The eternal question: To buy, or not to buy? Are you the type of person who considers each purchase you make, or are you one who just enjoys shopping for the sheer pleasure of buying new things? In either case, the question remains: Should you or shouldn’t you opt for quality over quantity?
Perhaps as a consequence of growing up, I’ve become more conscious of my purchases when it comes to shopping for clothes. And not just that, I now value quality so much more than I did before. I like to know a little about the things that I buy, such as the fabric, where and how it was made and how durable is it. I suppose it could also be called “ethical shopping”.
More often than not, it tends to be the price tag that sets this “ethical shopping” apart from regular consumable goods. Better quality tends to cost a bit more. But when I think about fashion and the importance of sustainability, I think that when you do invest in quality, the longer the item will last, and the less you will have to buy.
I do know many people who simply like shopping whether they need it or not. And I know fully why people do that, because I use to be one of those people. There was a time when I liked getting new clothes on a regular basis. I was always good at making precious finds, and you might have easily found me shopping pretty much every week. I used to think that more is more and I felt the desire to buy new clothes in order to sport different looks. But little did I know that I was actually caught in a cycle of consumption. I was one of the many, unfortunate people who get tricked into buying like there’s no tomorrow.
But as time goes on, we tend to grow out of things, and that’s exactly what happened with my former shopping habits. The years have taught me to become more careful and thoughtful with the purchases I make. Now I mostly buy what I need and when I need it. That’s why, for example, I avoid sales. I live by the principle that if I need something, I should be able to buy it at that particular moment. And here quality is key. Paying attention to quality definitely makes me a much more considerate spender.
For me it’s simple. I like high-quality clothes, and for that reason I’m ready to invest a bit more in my clothing rather than opting for more affordable, and by that, less durable clothes. Once an avid shopper, I’m now much the wiser and only make considered, level-headed purchases, while holding on to my principles. For I think, that to some extent we really are what we wear.
What do you think? Are you a person who chooses quantity over quality? Which do you value more?
As we’re living in times where style is what you make it, and where looking different and unique is considered interesting, we see a rise of many new ”fashion designers”. That’s what I like to call anyone with a flair for design, sewing, or altering clothes for making them look unique, original and your own.
I came across an interesting article about a recent sewing machine boom, and I became intrigued to find out more. According to various sources, sales of sewing machines in countries like the UK have seen an increase of 200 per cent as compared to this time last year. Many stores which sell cheaper models have seen an increase in sales by 500 per cent, while slightly more expensive models, like Singer and Brother, are up by 50 per cent. Although I knew more and more people were getting into sewing, the figures did come as a surprise. A pleasant surprise.
How much do we know about sewing machines?
I grew up with sewing. I learnt sewing in school and our household always had a sewing machine.But while I might have received an education in sewing as part of my secondary schooling, it’s not commonplace to know how to sew or how to use a sewing machine.
Singer sewing machine
Although not the first person to bring sewing machines to the masses, Isaac Singer (1811-1875) is one of the most well-know sewing machine makers of all time. The reason why his sewing machine became more popular than others of that time, is that it was more practical, and could be adapted to home use. And here we are now, almost two centuries later, sewing away with a Singer machine. Many other famous sewing machine brands existed alongside Singer and these too are manufactured to this date.
Isaac Singer lived between 1811-1875
With today’s flimsy economy, more and more people have started paying attention to their expenditure, and with it we’ve seen a reduction in buying and an increase in making. Also, with programs like Project Runway, where contestants compete with each other to create the best looks, we’re able to get clearer picture of what sewing is all about and how anyone can start making their own clothes. I find the likes of Project Runway inspiring, and I think it can bring a spark to even the most disbelieving of home-sewing.
Designers at work in the Project Runway workroom
Making your own clothes is a great way to create your style. What could be better than being able to design and create your own look from the exact fabrics and materials you want? In addition, sewing machines can prove genious, when you want to tune and alter an existing piece by giving it your personal touch.
People tend to think that sewing is difficult, but when you get into it, it’s actually fairly easy, and a great way to spend your pass time. The best way to get started is to buy a few sewing magazines, such as Burda, which can provide you with the necessary guidance on how and where to start. And even though you are working with a peddle, this type of ”driving” does not require licence. So it really couldn’t be any simpler. Personally, I love sewing. It’s enjoyable and rewarding. So put your creativity on top gear and become a fashion designer of your own life.
