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Cheap Fashion, Sewing, and the Discerning Consumer
bluestreakmi   Advanced MI USA Member since 7/6/04 Posts: 30	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/13/12 9:59 AM Today’s Salon features an interview with the author (Elizabeth Kline) of “Overdressed: the shockingly high cost of cheap fashion.” In the interview, she recommends sewing as a way of learning about quality and craftsmanship in fashion. Do you think sewing has made you a more discerning consumer?
MissLadyAudrey Beginner GA USA Member since 12/2/11 Posts: 73	Login to reply to this post In reply to bluestreakmi << 1 member likes this. Date: 6/13/12 10:04 AM Yes, yes, and yes. Now, when I shop (although, mostly I'm looking) - I'm thinking, in no particular order: 1) is this fabric worth it? 2) how did they finish the seams? 3) does it look as good on the inside as it does on the outside? 4) why are they trying to over charge me by this much? ------ Needles Up! http://sewreinventedaudrey.blogspot.com/
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7590	Login to reply to this post In reply to bluestreakmi << Like this post Date: 6/13/12 10:09 AM Before I ever started sewing my grandmother taught me about quality. She wore beautiful high end clothing and she always talked about the inside looking as good as the outside. There was an article about cheap clothing that mentioned we buy more than twice as many pieces of clothing than we used to. 59 now, 28, 30 years ago. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
n45 Intermediate MD USA Member since 6/26/03 Posts: 241	Login to reply to this post In reply to bluestreakmi << Like this post Date: 6/13/12 10:10 AM Absolutely yes. It's pretty appalling and sad when you realize what the prices are (both from a humanitarian and quality perspective) for cheap clothes. Quite frankly, even a lot of the mid range brands are not made very well. If I'm going to wear dodgy workmanship, I'd rather wear my own! I almost never buy clothes anymore. I wish I could, because I sew so slow! But when I try to go shopping for anything more than a screen printed tee, I'm usually so disappointed I don't buy anything.
kittykate Intermediate ON CANADA Member since 12/18/02 Posts: 1054	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 6/13/12 10:35 AM I like instant fashion. Going to H&M and Forever21 is like crack. The only saving grace is that I'm too fat for all their clothes but it is important to me to know what the young'ns are looking for in fashion in terms of current style. Where I've noticed it getting worse is the quality of the fabric. It is junk, not cut on grain, mostly unwashable and will self destruct after several wearings. Which is the definition of instant fashion I guess.
AdaH   Intermediate IA USA Member since 11/21/09 Posts: 2139	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/13/12 10:51 AM I do not find much in RTW that will fit me so when I do I buy it, cheap, badly construction or not. My sewing mojo comes and goes so making all my own clothes isn't always an option. I know going into the RTW world means the garments are not going to last more than a season if that. Sometimes that isn't a bad thing. ------ Ada
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 8002	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/13/12 11:08 AM Yes. I like to look and occasionally try on garments in stores. I seldom buy anything, as it is made cheaply, the seams are a mess and the fabric is often see through. I need to find a good store where plus sizes/petite rise are sold that have decent-to-good quality and buy some new pants. I can't make pants for myself to fit me well yet and I have tried and tried. I have an altered pattern, but not the nice fabric for another try. Maybe I'll go to the thrift store today and have a look around. Those are at least well made. ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 8002	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/13/12 11:56 AM Another thing that bothers me about RTW dresses. Has anyone noticed that the "in" style this season is the same type of dress/caftan designed by last seasons winner on Project Runway, Anna? Penneys is loaded with the style. Most everything they have in dresses and some in blouses are that ugly swirly, multicolored, floaty crap. Just plain ugly and hard on the eyes to look at. ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
SunnyAlta Intermediate Member since 7/11/10 Posts: 255	Login to reply to this post In reply to bluestreakmi << Like this post Date: 6/13/12 12:13 PM Oh yes, because I sew, I'm a very discerning (picky) consumer. I want washable, comfy, decent fabric & construction, & usually a classic style. Not asking for much, am I? Willing & able to alter a garment if necessary, IF the price is right. I've done well filling in wardrobe gaps at the thrift store. Sadly, more of what they are selling is also going downhill. Thin & poorly constructed simply do not appeal.
Lady_Mame Intermediate WA USA Member since 3/11/07 Posts: 2074	Login to reply to this post In reply to Learn To Sew << 1 member likes this. Date: 6/13/12 12:13 PM You are SO RIGHT. I hadn't even made that connection! I do think sewing has made me more discerning regarding clothing. I now don't like any of it! ------ Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales

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