…or is it possible to DIY?
Of course it´s fun to run to a mall or the next boutique and buy something nice mass-produced, made under exploitative conditions…..But it´s much more fun to sew it yourself and you could never be really proud of the piece you bought in a store. And don´t forget: Some other women around the world would have the same clothing…And maybe the unpleasant person next door, you really don´t like, is among them….. But your own creation is unique! (And perhaps you could make that unpleasant person a little bit jealous!)
If the answer is: “But I CAN´T sew!”, ask a creative friend or a member of your family, to sew something for you. And if it´s impossible, buy your cloth from a eco-friendly company, buy second-hand or look for some artisan-or recycling cloth. Etsy and Dawanda are good sources for such things. Or look through your wardrobe….Is there really nothing suitable you could upcicle?
I had some short vintage scraps left after my M-Project.
They didn´t match, because they have the color of old ivory and for the project I needed off-white.
I thought for a while, what to do with them….I confess, I don´t really need another evening gown….But at least I decided to sew a short, sleeveless tunic with an unusual back, I can wear for some different occasions in summer and winter.
I didn´t plan the pattern that way. The task was to use the bits as they came and not to cut- Only if it´s really necessary.
that meant some obstacles and limitations. But I found, at least the tunic created itself.
Some of the scraps where remainings from long forgotten vintage lingerie with unusual shapes and holes. The centerpiece of the back was made from some scraps, original belonging to a piece of lingerie or an evening gown from the 1930s. (This kind of fabric was used for both)
Someone long ago cut up the original gown and recycled it. I had only the remaining scraps to work with, but it was enough for my purpose.
Another lace-scrap at the front came from a 1930s slip and had a black silk-border. I thought about removing, but decided to keep it and add on some more vintage satin-ribbon in black. It makes a good accent to the shades of old ivory.
And this time I was a bit smarter and made a matching bag from the deposits.
So don´t wait any longer, if you don´t have your clothing for the feast ready now.
Take what ever material or clothing you have, be creative and design your own dream. It can´t really go wrong and you will shine at Christmas in a unique piece of art!