Could I begin the move to a DIY wardrobe? It would be a lot of work, but I already have plans for a warm coat and some other things. I am not worried about cost of fabric because I mostly get it used or or on sale. And I know I could make the warm things; I try to stick to natural fibers anyway. My sewing machine is getting tuned up even now. I think I have a new goal.

I am going to try my best in 2008 to stick to handmade (whether by me or one of the fabulous, indie artistians) or thrifted clothes as much as possible. I am just tired of the homogeneous image that the mass retail industry tries to cram down shopper’s throats. Not to mention the ethical implications of mass fashion. Its going to be a challenge to keep up with this resolution, but I think I can do it!! (With a little thrifty luck and sewing know-how! lol!)

1. People came out of the woodwork to give me their old clothes and spare fabric. Combined with my natural hoarding tendencies, this left me with more supplies than I could ever use (which I later had to unload when I moved).

2. Halfway through the year I got a new job, and much of what I’d made didn’t seem office-appropriate enough.

3. People who usually gave me gift certificates to clothing stores didn’t know what else to get for my birthday and holidays.

4. Feeling pressured to photograph and document everything took a lot of the fun out of it.

The biggest lesson I learned was that just because you *can* make something from something else doesn’t mean you *should*. I focused more on the process than the result and ended up with a lot of mismatched items that didn’t work together or suit my lifestyle. Now that I live in a place where materials and storage space (not to mention money) are much more scarce, I may try this again with an eye toward creating a cohesive, multi-functional wardrobe.