Covid has brought about many changes in many, one way or another. I believe there are many out there who suddenly finds that clothings in the wardrobe just don't fit anymore. I being one of those 😏 Well, the obvious choice for many is either to buy new clothes or to work out and reduce those inches. Gaining weight for many is effortless, but losing them is not that simple. I needed a more practical solution that's not going to burn a hole in my pocket. While still in lockdown, i decided to recycle whatever i have in the wardrobe. The process has taught me that recycling whatever you already have can not only help you achieve self-sufficiency and self-sustainabilty, but also confidence. Not only will you have better control of your expenses in the long run, you also gain valuable knowledge/skills by doing what you normally will not do. At the same time, you will get to discover a NEW YOU. In the process, you will also get to conquer your limitations.
I learn to sew myself, through observation. When i was very young, my mum loves to sew. In order to get her attention, i will sit beside her when she does her sewing and before i knew it, i can sew, base on natural instinct. I recall when i was young, i was not being very happy with my brother's backpack and one day i ripped it apart because i wanted to change how it looked. My brother was damn furious because he thought i was being naughty. Covid lockdown was not the trigger to start recycling clothing. My mother was the trigger. I have a super frugal mother who refuses to let me buy new clothes for her, preferring to wear her clothes for years and telling me that they are super comfy compared to new clothes. I started with the idea of recycling my clothes, which are still in very good conditions but are too small, and made them fit her. I started cutting my long pants to 3/4 pants (she love those) and then making sure they are modified to fit her measurements. To my surprise, it was a really successful transformation.
Since then, i embarked on more difficult transformations whenever my time permits. I do wear my own transformations. Over the years, sewing has taught me courage, to be patient, to be flexible, to be focus, that many things are possible as long as you are determined to do it. Every time i embark on a new project, I will always be wondering what the outcome will look like. My mind wonders on the many possibilities yet nothing happens till i set my mind to make the first cut. It takes a lot of courage to make the first cut and i really mean the first cut. Because once you cut it off, there is no turning back, you either move on or stop here altogether. If you stop here, basically what you lost is not only the garment, but the opportunity to discover what lies ahead and probably your confidence. Once you go beyond the procrastinations, you'll be faced with problems and challenges along the way. It can be a repetitive and frustrating process, to get things right. Do not give up, no matter what the outcome. Make use of the experience you gain from the process to make your next project a better one. The skills that you learn will stay with you and become your strength. Human grow through life experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. Life and skills never separates, they go hand in hand. Life without skills is like life without light. Skills help us navigate life in a better way than having no skills. We should not shy away from picking up new skills to better our life. We don't have to be an expert, the expert of anything was once a beginner.
We will grow old someday, we will lose our ability to do things someday. Don't wait till the day to learn something new. Give yourself a chance to discover who you really are, what you are capable of doing. Be honest with yourself, acknowledge your flaws, weaknesses. Work hard to overcome and turn them into your strength. Be bold, push yourself and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Visit my recycle corner for a glimpse at some of my humble projects.
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