New approach

I've been thinking about scaling down and using less for so long already that it physically hurts when I think about how little I achieved in that direction in that amount of time.
But this is not going to be a post about getting rid of clutter etc (that's going to come later), it's about Wardrobe Refashion and how I'll try to do things differently this time.

First, I'll do a huge stocktaking of what I already own and have in my closet, whether it gets worn or not. Then I'll take out all the stuff that I never/hardly ever wear, or things which I wore even though they didn't make me happy. I'll put all of these either in some sort of storage container or into my "easy to fix" bag. I'll leave only some basics in my wardrobe: Jeans, black pants, my linen pants for summer, some basic cardis (not that I have that many at all), some basic tops in solid colours (and maybe a few fancy ones).

Next, I'll make a list of the things lined up for fixing/mending/minor alteration, and get those done - if I decide I still need/want that item, even once it's fixed. If I decide I don't want/need it anymore, it'll move on to the "charity shop/clothes exchange" bag which I still need to create.

I'll also draw up a list of some basic items which I'd like to own, check whether I have patterns for those, check whether I already own fabric which could be used for them, then make them. I know already that I'd like some basic skirts in a length and in colours that I will actually wear; and I'd love a simple black dress which can be worn through the seasons.

And about the actual refashioning part? I already sorted through my dedicated refashion pile, which has been sitting around (and moved with me) since I first participated, and sorted it into several groups (I have so many t-shirts! And I don't actually need [that many] more colourful t-shirts! O_O). I also managed to drag some items of clothing which never get worn or don't make me happy from my wardrobe, with the definite decision to make them into something else (and I already know what they're going to be, too!).

The best thing? Last weekend I finally made friends with my sewing machine. I will no longer long for my mother's machine, which I knew how to use properly and had already developed an understanding with. Instead, I will deepen my relationship with my own machine - we still have a ways to go, but at least I know how to get it sewing nice stitches by now, know how to change needles etc, and how to fix some weird mistakes which I somestimes make when sewing (since I don't do it regularly).

The made-from-scratch/using-up-stash items will probably fall into the "How to build a wardrobe full of useful, wearable and combinable clothes"-category, while the refashioned items will be the sweet and exciting icing on the cake.

Sounds good? Now I just need to pull it off. ;)