 At this time of the year it is always nice to have those comfortable jackets or cardigans you can quickly put on. Just in case you have to go out of the door. Or in case you need an extra layer in the house. We have made a stylish coat that is slightly different from a bathrobe, but is not a real coat either. Bathrobe or real coat? You could walk around all day in a bathrobe. Especially if it is made of lovely soft terry cloth, like our bathrobes in this blog of the sewing pattern Simplicity 1562. This sewing pattern is for a bathrobe. But the pattern is just as useful for a bathrobe with more of the look of a regular coat. The only difference is that there is no lining, pockets, inner pockets, zippers, buttons etc. Nevertheless, it is an ideal sewing pattern for a nice jacket that is very comfortable. Bet this will be a favorite piece of your wardrobe or a CLASSIC!  Our inspiration For this inner and/or outer jacket we were inspired by the many coats we saw on catwalks for the autumn and winter season. Coats were mainly worn as an extra layer and as a wrap. Wide, long coats for a complete outfit. In terms of style: big collars, shawl collars and often in a simple, classic shape. Wide, comfortable and quite casual. Jackets to 'live' in both indoors or outdoors. The Pied-de-poule or Houndstooth design is also very fashionable this year and a timeless classic anyway. But we looked more at checkered designs because Pied-de-poule is a design that you have to love. Most people quickly find it too busy or a bit old-fashioned.  Comfort and class This coat is therefore a combination of a bathrobe in a warm woolen fabric. The color is easy. Black and white is always good and stylish. This fabric is for sale at Budgetstoffen and cheap. With two meters of fabric you have enough fabric to make the coat. Because the fabric is quite stiff, you don't need interlining or reinforcement. The shawl collar makes the jacket very pleasant to wear and is ideal to wear over other clothes. Whether you wear a shirt, a sweater with a roll collar or a bare neck, a shawl collar is always a good idea. The jacket closes with a simple belt. You can also wear the jacket open, but the wrap over makes the jacket nice and warm and pleasant. A lot of 'homewear' is loose hanging and the front panels often do not close. This is easy but not warm or comfortable like this jacket is.
Sewing pattern Simplicity 1562: In terms of sizes you can clearly choose between children and adults and then also in sizes XS to XL. We recommend to take a large size so that the jacket is nice and spacious. Simplicity 1562: Sewing level The sewing pattern is easy to make. It is an 'Easy' sewing pattern and you can rest assured that even a total beginner can handle it. The fabric sews easily because it is not too thick, but certainly not too thin. We do recommend finishing the seams with a lock machine or a zigzag stitch. The fabric is unfortunately too thick for a French seam.  Summarized:
Do you want to make a nice jacket for indoors and outdoors? Then consider the Simplicity 1562 sewing pattern for a bathrobe. This sounds strange, but it is certainly not. You can make exactly the coat you want from beautiful woolen fabric. Not really a coat, not even a bathrobe or a cardigan, but a wonderfully comfortable 'coat' for the winter. A jacket that is stylish enough for walking outside, but comfortable and handy enough to wear indoors instead of a bathrobe or hoody. The jacket is easy to make and with the beautiful wool fabric from Budget fabrics you are also affordable. Holiday series with creative suggestions, |
| A nice stole A nice stole ... doesn't that sound a bit old-fashioned? Perhaps, but they are also items that are extremely handy and have a beautiful, modern or timeless look. It depends a bit on what kind of fabric you choose. "... it can be made in soft cashmere, knit, tartan or houndstooth wool, bear fleece, in double face fabric for a two-tone effect or, for a more elegant version, in satin and velvet devoré or lamé doubled.΅ We have choosen a brick-red velvet fabric, for sale at Budgetstoffen. A stole, shawl or cuddle blanket, or whatever it is called, is always nice, and especially nice to get. |  |
The Marfy download link:
Good luck !
And happy holidays!
And happy holidays!
If 'sustainability' is important for you, then you probably know that 'CUPRO' silk or simply CUPRO, is a good choice in terms of fabrics. Cupro is also often seen as a cheap alternative to silk. This is only partly true. Indeed, the fabric is cheaper than silk, but it is much more than just an alternative or a cheap lining fabric.
Lining fabric - Cupro
In many stores, cupro silk is stored with the lining fabrics and at online fabric stores this fabric is also often categorized under 'lining fabrics'. Cupro is a silk-like fabric with a lovely, soft, delicate and luxurious 'touch'. It is made from a cellulose fiber produced by treating cotton cellulose with cuprammonium salt. This is where it gets its name: Cuprammonium rayon is the reference to the production process; the cellulose has undergone to become 'cupro'. Cellulose is therefore used as a raw material for cupro, usually the cotton fibers that are too short to be spun. Due to the fineness of the fibers, Cupro has a silky grip and a lovely shine.
It is very easy to drape and it drapes smoothly. It is also anti-allergenic and anti-static. Cupro is often referred to as a 'silk-like' fabric, but it has a completely different basis.
Silk versus CUPRO
Real silk is very popular, but expensive and not durable. In addition, 'vegan' people do not buy silks because it not animal-friendly. Silkworms are bred and kept in captivity. After the caterpillars have spun a cocoon, they are boiled to release the silk threads. Not a very pleasant idea and animal friendly, no matter how small a caterpillar is ...
Animal-friendly silk
There is also silk that is produced in a different way, where the caterpillars are given time to finish their cocoons and have left as a butterfly. This is called: Áhimsa silk. Ahisma silk is more difficult to weave and dye. There are other types of silk that differ in the production process and final properties.
Lining fabric - Cupro
In many stores, cupro silk is stored with the lining fabrics and at online fabric stores this fabric is also often categorized under 'lining fabrics'. Cupro is a silk-like fabric with a lovely, soft, delicate and luxurious 'touch'. It is made from a cellulose fiber produced by treating cotton cellulose with cuprammonium salt. This is where it gets its name: Cuprammonium rayon is the reference to the production process; the cellulose has undergone to become 'cupro'. Cellulose is therefore used as a raw material for cupro, usually the cotton fibers that are too short to be spun. Due to the fineness of the fibers, Cupro has a silky grip and a lovely shine.
It is very easy to drape and it drapes smoothly. It is also anti-allergenic and anti-static. Cupro is often referred to as a 'silk-like' fabric, but it has a completely different basis.
Silk versus CUPRO
Real silk is very popular, but expensive and not durable. In addition, 'vegan' people do not buy silks because it not animal-friendly. Silkworms are bred and kept in captivity. After the caterpillars have spun a cocoon, they are boiled to release the silk threads. Not a very pleasant idea and animal friendly, no matter how small a caterpillar is ...
Animal-friendly silk
There is also silk that is produced in a different way, where the caterpillars are given time to finish their cocoons and have left as a butterfly. This is called: Áhimsa silk. Ahisma silk is more difficult to weave and dye. There are other types of silk that differ in the production process and final properties.
CUPRO is suitable for:
Cupro is extremely suitable as a lining material. But cupro can also be used to create blouses, tops, dresses, gala clothes and even jumpsuits. Cupro gives a luxurious look because it always shiny and looks a bit more luxurious than satin. Cupro shines less 'hard' than satin and therefore has that chic look. It is more subtle and looks more 'couture' than satin.
The fabric is nice and comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, the fabric is sensitive to creases and stains.
CUPRO mix
Sometimes cupro is also mixed with other fabrics such as viscose. Like the mix: 55% Cupro 45% Viscose. Just like cupro, this fabric is suitable for making blouses, dresses, gala clothes, etc. The shine is slightly less excessive and the fabric looks more like chiffon than silk.
Washing and maintenance
Like silk clothing, it is advisable to wash Cupro as little as possible. It is better to air-dry it outside and only wash it when it is really necessary. If you are going to do it yourself: wash it with handwarm or cold water and do not use the dryer. Just hang up after washing and let it air dry. Even better: bring it to the dry cleaner ... Please note when ironing: do not iron higher than the medium temperature. Rather iron a little longer than too hot!
Cupro is extremely suitable as a lining material. But cupro can also be used to create blouses, tops, dresses, gala clothes and even jumpsuits. Cupro gives a luxurious look because it always shiny and looks a bit more luxurious than satin. Cupro shines less 'hard' than satin and therefore has that chic look. It is more subtle and looks more 'couture' than satin.
The fabric is nice and comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, the fabric is sensitive to creases and stains.
CUPRO mix
Sometimes cupro is also mixed with other fabrics such as viscose. Like the mix: 55% Cupro 45% Viscose. Just like cupro, this fabric is suitable for making blouses, dresses, gala clothes, etc. The shine is slightly less excessive and the fabric looks more like chiffon than silk.
Washing and maintenance
Like silk clothing, it is advisable to wash Cupro as little as possible. It is better to air-dry it outside and only wash it when it is really necessary. If you are going to do it yourself: wash it with handwarm or cold water and do not use the dryer. Just hang up after washing and let it air dry. Even better: bring it to the dry cleaner ... Please note when ironing: do not iron higher than the medium temperature. Rather iron a little longer than too hot!
Where is CUPRO for sale?
As we said, you can sometimes find CUPRO silk between the fabric rolls in the lining fabric department. It should have a label on it. Online it is more difficult to buy, but luckily Böttger Fabric Shop sells Cupro silk in many colors. The price is not expensive and the colors are really beautiful. The photos are our favorite colors. But to be honest it is difficult to make a choice because all colors are simply very beautiful.
As we said, you can sometimes find CUPRO silk between the fabric rolls in the lining fabric department. It should have a label on it. Online it is more difficult to buy, but luckily Böttger Fabric Shop sells Cupro silk in many colors. The price is not expensive and the colors are really beautiful. The photos are our favorite colors. But to be honest it is difficult to make a choice because all colors are simply very beautiful.
Chanel-Style jacket with CUPRO lining
We have already worked with CUPRO a few times and made our Chanel-style jackets with a CUPRO lining. We really liked the fanric. It folds nicely, sews well and does not slip out from under the scissors or presser foot during cutting and sewing. The fabric is also nice to combine with Bouclé because Cupro silk falls smoothly but not overly, so as is sometimes the case with a silk-look fabric or real silk. If the Bouclé is woven very loosely, as the outer fabric for the Chanel-Style jacket, we do recommend that the cupro side be reinforced with an iron-on nonwoven interfacing on pattern parts where this is necessary.
We have already worked with CUPRO a few times and made our Chanel-style jackets with a CUPRO lining. We really liked the fanric. It folds nicely, sews well and does not slip out from under the scissors or presser foot during cutting and sewing. The fabric is also nice to combine with Bouclé because Cupro silk falls smoothly but not overly, so as is sometimes the case with a silk-look fabric or real silk. If the Bouclé is woven very loosely, as the outer fabric for the Chanel-Style jacket, we do recommend that the cupro side be reinforced with an iron-on nonwoven interfacing on pattern parts where this is necessary.
Summarized:
Cupro is very similar to real silk, but is a great budget alternative. It is also more sustainable.
Cupro cuts and sews very nicely and wears very pleasantly.
Can we come up with a negative comment? No actually not...
Cupro is very similar to real silk, but is a great budget alternative. It is also more sustainable.
Cupro cuts and sews very nicely and wears very pleasantly.
Can we come up with a negative comment? No actually not...
Holiday series with creative suggestions,
sewing patterns and fabrics
The holidays are coming up and we have another idea for you. How about making a lovely bathrobe for your partner, child, girlfriend, grandmother, grandfather, nephew, friend, acquaintance or colleague? It is an easy job, affordable and fun!
Benefits of having a bathrobe
A bathrobe is an indispensable item in everyone's wardrobe. A bathrobe is made of (heavier) terry cloth or velour and often has a thick shawl collar or cowl (hoody). This gives an extra warm feeling and that is nice if you just got out of the bath, the shower or if you are still enjoying your morning-feeling. Most people have a just one bathrobe until it is too old or worn out. But a 'new' one is often low on the priority list. Therefore, a bathrobe specially-made-by-you will be a great surprise and very welcome!
Benefits of having a bathrobe
A bathrobe is an indispensable item in everyone's wardrobe. A bathrobe is made of (heavier) terry cloth or velour and often has a thick shawl collar or cowl (hoody). This gives an extra warm feeling and that is nice if you just got out of the bath, the shower or if you are still enjoying your morning-feeling. Most people have a just one bathrobe until it is too old or worn out. But a 'new' one is often low on the priority list. Therefore, a bathrobe specially-made-by-you will be a great surprise and very welcome!
Simplicity 1562
We chose the Simplicity sewing pattern because it offers everything we need for this sewing project, or feel free to call it sewing projects. The sewing pattern offers bathrobes for the whole family, from young to old and in many sizes. You will never go wrong with this sewing pattern. More on sizing later.
We also thought the design was important. This bathrobe offers a nice shawl collar and no cowl. This saves money in terms of fabric, but also in the fact that not everyone can appreciate a cowl.
The sewing pattern also has an excellent shape. It's elegant and not over-sized or bulky.
Chanel-style bathrobe
Our bathrobe in the pictures above is made in 'Chanel-style'. We deliberately opted for the colors black and champagne. We also added off-white lace to the pockets and sleeves. A large logo on the back is also possible, but of course we do not want to suggest that this is a real 'Chanel' bathrobe. Still, it is nice to add your own variation on a logo to give the bathrobe even more 'brand' appearance.
We chose the Simplicity sewing pattern because it offers everything we need for this sewing project, or feel free to call it sewing projects. The sewing pattern offers bathrobes for the whole family, from young to old and in many sizes. You will never go wrong with this sewing pattern. More on sizing later.
We also thought the design was important. This bathrobe offers a nice shawl collar and no cowl. This saves money in terms of fabric, but also in the fact that not everyone can appreciate a cowl.
The sewing pattern also has an excellent shape. It's elegant and not over-sized or bulky.
Chanel-style bathrobe
Our bathrobe in the pictures above is made in 'Chanel-style'. We deliberately opted for the colors black and champagne. We also added off-white lace to the pockets and sleeves. A large logo on the back is also possible, but of course we do not want to suggest that this is a real 'Chanel' bathrobe. Still, it is nice to add your own variation on a logo to give the bathrobe even more 'brand' appearance.
Sizes
In terms of sizes you can clearly choose between children and adults and then also in sizes XS to XL. If your gift really is a surprise and you have to estimate the sizes, that's no problem. A bathrobe can be a bit over-sized anyway and you can always turn up the sleeves. Don't hesitate too long: estimating the size of the person will not be difficult. You can also adjust the length of the bathrobe 'by feeling'.
If the gift has been received and the bathrobe is hanging on the floor or the sleeves are really too long: you can always offer to adjust this. And in case of too short: you can always sew an extra strip of fabric on it.
Sewing level
The sewing pattern is easy to make, even a total beginner can handle it. Terrycloth 'crumbles' a lot, but is in principle easy to sew.
Terry cloth de luxe!
Budgetstoffen.nl has wonderful terry fabrics. The colors are beautiful and many colors are offered. We especially like the champagne and the steel blue! It is advisable to wash the terry cloth beforehand. The terry cloth will be even softer and you know for sure that the shrinkage is gone. If you do not want to do this, advise the recipient of your gift to wash the bathrobe with cold or handwarmth water for the first time. Budget fabrics terry cloth is cheap and OEKO-TEX certified. Great quality!
In terms of sizes you can clearly choose between children and adults and then also in sizes XS to XL. If your gift really is a surprise and you have to estimate the sizes, that's no problem. A bathrobe can be a bit over-sized anyway and you can always turn up the sleeves. Don't hesitate too long: estimating the size of the person will not be difficult. You can also adjust the length of the bathrobe 'by feeling'.
If the gift has been received and the bathrobe is hanging on the floor or the sleeves are really too long: you can always offer to adjust this. And in case of too short: you can always sew an extra strip of fabric on it.
Sewing level
The sewing pattern is easy to make, even a total beginner can handle it. Terrycloth 'crumbles' a lot, but is in principle easy to sew.
Terry cloth de luxe!
Budgetstoffen.nl has wonderful terry fabrics. The colors are beautiful and many colors are offered. We especially like the champagne and the steel blue! It is advisable to wash the terry cloth beforehand. The terry cloth will be even softer and you know for sure that the shrinkage is gone. If you do not want to do this, advise the recipient of your gift to wash the bathrobe with cold or handwarmth water for the first time. Budget fabrics terry cloth is cheap and OEKO-TEX certified. Great quality!
 | Colors It is recommended to choose two colors. This makes the bathrobe more exclusive and more personal. You can give the belt, the top of the pockets, the shawl collar and the sleeve ends a different color, which is, for example, contrasting or just fits nicely with the main color. |
 |  |
Summarized:
Simplicity 1562 is a very easy sewing pattern. A bathrobe can always be easily made for someone else because the sizes are quite easy to estimate and this sewing pattern offers almost all sizes.
Personalize the bathrobe by adding a beautiful label, by playing with color and by giving it with a card or (digital) hug. This sewing project is achievable for everyone, affordable and will be appreciated by everyone.
Simplicity 1562 is a very easy sewing pattern. A bathrobe can always be easily made for someone else because the sizes are quite easy to estimate and this sewing pattern offers almost all sizes.
Personalize the bathrobe by adding a beautiful label, by playing with color and by giving it with a card or (digital) hug. This sewing project is achievable for everyone, affordable and will be appreciated by everyone.
Holiday series with creative suggestions,
sewing patterns and fabrics
Let's talk about a unique upcycling project. We were lucky enough to come across a beautiful silk tablecloth in a thrift store that we transformed into a luxurious robe. The tablecloth wasn't big, but the amount of fabric was just good enough. A nice tip for the holidays, because such a chic (easy to make) dressing gown you will certainly make your mother, girlfriend, boyfriend, niece or yourself extra happy.
A luxurious dressing gown versus bathrobe
The difference between a bathrobe and a luxurious robe is often that a bathrobe is made of heavier terry cloth or velor and a luxurious rob (sometimes called a dressing gown) is made of luxurious satin, silk or cotton with lace. A dressing gown is chic and you certainly don't have to be ashamed if you walk around in it for a while in the morning. Or even longer than that ....
A dressing gown is also more convenient for traveling when you are going to stay with someone else or in a hotel. It has much less volume and real silk does not crease.
Another difference is that a bathrobe is often made with a thick shawl collar or capucon (hoodie). This gives an extra warm feeling and that is nice if you just got out of the bath, got out of the shower or are walking around in a sauna. A bathrobe is therefore always made with the principle: a lot of fabric. A dressing gown is more made with the idea of looking beautiful. Sexy and well-groomed, even if you just got out of bed. A dressing gown often does not have a shawl collar but a band collar and is shorter than a bathrobe.
A luxurious dressing gown versus bathrobe
The difference between a bathrobe and a luxurious robe is often that a bathrobe is made of heavier terry cloth or velor and a luxurious rob (sometimes called a dressing gown) is made of luxurious satin, silk or cotton with lace. A dressing gown is chic and you certainly don't have to be ashamed if you walk around in it for a while in the morning. Or even longer than that ....
A dressing gown is also more convenient for traveling when you are going to stay with someone else or in a hotel. It has much less volume and real silk does not crease.
Another difference is that a bathrobe is often made with a thick shawl collar or capucon (hoodie). This gives an extra warm feeling and that is nice if you just got out of the bath, got out of the shower or are walking around in a sauna. A bathrobe is therefore always made with the principle: a lot of fabric. A dressing gown is more made with the idea of looking beautiful. Sexy and well-groomed, even if you just got out of bed. A dressing gown often does not have a shawl collar but a band collar and is shorter than a bathrobe.
Thrift store
We found the fabric for the robe at a thrift store. In a thrift store, it is important that you know where to look. You can read tips for finding 'treasures' in this blog. In a thrift store, also take a look at the curtains, sometimes you will also find very beautiful pieces of fabric there that were accidentally bought wrong, or are far from worn out. The great thing about curtains and net curtains is often: they have a label attached. This allows you to see the composition of the fabric and estimate whether it is suitable for clothing.
There is also undoubtedly a container with tablecloths in the household department. This container is often messy, everything is crumpled and it is difficult to estimate what kind of fabric it is. How do you recognize real silk? Read this blog for this, and you now have a little more knowledge to recognize beautiful silk between polyester fabrics.
We found the fabric for the robe at a thrift store. In a thrift store, it is important that you know where to look. You can read tips for finding 'treasures' in this blog. In a thrift store, also take a look at the curtains, sometimes you will also find very beautiful pieces of fabric there that were accidentally bought wrong, or are far from worn out. The great thing about curtains and net curtains is often: they have a label attached. This allows you to see the composition of the fabric and estimate whether it is suitable for clothing.
There is also undoubtedly a container with tablecloths in the household department. This container is often messy, everything is crumpled and it is difficult to estimate what kind of fabric it is. How do you recognize real silk? Read this blog for this, and you now have a little more knowledge to recognize beautiful silk between polyester fabrics.
Tablecloth becomes dressing gown
Our dressing gown was therefore born from as a tablecloth. The ultimate upcycling idea! Upcycling means that you make something from a raw material (the tablecloth) in a completely different concept (the dressing gown). Upcycling is sustainable and a good idea if you want to participate more in the ZERO WASTE lifestyle.
The sewing pattern we used is: NEW LOOK 6233. An easy sewing pattern for a bathrobe or dressing gown without a shawl collar, but with a band collar. It is a sewing pattern for a UNISEX bathrobe in sizes XS to XL. The bathrobe or dressing gown is easy to make and you can make it as beautiful or sophisticated as you want.
Tip: if you are a little short of fabric: make the straps or the belt from a different fabric, or for example in contrasting colors. You can also make the robe a bit shorter and put a big, nice lace border around it.
Our dressing gown was therefore born from as a tablecloth. The ultimate upcycling idea! Upcycling means that you make something from a raw material (the tablecloth) in a completely different concept (the dressing gown). Upcycling is sustainable and a good idea if you want to participate more in the ZERO WASTE lifestyle.
The sewing pattern we used is: NEW LOOK 6233. An easy sewing pattern for a bathrobe or dressing gown without a shawl collar, but with a band collar. It is a sewing pattern for a UNISEX bathrobe in sizes XS to XL. The bathrobe or dressing gown is easy to make and you can make it as beautiful or sophisticated as you want.
Tip: if you are a little short of fabric: make the straps or the belt from a different fabric, or for example in contrasting colors. You can also make the robe a bit shorter and put a big, nice lace border around it.
Summarized:
Sometimes you will find really beautiful clothes or fabrics in thrift stores to use it for an upcycling project. Or, for example, a tablecloth or in-between curtain that is suitable for a beautiful, chic dressing gown.
Upcycling clothing also gives you a good feeling: it costs almost nothing and you have solved the problem of waste... just a little bit...
And last but not least: A very nice gift, this dressing gown, for a beloved mother, girlfriend, friend or neighbor during the holidays!
Sometimes you will find really beautiful clothes or fabrics in thrift stores to use it for an upcycling project. Or, for example, a tablecloth or in-between curtain that is suitable for a beautiful, chic dressing gown.
Upcycling clothing also gives you a good feeling: it costs almost nothing and you have solved the problem of waste... just a little bit...
And last but not least: A very nice gift, this dressing gown, for a beloved mother, girlfriend, friend or neighbor during the holidays!
What about circular fashion? A term you will hear more and more. Is it just about recycling clothes or does it mean more? We will explain to you, give some examples and make it clear to everyone. Hope you will get inspired!
Get rid of waste!
The cheaper the clothing (think of large retail store with cheap clothing), the bigger the waste of raw materials. That's a fact and clear to everyone. The fashion industry has become a throwaway industry. The clothing is so cheap, it has such a poor quality, it will almost 'disappear' after a few washes. This is because mixes of fabrics are used which are as cheap as possible and because the clothing is produced as cheaply as possible. Think of fast, bad seams, think of cheap finishing (or lack off) and think especially of closures in the form of zippers, buttons, etc. bad and poor quality.
Nice and cheap
Of course it is nice if you can buy cheap clothes and most of us often buy them because of budgetary reasons. Why would you buy pants for 90 euros, when you can also buy them for 19.95 euros? We all love 'fast fashion' as much as we love 'fast food'. Fast, easy and cheap. And if it's so cheap... why not buy two servings of junk food or two pants instead of one, right away? Fast-fashion industry is based on over-consumption. We not only want cheaper, but also more. We buy more than we need.
Get rid of waste!
The cheaper the clothing (think of large retail store with cheap clothing), the bigger the waste of raw materials. That's a fact and clear to everyone. The fashion industry has become a throwaway industry. The clothing is so cheap, it has such a poor quality, it will almost 'disappear' after a few washes. This is because mixes of fabrics are used which are as cheap as possible and because the clothing is produced as cheaply as possible. Think of fast, bad seams, think of cheap finishing (or lack off) and think especially of closures in the form of zippers, buttons, etc. bad and poor quality.
Nice and cheap
Of course it is nice if you can buy cheap clothes and most of us often buy them because of budgetary reasons. Why would you buy pants for 90 euros, when you can also buy them for 19.95 euros? We all love 'fast fashion' as much as we love 'fast food'. Fast, easy and cheap. And if it's so cheap... why not buy two servings of junk food or two pants instead of one, right away? Fast-fashion industry is based on over-consumption. We not only want cheaper, but also more. We buy more than we need.
Hèrmes-style bag and jewellery; perfect findings at a thrift store.
Circular economy action plan
But the waste and the major consequences of this on the environment, more and more people do not like it anymore and take action. The European Commission launched the European Green Deal with a Circular Economy action plan that mainly concerns the textile industry. There will have to be a transition to a circular fashion and textile industry that prevents waste of raw materials. On a global level and as permanent change. It's about time...
Sustainable lifestyle = chic
Circular fashion is a term that has a lot to do with just second-hand and recycled fashion but it is a lot more. It is not something to be ashamed of, as a fashion house or employees in the textile industry, but we all should be proud of it. More and more big-names fashion labels are participating and that's great! The corona crisis has also accelerated this process because it was difficult to obtain raw materials and because we stayed at home en masse and put on our 'home-wear'. These are garments that are easier to make from recycled fabrics. And we have discovered we do not need an overload of clothes and 'things' to be happy.
H&M recently introduced a LOOOP system in Sweden where old or unused clothing is shredded and pulverized and made into fibers without the use of water and chemicals. These fibers are mixed with other fibers and can be used for new clothing.
Apart from all environmental aspects, there is also a more social system linked to fair working conditions for employees in the entire textile production chain. And there is a great emphasis on respect for craftsmanship. For the first time in ages, crafts are respected and appreciated by consumers.
Let's go circling!
Circular actually means nothing more than that a garment is made in a special way; after use (or non-use) it returns into the circle of production to get another life. A kind of 'upcyling', but on a larger level. A garment will never really come to the end of its life, because it can be used to make something different from the raw materials. This can be done in the way LOOOP: completely pulverized, but it is also possible because the garment has a timeless appearance and is quickly transformed into something new with simpler adjustments.
Like this: "If you wait long enough, fashion will always come back" ..., but more actively.
Recycling, upcycling and circular fashion
It all has to do with each other, but it mainly means that garments no longer disappear into the waste bin. At the beginning of the process, more thought is given to the raw materials, the production process and especially the lifespan of the clothing. The fact that clothes are often thrown away is actually very strange. After all, it also contains a lot of things that can be reused anyway. Think of zippers, buttons, decorations. We already wrote about this in 'Start your own haberdashery collection'.
Do it yourself!
Some tips for getting involved in circular fashion:
Don't throw anything away! Sell, borrow, exchange, give or recycle as much textiles as possible. What is worthless to one person can be of great value to another. Even if an old, worn-out T-shirt ends up in a dog basket -> the dog (yours or someone else's) is happy with it again. Even more creative: cut it into strips and braid it into a toy. How simple can it be?
It all has to do with each other, but it mainly means that garments no longer disappear into the waste bin. At the beginning of the process, more thought is given to the raw materials, the production process and especially the lifespan of the clothing. The fact that clothes are often thrown away is actually very strange. After all, it also contains a lot of things that can be reused anyway. Think of zippers, buttons, decorations. We already wrote about this in 'Start your own haberdashery collection'.
Do it yourself!
Some tips for getting involved in circular fashion:
- Pay attention to what you buy. Look in the labels (what is the composition of the fabric) and the washing instructions.
- Linen is a very environmentally friendly fabric.
- Recycled fabric is a good choice, it is the most sustainable.
- Lyocell / Tencel is a very durable fabric.
- And what about Hemp? Yes, a great option! Immerse yourself in types of fabric and make choices for yourself in terms of durability, use and feel.
- Always wash your clothes carefully and not too often.
- Buy clothing based on: WEARING COMFORT. If your clothes are not comfortable, you will not wear it, and unfortunately that is very often the case.
- Repair if something is broken? Yes, of course!
- Pass on clothes, exchange clothes, borrow clothes, resell, give away, always good!
- Also think of 'giveaway stores' and thrift stores. Even if you don't get anything for it, it's a good concept for extending the life of clothes. And someone else enjoys it again.
- Also share information with each other. Up-cycle projects, ideas, where you can buy recycled fabrics and clothing, etc. The new 'Share' economy is sustainable!
Don't throw anything away! Sell, borrow, exchange, give or recycle as much textiles as possible. What is worthless to one person can be of great value to another. Even if an old, worn-out T-shirt ends up in a dog basket -> the dog (yours or someone else's) is happy with it again. Even more creative: cut it into strips and braid it into a toy. How simple can it be?
Summarized:
Circular fashion is all about the production process, from the first step to the last, the environment, the lifespan of clothing and the social aspects are taken into account, to avoid wasting (raw) materials.
You can also participate yourself. Make your own clothing, but especially when buying, think about the type of fabric, the lifespan of clothing and whether you want to go for fast-fashion or sustainable clothing.
We are ABSOLUTELY participating. You too? Ideas, suggestions, opinions and especially examples are more than welcome.
Almost everything is suitable for upcyling - projects: from ties till laptop sleeve
Stop watching Netflix series and close your book. Here is a - free - film about Chanel's Haute couture from A to Z. It is a film by Loic Prigent.
Haute couture documentary
This You-tube movie is certainly not a little movie; it is true documentary. The film lasts an hour and you will enjoy it. The film was shot from June to July 2020, after the lockdown in Paris, but still in the middle of the pandemic. You will notice the face masks and the social distance rules.
Behind the scenes
The documentary shows the ateliers of Chanel, the new director Virginie Viard, the seamstresses, the leaders of the workshops, the studios, the fit models Amanda and Cris, the embroidery artists, the photographer and all the other people behind the scenes. A bit like the book: Chanel, the making of a collection.
Despite the hectic nature that is inherent in making Haute couture collections, the documentary also shows nice relaxing moments, social interactions among the employees and coffee & coockies. What is striking is the passion of the employees when they are talking about their work and how proud they are to work for Chanel.
Our conclusion:
An honest documentary about the makers behind the Chanel brand. And definitely worth watching every minute of it!
Inspiration? Yes, after this documentary you immediately want to start making Haute couture yourself!
Haute couture documentary
This You-tube movie is certainly not a little movie; it is true documentary. The film lasts an hour and you will enjoy it. The film was shot from June to July 2020, after the lockdown in Paris, but still in the middle of the pandemic. You will notice the face masks and the social distance rules.
Behind the scenes
The documentary shows the ateliers of Chanel, the new director Virginie Viard, the seamstresses, the leaders of the workshops, the studios, the fit models Amanda and Cris, the embroidery artists, the photographer and all the other people behind the scenes. A bit like the book: Chanel, the making of a collection.
Despite the hectic nature that is inherent in making Haute couture collections, the documentary also shows nice relaxing moments, social interactions among the employees and coffee & coockies. What is striking is the passion of the employees when they are talking about their work and how proud they are to work for Chanel.
Our conclusion:
An honest documentary about the makers behind the Chanel brand. And definitely worth watching every minute of it!
Inspiration? Yes, after this documentary you immediately want to start making Haute couture yourself!
Filmed with Julien Da Costa Sound by Clément Duché Edited by Anthony Goujjane and Konstantin Maslakov Produit par Natacha Morice pour DERALF (Divertissant Et Révoltant A La Fois) Contact : [email protected] Music : Audionetworks baby!
Since 2018
Sewing Chanel-Style is all about sharing information, sewing pattern-reviews, book-reviews and lots of sewing guides for sewing-beginners and advanced seamstress.
Marga van der Vet
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