Monday Morning Coffee–Clothes and Such
Good Morning, Monday Coffee Mates! It’s overcast and 50F, likely to reach 68 as we enter a warm humid spell this week. This inevitably happens after I put the finishing touches on a sweater, so all must be right with the world.
Oh Great, the Porch Post Needs Shimming Again
Keeping the wardrobe weeded out is an ongoing thing. Like many of you I have a bag that gradually accumulates the stuff I’m not wearing enough to keep. This process has slowed down enough to where it takes about a year to fill one large bag, but of course it wasn’t always that way. When life is in a frequent state of flux, it’s hard to know what you’ll want or need in the way of clothes from one year to the next. Add some economic caution, and it’s easy to get into a “just-in-case” mindset.
Take the long crocheted linen cardigan in the pic above. Acquired for a song several years ago, it’s a soft earthy green and has a lovely drape. But I didn’t wear it often because it didn’t really suit my lifestyle at the time, and then I kinda forgot about it. Every time I cleaned my closet I’d see it and think, oh I should just donate it, but I really, really liked it so I hung on to it. It actually survived three years in the donation bag.
Every so often I get into a ruthless sorting mood, and the last time that happened I dealt with the bag of accumulated clothes that had somehow grown to two bags (admit it, you know those bags propagate when you’re not looking). This was going to be the Last Time for a lot of the “maybe” stuff–my lifestyle is pretty stable and is not likely to change much in the foreseeable future, so I could weed out with confidence. I got rid of it all except for two sweaters, the one in the pic and another favorite that was too small (I’d gained weight) and now fit again (lost the weight, yay). And I’m wearing them all the time. The one in the pic is quite long and really suits the skinny black jeans.
It also had a tiny rip at the shoulder, which caused a very noticeable unraveling. Now this is the fun part–a few months ago I cleaned out my ancient sewing box, and it had an extensive collection of those packets of spare buttons and thread that come with some brands. And I sorted through those and kept the relevant ones. And–oh this is so exciting, can’t you feel it–I’d saved the little packet of yarn that came with this sweater! So I mended it, and wear it regularly. What a love story, eh? Okay, so it wasn’t all that, but if you have a frugal streak, you’ll know the sort of joy I’m talking about.
I’m doing a shoe purge soon. My fav plaid Converse bump-toe sneakers have had to be eliminated, because the toes on my right foot would go numb every time I wore them. I guess this numb-toe phenomenon is quite common from middle age onward, doesn’t take much to cause it. I’ve replaced them with flat-soled espadrilles with loads of wiggle room. There are some other culprits amongst my shoes: buh-bye to them, too.
(While shopping for the espadrilles, I noted racks and racks of those long tiered gypsy skirts. Weren’t those all the rage like five years ago? Are they back? What? Somebody tell me.)
This past weekend’s Minimalism Reward: I looked for, and quickly found, two items I hadn’t clapped eyes on in two years. One was a replacement weed-whacker string bobbin, and the other was a McCall’s sewing pattern for a tunic-length shirt. There was a time it would have taken at least an hour and the creation of an unbelievable mess to have unearthed these things. I’m feeling all nice and smug, so I’m going to go make my cafe-au-lait d’amande (if you know French, please correct this). Back in a minute.
Ok, back. I wrote up a description of how I made one of my sweaters and sent it to my DIL the pattern designer, who is going to try to rewrite it intelligibly, and I’ll let you know if that works out. Going to wear that infamous striped sweater today for the first time, too 
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Got a fair bit of writing done over the weekend, and entered a nice stream-of-consciousness state while weeding the garden. Those are the times that I often come up with memories and images and fancies that trigger a story or a chapter or a scene. I kept my notebook and pen nearby in the garden to catch the ideas before they dissipated. They dissipate quickly, too, much too quickly for me to finish weeding, wash up, then sit down and write them out properly. So even if I only get a few words and phrases down, or even a list of details, it’s enough to pick up where I left off.
Later this week I’ll do a post on Minimalism, but haven’t decided yet which of two possible directions it can take. It could go the why-I-got-into-it route, or it could go the state of the concept route, where I look at what is happening to others who have gone this way. Or maybe a mix.
Time to get this posted and you know the drill–chime in with your thoughts and experiences, and have a lovely day
14 Responses to “Monday Morning Coffee–Clothes and Such”
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Oh, the dreaded bag of clothes. I hate when it takes a long time to fill because I am more likely to second guess myself and pull something out. Why can’t I just be ruthless all the time? It’s such a mood thing.
I have a long sweater that I love that also has a hole in it. Alas, I did not save the thread. I’ll have to try to fake it. It’s just the right weight (lighter than most). It’s snuggly. I feel like I’m wearing my bathrobe when I’m in it, but people don’t look at me as funny.
Your porch looks like a wonderful escape. I can admit I’m a little bit jealous. I hope you’re enjoying it!
misssrobin recently posted..Post-it Note Therapy
Hi Miss Robin–oh, yeah those bathrobe-equivalent sweaters, I know them well, and in fact the turtleneck tunic I knitted this winter definitely qualifies. Almost makes me sad it will be too warm to wear it for a few months!
The porch is delightful–when the traffic isn’t bad. Unfortunately we live on a fairly busy corner. The back garden is more conducive to conversation and contemplation–until it gets too hot, then it’s back to the front porch, noise or no noise!
Since doing Project 333, my relationship with clothes has changed dramatically. I’m not a purist, but I still have far fewer clothes than I did before. I have a certain number of hangers in my closet, and when I start running short, I know it means I’m getting off track. I have trouble this time of year and in the fall, when the temps can swing wildly and I want clothes that work for the extremes. I don’t think minimalism is about deprivation, so I do let myself have more clothing out right now.
As for that bag–it’s really easy to put things in it when I consider the tax write-off for donating them. Also helps with the idea of getting rid of something every time I get something new.
Love that picture of you–you look very healthy, relaxed, and stylish!
Rita@thissortaoldlife.com recently posted..Spring photo displayThe art line comes through for us again
Hi Rita–after doing Project 333 a few times, I created a single year-round wardrobe of around 100 pieces total (it’s actually around 90 now), which fits comfortably in my half of a standard bedroom closet and a single small chest of drawers. This way I always have access to comfortable clothes no matter what the freaky weather does. Like you, I don’t think minimalism is about deprivation!!!
I’m sure it’s time to fill the bag a bit more. I can see the hangers getting a little more crowded in the closet.
I’m all for keeping those deeply loved sweaters and wearing them until they fall apart (even after repeated mending). Currently, I have four v-neck pullover cashmere sweaters which I wear constantly in the fall and winter (and this spring because the weather has not really warmed up yet). One has a little ‘weak spot’ and I need to dig in the sewing box and find the purple packet so I can mend it before I send all four sweaters to the cleaners. I don’t trust myself to hand wash them as I plan on wearing them another 4 or 5 years. at least.
missminimalist’s feature story today tells about a man who decluttered every January–clothes, books, papers, personal items. My usual declutter time is summer which is coming up. I’m so ready.
Now I’m off to make an afternoon cuppa
Hi Willow–oh yeah, when the clothes can’t get in and out easily, that’s a sure sign that a culling is in order! I envy you your stock of cashmere sweaters!
Tell you what–let me know when you’re ready to do your summer cleanout, and I’ll “join” you!
Oh dear, it’s so clear I’m not a minimalist. I like the idea, but it never quite ‘takes’. I enjoy having nice things that I don’t wear very often in my wardrobe – it means I feel quite special when I do wear them. And I think owning more than 150 pairs of earrings would automatically bar me from the minimalist club – but I do wear them all and they don’t take up much room
Having said that, I have done some major de-cluttering clothes-wise, mainly of things that no longer fit and that I’ve finally accepted I’ll never be thin enough to wear again. So everything in there fits me, I like it all, and every piece goes with lots of other things. Is there such a thing as a demi-minimalist? Or a moderatist, perhaps?
I envy your porch, but I’m even more envious of the weather that allows you to sit on it; here in the UK it’s cold, wet and grey this morning.
Hi Gilly–sorry to hear the weather by you is cold, wet and grey, but trust me–it is much better in England for more of the year than it is in NW Indiana, USA. We actually had a spring this year, when it more often goes straight from winter to blazing summer.
150 pairs of earrings is quite a lot! I could never keep track of them, but if that’s your “thing,” then it probably doesn’t count as part of your wardrobe. It sounds more like a hobby or art form to me. Your actual wardrobe sounds like it would more than qualify by anyone’s definition, though. I have special, seldom-worn things, too, because when I need them, I really need them, and the assurance I get from wearing them makes the real estate they take up in my closet worth every inch.
Confession: sometimes when it’s been too long since wearing something, I actually think of some place or activity I could wear them to, and plan for it. Not having worn them in a long time means I am probably getting in a rut, and it’s time to shake things up a bit!
That’s a great way to look at those seldom worn clothes. If you’re not wearing them, you’re in a rut and you should create an occasion
Love it!
The hard part is getting one’s partner to go along with it–I love my little black dress and pumps a lot more than his loves his suit and tie!!!
Love the photo!
Thanks, Barb!
I’m pretty much the polar opposite of “clothes horse” so that’s one area I have no trouble with. In fact, forgive me for stereotyping, but I’m guessing that clothes are much more of an issue (both accumulating and fretting over if and what to eliminate) for women than men. That’s not to say there aren’t some men who are fashion conscious and some women who look at clothing as nothing more than a functional necessity, but I find it’s usually the women who are obsessing about clothing and shoes.
Mike | Homeless On Wheels recently posted..Intersection of Naturism and Minimalism
Hi Mike–your male point of view is VERY welcome, and you know it ;D It’s my experience, too, that women obsess more over clothes and shoes than men do. Part of it is the difference in gender expectations in our culture, but part of it is biological. Most women experience weight fluctuations that have a tremendous impact on their comfort levels. Even if they wear the same styles year after year, the monthly shifts and the shifts that come with pregnancy and aging often demand a change in size, if not style and fabric. Combined with market manipulation of fashion (oh don’t get me started on this again!), generations of women have come to see clothing as an extension of themselves. Men, in the meantime, have fewer choices, fewer expectations, and their physiology means that their waist size can stay the same even if their weight goes up forty or more pounds.
Oh, and don’t forget that men’s clothes are made much better for the price than women’s clothes, so planned obsolescence is another factor!
It’s just not fair, I tell ya ;D