pink and their song "Ddu-du-ddu-du-du" which has been stuck in my head for ages. 

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What I'm Listening To: Netta 'Toy' from Eurovision 2018

With all of my Eurovision posts, you've got to be wondering who the winner of Eurovision 2018 was!? This year's Europeon song contest was a close race, but ultimately it was Netta's super kawaii, clucking good, girl power performance of the song 'Toy' ,representing Israel, that took home the prize. Watch the performance below if you dare and prepare to have your mind blown!

  

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Kalle Shirt + Dress

The March Sew My Style Challenge pattern was the Kalle Shirt + Dress by Closet Case Patterns. I was a little nervous about sewing a pattern with a button band and collar but decided to dive in feet first. I knew that I wanted to make some version of the Kalle Crop Top since I wear a lot of collared shirts to work, but I couldn't pass up that curved hem on the Kalle Shirtdress either. Both were going to be a challenge, but I was up for it!

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on Apr 14, 2018 at 10:15pm PDT

First I decided to tackle the Kalle Crop Top (version A) with the full collar and hidden button placket. I used Telio Picasso Rayon Poplin floral print fabric from Fabric.com which handled like a dream and was perfect for spring. I added 2 inches to the length of the shirt so that it covers my belly button and made a size 6 shoulder graded to a size 12 at the bottom. Since I'm a noob, I followed along with the Kalle sewalong on the Closet Case patterns website without difficulty. I should note that I still have to wear a tank top under this shirt to make it "work appropriate" due to the high side slits and I'll probably add an extra button to the top, but I flippin' love this shirt!

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on May 21, 2018 at 10:11pm PDT

Next, I decided to whip up the Kalle Shirtdress (version C) with the shirt collar and standard button placket. I used jade Tencel Twill fabric from Style Maker Fabrics- it's a medium to heavy weight fabric but feels super soft. I again added 2 inches to the length to get the dress to hit my knees and this time I graded the pattern from a 6 at the shoulders, 12 at the waist and 14 at the hips and I'm pretty pleased with the fit.

I was really pleased with the directions and sewalong instructions with this pattern and hope to make a lot more Closet Case Patterns in my future.

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What I'm Listening To: Michael Schulte 'You Let Me Walk Alone' from Eurovision 2018

Today I'm sharing another Eurovision 2018 song contender. Michael Shulte represented Germany with his heartfelt song about the loss of his father called 'You Let Me Walk Alone' which ended up in 4th place this year. Check out his performance below and try not to shed too many tears.

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Estelle Jacket

If you saw my Me Made May 2018 posts, you'll know that I signed up for the Sew My Style sewing challenge hosted by Jessica Lorraine. Each month participants are provided with a discount code for a sewing pattern to sew during that month and then participants share their makes on social media at the end of the month in order to enter to win fabulous prizes.

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on May 2, 2018 at 8:20pm PDT

The Estelle Jacket was indeed a very easy make. There aren't a lot of instructions for this jacket, but if you're a proficient sewist, you probably can wing it. Since I'm a beginner I followed along with the Maddie Made This sewalong and whipped up this jacket in just a few short hours.


I love this jacket and get compliments on it all the time! I highly recommend this pattern and would love to make another sometime down the road. How cute would this be in an ice blue or millennial pink!?

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What I'm Listening To: Mikolos Josef 'Lie to Me' from Eurovision 2018

Today I thought I'd share my contender for the most classic Eurovision song of 2018- 'Lie to Me' by Mikolos Josef from the Czech Republic. The song seems to combine elements of swing, dance and hip hop in a combination that will make you go "huh?" with dance moves that'll make you go...

Check out the Grand Finale performance of 'Lie to Me' below.

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Me Made May 2018 Recap

May 2018 is officially in the books which means Me Made May is over! 👏 

                          How'd I do? 🙈 

                                                   What did I learn? 🤓 

                                                                                   What did I make? 😎

Reflections: 

• While I've been a beginner sewist on-and-off for the past 10 years and am a fairly proficient and prolific knitter & crocheter, I tend to put my makes on a pedestal and hide them away after I make them so they won't get dirty or ruined. Participating in Me Made May helped motivate me to take these items out of my closet and show them off a bit.
•  Perhaps vowing to wear a Me Made every day was a bit overly ambitious given that most of my closet is Ready to Wear. I found myself more motivated to put on a Me Made on days that I was working or running errands, and more challenging on days when I stayed indoors- perhaps I need more me-made loungewear in my closet.
• My most worn pieces were my Featherweight cardigan and my Estelle Cardigan because they were easy to chuck on.
• At first getting my husband to help me take outfit photos was fun, but it quickly became tedious and more challenging as the days went on.
• I am lacking in Me Made pants and shorts and I could use some more lightweight, warm weather clothes for warmer days.

My Me Mades:

1. Myrna Cardigan by Andi Satterlund. The yarn is Native Yarns BFL Orford. I knitted this as part of a knitting and stitching along done collaboratively with Andi Satterlund and Lladybird.
2. Estelle Cardigan by Style Arc Patterns. This was the February Sew My Style Pattern. Fabric from Style maker fabrics.
3. Hand painted space shoes. I made these on a whim in the early 2010s.
4. Plantain Tee pattern by Deer and Doe Patterns. The pineapple fabric came from Girl Charlie
5. Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig. Knit in Malabrigo Yarn Lace.
6. Another Plaintain Tee in Girl Charlie Fabric.
7. The Kalle Shirt by Closet Case Patterns. Fabric from Fabric.com

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on Jun 2, 2018 at 7:53am PDT

1. The Kalle Shirt by Closet Case Patterns. Tencel fabric from Style Maker Fabrics
2. Salal cardigan by Andi Satterlund. Yarn is Cascade 220 in the Heather Teal colorway
3. Shear kimono. I used a free kimono template from the internet.
4. Brigitte Scarf by Tilly and the Buttons. I used Marimekko fabric that I got in Finland.
5. New Look vest pattern. I sewed this up with my mother-in-law several years ago, using fabric in her stash.

Overall it seems like my main focus will be on making warm weather clothes for spring and summer. Did you participate in Me Made May this year? Do you have any summer pattern recommendations? Let me know in the comments below.

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What I'm Listening To: SuRie 'Storm' from Eurovision 2018

One of the things I miss most about living in Europe is watching Eurovision, a Europe-wide song competition pitting acts representing each country against one another to determine which has the best song and performance. This competition helped launch ABBA, but these days it's more famous for it's more wacky performances like acts featuring Babushka women baking bread. 

This year the United Kingdom seemed like it had a viable contender to the song competition with SuRie and her song "Storm". However, her final performance was interrupted by a 'stage invader' (around the 1:40 mark) and while she was able to carry on, she didn't get the votes she needed to win this year. Check out SuRie and the song "Storm" from Eurovision below.

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What's Making Me Laugh: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 4

If you subscribe to Netflix and have browsed the new releases lately, you'll have noticed that the Netflix original series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has debuted its 4th and final season ( 😢) and it is not to be missed! In this season we find Kimmy working at her new job at Giztoob, Titus Andromedon working on his acting career, and a True Crime parody featuring The Reverend ( Jon Hamm) that is comedy gold!

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Me Made May 2018: Week 1

In my Best of 2017 post I pledged to dust off my sewing machine and sew something in 2018. In order to help jump-start my sewing goal into action, I signed up for two sewing challenges: Sew My Style 2018 and Me Made May 2018. 

The Sew My Style Challenge started in 2017 and this year it's hosted by Jessica Lorraine. Participants sign up on a free email list and receive a discount code for the sew-along pattern of the month. Participants are to sew the pattern using fabric and modifications of their choosing and post photos of their makes on the Sew My Style Facebook Page by the end of the month in order to qualify for a prize drawing. While I've stitched up 2 out of the 5 patterns so far, I have yet to sew up a pattern by the deadline!

Me Made May is a challenge by Zoe of the SoZo blog that started in 2010 which encourages participants who make their own clothes to get better acquainted with their makes by wearing something handmade everyday in May. Some people add extra challenges for themselves such as only wearing sustainable/ organic fabrics. This is my first time attempting Me Made May because I've always felt like I don't have enough me-mades to last a whole month. 

So far I've made it through the first week of Me Made May. Here's what I wore:

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on May 10, 2018 at 1:19pm PDT

1. Myrna Cardigan by Andi Satterlund. The yarn is Native Yarns BFL Orford. I knitted this as part of a knitting and stitching along done collaboratively with Andi Satterlund and Lladybird.
2. Estelle Cardigan by Style Arc Patterns. This was the February Sew My Style Pattern. Fabric from Style maker fabrics.
3. Hand painted space shoes. I made these on a whim in the early 2010s.
4. Plantain Tee pattern by Deer and Doe Patterns. The pineapple fabric came from Girl Charlie
5. Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig. Knit in Malabrigo Yarn Lace.
6. Another Plaintain Tee in Girl Charlie Fabric.
7. The Kalle Shirt by Closet Case Patterns. Fabric from Fabric.com

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What I'm Listening To: The Aces- Volcanic Love

Dear The Aces,

You had me with your Heathers film references! 

Love,

        Sarah O.

P.S. I told all of my friends to check out your video for the song, Volcanic Love, because the sets are amazing!

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What I'm Listening To: Sunflower Bean- I was a Fool

Hi friends! Ever wonder what it would be like if a modern day Bob Dylan and Debbie Harry rocked out at your 80's themed prom night? Well then check out this video for 'I was a Fool' by Sunflower Bean, cause it's right up your alley.

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What I'm Listening To: Mamamoo- Starry Night

This week I've been listening to the kpop group, Mamamoo (mostly because they're name is so much fun to say). The backdrops for the video for "Starry Night" are stunning! Plus, you'll earn 10 points if you can name the song they borrowed that hook from!  *Note: no actual points will be dished out.* 

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What I'm Listening To: Ikon- Love Scenario

Do you enjoy catchy Kpop tunes? This week I'm sharing one of my husband's favorite groups, Ikon, and their song "Love Scenario". Check it out!

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What I'm Listening To: Matthew Wilder- Break My Stride

Sometimes you just want to listen to a song that makes you feel good. This week, Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder began playing on the radio and I couldn't help but smile. Check out the music video from 1983 below. I apologize in advance for the slightly obscene green leotards. 

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What I'm Listening To: Wanna One- Energetic

What happens when a TV reality show weeds out pop music talent in a competition to form South Korea's next big Kpop band? Apparently pop music gold! Wanna One is such a kpop group formed on the South Korean reality TV show, Produce 101, fans voted for these 11 singers to form the group and then chose the song, "Energetic", to be their first single and it was a hit and for good reason. It's slick, catchy and the guys have some sweet sweet dance moves. Check it out.

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What I'm Listening To: Suran featuring Dean- 1+1=0

Behold! The song 1+1=0  by Suran featuring Dean is an ode to the overworked workforce (the Korean word for “one” also means “work” so the title is a play on words). Who can't relate to that!? Check out Kpop's version of minimalist electronic music and check out the music video below. 

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What I'm Listening To: Girls Generation- All Night

Girls Generation is another Kpop girl group that's stood the test of time. They recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary. Think of them as the South Korean Spice Girls or One Direction, or Backstreet Boys, or New Kids on the Block or whatever...you get the idea. Check out their disco/ 80s inspired dance party in the video for All Night below.

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January Make Nine Progress

Earlier this month, I re-caped my 2017 Make Nine List and shared my 2018 making intentions and I thought I'd share my January progress with you.

This month I joined Kristy Glass' Sunday Night Knit-a-long (KAL) via YouTube where folks are working on The Doodler shawl pattern by Stephen West. This is a slow KAL since you're only supposed to work on it on Sunday's, but it's taken me a little while to catch up the Kristy. It's going to be great!

Although I haven't made much progress on my 2018 Make Nine, I have been doing some other makes. I finished my Sunset Highway Sweater by Boyland Knitworks and just need to block and weave in the tails; I've been sewing some cotton shorts to build up my sewing confidence; and I've been knitting a few cowls to keep off the winter chill.

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What I'm Listening To: Dreamcatcher- Catch Me

Lately I've been listening to a lot of K-pop (South Korean Pop Music) for inspiration. The girl group, Dreamcatcher, fuses influences from horror, metal and pop to create a unique style, guaranteed to give you the creeps. Check out their video for Catch Me below. 

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What I Made for Christmas 2017

**Warning: This post contains images of a faceless styrofoam mannequin. If that freaks you out, look away now **

Hello! I know that Christmas is over, but I wanted to show you a few of the things that I knit up during the Christmas season.

1. Jacques Cousteau Hat by Lalla Pohjanpalo

I knit up this hat for a friend of my husband who didn't have a lot of family around. I used Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn in the Homemade Jam colorway and I'm told that it was very well received.

     2. Classic World War II Watch Cap (Archived)by Helen Waittes

My brother-in-law recently moved out on his own and I heard that it was cold where he lived, so I decided to knit him up a cap for Christmas. I used Berroco Alpaca yarn so it's super soft and super warm.

        3. Drangey by Stephen West

My knitting group went on a mini-yarn shop hop earlier in the fall and I couldn't resist picking up enough yarn to knit my husband a new winter sweater. I used Cascade 220 for the gray parts and Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in the Red Long Johns colorway . This was my first Stephen West knit and it was so much fun! This sweater was an exact fit! 

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What I'm Listening To: The Greatest Showman Soundtrack

I have a confession to make. I haven't actually seen The Greatest Showman musical film starring Hugh Jackman, but I was inspired to check out the soundtrack after hearing several knitting vloggers talking about it. I can say that the music is still enjoyable even though I haven't seen the film. Check out this live performance of "Come Alive" below.

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What I'm Listening To: First Aid Kit- Fireworks

Do you miss the 1980's? Is Barb your favorite character on Stranger Things? No matter how you answer, check out this video by First Aid Kit from their upcoming album, 'Ruins', for the song Fireworks.

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2018 Make Nine

If you follow me on Instagram or follow anyone who is a part of the knitting or sewing community, you've no doubt heard about the #2018MakeNine posts where craftsters post their intended makes for the new year. I made such a list in 2017 (see below) and had to re-think some of my intended makes later in the year and still only finished 5 out of 9 makes.

#2017MakeNine

When I set out to create my #2018MakeNine list, I decided to be more broad with my intentions in anticipation of new patterns coming out and my tastes changing throughout the year. I tend to craft in phases throughout the year and have been on a big knitting binge since Fall 2017, but I'm hoping to do some more sewing this year. Here's what's on my list:

#2018MakeNine

1. Something by Andi Satterlund
I've been a fan of Andi Satterlund's vintage inspired patterns from the beginning and have all of her sweater patterns queued up on my Ravelry page. In 2017 I'd attempted the Salal cardigan as part of a knit-along but had to frog it when it started to get larger than I'd intended. I've also got an unfinished Marion cardigan in my UFO pile, yarn stashed to make a Chuck sweater and my eyes set on a purple Aiken sweater.

2. Colorwork Mittens
Is it just me, or did it seem like everyone was making colorwork mittens for Christmas this year? Skeindeer knits Selbu mitten pattern really took off in 2017, and now that I've build up my knitting confidence I'm ready to take it on.

3. An Andrea Mowry pattern
Also in 2017 everyone seemed to be finding their fade and in 2018 I hope to find mine too!

4. A Stephen West Pattern
Stephen West is a very prolific knitwear designer and I've been seeing his patterns everywhere! I recently knit up his Drangey sweater pattern as a Christmas gift to my husband and I loved knitting it and can't wait to cast-on another of his patterns.

5. Socks
2017 seemed to be the year of the sock for many knitters and I've been stock-piling sock yarn ever since with intentions to participate in this year's Festive Sock-a-long hosted by Amy of Stranded Dyeworks.

6. Kielo Wrap Dress by Named Patterns
A few years back, I saw Victoria Newman on The Young and the Restless wear a long sleeved wrap dress and have wanted one ever since. This patterns seems simple enough for me being a beginner seamstress.

7. Coco by Tilly & the Buttons 
Remember that time that I met Tilly of Tilly & the Buttons at the London Handmade Fair/ Great British Sewing Bee? I've been a fan of Tilly & the Buttons since the early days of her blog, but I have only made her hair scarf, which she helped me put together, at the fair. I've recently purchased her book, Love at First Stitch, and hope to sew up many Tilly patterns in 2018.

8. Something Brioche
Another 2017 knitting trend I was brioche knitting as seen in some of the shawls by Andrea Mowry, Stephen West and many patterns by Lavanya Patricella- whom I now have a girl crush on.

9. A Christmas Sweater
So many people whipped up such cute Christmas sweaters at the end of 2017, that I decided I need one (or two or five) for Christmas 2018. Some patterns I have my eye on are Andi Satturlund's Julgran and Susan Crawford's The Perfect Christmas Jumper.

So, those are my making plans for 2018 which are subject to change, and I'll keep you updated as I go along. It's currently mid-January and I am still wrapping up a few items that I started at the end of 2017 and have yet to start any of my 2018 intended makes. If you are participating in the #2018MakeNine I would love to learn about what you're making and if you have any tips and tricks for a beginner seamstress please share them.

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What I'm Listening To: Beck- Up All Night

Sometimes your old favorite band/ musicians are the ones that stand the test of time. Beck came out with a new album in the fall of 2017 that I am loving. Check out Beck's Up All Night video below.

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And My 2017 Christmas Eve Cast-on Was...

Before Christmas I asked readers to help me select my Christmas Eve cast-on because I just wanted to knit all of the things and the winner was...

The Sassy Santa Hat

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A post shared by Sarah O | chicknittingface (@chickface) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:08pm PST

I used the Scrappy Santa Hat pattern by Whole Earth Education but omitted the striped to let Knitted Wit's Sassy Santa yarn, that I picked up at Oregon's Flock & Fiber Festival, shine. Thanks for all your help!

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What I'm Listening To: Sylvan Esso- Die Young

I heard this song on the radio a lot when I was driving back and forth to class this fall and I couldn't get it out of my head. The video is rebel girl chic and it totally makes me want to rock a white jumpsuit, red scarf and old skool Reeboks. 

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