Mama of 5 here, and here's how we manage clothing. I switch clothes 4/1 & 10/1 every year. I use a spreadsheet for all required items, checking off what we already have. We go by "one to wash, one to wear, one for sunday (dress clothes) and one for spare." I add in 2 town outfits. Then I scour the thrift stores for one month. Then I look on ebay/online thrift stores. Anything we need new I fund in natural fibers and they last through many kids or years for the adults. We keep town/dress outifts hung up and clean. Around our farm, we're in play/work clothes. I'm a systems lady, and this saves so much time and $$$!
I enjoy hand sewing for the process. I am making embroidered cleaning cloths (zonkin ?) from old clothes. They could be whipped up on my machine, but it is so much more enjoyable to do it by hand.
I absolutely love that you hand sew your cloths! I didn't really appreciate hand sewing until I started watching Bernadette Banner make period clothing by hand.
Thank you for your perspective on sustainable options for boy’s clothes! I have an 8 year old son who isn’t too tall (he hasn’t hit the big growth spurt yet-so probably a lot easier for me to find things still), but just finding clothes at the thrift stores is tough because there is usually a lot less on the racks than for girls (I have very little problems finding almost brand new clothes for my 12yo daughter). One tip I do have-for people that have the resources to do so-is to frequent local (non national chain) thrift stores towards the end of the season for mark downs (I buy the next couple sizes up-sometimes for as little as $1 a piece) or the Goodwill Bins (outlet). I’ve done REALLY well there on things like jeans and winter outerwear for my kids.
Thrift store/opportunity shop shopping is definitely more challenging for taller people (and probably for the plus-sized, too). If the clothes were originally made for taller people, there's a chance they've been owned and altered by a shorter person before they got to the op shop. Even if the garment was originally longer and not altered, short op shop customers can buy it and alter it once they get it home. And all of that just filters a lot of clothing for tall people out of the second hand market. And you can forget about shoes for big feet. Finally, with all of that said, some people just seem to have a knack for op shop shopping for clothes and I'm not one of them.
Boy howdy re clothes for bean pole boys - Brick and mortar stores used to carry a nice selection of blue jean sizes IRL - including wides and talls etc - now only have more common sizes in stock and say "you can buy other sizes online". Yeah, you can't try things on that way to compare cut styles. One thing if you have one available is to go to a Levi's store and get fitted to know your proper size in their brand. From there, you can search for better deals or order online when you need to replace them. And Hanna Anderssons are AMAZING for quality. Girls can absolutely live in the leggings and the dress to tunic to top as they age in them and still hand them down. I was bummed when the kids aged out of their size ranges and they had stopped selling as many options for adults.
There are companies that sell merino wool underwear such as US Dilling. I bought my long underwear at Oregon Mountain Community, my wool shirts and sweaters at Pendleton outlet store in Washougal, and my wool bib-overalls at Big Bill/ Codet. Most I've had since last century, with the exception of my new bib overalls that cost less through Big Bills than I could have spent for pants at surpus sites on the web.
Angela, do you have any recommendations on where to start with learning to sew clothes by hand or make alterations? What would be a good beginner friendly project? I'm good at thrifting and I've always wanted to try doing my own alterations but not having a sewing machine felt like a barrier / too big an investment to test a new hobby. Hand sewing feels like a better place to start. Thanks in advance for your help!
Bernadette Banner is UA-cam channel with a massive amount of hand sewing. It’s reconstructing historic clothing styles, but that’s cool. We can use some Victorian mob boss lady in our closets.
Maybe the tightness of the weave or initial thickness matters? I’ve had a few pieces of wool clothing that I wore holes in relatively quickly (a year of heavy use) but I do know I’m hard on my clothes. Also I wash them in the washing machine and maybe that thins them too (they were advertised as machine wash).
The type of wool and the weave will also change how hardy it is - I have some baby alpaca and silk woven wool pieces that are wonderfully warm and light (and water resistant), but are not nearly as hardy against rubbing as more durable wools, and I would not wear them anywhere I needed to do dirty chores.
I tried a few merino wool tops, I mainly wear them while sitting and the back and arms were all pilled within the first winter. One also has holes in the sleeve, not sure if it was moths or if the sleeves caught on something. I assume I bought a less hardy wool garment, but I'm not sure how to find/identify longer-lasting ones.
I've always wanted to learn how to make my own clothes but I've never had access to a sewing machine. I definitely at the very least need to learn how to hem because I'm short and it would seem most clothing manufacturers think the average woman is like 5'7.
I have a few woolen pieces that were my grandmothers. It’s not natural materials, but I have a slip that was my other grandmother’s. I’ve used that slip so often since she gave it to me back in college.
I thrift or sew most of my clothes. Unfortunately I am allergic to wool. Even superwash. But i try to make as many things as I can afford out of alpaca. Which is not much.
WoolX is pretty great, their leggings are 85% wool and wear really well in farm conditions. I've placed a pre-order for NUI silk leggings that should come later this month. Wool& my dress ran in several places and has lots of holes from farm wear. I used to wear Wintersilks as a kid when I was riding, I'll have to look them up and see if their stuff is still as hard wearing. I had a shirt that lasted me through college with regular barn wear.
Silk is wonderful, and mine lasted forever until I "grew" after menopause. Still looking for good replacements. My bamboo socks and undies are also good, but I don't know how the socks would do under farm use conditions.
I like my woolx leggings but sadly they are on their way to getting a crotch hole and they are only a year or so old. Also, they do have some nylon and elastic so not biodegradable. I am eagerly awaiting bio based elastane to become mainstream and then these items could be composted but it's not widely used yet.
@@r.h.lincoln9889 mine got a hole along the seam in the butt. I repaired it with some embroidery floss in mock flat lock stitch and it's held well. Mine are going on 2 years and I wear them 3 days a week? They are definitely thinning though, but they are my only pair. With 85% wool you can compost it and it'll leave a nylon skeleton that you can remove later. Verms also like it and make it easy to remove the nylon later.
@@WynterDragon that sounds interesting and I'd love to know more about how to remove the nylon skeleton. However, at the moment I don't do my own composting and use the local compost service in my town.
A follow-up question that hopefully someone might have an answer to - for someone who wants to buy sustainable and tailored clothing, but actively dislikes to sew (and has carpal tunnel besides, making it painful as well), is there a way to find sewists who are willing to make custom garments? I'm willing to pay fairly for the work, even if it means saving up and only buying one or two pieces a year, but the only thing I've been able to find are people who do alterations, not creating items to fit. :( Any tips would be appreciated.
Love watching your stuff. Ive been teaching myself to knit but omg 100% wool balls are so expensive to buy. For now while I'm stil practicing I've reconciled to go with wool mixes and just keep shopping around for good ones. I remember watching the video a while back where you were spinning the dog's shedded fur! Did you make anything from that? 💚
One thing to try is watch vids online that explain how to seek out wool sweaters at thrift stores where you can then unravel the yarn, wash it, and knit it into something more to your liking. They have to be sweaters made a certain way, but it can be one way to get yarn for a lot cheaper.
Not a ton you can do but wear a base layer. Wool itchiness has a lot to do with the breed and some folks are way more sensitive to it than others. I am lucky that itchier wool doesn't really bother me. But I do like to tuck a kerchief or scarf inside the collar of itchier wool sweaters. Like a little ascot?
@ParkrosePermaculture great idea! I wore one today with a long-sleeve base layer, and the only part that was itchy was the collar. A little scarf would be perfect!
Can you do a video on affording an expanding family now? I realize you're kids are older at this point, but we'd love to expand our family but are worried about the financial realities. I know the joke on the internet is to have had them at least 10 years ago, but any tips from someone who understands the cost of living crisis and the joy (and difficulties!) of parenting appreciated. Thank you!
I‘m truly confused as to the hill you’re willing to die on. Wool is awesome. You, apparently, don’t know how to care for it. Also, don’t buy it off Temu or Shein. Are you an employee of DuPont?
Living in the mountains I became proficient at finding excellent woolen clothing from the thrift store. A lifelong SCAdian I know care for and repair of natural fiber fabrics. If you think wool sweaters never wear out, wool underwear never wear out, you are the one who is pretending knowledge
Hey earthsystem! Are you accusing Angela of lying? Maybe you misheard? She didn't say wool lasts forever. If wool is properly cared for, yes, it can last for a very long time. Obviously, you have never set foot in a vintage shop.
when did I say it didn't wear out? I have several videos on MENDING worn woolens bc they do experience wear n tear. I have videos on cutting up wool skirts of mine that have worn too thin in the behind and repurposing them into hats and potholders. OF COURSE natural fibers wear. I've also said REPEATEDLY that wool can be composted AT THE END OF ITS LIFE. That includes being worn threadbare. Also, are you accusing me of lying? What an absolutely bizarre thing to do.
Honestly honestly I get sad hearing you gloat about old woolen clothes you inherited. That does not help any one of us who doesn’t have old granny’s wool wardrobe. My granny lived in balmy California. I learned to love wool when I lived in the snowy mountains. And seek it at thrift stores. Generally it already has moth holes, if I can find it at all. And I find it non-credible that an average woolen underwear would last generations of where.
I’ve purchased wool clothing pieces over 15 years ago, and still have them. If you buy fast fashion, you get that quality. I get it can be expensive, but I purchased thousands of dollars of gear for basically pennie’s on the dollar, by purchasing at the end of the season. I’ve also found some wool in thrift stores. It can be done, you just have to be resourceful. ETA: yes, if you purchase decent quality and clean it appropriately, it’ll last *more* than one generation. I’m not sure if you’re just a hater or just have a defeatist attitude.
I'm very experienced with wool and linen clothing. Natural fibers wear. That is a normal feature. I don't know much about silk, but wool and linen I know. Those fibers are strong and lasting, but they do experience normal wear and tear, and they will wear out, especially underwear that -- as she says -- are preventing thigh chafe. By definition fabrics preventing thigh chafe, are chafing against one another. A feature of natural fiber is that it does wear out.
@@earthsystem Blah, blah, blah was all I heard. You came here to troll, so you’re getting the same. Yes, ANY fabric in a high stress area, will wear out sooner. You’re right, you got me. Go be obtuse and argumentative with people that are at your same intellectual and experiential level. Some of us are actually trying to expand our knowledge base.
I agree with the comments pointing out your negativity. She wasn't gloating, she was excited about inheriting something that is still useful and beautiful. You are the type of joyless person that cannot stand others happiness and/or success.
@@Castle-Rocks I have some of my grama's clothing (a fashionable coat, and some dresses), and I am SO grateful I have them. She was born in 1913, and the clothing isn't wool, but yet it survived, because it was cared for. I miss her every day and am so glad I have things from her. I also believe that was what Angela was referring to.
Mama of 5 here, and here's how we manage clothing. I switch clothes 4/1 & 10/1 every year. I use a spreadsheet for all required items, checking off what we already have. We go by "one to wash, one to wear, one for sunday (dress clothes) and one for spare." I add in 2 town outfits.
Then I scour the thrift stores for one month. Then I look on ebay/online thrift stores. Anything we need new I fund in natural fibers and they last through many kids or years for the adults. We keep town/dress outifts hung up and clean. Around our farm, we're in play/work clothes.
I'm a systems lady, and this saves so much time and $$$!
great system
I enjoy hand sewing for the process. I am making embroidered cleaning cloths (zonkin ?) from old clothes. They could be whipped up on my machine, but it is so much more enjoyable to do it by hand.
Hand sewing isn’t that slow. There’s a correct way to do it,using a thimble. I was shocked at how fast it can go once you figure it out.
I absolutely love that you hand sew your cloths! I didn't really appreciate hand sewing until I started watching Bernadette Banner make period clothing by hand.
Thank you for your perspective on sustainable options for boy’s clothes! I have an 8 year old son who isn’t too tall (he hasn’t hit the big growth spurt yet-so probably a lot easier for me to find things still), but just finding clothes at the thrift stores is tough because there is usually a lot less on the racks than for girls (I have very little problems finding almost brand new clothes for my 12yo daughter). One tip I do have-for people that have the resources to do so-is to frequent local (non national chain) thrift stores towards the end of the season for mark downs (I buy the next couple sizes up-sometimes for as little as $1 a piece) or the Goodwill Bins (outlet). I’ve done REALLY well there on things like jeans and winter outerwear for my kids.
Thrift store/opportunity shop shopping is definitely more challenging for taller people (and probably for the plus-sized, too). If the clothes were originally made for taller people, there's a chance they've been owned and altered by a shorter person before they got to the op shop. Even if the garment was originally longer and not altered, short op shop customers can buy it and alter it once they get it home. And all of that just filters a lot of clothing for tall people out of the second hand market.
And you can forget about shoes for big feet.
Finally, with all of that said, some people just seem to have a knack for op shop shopping for clothes and I'm not one of them.
Boy howdy re clothes for bean pole boys - Brick and mortar stores used to carry a nice selection of blue jean sizes IRL - including wides and talls etc - now only have more common sizes in stock and say "you can buy other sizes online". Yeah, you can't try things on that way to compare cut styles. One thing if you have one available is to go to a Levi's store and get fitted to know your proper size in their brand. From there, you can search for better deals or order online when you need to replace them. And Hanna Anderssons are AMAZING for quality. Girls can absolutely live in the leggings and the dress to tunic to top as they age in them and still hand them down. I was bummed when the kids aged out of their size ranges and they had stopped selling as many options for adults.
There are companies that sell merino wool underwear such as US Dilling. I bought my long underwear at Oregon Mountain Community, my wool shirts and sweaters at Pendleton outlet store in Washougal, and my wool bib-overalls at Big Bill/ Codet. Most I've had since last century, with the exception of my new bib overalls that cost less through Big Bills than I could have spent for pants at surpus sites on the web.
Thanks for sharing these sources! They're new to me!
Angela, do you have any recommendations on where to start with learning to sew clothes by hand or make alterations?
What would be a good beginner friendly project?
I'm good at thrifting and I've always wanted to try doing my own alterations but not having a sewing machine felt like a barrier / too big an investment to test a new hobby. Hand sewing feels like a better place to start.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I love handstitching too but rarely sew clothes by hand. I'm definitely going to give it a go, especially when using difficult fabrics.
Bernadette Banner is UA-cam channel with a massive amount of hand sewing. It’s reconstructing historic clothing styles, but that’s cool. We can use some Victorian mob boss lady in our closets.
I adore wool and to those who say it wears out…I’m not sure where u r buying ur wool but moths r the only problem I’ve ever had.
Maybe the tightness of the weave or initial thickness matters? I’ve had a few pieces of wool clothing that I wore holes in relatively quickly (a year of heavy use) but I do know I’m hard on my clothes. Also I wash them in the washing machine and maybe that thins them too (they were advertised as machine wash).
The type of wool and the weave will also change how hardy it is - I have some baby alpaca and silk woven wool pieces that are wonderfully warm and light (and water resistant), but are not nearly as hardy against rubbing as more durable wools, and I would not wear them anywhere I needed to do dirty chores.
I tried a few merino wool tops, I mainly wear them while sitting and the back and arms were all pilled within the first winter. One also has holes in the sleeve, not sure if it was moths or if the sleeves caught on something. I assume I bought a less hardy wool garment, but I'm not sure how to find/identify longer-lasting ones.
5:15 if they have younger kids, they can also join their local buy nothing group, so it won't be as much of a hit to the pocketbook.
I've always wanted to learn how to make my own clothes but I've never had access to a sewing machine. I definitely at the very least need to learn how to hem because I'm short and it would seem most clothing manufacturers think the average woman is like 5'7.
Awesome! Thank you!
I have a few woolen pieces that were my grandmothers. It’s not natural materials, but I have a slip that was my other grandmother’s. I’ve used that slip so often since she gave it to me back in college.
I thrift or sew most of my clothes. Unfortunately I am allergic to wool. Even superwash. But i try to make as many things as I can afford out of alpaca. Which is not much.
WoolX is pretty great, their leggings are 85% wool and wear really well in farm conditions. I've placed a pre-order for NUI silk leggings that should come later this month. Wool& my dress ran in several places and has lots of holes from farm wear. I used to wear Wintersilks as a kid when I was riding, I'll have to look them up and see if their stuff is still as hard wearing. I had a shirt that lasted me through college with regular barn wear.
Silk is wonderful, and mine lasted forever until I "grew" after menopause. Still looking for good replacements. My bamboo socks and undies are also good, but I don't know how the socks would do under farm use conditions.
@@bjdefilippo447 where do you get your bamboo from?
I like my woolx leggings but sadly they are on their way to getting a crotch hole and they are only a year or so old. Also, they do have some nylon and elastic so not biodegradable. I am eagerly awaiting bio based elastane to become mainstream and then these items could be composted but it's not widely used yet.
@@r.h.lincoln9889 mine got a hole along the seam in the butt. I repaired it with some embroidery floss in mock flat lock stitch and it's held well. Mine are going on 2 years and I wear them 3 days a week? They are definitely thinning though, but they are my only pair. With 85% wool you can compost it and it'll leave a nylon skeleton that you can remove later. Verms also like it and make it easy to remove the nylon later.
@@WynterDragon that sounds interesting and I'd love to know more about how to remove the nylon skeleton. However, at the moment I don't do my own composting and use the local compost service in my town.
I haven't been able to find wintersilks. I used them for years and needed to replace a slip that I "outgrew" and haven't been able to find them.
IIRC they merged w another company at some point - I think maybe Chinaberry????
A follow-up question that hopefully someone might have an answer to - for someone who wants to buy sustainable and tailored clothing, but actively dislikes to sew (and has carpal tunnel besides, making it painful as well), is there a way to find sewists who are willing to make custom garments? I'm willing to pay fairly for the work, even if it means saving up and only buying one or two pieces a year, but the only thing I've been able to find are people who do alterations, not creating items to fit. :( Any tips would be appreciated.
Love watching your stuff. Ive been teaching myself to knit but omg 100% wool balls are so expensive to buy. For now while I'm stil practicing I've reconciled to go with wool mixes and just keep shopping around for good ones. I remember watching the video a while back where you were spinning the dog's shedded fur! Did you make anything from that? 💚
One thing to try is watch vids online that explain how to seek out wool sweaters at thrift stores where you can then unravel the yarn, wash it, and knit it into something more to your liking. They have to be sweaters made a certain way, but it can be one way to get yarn for a lot cheaper.
❤
I was given several used wool sweaters that are unbearably itchy. Any tips for how to make them less itchy?
Not a ton you can do but wear a base layer. Wool itchiness has a lot to do with the breed and some folks are way more sensitive to it than others. I am lucky that itchier wool doesn't really bother me. But I do like to tuck a kerchief or scarf inside the collar of itchier wool sweaters. Like a little ascot?
Treat it like your hair, use shampoo and conditioner
@ParkrosePermaculture great idea! I wore one today with a long-sleeve base layer, and the only part that was itchy was the collar. A little scarf would be perfect!
@@greenwitchnutrition7860 or a dickie (those things that fake like you are wearing a full shirt/blouse underneath)
That outfit is beautiful!
Can you do a video on affording an expanding family now? I realize you're kids are older at this point, but we'd love to expand our family but are worried about the financial realities. I know the joke on the internet is to have had them at least 10 years ago, but any tips from someone who understands the cost of living crisis and the joy (and difficulties!) of parenting appreciated. Thank you!
Yes! Thanks for this suggestion!
I find it non-credible that woolen underwear would last generations of wear. WOOL WEARS OUT.
I‘m truly confused as to the hill you’re willing to die on. Wool is awesome. You, apparently, don’t know how to care for it. Also, don’t buy it off Temu or Shein. Are you an employee of DuPont?
@@reignofbastet😂🎯
Living in the mountains I became proficient at finding excellent woolen clothing from the thrift store. A lifelong SCAdian I know care for and repair of natural fiber fabrics. If you think wool sweaters never wear out, wool underwear never wear out, you are the one who is pretending knowledge
Hey earthsystem! Are you accusing Angela of lying? Maybe you misheard? She didn't say wool lasts forever. If wool is properly cared for, yes, it can last for a very long time. Obviously, you have never set foot in a vintage shop.
when did I say it didn't wear out? I have several videos on MENDING worn woolens bc they do experience wear n tear. I have videos on cutting up wool skirts of mine that have worn too thin in the behind and repurposing them into hats and potholders. OF COURSE natural fibers wear.
I've also said REPEATEDLY that wool can be composted AT THE END OF ITS LIFE. That includes being worn threadbare.
Also, are you accusing me of lying? What an absolutely bizarre thing to do.
Honestly honestly I get sad hearing you gloat about old woolen clothes you inherited. That does not help any one of us who doesn’t have old granny’s wool wardrobe. My granny lived in balmy California.
I learned to love wool when I lived in the snowy mountains. And seek it at thrift stores. Generally it already has moth holes, if I can find it at all.
And I find it non-credible that an average woolen underwear would last generations of where.
I’ve purchased wool clothing pieces over 15 years ago, and still have them. If you buy fast fashion, you get that quality. I get it can be expensive, but I purchased thousands of dollars of gear for basically pennie’s on the dollar, by purchasing at the end of the season. I’ve also found some wool in thrift stores. It can be done, you just have to be resourceful.
ETA: yes, if you purchase decent quality and clean it appropriately, it’ll last *more* than one generation. I’m not sure if you’re just a hater or just have a defeatist attitude.
I'm very experienced with wool and linen clothing. Natural fibers wear. That is a normal feature. I don't know much about silk, but wool and linen I know. Those fibers are strong and lasting, but they do experience normal wear and tear, and they will wear out, especially underwear that -- as she says -- are preventing thigh chafe. By definition fabrics preventing thigh chafe, are chafing against one another. A feature of natural fiber is that it does wear out.
@@earthsystem Blah, blah, blah was all I heard. You came here to troll, so you’re getting the same. Yes, ANY fabric in a high stress area, will wear out sooner. You’re right, you got me. Go be obtuse and argumentative with people that are at your same intellectual and experiential level. Some of us are actually trying to expand our knowledge base.
I agree with the comments pointing out your negativity. She wasn't gloating, she was excited about inheriting something that is still useful and beautiful. You are the type of joyless person that cannot stand others happiness and/or success.
@@Castle-Rocks I have some of my grama's clothing (a fashionable coat, and some dresses), and I am SO grateful I have them. She was born in 1913, and the clothing isn't wool, but yet it survived, because it was cared for. I miss her every day and am so glad I have things from her. I also believe that was what Angela was referring to.