Living a holistic lifestyle for me includes be consicious of my carbon footprint. Before I throw anything away I think about where it is going, usually the land fill, compost heap or recycling bin, and if I can use it in another way before it leaves me. When I am thinking about clothing, I like to buy clothes that have already been used. Thrift shops, consignment stores, friends unwanted clothing and fabric or yarn that has been abandoned become my new wardrobe. Besides I am not one to spend copious amounts of money on clothing when a) I have two children to dress and b) have two children who will destroy what I wear!
I found a house coat or long cardican, whatever you want to call it, a couple of years ago at a thrift store and just had to have it. The length was just right and the color was so me. I tried it on but it swallowed me up. This didn't dissuade me from purchasing it, besides it was only $7 and I just had to have it. I wore it a couple of times, but the akward fit made it difficult to wear. A couple of weeks ago I switched out my summer clothes for my winter clothes and I was reunited with my coveted cardigan. Alas, you are too big for me. Never the less I will hang you in my closet so I can admire you. But wait, I have an idea! Marissa Lynch, who stared a blog about taking clothes and altering so that they are wearable again, inspired me. I know how to knit. I am pretty savvy. I could take this misfitting beauty and make it smaller. So, where to start? I took the sleeves off as they were way too big and undid the side seams. I then took the two side panels and un-knitted them!! Scary stuff for people who don't know how to knit. I re-knitted the side panels so that they would hug my side. I then undid almost all of the sleeves. Not a terribly smart move as I had no idea of what pattern I was going to follow. I found a pattern online and had my fingers crossed that it would work. Sure enough the pattern worked and I sewed them back on. Ta-da I now have a cardigan that fits me like a glove and only cost me $7. I think I learnt this skill of taking what you have a making it into something that works from my grandmother. She could practically take a holey sock and turn it into a sweater!
What Kate Ate 11/18/10
Green tea
Banana
Omelet
Panang curry
Chai white tea
Crackers and hummus
Bean and veggie burrito
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