Make.Thrift.Mend.

I've been flirting with an idea, and I think I am about to take plunge:

A Make/Thrift/Mend Challenge.

Basically this: that I purchase no NEW clothing for 6 months.  I'd like to say 1 year but I don't trust myself. hahah.

Lisa Congdon is doing it.
Magpie Girl did it.

Katrina Rodabaugh is doing it. 

This gal did it.

This gal did it. 

Why?  

1.  Money.
It is not like I am some crazy shopaholic, but I do tend to buy a couple of items on a semi-regular basis. Things I don't truly need. It is a waste of money, and I don't even really love many things I am spending my money on.

2. Large-scale commercialism.
It really pains me to walk into a big box store (or really almost any dept store) and see racks and racks of horrible, cheaply-made (but still expensively priced!) factory clothing.  The materials are synthetic, usually ugly, and the conditions under which they are made are highly suspect, from a humanitarian perspective.  I know my tiny spending budget won't make a big difference to the global economy (ha!) but there is no need for me to add my monetary vote to the current system.

3.  Waste. 
Alternately, the thrift shops are full to the rim of gently used clothing just begging for a new home. Why let all that beautiful material and workmanship go to waste?

4.  Creativity. 
I am HOPING this will spur me to break out the ol' sewing machine and get to making some of my own clothes again!

So, here we go... from now until Sept 1, 2014, I shall purchase no new clothing.  I shall rely only on my current closet, and/or anything I can make, thrift or mend.