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lesbianzhane · 4 years

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gigi goode does NOT simp (crygi)

gigi goode is a popular instagram designer and model. her friend, jan, constantly posts photos with a pretty girl that gigi falls head over heels for. when nicky throws a party, and that pretty girl just so happens to be there with jan, gigi knows that her friend was pulling out some sort of scheme.

ao3 link!

Gigi never liked to call herself an ‘influencer’. The word seemed far too snobby, and she really didn’t believe she was all that big of a deal online. Sure, she had a couple hundred thousand (closer to a million, really) followers. But, in the grand scheme of things, did that really matter? People would tire of her one day, they’d find another pretty fashionista to gush over in the span of a year. For the time being, she just wanted to bask in whatever glow she had. The fame would come and go, and soon she’d be left with nothing but the memory of her silly little instagram account.

Speaking of, the blonde haired girl set up her next post. Her caption had been some witty pun made up by her best friend, Jackie, because obviously she wouldn’t think of something so endearing yet stupid at the same time. Gigi usually ripped her captions from stupid things her friends would say, or she would force Nicky to translate some song lyric into french and use that. She wasn’t exactly the most creative when it came to captioning her posts, but she made up for it with the fact that the clothes she wore were all hand designed.

Ever since she could remember, Gigi loved fashion. She loved being able to make things that people loved and wished they owned themselves. She adored the way that people would ask her where she got a garment, and how she could answer that she made it herself. Most inspiration she had came from her mother. She had been a seamstress as well, and as a child Gigi would watch her work. She was fascinated with how easily her mother put together clothes, and she started designing at a young age. It’s what led her to where she was now.

Gigi began posting her outfits on Instagram a year prior. She didn’t expect it to go anywhere, really. So, when she started gaining followers, she was completely shocked. People actually liked her designs and her fashion enough to follow her. Enough to anticipate her next post. It was mind boggling to her.

As she hit post, she scrolled down her Instagram feed. It was mostly filled with her friends. Jackie’s silly little Star Trek stan account that she had insisted Gigi followed, and Nicky’s own fashion account. Jackie had even forced her to follow the girl she had been pining after for years now, Jan, and she could have sworn the girl combusted when she got that follow notification. The direct message that followed consisted of a fully caps locked message, and a whole bunch of spelling mistakes that Gigi couldn’t even count.

Pausing her scrolling, one post in particular caught her eye. It was from Jan, posted about an hour ago. In the photo, Jan was smiling brightly with a taller girl standing by her side. Her bouncy red curls were flying all over the place, and her smile lit up the entire photo. Gigi loved when Jan posted photos like this. She didn’t even know the name of the mystery person, and there was never an account tagged in the photos. Gigi was left wondering who that beautiful girl was, and of course she brought it up everytime she saw Jan.

Gigi could recall the most recent time she brought up the mystery girl. Her, Jan and Jackie were gathered around a busy diner booth, all sharing one basket of fries. It was a silly idea, because Jan could eat far faster than the other two, so by the time Gigi had tuned back into the conversation, half the basket was already gone. She didn’t really mind though. She was aimlessly scrolling through her Instagram, as she does, when another photo of the mystery girl popped up on her feed. She slid her phone towards Jan, quirking an eyebrow.

“Who is this?” Gigi had a rather harsh tone of voice, and oftentimes she sounded meaner than she had intended to. But, Jan knew her well enough to see past that.

“That’s me and my friend, why?” Jan was much more upbeat than Gigi was. Sometimes, the blonde would wonder if Jan had ever felt any emotion aside from happiness.

“Yeah but like, what’s her name? Her Instagram?” Gigi pressed forward.

A grin spread onto Jan’s lips, and she snatched Gigi’s phone up. “Are you being a simp? Are you simping for my friend who you have never met?”

“What does that even mean?” Gigi attempts to snatch her phone away from Jan, all while Jackie sits back and does nothing to help her. Some best friend she is. “Jackie, help me.”

“I want no part in whatever you two are doing.” Jackie throws her hands up, before taking another fry and popping it into her mouth. It’s so like Jackie to not get involved in their silly squabble, it makes Gigi wonder why she loves the girl so much. Except, not really. She knows why.

“Give me my phone! I don’t even know what a simp is.” Gigi stretches across the table until she’s practically kneeling on it. It’s garnered the attention from other occupants in the diner, most of them wondering what the hell this twenty something year old is doing. Gigi pays no mind, finally grasping her phone and sinking back down into her seat.

Jan goes on to explain exactly what a simp is to Gigi, and the girl can't even deny the fact that maybe she is simping a little bit. She doesn’t think it really counts though, she’s never sent this mystery person any money. She doesn’t even know her name for crying out loud.

It’s about a week later, and Gigi still has no answers to who this person is. Jan refuses to tell her, for whatever reason. She has to push those thoughts aside for the moment, because their close friends are throwing a party that evening and she still has yet to get dressed. She moved over to her closet, rifling through her clothes for something suitable. It wasn’t something super fancy, so she could skip out on long gowns. She didn’t really feel like showing up in a cocktail dress either, though.

After searching for an allotted time that she doesn’t really want to admit, Gigi finds the perfect outfit. It’s a turtleneck shirt that hugs her figure like a glove, and it has a beautiful floral print on it. She pairs it with a simple high waisted short, tucking the shirt into them. It makes her waist look skinny, and her legs long. She adds a small little pink scarf tied around her neck. She pairs it with a matching pair of pink boots that make her even taller, and she looks over her outfit in the mirror. It’s perfect for a casual party, plus she looks pretty enough for anyone new she might meet.

Grabbing her purse, she slips her keys into her hand and heads out the door. Thoughts of the mystery girl are completely void from her mind, which was rare. She was glad for the distraction though, and she drove towards Nicky’s house with Clario blasting throughout her car.

Nicky has much more money than Gigi did. Her house was larger than Gigi thought was possible, and the other woman surely didn’t need that much space. It helped though, when she had parties like this. Though it was mostly kept to close friends, other friends were brought around and it made the house bustle with noise. Gigi stepped inside without even knocking, knowing Nicky well enough that she didn’t find it necessary to do such a thing.

As she was crossing the main hall to go find where her friends were tucked away, she saw her. Long legs covered by a pair of worn out denim jeans that were absolutely covered in iron on patches. She was wearing a bright green blouse that hung loosely off her shoulders, and it was unbuttoned enough to reveal the white tank top she was wearing underneath. Bracelets and necklaces clinked together every time the girl moved, and there were the signature red curls adorning her head. She looked even prettier in real life.

Before she could even take a deep breath, Jan was by her side tugging on her wrist. Gigi stumbles a bit, still a little dazed from seeing the mystery girl from all those photos right in front of her. “Hey girl! You drooling? Better pick your mouth up off the floor before she notices!”

The music from the house pumps in her ears, and she can barely hear Jan making fun of her because of it. Barely being the key word here. Gigi shoves her, puffing out her cheeks. “I didn’t know she would be here. You should have told me, you bitch!”

Jan simply laughs, grabbing Gigi’s wrist and pulling her over towards her. She can feel her heart in her throat as they get closer, and Gigi has time to appreciate just how beautiful this girl is. Sure, her fashion is louder than Gigi’s, and she certainly looked more creative than herself. Her features were soft, her lips look fuller in person if that was even possible. Gigi was absolutely blown away, how was it possible for someone to be that pretty?

Before she could get over whatever she was feeling, the mystery girl was right in front of her. Her smile lit up the whole room, and Gigi was finding it difficult to even breathe in the presence of this girl. She was already striking up a conversation with Jan that Gigi was tuning out. In favor of listening, she was simply staring at the girl and hoping that she would be swallowed by the floor. She couldn’t do this, she couldn’t talk to someone this pretty. All the confidence she prides herself on having was washing away. And then, that smile was directed at her, and she thought she might just pass out.

“Hi! I’m Crystal!” Crystal. That was her name. Such a perfect name for such a perfect girl. Gigi thought that Crystal suited her, considering she was about as unique as a crystal. None of them looked perfectly the same, and they all stood out on their own.

“Uh..” Gigi stuttered over her words, looking around the room as if she had forgotten her own name. “Gigi! I’m… Gigi.”

“Pretty name for such a pretty girl!” Crystal shot her a wink, and Gigi felt her heart stop in her chest. The way the music pounded made her feel dizzy, and Crystal giving her that flirty little smile wasn’t helping at all. Gigi simply laughed the compliment off, waving her hand and excusing herself from the two of them. She needed to get some air.

Stepping out onto Nicky’s back patio, Gigi looked down at the pool below her. There was a small staircase that led down to the pool's edge, and with the beginning of summer fast approaching, Nicky had just opened up the pool. The water shone with the sunset, rippling and allowing Gigi to get lost in her thoughts. The mystery girl, Crystal, had actually been here. Jan was probably planning this all along. Gigi wouldn’t be surprised if the reason she kept any and all information a secret was for this exact night. Actually, she guaranteed that was the reason.

Reaching into her pocket, Gigi took out the one object that always brought her comfort. Her phone. She opened her Instagram, scrolling through her notifications until a certain name popped out at her.

crystalemethyd has followed you!

Crystal Methyd. That was her full name. She clicked onto the page, finding herself lost in scrolling through pictures of the beautiful girl. Her follower count was low, and it was clear that this was a personal account and not a business one like Gigi’s. Crystal's vibrant smile captivated her, and she didn’t even hear the door to the patio opening. She was far too engrossed in the current photo of Crystal holding up her cat and laughing at the camera. The way her eyes crinkled slightly was absolutely adorable, and Gigi couldn’t tear her eyes away from it.

“That’s my cat, Tic Tac.” The sudden voice behind her startled her, and Gigi nearly dropped her phone down into the pool water below them. She took a deep breath, locking her phone quickly and pressing a hand to her chest.

“You can’t just sneak up on somebody like that, jeez!” Gigi puffed up her cheeks, though her voice was much softer than she intended. Crystal just laughed quietly at her, holding her arms up.

“I’m sorry! You were just standing out here by yourself, thought you could use some company.” Crystal shrugged, and Gigi had to force herself to look away from those perfectly painted lips. She looked up to the sky, watching the way it melted from a light purple to a beautiful pink. The edges of the sun were setting, and she could see how all the colors blended together to make a masterpiece.

“So…” Crystal broke the silence. “Why are you out here scrolling through my Instagram? Are you some sort of stalker or something?” The playful grin on her lips made Gigi’s heart tremble, and she looked away quickly.

“No! I just noticed you followed me.” She swallowed. Since when was she this awkward? Never in her life had she found herself fumbling for words like this. “I’ve seen pictures of you and Jan before. You were never tagged in any of them.”

“Oh yeah, I didn’t want Jan’s followers like hounding me or something.” Crystal laughed again. “People on the internet are scary. And mean.”

It was the first time since she had seen Crystal that her smile faltered. There was a flash of nervousness, of insecurity in her eyes before it was replaced by that confident aura that seemed to follow her. “Yeah.” Was all Gigi could bring herself to say.

The two of them stood in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, both sneaking glances at the other. Gigi still couldn’t believe how beautiful Crystal was in person, and that fact that she was really standing in front of her was starting to settle in. As if the silence was actually physically hurting her, Crystal brought her hands down onto the railing of the patio, forcing Gigi to look over to her.

“Well, it’s been great standing here and doing nothing.” Crystal starts, and Gigi assumes that she must think she’s the most boring person in the whole world. “But, Jan is going to throw a fit if I don’t help her with Jackie. That’s why I’m here after all. And for this mystery girl who has been simping over me for a while.”

Crystal winks at her, and Gigi feels her entire face go red. Of course Jan had told her about that, because why wouldn’t she. She swore that she would get back at her at some point, probably by using Jackie against her. Really though, she knew that Jackie wouldn’t go along with it.

Crystal grabbed her arm, producing a pen from her pocket. Gigi hadn’t even realized what was happening until she felt the numbers being scrawled across her arm. They were loopy and beautiful, and she never wanted to wash them off. She gasped at the numbers that were clear for anyone to see, and Crystal just grinned at her.

“You do know I have my phone with me, right?” Gigi challenges her, and Crystal just waves her hand.

“Where’s the romance in that, miss Goode?” With those final words, Crystal shoots her one last wink and disappears into the house. Gigi is left standing there, mouth hung open as she tries to process what had just happened. Did Crystal want to go out with her? Was this a date invitation?

Gigi had no idea. But she took her phone out, copied the number into it and put a cute little heart next to Crystal’s contact name. After a few deep breaths, she went back inside to find where the hell Nicky and Jackie were. Plus, she wanted to see whatever scheme Jan had planned to swoop Jackie off her feet.

Gigi never really understood slang, despite her follower count. Most of it went over her head, and she wasn’t well versed in meme culture. But, in the words of Jan, maybe she was a simp.

And maybe that was okay.

#rupauls drag race #rpdr #rpdr12 #rpdr fanfiction #rpdr fic #crystal methyd #gigi goode #nicky doll #jackie cox #jan sport #crystal x gigi #gigi x crystal #crygi #goodemethyd #jankie #its implied tho

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duncanbarker-blog · 5 years

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Simon has been ling with Bluffworks Original pants for six years, so he was excited when Bluffworks released a pair of -friendly jeans.

The Bluffworks Departure jeans look like classic denim but are softer, stretchier, and lighter than regular jeans. They are super comfortable and Simon barely took them off during our two months ling around Japan. As always with Bluffworks pants, they even have hidden pockets for extra security on the road.

In this Bluffworks jeans review, we share our thoughts on the pros and cons of the jeans and compare them to the Bluffworks pants.

Disclosure: Bluffworks provided us with these jeans for review, but we only give our honest opinions, and if Simon didn’t love them, he wouldn’t still be ling with them.

Bluffworks Departure Jeans Details

Fabric: 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex Pockets: Five classic jean pockets plus two hidden, zippered pockets in the back waistband Sizes: Waist from 28 to 40 inches and length from 28 to 36 inches Fit: Slim or regular Colour: Medium wash blue denim Cost: $125 (free US shipping and exchanges) Buy from: Bluffworks website

Bluffworks Jeans Features

Style and Fit

After nine years on the road, we don’t want to look like lers—we want to be able to wear regular-looking clothes that perform well on the road. This is something that Bluffworks does really well (and why a large portion of Simon’s wardrobe is made up of their clothes!).

Unlike many pants, Bluffworks jeans don’t look like technical pants. They look like normal jeans in a slightly faded indigo blue with all the traditional denim details like five pockets, brass rivets, and dual stitching in contrasting yellow and orange thread.

We love the classic styling without any unnecessary details or branding (just a simple Bluffworks patch on the back).

Jeans are the most common garment you’ll find anywhere in the world, and with the Departure jeans, you’ll definitely fit in.

Simon has the Slim Fit jeans which work well for him. They don’t cling to the leg like skinny jeans, so they are more breathable but still have a modern look.

They also come in Regular Fit, which might be better if you have larger thighs or prefer a looser fit.

Due to the stretch in the fabric, Bluffworks recommends ordering one size down from usual. Simon didn’t do this and wishes he had, as they did stretch out after a few wears and are a little too loose now (it’s also possible that he lost weight in Japan!).

We also found that the jeans are a tiny bit (less than half an inch) longer than the Original pants even though he got a 32” leg in both styles. I think Simon’s jeans look longer because they are looser at the waist. They gather a little at the ankle but this doesn’t bother him, and they also look good with the cuffs turned up.

If you are unsure about the best fit, you can take advantage of the free exchanges.

Pockets

The Bluffworks jeans have the classic five pockets—two front pockets, one coin pocket on the front, and two back pockets.

In addition, Bluffworks has added two hidden pockets in the back. Hidden pockets are one of our favourite features with Bluffworks clothing because they are so useful for . It was a hidden pocket that prevented Simon from losing his phone when pickpocketed (they got his wallet which was in a regular pocket). Jeans with hidden pockets are unusual so we were pleased to see this feature.

The hidden pockets on the Departure jeans are so discrete that it took me a while to find them. They are accessed from below the waistband (above the regular back pocket) where a hidden flap is camouflaged in the seam. It’s practically invisible and only when you lift the flap do you see the zip. This is so unusual that no one will know it’s there.

We’ve taken out the Bluffworks jeans hidden pocket here so you can see the lightweight design

These pockets sit inside the jeans and are quite deep and made from a thin, water-resistant, silky polyester. The fabric is so light that you don’t notice it when you are wearing the jeans.

The hidden pockets work best for slimmer items like cash, cards, and passports. They aren’t ideal for bulkier phones and large wallets. Although, even if someone could see their shape, they’d have a tough time figuring out how to access it!

A passport fits inside the hidden pockets (there’s one on each side on the back)

You can barely see the passport here or how to access it in the hidden pocket

Simon hasn’t needed to use these pockets so far. Partly because Japan is so safe (where he’s worn them most), and also because he prefers not to put things in his back pockets as it’s not comfortable to sit down on.

While you can easily fit a passport in the pockets, you can feel it if you sit down—it’s not ideal for long bus trips but walking around a crowded market would be fine.

Our one complaint with the Bluffworks jeans is that they don’t have the hidden front pockets that the Chinos and Original pants have. We think these are more practical for storing a phone and wallet on a daily basis. I imagine this decision was because they worked hard to keep a classic jeans look.

Comfort

The comfort factor is where the Departure jeans really stand out and why Simon wore them almost every day for two months.

They are ultra soft and have just enough stretch that they are much more comfortable than stiff classic denim.

Whether you are wearing them on a plane or sightseeing all day, these jeans feel great. Simon has worn them on two-hour hikes, bike rides, axe-throwing, temple-hopping, and for 12-hour days at Universal Studios and Tokyo Disney theme parks.

Hiking up 12,000 steps at Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto

Spending a long, cold day at Universal Japan

The fabric is breathable and versatile. They kept Simon warm in the Japanese winter (where it snowed at one point) but cool enough when he wore them in Singapore’s steamy climate. While shorts are more practical in the tropics, it’s good to have a pair of jeans that don’t make you overheat if you do want to wear them.

Simon wearing the Bluffworks jeans in hot, humid Singapore (where he also wore them axe-throwing!)

Weight

At 11 oz fabric weight per yard versus the standard 14 oz denim, Bluffworks jeans are lighter than regular jeans. They are not ultra light and will still take up a decent amount of space in your luggage, but for those of us who don’t want to without jeans, they are a good compromise.

Plus they are comfortable enough to wear on the plane, so you don’t even need to pack them.

If weight is a priority, it’s best to leave the jeans behind and with the Bluffworks Originals instead (see the comparison below).

We haven’t been able to weigh the Departure jeans yet, but Bluffworks says a pair with a 33″ waist weighs 23 oz (650g). Simon’s Original pants in a 29″ waist weigh 13.4 oz (380g).

Bluffworks Original pants on the left and Bluffworks jeans on the right

Care

The jeans are machine washable and can be line or tumble dried. They do recommend washing them alone for the first wash as the indigo dye can transfer—we just washed them first with a few black items and have had no issues since including them in our regular wash.

They aren’t as quick drying as other Bluffworks pants, but we’ve found they air dry reasonably quickly (within a day in Japan and a half day in Thailand). They don’t wrinkle after washing.

After five months of wear, the jeans are holding up well and haven’t shrunk or lost colour (although they will fade over time like classic denim). After years of wearing Bluffworks products, we can vouch for the quality of their clothes and expect the jeans to be just as durable. We’ll report back as time goes on.

Where to Buy

The Bluffworks Departure Jeans are only sold on the Bluffworks website and cost $125 with free shipping and exchanges within the US. They also ship internationally for a fee.

Bluffworks is a small American company and their customer service is excellent. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or need to find your perfect fit—they’ll exchange unworn pairs for free within 90 days.

We have arranged a 10% discount on Bluffworks products for our readers. Just click the link below and use the promo code NEVENDVOY at checkout.

Check out the Bluffworks Departure Jeans on the Bluffworks website.

Bluffworks Jeans vs Original Pants

Simon in Paris in the Bluffworks blazer, Meridian shirt and Original pants

The Bluffworks Original pants have been an essential part of Simon’s wardrobe for years. They are one of only two pairs of pants he owns (and now the Departure jeans are the second!).

How do the Bluffworks jeans compare to the Original pants?

The Bluffworks Departure jeans are:

Styled like classic jeans

Softer

Stretchier

Heavier

Bulkier

Less quick-drying

Wrinkle-resistant

Warmer in cold climates

$27 more expensive at $125

Available in one colour (medium wash denim)

Have two hidden back pockets

The Bluffworks Original pants are:

Dressier on more formal occasions

Lighter

Smaller to pack

Quick-drying

Wrinkle-resistant

Stain-resistant

Cooler in warm climates

Better for hiking

$27 cheaper at $98

Available in six colours

Have two hidden front pockets

The Bluffworks Original pants are the best all-round pants as they are lighter, dry more quickly, and are more versatile (wear them on a six-day hike or to a wedding—Simon has done both). If you are ling with just one pair of pants, you can’t go wrong with these.

But nothing beats the comfort and ability to blend in that a good pair of jeans provides. And the Departure jeans are a great pair of jeans.

If you are ling to both hot and cold climates, the combination of a pair of Bluffworks jeans and the Originals is ideal.

Read our Bluffworks pants review for more details about the Original pants.

Other Bluffworks Travel Clothes

The Departure jeans pair well with the Bluffworks dress shirt and blazer

It has been a pleasure to watch Bluffworks grow in recent years from their first pair of pants launched on Kickstarter to a wide range of -friendly clothing.

Simon also s with these Bluffworks items:

Gramercy Blazer – Only Bluffworks could convince Simon to with a blazer! This blazer is wrinkle-free, machine-washable, and perfect for business or if you need more formal attire (it was useful in Paris and Italy). The gazillion pockets are brilliant when flying as he can easily stash his passport, boarding pass, Kindle, and other valuables securely. See our Bluffworks blazer review for details.

Meridian Shirt – A super soft, breathable dress shirt that doesn’t wrinkle and looks great. Dress it up with the blazer or down with jeans.

Threshold Performance T-shirt – Could this be the perfect t-shirt? Simon hasn’t had his for long but so far, so good. It’s soft and comfy but is odour-resistant, moisture-wicking, and doesn’t look like a technical tee.

Bluffworks also makes chinos, dress pants, polo shirts, caps, and quilted vests. Browse the Bluffworks store here.

Do We Recommend Bluffworks Travel Jeans?

We highly recommend the Bluffworks Departure jeans. They are ultra comfortable and soft with just the right amount of stretch for any activity from long walks to sitting on a plane. They look like regular jeans, so you’ll blend in on your s, but the hidden pockets will keep your valuables secure. They are Simon’s new go-to pants.

That said, if you are ling to hot climates, packing ultralight, or need pants for hiking or formal occasions, the Bluffworks Original pants are still our pick for the best pants.

Check out the Bluffworks Departure jeans here. Don’t forget to use the discount code NEVENDVOY for a 10% discount.

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#travel #menstravel #menspacking #packingtips"

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liver-specialist · 4 years

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Creating patches with an embroidery machine

Embroidery is basically that form of art. By the help of which your clothes can reveal a glamour look. As the brands that you wear are all run by the form of embroidery.As firstly the brands that you want to wear are put into the machinery. Then they are provided with a command by the help of which you can create your favorable patches with an embroidery machine. Read the below article or visit the website http://digitizingservice.net/.

What is patch embroidery?

Patch embroidery is basically a is a form of needlework. By the help of which you can collect small pieces of the patch and make a new design into one collective form. The larger designs that can be made in the form of the patch in the different shapes and designers. All the embroidery digitizing patch services that you can get are all really make your outfit attractive.

How you can make and check your custom embroidery patch?

Custom embroidered patches provide a high-quality look without the high cost. As by the help of this you can get the flexibility of adding your custom design to any item of clothing regardless of its size, shape, or fabric.

What are the 4 ways to make embroidery patches?

Iron-On Patches: Iron-on patches are very fast and easy to attach. That is always helpful. Along with this, you can give these patches as gifts. Just include some simple iron-on instructions.

Fuse Fabric to the Embroidered Piece: Felt, wool, twill, and denim are all the best choices. But you must have yo take care when you are using a fabric that ravels especially if you are leaving any fabric to show around the embroidered design.

Cut and Finish Patch: In this, you have to Cut around and made the embroidered shape. After that follow the lines of the motif. And the leave some space around the embroidery.

Felt Sew-On Patches: This patch style requires minimum edge finishing. Because the felt won’t fray like other fabrics. And even it is sewn at a particular factory place. So that all your articles patches can be made easily and accurately.

How to iron on embroidery patches?

As there is the garment that you can use along with the heat. But in order to make this possibly happen. You have to follow certain steps. Ans these are mention here in the following manner:

Step 1: The first and foremost thing that you have to do is preheat the area where you have to apply the patch.

Step 2: After that place the patch over the surface. And then press it for 12 seconds using a heat press, or 30 seconds using a household iron.

Step 3: Do not move the iron around anywhere.

Conclusion:

If you also make you wear more glamorous. Then you can now embroider the patches on it. And make your product or article more attractive.

#custom embroidery patch embroidery patch iron on patch embroidery Tags4 ways to make embroidery patches

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deniscollins · 4 years

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Can Recycled Rags Fix Fashion’s Waste Problem?

In the fashion industry about 220 percent of the fabric used in the cut-make-trim phase is ultimately thrown out. In addition, brands frequently reject fabrics because they don’t match the desired shade exactly, and once a garment is complete, firms like Burberry burned $37 million of clothing and cosmetics to maintain “brand value” and H&M came under scrutiny after it was reported to have incinerated 60 tons of unsold merchandise. If you were an industry association leader, what would you recommend be done with all this waste? Why? What are the ethics underlying your decision?

Tucked away in the bowels of the Brooklyn Army Terminal is a 4,000-square-foot warehouse filled from wall to wall and floor to ceiling with garbage bags. They contain castoffs from New York’s fashion studios: mock-up pockets ripped from sample jeans, swatches in next season’s paisley print.

There is denim here in every wash, spandex in every hue. Dig through one bag and it is possible to find a little rug of carmine-colored fur and yards of gray pinstripe wool suiting. In another, embroidered patches from GapKids and spools of ribbon in velvet and lace.

Nearly 6,000 pounds of textile scraps arrive each week to be inspected, sorted and recycled by five staffers and many more volunteers at FabScrap, the nonprofit behind this operation. Since 2016, it has helped New York’s fashion studios recycle their design-room discards — the mutilated garments, dead-stock rolls and swatches that designers use to pick materials and assess prototypes.

So far, the organization has collected close to half a million pounds of fabric from the design studios of large retailers like Express, J. Crew and Marc Jacobs and independent clothiers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Their discards have been shredded and recycled into stuffing and insulation or resold to fashion students, educators and artists.

“So much waste gets created in the design process,” said Jessica Schreiber, the executive director of FabScrap. “But it’s the tip of the iceberg.”

As climate change has accelerated, corporations of all kinds have become increasingly preoccupied with their sustainability cred. Four-fifths of consumers feel strongly that companies should implement programs to improve the environment, according to a recent Nielsen study.

Clothing companies in particular have faced pressure to change, from politicians, protesters at fashion shows and shoppers of all ages who want to reduce their carbon footprints. The fashion industry is often erroneously cited as the second-most polluting business in the world, but overproduction, chemical use, carbon emissions and waste are certainly issues it contends with.

Ms. Schreiber understood early the angst that waste was causing designers. In 2014, she was overseeing the Department of Sanitation’s refashionNYC program, which collects old clothing and textiles at farmers’ markets and in participating apartment buildings.

She received a string of similar calls from brands including J. Crew, Eileen Fisher, Express, Mara Hoffman and Marc Jacobs. The companies were sitting on piles of seasonal prints and swatches that couldn’t be donated but shouldn’t be thrown out.

“It really hit a nerve with people,” Ms. Schreiber said. Half of the designers had resorted to hoarding scraps under their desks as they tried — and failed — to find places to give them away. “There was a lot of guilt,” she said, and no clear path.

Spinning a Sustainable Yarn

For a designer, cutting down on waste isn’t as simple as recycling a few bags of fabric every week. It requires overhauling the brand’s business model: forgoing seasonal collections; eschewing — or being rejected by — traditional retailers that accept only large orders and standard packaging; selling directly to consumers; and getting design teams to think about the sustainability and supply chain of each material and garment.

Dana Davis, the vice president of sustainability at Mara Hoffman and an early FabScrap adopter, remembered feeling anxious about how the company could better deal with waste. “It just felt burdensome,” she said. But after a conversation with Ms. Hoffman, the designer, it became clear to them that change was necessary.

The company began shipping swimwear in compostable bags and made long-term commitments to the materials it purchased. To cut excess inventory, the brand moved away from the fashion cycle and the industry norm of placing orders on projection.

There are still challenges — like making sure consumers and retailers actually compost the bags — but other brands are getting on board with changes at the design, manufacturing and distributional levels.

It’s hard to pinpoint how much waste is created before a garment even reaches the consumer. Factory waste is not tracked by outside agencies. Supply chains are now so complex and reliant on remote contractors and subcontractors that the companies can’t account for all the materials.

Even if a brand wanted to find out how much fabric waste it created, “it would be very difficult for them to research that, because different factories might have different processes,” said Timo Rissanen, an associate professor of sustainability at Parsons School of Design.

Wendy Waugh, the senior vice president of sustainability at Theory and a FabScrap client, knew that determining the brand’s total waste would be a challenge. The company works with many different fibers, which are sourced from all over the world. The company’s “Good Wool,” for instances, comes from a farm in Tasmania, and is scoured, spun and dyed at a mill in Italy before it is warehoused and sold around the world.

After a fiber is harvested and spun, it is sent to a factory where it is cut, dyed and trimmed. Reverse Resources, a software company that works with major apparel factories in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, found that 20 percent of the fabric used in the cut-make-trim phase is ultimately thrown out.

Linda Greer, the founder of the Clean by Design program and a former toxicologist at the N.R.D.C., has advised many garment and dyeing factories in China. She said that brands frequently reject fabrics because they don’t match the desired shade exactly.

“I’ve seen so many ‘weeping piles’ of miscolored fabric,” Ms. Greer said. “Sometimes they can touch it up. And sometimes they throw it away.”

Once a garment is complete, it can present another problem: excess inventory. In some cases those garments are incinerated, which prevents them from being resold at a discount, Mr. Rinassen said.

Last year, Burberry burned $37 million of clothing and cosmetics to maintain “brand value.” The previous year, H&M came under scrutiny after it was reported to have incinerated 60 tons of unsold merchandise.

Stephanie Benedetto founded Queen of Raw, an online marketplace for dead-stock fabrics and a FabScrap partner, after seeing how much manufactured material was sitting in warehouses ($120 billion worth, by her estimate). At that volume, she said, waste isn’t just environmentally irresponsible — it’s “a C.F.O. issue.”

Apparently, also, a marketing issue. Fashion companies have been quick to invest in environmentally friendly marketing. There have been capsule collections derived from natural fibers like orange pulp (Salvatore Ferragamo), pineapple leaves (H&M), grape skin (& Other Stories) and mushrooms (Stella McCartney), and a wide selection of recycled polyester made from fishing nets (Burberry) and beach-strewn plastic bottles (Adidas).

These usually amount to little more than P.R. gambits and short-term fixes.

Samantha MacBride, an assistant professor at Baruch College and a former waste management professional, said that the ideas big brands implement often reflect a lack of understanding about waste management.

The way to minimize trash, she said, isn’t by devising a green marketing strategy or using new technological fixes. “The key is to produce less,” she said.

Sorting Through Scraps

Standing on the FabScrap floor, it is impossible not to feel overwhelmed by the enormous pile of trash.

Ms. Schreiber noted that the bags in the facility were “almost irrelevant in the scheme of what is probably generated.” None of the overstocked garments languishing in company warehouses are here. Nor are the huge quantities of fabric that are tossed from the factory floor.

Beneath the heap, seven volunteers slowly and manually sorted by material every scrap that came in. They inspected and removed labels and rubbed the fabric between their fingers. It could not have been further from the mechanized processes at a recycling plant, which employ feats of engineering — eddy currents, magnets and near-infrared scanners — to identify and categorize various types of metals, plastic and paper.

There is no technology in use that can detect the differences between, say, spandex and wool. “The infrastructure is lacking,” Ms. Schreiber said. “Like the fact that the sorting still all happens by hand is bonkers.”

The recycling processes are similarly decades behind. Today, there are a number of companies, like Evrnu and WornAgain, that are just beginning to recycle fibers, a process that involves shredding and dissolving the fibers into a pulp that can be respun into a new fabric.

Ms. Schreiber said that if clothing scraps were treated “as a waste-commodity stream, not a nonprofit-managed material, we would be further along in the tech.”

In the back corner of the warehouse is one of FabScrap’s two shops, where it sells many of the larger pieces its employees and volunteers find among the scraps. On any given day, some fashion students stop by, shopping and drawing inspiration from the ends of dead-stock rolls that are cheaper here than at fabric stores in the city.

Jasmine Velazquez, a fashion student at F.I.T., studied some green leather that she wanted to use for an upcoming assignment. “I’d rather buy leather from here than support the industry like that. Sustainability should be more important to me because I am a student,” she said.

In June, FabScrap opened a second shop, on a block in the garment district teeming with secondhand shops, and just a stone’s throw from F.I.T.

Camille Tagle, the director of reuse and partnership at FabScrap and a former evening wear designer at Pamella Roland, pointed out some of the special fabrics that filled the shelves. There were rolls of baby blue suede and white cotton with geometric fil coupé accents. Above the shelves were nearly full cones of thread in colors that evoked a Pantone guide.

“If it doesn’t match by a fraction of a shade, it’s out,” she said.

One piece in particular, a shawl’s length of pink crinkle chiffon with sequined flowers, caught her eye. Each flower had at least three or four colors arranged in a different pattern. “It takes a lot of time,” Ms. Tagle said. “A designer had to communicate all of those details to the mill.”

A steady traffic of students and hobbyists came in to peruse the shelves and scour the scrap bins. Olivia Koval, who is pursuing an M.F.A. in textiles at Parsons, left the shop with a tote bag full of mutilated jeans and denim scraps. She planned to overdye and felt them together to make a larger fabric.

“For people to feel inspired by something that was headed for the trash is really important for me,” Ms. Tagle said.

Since opening six months ago, the Chelsea store has served 4,800 customers. Next year, FabScrap plans to set up operations on the West Coast.

In spite of what she has built, Ms. Schreiber is measured about FabScrap’s success. “This is such a small group of self-selecting companies, and this is a very niche part of their waste stream,” she said. “That’s what’s so frustrating.”

#Recycling #Fashion Industry

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fashiontrendin-blog · 6 years

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11 Unforgettable Past Russian Fashion Week Collections

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11 Unforgettable Past Russian Fashion Week Collections

Looks from collections by Ria Keburia (far left), Carmen Emanuela Popa (left), Tatyana Parfionova (center) , ZDDZ (right), and Dasha Gauser (far right)

17 years ago Russian Fashion Week was launched in 1999 (since then it’s become Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia) and the designers are currently showcasing their Spring/Summer ’17 collections in Moscow. Over the past 20 years Russian designers have been making names for themselves on the world stage getting recognition for their unique points of view and bold designs. The post-Soviet styles are unexpected, fresh and memorable and can be seen from October 13 – 17 during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia. As #MBFWR is underway take a look back at 11 unforgettable collections from some of Russia’s and Georgia’s most talented designers.

Alena Akhmadullina

Set in a mythical underwater locale, Alena Akhmadullina’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection proved that fashion is more than pretty dresses and expensive handbags but rather walking artwork. Inspired by Sadko, a medieval Russian epic and Hokusai’s The Great Wave of Kanagawa, Akhmadulina transformed satin, denim, fur and chiffon to look almost otherworldly. The collection’s dreamy color palette of soft aquamarines, sea foam greens and navy blues was complimented by a few unexpected pops of scarlet and lemon. The designer’s ability to create waves and foam out of denim and fur is truly nothing short of ingenious. This collection’s feminine silhouettes and wispy fabrics demonstrate the designer’s forward-thinking perspective making it unforgettable.

Most unforgettable look: Akhmadullina brought Hokusai’s Great Wave to life in the form of several vibrant dresses. The graphic waves crashing on the transparent fabric draped on the décolletage’s of the models was duplicated on the hemline creating quite the illusion. Not since Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian inspired collection has there been such a natural merging of art and fashion.

Alena Akhmadullina Spring/Summer 2016 Runway. Images courtesy Alena Akhmadullina

Araida

Araida’s Spring/Summer 2016 refined collection proves that simplicity is powerful and making a statement can be as easy as a baby blue jumpsuit over a white dress shirt. Though at first it might look conservative, (the models wore minimalist bonnets covering their hair) the collection was incredibly feminine with several striped patterns, long hemlines and dramatic capes. Araida made a great case for layering structured dresses with long sleeved shirts and white pants. What makes this collection unforgettable is the fresh combination of silhouettes and prints that are complex but also sensually mysterious.

Most unforgettable look: A stripped off the shoulder dress layered over a blouse with transparent sleeves and a cape attached created for an illusion of a garment. The simplicity of the model’s headpieces and makeup enhanced the beauty of this ensemble as it represented the strongest aspects of this collection. Araida abolishes the “no horizontal lines” rule proving that using a graphic print of various blue hues mixed with blacks and greys can be extremely flattering.

Araida Spring/Summer 2016 Runway. Images courtesy Araida

Carmen Emanuela Popa

Carmen Emanuela Popa’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection brought to life a futuristic dream unlike any other. Lace, quilting, exposed skin and a few feathers for good measure added delicate accents to the more serious collection full of tight bodices and floor length skirts. A limited yet rich color palette alone was alluring yet was only intensified by the sleek choice of fabric. The sheen on the satin reflected by the lights added another dimension to the garments if not creating a new texture in itself. The futuristic collection lends itself to a dystopian future where women wear satin bonnets and carry massive clutches as though they are babies. While some looks had drastic cutouts and transparent skirts, others were the stark contrasts resembling a more conservative, almost Amish-esque ensembles.

Most unforgettable look: An off-white, body-hugging structure with side cutouts and tulle skirt that embodies a bridal Milla Jovovich in the Fifth Element sans the orange hair. Like the other looks, the model’s head is covered in a cast-like padded headpiece but a lot more glamorous. Even though the garment is reminiscent of a protective sports piece, it’s still feminine and makes one wonder who is she, where is she going and what is she doing?

Carmen Emanuela Popa Spring/Summer 2014 Runway. Images courtesy Carmen Emanuela Popa

Contrfashion

Contradictory fashion is the basis of Contrfashion a group that enjoys the more unconventional side of design. Composed of several emerging designers, Contrfashion encourages playfulness, creativity and bold artistry within the many looks presented during this runway. The Spring/Summer 2015 collection had a mix of avant-garde and conceptual designs that could be seen in the underwater inspired looks from Olga Plenkina or the reinvented flower crown by Lilya Tymosh. This collection showcases the best of Russia’s emerging designers who are not afraid of larger-than- life silhouettes and mixing varying fabrics.

Most unforgettable look: a shipwreck inspired ensemble reminiscent of McQueen in his prime. Created by designer Alisa Gagarina, the entire look is draped fantasy brought to life as the model was propped on stilts with sails attached above her. It’s unexpected, bold and dramatic, a perfect representation of Russia’s design potential.

Contrfashion Spring/Summer 2015 Runway. Images courtesy Contrfashion

Dasha Gauser

As any Russian will proudly remind you, the periodic table of elements was in fact created by Dimitri Mendeleev though he probably didn’t envision it becoming a fashion statement. This scientific development was the clear inspiration behind Dasha Gauser’s nerdy-chic Fall/Winter 2016/2017 collection. The garments are playful as Gauser implements graphic patches, vibrant hues of lilac, yellow and orange offset by black and white chemical compound scribbles. There’s no shortness of the periodic print as Gauser manages to showcase it on jackets, scooped-neck dresses and even socks. The looks were completed with the models wearing long black gloves, sneakers and chic protective glasses. The collection is overall more Ivy League chemistry professor than it is mad scientist but there’s brilliant genius behind it nonetheless.

Most unforgettable look: Although it’s hard to pick, (each garment is cleverly printed with the table) the standout is a white knee length dress and lilac coat. The dresses doodle pattern paired with the printed coat are the perfect embodiment of the designer’s strengths. The entire collection is quirky and memorable the way a high school student wishes that science classes were.

Dasha Gauser Fall/Winter 2016/2017 Runway. Images courtesy Dasha Gauser

Fyodor Golan

Designer duo Fyodor Golan’s Fall/Winter 2013/2014 collection was a conceptual masterpiece that was equal parts art and fashion. Titled “Belle Du Jour” the looks presented were hypnotic and compelling showcasing what makes them a favorite with the likes of Lady Gaga and the Victoria & Albert Museum. The brand founded by Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman is all about skillful manipulation of fabrics, painted prints and unexpected proportions. There is a harmonious balance between ready-to- wear and costume within this collection as the designers go from a floral dress with nude illusion mesh to a gold metallic happy face adorned look. There’s an essence of Schiaparelli mixed with McQueen (who is listed as a previous employer) throughout the collection which at the end of the day is uniquely their own.

Most unforgettable look: A psychedelic strapless floral dress with swooping sides and a painted mask disguising the models appearance. The enigmatic painting of the mask is almost electric with a radiating blue that contrasts the deeper blue tones within the dress itself. Not only is the print of the dress enchanting but it manages to find its way off the garment and onto the models body as well. She is covered head-to- toe in the dainty flower motif that still feels fresh years later.

Fyodor Golan Fall/Winter 2013/2014 Runway. Images courtesy Fyodor Golan

Ria Keburia

Ria Keburia’s Fall 2015 collection is a fun and eerie post-contemporary costume party that tells quite a story as the designer is known to do. The Georgian Keburia has an eye for mixing fabrics and patterns wanting her clothes to “speak” to the audience and this collection, “Robbossanse”, did just that. Asymmetric hemlines, heavy knits, intricate masks and romantic prints are some of the components of this compelling collection. Well-constructed padded garments create new silhouettes and shapes in deep jewel tones complimented by the Cloisonne Enamel jewelry of fellow Georgian designer Sopho Gongliashvili. The essence of the designer’s work is storytelling as she looks to the past when clothing was associated with wealth but reimagined for today’s minimalistic, tech-driven world.

Most unforgettable look: Within a collection full of powdered wigs, complex bejeweled masks and rich fabrics each look is an editor’s dream. The one that encompasses the overall theme of the collection is a black velvet asymmetrical dress with pink quilted sides that open up to blue laced sleeves. It’s the modern day version of Marie Antoinette at the costume party as the look is completed with a white powdered wig and animated mask.

Ria Keburia Fall 2015 Runway. Photography by Alessandro Garofalo / Indigitalimages.com

RUBAN

The Fall/Winter 2014/2015 collection from design duo Julia and Alisa Ruban is nothing short of high end, well-constructed luxury. Though RUBAN was only established in 2010, the sisters have managed to attract a lot of attention and rightfully so. Playing up the female form with A-line dresses, soft ruffles and detachable peplums for extra volume, there was no shortage of silhouettes seen in this collection. The color scheme is soft and gentle with light pinks, an array of browns with deep lime in luxe fabrics as RUBAN is known to do. Hints of fur accented the pockets on a sublime green coat unexpectedly layered with another oversized grey bolero, perfect for those cold Russian winters. The added texture of tight ruffles created a voluminous effect in lieu of prints that was repeated in the form of headbands. This collection’s bold femininity fused with modern designs is what makes for a memorable runway.

Most unforgettable look: In a collection with pale leather dresses, ruffled peplums and opulent hues each ensemble looks like it belongs in an editorial. However, the sparkled brown dress layered over a peach toned trumpet bottom makes for a striking combination. The oversized effect of the dress elongates the model and the ruffles give extra volume without weighing down the look. The color play increases the richness of the garments which normally wouldn’t be paired together yet RUBAN proves why they should be.

RUBAN Fall/Winter 2014/2015 Runway. Images courtesy RUBAN

Tatyana Parfionova

Children’s doodles have never looked so high fashion. Tatyana Parfionova’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection was more than a case of child’s play; it was an innovative use of unconventional and playful prints. Pantsuits, dresses, quilted coats, gloves and a few swimsuits could be seen covered in colorful imagery out of the pages of a kindergartners sketchbook. The white garments were covered in vivid sketches of shoes, flowers, grinning ladies and even scissors giving a unique personalized touch. Once you get past the quirky prints its evident that the tailoring and execution of the garments are of the highest quality. While the collection was eye-catching to say the least, the most random aspect was on the models feet. Pairing socks with flip-flops is usually a look reserved for the time strapped running outside the house to pick up the mail, not to strut a runway. However, there’s always a first for everything and breaking the rules is part of the fun.

Most unforgettable look: An oversized white coat with baggy pants and printed socks. The padded coats edges are thinly piped in red which is the inner lining peeking out. With everything being printed it’s not hard to get lost in the joy of the bright colors that the designer implements. Parfionova does a great job at juxtaposing clean lines of her initially white garments with the messy, quick strokes of the colors that adorn them.

Tatyana Parfionova Spring/Summer 2014 Runway. Images courtesy Tatyana Parfionova

Viva Vox

Oleg Evseev’s Fall/Winter 2016/2017 collection for Viva Vox is dramatically elegant with rich hues and an almost poetic use of extravagant prints. Evseev has been with the brand since 2005 and drew inspiration from 1976’s Slave of Love, a Russian classic, for this grand season. The collection had an array of various looks from an ombre speckled dichromatic coat in navy blue and lemon yellow with a loosely draped hood to a luxe jacquard printed one shoulder tea-length dress. There was no limit on prints and metallic tones appropriately paired with voluminous silhouettes and long hemlines. Evseev seems to enjoy playing around with pattern so much that it’s not unusual to see a floor-length amethyst polka-dotted dress with a matching ruffled hood. What makes this collection memorable is the flawless femininity of each garment from its fabric choice to the impeccable execution, there’s mystery and allure within each look.

Most unforgettable look: Nipped at the knees in a black and white floral pattern, a ruffled coat that’s all volume on top creating the illusion of a hyper-feminine form. There are hints of lilac, blush and lime complimenting the thinly drawn flowers. This type of coat would be the dream of every It girl whether she’s roaming the streets of St. Petersburg today or was frequenting Parisian café’s in the 60’s, it’s timeless.

Viva Vox Fall/Winter 2016/2017 Runway. Images courtesy Viva Vox

ZDDZ

The dark, urban streetwear Spring/Summer 2016 collection from ZDDZ is a perfect representation of Russia’s youth using fashion to pull away from expected traditions. The designer behind the brand, Dasha Selyanova, uses graphic design, military uniforms and construction motifs as inspiration for her ready-to- wear collection. Shredded edges, ripped fishnets and chains for belts send a strong message of awareness on social and political issues. It’s the post-punk look of Russia’s underground youth with their defiant attitudes and intimidating use of eyeliner. For this collection ZDDZ pushes the limit by labeling the shirts “Anxiety”, “Depression” and “Insecurity”, addressing mental health issues without the stigma. Some pieces could pass for old psychiatric ward uniforms, witty symbolism that resonates in today’ social climate. Much of the collection used dark tones of black, navy and red offset by a few white or pale blush pieces. The show itself was also a non-conforming way of doing a presentation with models cast through Instagram and soundtrack written by rising Russian musician Zhenechka Bazarov.

Most unforgettable look: A low-rise pair of dark unisex slacks, ripped denim crop top layered with a Soviet red blazer was the most unforgettable look from a strong collection. The model had “Never Again” written on her hipbones that were seen in the cutouts of a pair of high-waisted tights. The ensemble was finished off with suggestive black facial and body markings and a black choker with the motto “Help Yourself” printed in white. It’s striking and symbolic proving fashion’s ability to be a tool for social change.

ZDDZ Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Photography by Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com

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thecoroutfitters · 7 years

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If you visit any department store or second hand store, you are bound to find more clothes than you know what to do with. No matter where you look, it seems like there is no end to cheap clothes that can be used for every occasion.

As a result, most people see sewing as a “hobby” or a skill that they don’t really need to learn. But many clothes will vanish very quickly after a disaster, so you might have a reason to buy a sewing machine and learn how to use it.

Here are ten things that may just change your mind on this matter.

What Kind of Sewing Machine is Best?

If you sew on a regular basis, choose a good quality, heavy duty sewing machine. Personally, I have always preferred Singer over any other brand. Modern sewing machines can be programmed for embroidery as well as many other complicated tasks. Do your research to make sure that the internal parts are sturdy enough to meet the challenges of stiff, bulky, or very thick material.

There are also many vintage models that still have metal gears and motors powerful enough to last for decades more. Just make sure that you have a finger guard installed if the machine doesn’t already have one.

It can be very dangerous if you don’t pay attention to where your fingers are in relation to the needle. As dainty as the sewing machine and needle may look, the motor is strong enough to push the needle right through your finger.

In addition, sewing by machine can also be a very hypnotic task. It seems simple enough to keep your fingers away from the needle, but it is all too easy to loose track and wind up with a serious, and very painful injury.

As a prepper, think about what you will do with devices that require electricity. It does not matter whether this loss comes from an EMP or a hurricane. The fact remains that modern sewing machines require electricity in order to run. If you are not confident in generators or DIY power generation methods, then look for foot or treadle powered sewing machines.

Today, you can choose from antique machines as well as newer ones. For example, the Janome 712T does not have a motor and runs without electricity. It is more expensive than motor powered machines, however the expense may be worth it if you want to be sure you can sew regardless of the electricity situation.

As Clothes Wear Out You can Remake Them

Not so long ago, you could buy a sweater or pair of jeans and expect them to last for several years. Today, even more “rugged” garments wear out in just a year or two.

Since you will not find new garments in the post collapse world, you will have to find some way to make your clothes last a bit longer. In this case, you can take apart old clothes and use a sewing machine to piece together parts that are in better condition.

Here are some things you can do with a sewing machine that are difficult, if not impossible to do by hand:

Many fabrics today have a good bit of stretch to them. When these fabrics are sewn by machine, it is much easier to create sturdy overcast stitches (a stitch commonly used to prevent fabric from raveling) that will not come apart. Even though it is possible to make overcast stitches by hand, it is hard to control the spacing and tightness of each stitch when dealing with stretchy fabric. No matter whether you are trying to sew together pieces of jersey knit, spandex, or some other stretchy material, a sewing machine makes the job much easier.

When people make garments with elastic in them, they usually fold the fabric over and then sew the seam so that a column is left to draw the elastic through. If you look carefully at commercial garments, you will often see the elastic is sewn directly onto the fabric. Since there is no margin or extra material to work, it will be impossible make a column for the elastic to go through. This, in turn, means that you would have to try and resew the elastic onto the garment by hand if you did not have a sewing machine. I can tell you from personal experience that there is no pin in the world and no elastic stretching device that makes this a comfortable, let alone feasible task. On the other hand, when you have a sewing machine, the weight of the foot and the tractors beneath the fabric easily keep the fabric in position while you manually pull the elastic so that it fits properly on the material.

Easier to Darn Socks and Other Items That Develop Holes

Have you ever just tossed a sock in the trash because it developed a hole? If so, then you may also be very unhappy with the fact that modern socks really do seem to wear out a lot faster than ones made just a few years ago. While it is not especially difficult to darn sock holes by hand, this task is also much easier to accomplish with a sewing machine.

You will also find that it is much easier to use a sewing machine to patch small holes in other kinds of garments without using additional material to make a patch.

When you use a sewing machine to stitch across a flat piece of fabric, you don’t worry about the fabric bunching up or becoming uneven. If you have never done embroidery on thinner fabrics by hand, you won’t realize just how hard it can be to repair holes on garments without a sewing machine.

Even if you try to put the fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep it from bunching, you will have a hard time getting good quality stitches that don’t rub at your skin when wearing the garment.

Sew Heavier and Coarser Fabrics

Before sewing machines were invented, our ancestors routinely sewed together furs and other thick, heavy materials. If you have denim garments, or clothes made from other heavy, coarse materials, you will find it very hard to make, let alone repair them without a sewing machine.

You will face problems associated with manufacturers that compensate for using less fabric by using stronger stitches or patterns of stitches to make a durable garment.

During crisis, you’ll face constraints on the nature and amount of fabric that you have on hand to work with. If you’ll be using old garments as a pattern for new ones, then you can also use smaller margins and come out with a functional garment.

If you try to duplicate these stitches by hand, you will find that it takes more fabric. Since sewing machines also use two threads (one under the fabric from the bobbin, and one from above on thread spool), the stitches will always be stronger and tighter than ones done by people who have limited experience with sewing.

Many people feel they can sew heavy fabrics by hand as long as they take their time and focus on making even stitches. In most cases, it will take 2 – 3 times longer by hand, and leave you with both eye and hand strain.

You won’t have time to spare in a survival situation. If you don’t have time to mend clothes or make them by hand now, don’t expect to do it then. A sewing machine would solve this issue and leave time for other tasks.

Make Money as a Seamstress or Tailor

There is no question that people are becoming more frustrated with commercial garments that do not fit right (since when does a petite woman of 5’3” have an inseam of 32 – 36”?!), look hideous, cost a lot, and do not last for very long.

The cost of fabric, patterns, and notions aren’t as cheap as they used to be, but many people are taking up sewing in order to have nicer clothes. If you become proficient as a seamstress, you can make money now as well as after a social collapse.

Custom Design Clothes that Meet Your Needs

When you go on a shopping expedition for prepper clothes, you are bound to be overwhelmed by all the coveralls, heavy jackets, Thinsulate gear, and camouflage prints. What happens when you are in an actual disaster and find out that you need to move to a warmer climate, or that most of the clothes in your stockpile won’t meet your needs?

A sewing machine can be used to make any kind of garment, including camouflage. Store away patterns in different sizes as well as a range of fabrics to meet all your needs, rather than completed clothes. From waterproof fabrics to denim and fleece, it is easy enough to add these items to your stockpile and then use them as needed.

Being able to design clothes is also very important if you have children or expect to have a baby after a major crisis. Given how many growth spurts children go through, you’ll need clothes that can be let out at the seams, or adjusted as needed.

When you buy modern clothes, there is no extra fabric let alone a way to modify larger garments for smaller sizes. And if you look at modern patterns, you will find many places where you can cut the pieces a bit larger, and then simply leave more fabric at the seams.

As a prepper, you know that your body is going to change a lot after a major crisis occurs. If food is scare, or you get very sick and lose a lot of weight; or you may wind up putting on a lot of water or edema.

Either way, all those clothes you stocked away may not fit properly, and worse yet, may restrict your movement. It is very important to have a sewing machine and fabric on hand so that you can make new clothes that fit properly.

Make Blankets and Quilts for Many Purposes

Do you have blankets and quilts hanging around that have been part of your life for decades? If so, then you may not give much thought to the availability of these items during crisis. Both novice and advanced preppers have been known to only keep a foil emergency blanket in their bug out bag.

But what happens when disaster strikes, you are on the road, and need something a bit warmer and sturdier? Even if you can find fabric and some kind of filler to make the blanket warmer, it can take days or even weeks to sew a quilt or blanket by hand.

In most cases, however, you can sew the exact same blanket or quilt using a sewing machine in just a few hours. You can use anything from worn clothes to fabric set aside in your stockpile to make blankets and quilts with ease using a sewing machine.

Here are just a few situations where you might wind up needing more blankets than you have on hand:

If you are trying to shelter animals that no longer have a building to live in. Blanket can offer warmth and comfort to stressed animal. They can also be used to temporarily restrain the movement of animals that need medical care, or for other reasons.

As a temporary shelter when there are no materials available for a tent.

To cover supplies or anything else that needs to be protected from dirt and dust.

All the blankets in your stockpile were stolen, burned in a fire, or ruined in a flood involving municipal sewage or other contaminants. At the very least, if you had a few clothes or some fabric that escaped the destruction, you can still sew them into blankets or quilts with a sewing machine.

Get More Out of any Fabric You Come Across

Surviving a social collapse is going to involve a lot of innovative thinking and action. Regardless of how much you have in your stockpile, or how well run your homestead is, just about anything can come out of the blue and send you into a tailspin.

Once you are in the situation, the things you underestimated are apt to stick out like sore thumbs and hurt just as badly. In this case, not having a sewing machine can make it difficult or impossible to make use of any fabric that may be available.

Consider a situation where you are moving through an area with very little vegetation. You have a sewing machine with you and a portable power system that can be used to run the motor. As you pass through an abandoned junk pile, you find a stack of clothes that cannot be worn; but not the rope that you so desperately need.

To resolve this situation, all you have to do is cut the garments up into strips and sew them together into longer pieces to make a rope. When you have a sewing machine, you can make use of pieces that are only a few inches long and about 2 inches wide.

If you tried this same task with hand sewing, you would not be able to consistently make strong enough seams in a reasonable period of time.

Make Or Repair Furniture Covers

Do you have an old couch or recliner that either needs to be thrown out or reupholstered? As trivial as this problem may seem when compared to others, it will only get worse after society collapses.

In particular, if you are bugging in, there is a chance that floods or other disasters may ruin your furniture to the point where you can no longer use it. For example, if you have a couch, the cushions and any other soft parts will have to be discarded.

Rather than throw the entire piece of furniture out, you can at least try to salvage the wood or metal frame that supported all the soft parts. Once the frame is repaired and safe to use, just about any fabric and soft stuffing can be used to “reupholster” the furniture. If you have a sewing machine, you can also sew much heavier fabrics or layers of fabric in order to make something more durable.

Similar to many other things, there will be a time in the post crisis world when people will do as much as they can to make pre-existing items last for as long as possible.

This, in turn, means that you can barter or trade your furniture repair skills for other things that you might need. As time goes on, you can also shift your furniture repair trade to actively making furniture from raw materials that others begin putting together in larger quantities.

This is the only ultra-precise machine that can spit-out personalized pieces of woodwork!

Build Shelter Covers and Carrying Aides

One of the worst things you can do as a prepper is think that bugging in means you will have shelter and that you won’t need to bug out for some reason or other. It is very important to understand that a crisis can come from where you least expect in.

For example, while the vast majority of preppers focus on problems that will affect the entire society, something may come along that affects only you or your family. This may include job loss, illness, or the sudden passing of a family member that enabled you to have shelter and security.

Even if you do a minimal amount of research on homeless people, you will find that it became impossible for them to afford shelter and the basics of life. No matter whether these people suffer from illness, addiction, or just plain bad luck, the fact remains they were not prepared for personal financial collapse.

Given the angst in our society these days against our incoming president, sabotage by those who dissent is entirely possible. Under these circumstances, you may find that one disaster after another will arise that leaves you without shelter.

Let me be clear in saying that a sewing machine won’t solve all your problems. However, you can use it to your advantage while you still have some assets to work with.

You can take old garments and sew them into blankets, carrying aides, and anything else that will make it easier for you to travel. If you can find a safe place to store the machine, then you may also be able to make some money with it and get back on your feet.

There is also no question that many homeless people today live in cars and trucks. While this may not seem like a good place to have a sewing machine, you can still use it to make shelters outside of the vehicle. If society does collapse further because of internal or external pressures, you will still have a viable trade and an important tool to work with.

Make Toys and Other Items for Children

When I was a little girl, the battery powered toy craze was just getting started. I remember my parents being unhappy about all the “plastic battery powered junk” that cost a lot and didn’t seem to last.

To this day, some of my fondest memories are of my mother sewing little stuffed toys for me.

From iron on appliques to furry teddy bears, I spent hours watching these creations unfold on my mother’s sewing machine.

Later on, we did these projects together and had far more quality time than we would have had if she just bought me a bunch of plastic toys.

During illness or great distress, it is normal to look back on safer and more peaceful times. These days, it often seems like our children will have no such peaceful times to look back on. Even if they do remember their childhood, it is likely to be filled with violent video games, nonstop social pressure, and all sorts of other worries.

Sewing toys with your children is a simple, inexpensive way to give them, and you, peaceful times to look back on. While that may not seem important right now, just think back to the times when you were in crisis and what memories like this meant to in terms of helping you get through the situation.

Making toys for children isn’t just something that works well in a time of social collapse. It is something you can start doing now that will build bonds and give you and your children a chance to enjoy time together. Building custom toys can also give you a chance to innovate and perhaps come up with something marketable that other children might like to have. Perhaps off topic, but never doubt the possibility that you can make a fortune with a sewing machine and a good idea for a toy. Anyone that remembers the Cabbage Patch Doll craze can certainly relate to the fact that sewn toys can easily become very popular in a short period of time.

As you will recall, the Cabbage Patch Kids were invented by Martha Nelson Thomas, a woman who learned quilting from her mother. Just remember, if you do come up with something that becomes popular, you will need to copyright patent, and trademark the design so that no one else can steal it and profit from theft of the design.

In the arena of prepping, there is always a sense that time is limited. When you don’t know what will happen, or what challenges must be overcome, it is very tempting to cut corners. For example, when it comes to clothes and other fabric based items, you will more than likely buy what you need or hope that you can make do with what you have.

Even though sewing by machine is often relegated to a “craft” or a “hobby” it is a vital survival skill that you may wind up needing. Today, you can increase the chances of surviving long after a major catastrophe by learning how to use a sewing machine and having one in your stockpile.

This article has been written by Carmela Tyrell for Survivopedia.

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