One of our traditions at the beginning of the summer holidays is to go through the clothes drawers and out/recycle/pass on anything that is too small or unloved. Making space for new. Making room to see what the children already have in their wardrobe.
Here comes the conundrum for anyone who likes to sew clothes – how do you let go of handmades? How do you let go of something that you have spent so much time making?
After all, each piece has a little bit of me in it. My choice of buttons. My teeny tiny hand stitches. My obsession with matching seams.
I don’t have the answer.
The more time the article took to make, the harder it is to let go of.
But go they must. There are three bags for the charity shop, two bags for textile recycling and a couple of items that I’m keeping to recyle. I’m taking comfort that someone might spot my handmade pieces and enjoy them.
Of course, the story does not stop there. Already on my sewing table are more handmade goodies starting their own journey. Ideas forming how to make each and every one of them a special piece. To ensure that it brings joy to whoever wears it. Maybe that’s part of the answer. Always have another handmade on the go.
Right, I’ll just get my needle and thread out. Time to start on the next pattern.
I find it hard to let go of shop bought clothes that my children have enjoyed wearing so I can just imagine how hard it must be for ones you’ve made yourself!
Sometimes I can get away with upcycling it, but I can’t keep everything!
I have a large box full of baby clothes that I couldn’t bare to part with and the boys over the years have kept hold of favourite football shirts, signed school shirts, a pair of favourite football boots etc. I also have have a wardrobe of hand made clothes of my grans dating back to the 20s
It’s hard to let go of special pieces. I’ve kept the best handknits from when mine were babies and toddlers. They are small and easy to stow away. A few other items too. How exciting to have clothes made by your gran. They are keepers. Hope you wear them. I’d be fascinated by their construction and fabric. (Also glad to learn I’m not the only one who keeps hold of these things!)
We have the same ritual at the start of the summer holidays. With Bobbins’ clothes I’ve been able to pass them down to Peanut but now I have to decide what to do when there is noone smaller to pass them onto. It is so hard but I have been brutal and taken a lot to charity. There are a few items though that are so precious I’m keeping them stored in the loft (maybe for grandchildren?) xx
I know I’d love to find a handmade at a charity shop, but it doesn’t make it much easier to let go of some of those sweet dresses I made. I think the trick is to make the decision and take it straight down to the shop. In case I change my mind.