Fashion on the road, or finding inspiration in the fields and forests

Lately I spent a week away from my sewing machine, because it was time for me to get away from heat and civilization, to the mountains...

Nevertheless, I didn’t bring any sewing or needlework gear though, doesn’t mean that I am not somehow working on my projects. There is a lot of research, finding and thinking to it. And for all of that I had plenty of time while separating myself from the tools to be productive.

And since in my last post, I was explaining and creating, a new way for myself to look at my hive blog, I will now stick to my approach and share with you this part of the process, that takes place behind the finished object, long before I even touch the fabric.

The ones between you that read one of my stories before, know that I am well into upcycling garments, using old shirts that consist of quality fabric, such as linen or silk…, and giving them a new life and a new purpose. I do sense, that in this world there are already so many things and objects existing in abundance, that I don’t feel any need or satisfaction to add too many more. Which is one aspect of why I do enjoy changing existing (second hand) clothes rather than creating new ones and buy the fabric for them in shops, each time.
For that matter I do visit a lot of “brokis” (secondhand shops) or flea markets, where I look for especially, men-shirts convert them into usually rather feminine tops and blouses.

That’s one thing I did on that trip to the mountains, contributing to my coming up projects.

Even though I do have to admit, that this time I didn’t find any shirts. And on top of it I had to remember and contain myself, because, I also must admit, that in bags and boxes I did already collect quite a few shirts that are still waiting for my creative workflow to come over them…

(part of them...)

Nevertheless, I found some cool things…

(this jumper that I find to fit perfectly well, the beloved trousers I am going to talk about later...)

Since I am checking the tags a lot, to see what material the fabric is made of, I do also come across materials that I do not know. This time I discovered two tops, made of “Modal”.

I have heard the name before, but it didn’t ring any bells… (Still got the tops because I love the colour and the consistency of the fabric) After some (very quick) research I found out it would be some sort of cotton replacement, made from beech trees, and there for more ecological, because the process uses less water. (thats what I found out, but if you anymore about it than me I would be very happy to hear about it:)

Another jewel I found is this sewing pattern for simple t-shirts. Which I am going to have a great use of. Since I always struggle with the arm parts in tops. I usually just do what-ever and hope it works (and sometimes it does, but when it doesn’t it is a disaster). Well now I solved the problem, and I will be able to copy any size arm cut outs and sleeves from those patterns.

Now to my favourite part; how I got the Idea for my next project (that we might hopefully see by next Monday). So as mentioned I was spending time in the mountains, in forests and next to rivers, not really the place to wear full on thought through fashionable outfits. (Also all my clothes where just crumbled up and a mess to find what is what...) Being in that situation though, made me realize once again how much I love my dungarees. Just by wearing them you are already, almost dressed. If it is too hot, you don’t even need a top, but you can wear one. Shirts fit with it too. They are super comfortable, but you can still feel cute in them at the same time. That’s it I am convinced, my new favourite garment?

Aaah but there is one problem. If you go to pee, you always have to undress completely, to do so. And this is annoying. (Well for guys there is always those sips, so they have the solution, but as woman how should we do? Can it not be that there would be a solution for us too?)

And that’s where my idea started to take shape, I decided to design those trousers, trying to figure out a way of being able to pee, as a woman, without having to undress completely.

I think the sketch does need some explanations though. So the idea is, that at the back, instead of closing completely ends in two laces, that will be tied at the front. (And create an adjustable waist.) In that case you will only have to untie those laces to take of the "trouser-part" and still be wearing the top. (Hope that works and doesent leave you exposed with a whole at the back or anything similar...)
Here I share the sketch with you, I thought about it, but if it works I will only see once I start sewing, I guess. But if you have any considerations about it to share, do so! And maybe you will save me from my next sewing disaster hahah

For the fabric, I already had one in mind, that I had in my hands recently. It is red and I should have enough of it to complete this project.

(I guess the flowers in my parents garden, where an inspiration to go for red.)

Thanks again to take your time and share the process with me!! I really appreciate all your comments and feedbacks, it is a pleasure to read them all:)
Have a lovely time and see you around soon!!

(all photos are taken by me)