The 1940s System I'm Using to TRANSFORM my Wardrobe

[@zelliehtrue]

Claude, please try your local dry cleaners for simple mending and alterations. My dad uses them to put in new pockets and zips and buttons all the time. They often have a tailoring/mending service. For leather repairs such as bags, your local cobblers can help. Getting a few things off of The List to reduce stress and frustration can make the rest of The List less tiring to think of.

[@Carolyn-qd8mj]

Great ideas, definitely worth considering. I have similarly 9:58 taken advantage of grocery delivery lately to conserve my time and energy.

[@Stettafire]

@@Carolyn-qd8mj Any good grocery delivery you can recommend? I've ttried ASDA but I ended up with spoiled milk. I tried Tesco but their "loose" veg and fruit comes double-wrapped in plastic bags. I'm struggling to justify delivery when it comes with so much plastic that also takes more energy to sort and recycle. Especialy as it's dubious if the gov even recycles it at all. Sadly, there was a documentary. In Mayalsia a lot of UK plastic was exported there and the plant said that they couldn't recycle it because it was sent to them unsorted and dirty, so it all ended up going to landfill. Sadly, I work with computers for a living, and we're all aware of how electronics are also often exported where they're burnt to retrieve the copper, with devastating environmental and health impacts on the local community.

[@Carolyn-qd8mj]

@@Stettafire I’m in the US, and I’ve just used the delivery service my local grocery store has. Good considerations you mentioned. It’s not ideal, but I don’t use it all the time.

[@jacquelineclarke264]

Dump the list, fir now anyway. Anything really important will get done automatically.

[@DulceN]

Have you considering the costs of altering/mending? Better learn to diy and take your time with it.

[@lazygardens]

Something you can consider is "pre-mending". That's where you preemptively strengthen the places most likely to fail before they fail. It can be putting twill tape into shoulder seams, adding interior patches to the knees of children's blue jeans, doing REAL stitches to attach buttons.

[@AnneTenant]

My Mother was a young woman at the outbreak of WW Two. I am a child of the early 1950's so am very old now but I still remember my Mother wearing a very inventive coat when i was little. As I grew up I developed an interest in sewing and we often talked about our shared interest. . She told me that she wore a thick dark grey woollen double breasted overcoat throughout the war and for many years after. My mother was a talented seamstress and told me she made a detachable panel for the front of the coat, just slightly wider than the two parallel rows of buttons (that made the coat double breasted) and the length of the coat, (from a piece of tartan, tweed, etc - whatever was available) and matching turn back cuffs then made button holes to correspond with the buttons already on the coat to hold them in place. She had at least three or four different coats using this cunning method. I can still remember her wearing the coat. When she was expecting my little brother who was born in 1958 and based on what i now know about sewing myself, she must have used a rectangle when she was slim but used a piece of fabric much wider at the bottom than the top for when she wanted to turn the coat into a maternity coat. Talented AND resourceful!

[@JenGretaCart]

I have a vintage double breasted coat that sounds like your moms. I have replaced lining and buttons several times over the decades but her panel on the front idea is genious! Yes, talented and resourceful.

[@Lomie32]

That coat sounds fantastic ❤

[@sarah.sparkles]

When my Grandma passed away in the 90s, we found that she had kept her ration books and still shopped for things as though rationing was still in effect. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@Woeschhuesli]

My granny (1916-2017) grew up in a large family, living frugally. However, the war influenced her for the rest of her life and she continued to live in much the same way for the rest of her life, appreciating small luxuries now and again but being thrifty and careful in the ways the book describes. Reading this book Claude mentions explains some things I‘d not really considered before - we had recently been musing over why washing up in a bowl in the sink is such a British thing… wartime, of course. (btw the book Claude has is by Jill Norman, it‘s not the little book of the same name issued by the Imperial WAr Museum!) Like Claude, I am both English and German but have lived most of my life in Switzerland, so it‘s always been of interest to me to hear several sides of the story, how things were the same or different for each country. It was a pleasure to bring family members from both sides together in harmony, neither of whom had been to blame for the politics of war.

[@Stettafire]

@@Woeschhuesli Not to mention, that popuring it down the drain like so many people do (I've seen videos of people litterally pointing the nosel of the washing up liquid at the plughole) is super wasteful. If you use a branded washing up liquid then it can also get expensive. Save the pennies, the pounds look after themselves! (In saying this I don't own a washing up bowel. I just use a plug and clean my sink before and after. Those plastic washing up bowels are bad for the enviornment since they only last so long before they start absorbing the dirt and getting stained.)

[@Woeschhuesli]

@@Stettafire Same here. I find people are generally very wasteful with the precious resource that is water. We are lucky enough to have plenty, but that doesn't mean we should waste it...

[@insulanerin7601]

Yeah, I still found the last rationing cards (from the 1950s) when cleaning out my grandmother's apartement in 2017.

[@mrsmscuriositycabinet6925]

So lovely to see you adopt this scheme for a reset and inspiration. I used it for nigh on 11 years starting in 2011 because it was such a well developed scheme from a resource/energy usage perspective. After number crunching using life cycle assessment data I did tweak the numbers very slightly to reflect the modern ecological crisis and treated wool garments equivalent to cotton and linen but point loaded manmade and 'hybrid' fibres/garments as if they were wool. I fell off the wagon in December 2022 but only because a/ horrific fuel prices meant I was being really parsimonious with energy and realised I needed more clothes to last between washing AND drying cycles as drying clothes quickly without the heating on took forever and b/ when perimenopause made all the fibromyalgia body issues worse and my body changed size wise and in terms of tolerance to seams. Given the fortuitousness of the dates though, I am going to re-engage with it to get me back on track too. PS - I can thoroughly recommend the clothes rationing related Pathé reels of the era. PPS - The soap rationing was really brutal. I'm not a lotions and potions girl but boy, that was tough. I don't religiously do that anymore. PPPS - I've also been following the principles of food rationing systems and Mr M has no idea that he's been living quite happily on the calorific equivalent (swapping out lard with olive oil) of the wartime fat and milk ration with no ill effects for over a decade. 😂 That's how well considered and developed these schemes were. They really are viable.

[@smarmasaur]

I really like the point of bundling natural fibers together and making all the plastics the costlier option

[@songindarkness]

@@smarmasaurI definitely avoid synthetics as much as possible for their environmental impact so it makes sense.

[@NouriaDiallo]

Indeed I read that nutritional deficiencies only appeared in Britain *after* the rationing was lifted.

[@Stettafire]

@@NouriaDiallo Think around then a lot of cheap readymade food entered the market. The thing with post-war rationing is there was a bit of a cost-of-living crisis and it was (1950s? I forget) when the pound was devalued and that had an awful impact on the economy. So cheap poor-quality food (not to mention a lack of regulation around that area) combined with high-availability but combined with an economic crisis.

[@orladdin]

I have fallen off the wagon for the same reasons. I suppose one good thing about my fibro is that it gave me more motivation to avoid synthetic fibres because they cause me to overheat. I try to buy tencel/modal, linen and merino wool which I have had the most success with in terms of temperature/moisture control & sensory issues - still trying to figure out how to incorporate cotton, I find it holds onto too much moisture. But wool in particular is very expensive to find ethically and can be difficult to maintain. Do you still have any of the data you used to make those tweaks, or a basic outline of the system you used?

[@lexiharding5498]

1st - as a plus size person also with ME/CFS, the thought of trying to go through racks of stuff in a charity shop to find something in my size - let alone something that I like - is a nightmare. So same. 2nd - Claude you are so hard on yourself. Please remember to try and practice kindness on yourself, none of your friends would ever be as harsh to you as you are to yourself for buying new stuff after 5 years! (I hope). You are doing amazingly, and more importantly, you are doing your best. Please give yourself a break

[@mariegro09]

You don't even have to be plus size. I'm just tall and would never fit in clothes that are in the smaller size. I have given up on thrifting clothes because there is never something in my size that is just remotely nice.

[@LucindaSutherland-w2u]

For the cost of about those new items of clothing you should be able to pay for some alterations.

[@SupremeViola]

I think it also needs to be said that while WWII-related rationing did last for years, it didn't last forever, and the coupon allowances did become more generous during the post-war recovery period. It's a FAIRLY sustainable model, but it's not surprising that it would start to become difficult to follow strictly after five years when your fabric/old-remakeable-garment stash starts to thin.

[@orladdin]

@@LucindaSutherland-w2u altering clothes to be bigger is not always possible. Claude has made a lot of their own clothes using vintage fabric and patterns that may not be familiar to the alterer. Not all patterns are easy to alter. While alteration services are amazing resources, they often only do very basic alterations. I recently paid $25 to have an inch long rip repaired in a black cotton skirt. The fabric is very fine and I was worried that sewing it up would cause more rips, so they repaired it using interfacing and a quick seam to hold it in place. I am happy with the job they did, and glad I was able to to keep wearing the skirt (which cost me $5 at the thrift store), but I know that money would add up quickly if I had to alter my entire wardrove. Creative solutions do exist, but if you're not going to like the result as much as the original, it might not be a good use of time, energy and money - especially if you're likely to fluctuate down in size again in the future.

[@cheyenne057]

Don't feel bad about buying some new stuff. Disabilities are so hard to live with, and a 5-year run of no new purchases is awesome! It's ok to do what you need to do for your health issues. There's a reason they say not to use plastic straws, for instance, but make allowances for those with disabilities who need them. You're doing the best you can, which is all we can ask of anyone.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Here here! I totally agree. I need frozen meals in my freezer for similar reasons.

[@cadileigh9948]

sounds like a plan. Being 74 and having only last year donated a lot of my archive of beautifull but unsuitable for gardening clothes to Oxfam I still have an awfull lot of nice stuff. More than I can wear in this lifetime. I still 1 or 2 items from charity and evict a few every year. Thankfully I can darn and patch still and knit using charity shop wool yarn faster than the garments wear out. So I don't get bored. I have a system of wearing colours relating to the 13 Celtic Tree Moonths - currently in Willow so pale greens greys and white which will change to red , white and paler browns when Hawthorn comes in with the new moon. Then I put away the garments that don't fit the Moonth thus I have a constant change of colours/textures and a fresh start that feeds my need for novelty. I'm lucky to have storage space. I can remember clothing coupons and having only 1 or 2 dresses at any given time as a child in the early '50s . Each item was much more gratifying than people seem to find cheap abundance. The quality of textiles was higher and I wonder if making dolls dresses would give pleasure to those able to sew but needing no new clothes. All the tactile rewards without so much guilt

[@NotKateHepburn]

As someone with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, I've been struggling due to weight gain. I stood in my closet and cried Thursday because none of my favorite summer dresses fit anymore. I don't buy new clothes or fabric. I have some old linens I plan to make me skirts with. I also have enough fabric that I've had for a very long time that I can make several wardrobes before I run out. Thanks for the download. I'm excited to see if I can use it in my plans.

[@DawnDavidson]

That’s a good idea. You may already know this, but in case you (or others reading this) don’t: You can make very simple, somewhat flexibly-sized skirts out of table cloths. You cut a circle from the center that’s bigger than your waist - able to come down over your bust, or up over your hips, one or the other or both - and then add an elastic waist to it. Round table cloths literally get you a circle skirt. Square ones will get you a skirt with a fun, asymmetric pointed hem. Oval or rectangular table cloths can get you interesting hi-lo hems, depending on where you place the waist opening. Just make sure it’s not so long on the long edge that it drags (unless you like having a train!). Of course you can do this with other yardage besides table cloths. It will just require extra steps like piecing and/or hemming. Good luck with finding and/or creating your new wardrobe for summer!

[@petrawillerstorfer9213]

Im a simple gal, I see a video of Claude, I immediately click it.

[@simonrobson1929]

Me too! Love it!

[@moonbasket]

You and me both!

[@Shetooktothewoods]

Same!

[@rebeccasimpkins8231]

Right there with you lol.

[@jessicapearcelamothe8484]

Same 😂

[@BookCat18]

This is so exciting! I'm so inspired and comforted by this video topic. I just changed the sleeves on a 2nd hand dress so I can keep it and love it for longer. But the mending pile is so large, and the time after work is so small... The mental load is even bigger some times. Hugs and best wishes Claude ❤

[@EngineeringKnits]

Oh what a fantastic idea!! And aren't I lucky that I watched this video right before your update was posted, I can't wait to watch. And I'm going to have to check out some more rationing journeys, the thought process behind choices are fascinating to me, like you said

[@ellie38gwen]

Thank you for the frank discussion and candour. Sounds like a great plan. Consumption is something I have been struggling with for a while and here are a couple of the things I do. I have been going with not buying more than 10 items of clothing & accessories in a year which has been working for a couple of years. However my current yarn consumption is far less restrained and possible needs to me looked at, I am trying to mostly buy yarn second hand but may need to look at the idea of yarn rationing soon. I've destashed half of my fabric to a school textile department as I just can't use it anymore. My only additional point I was told repeatedly at uni; put your own gas mask on first! You can't help others or the planet if you are to unwell to function. For me this looked lik body bath wipes and disposable pads. I used to try using reusable but physically couldn't maintain it myself and would get really upset. Where I can I make eco conscious choices but know that trying is better than nothing and it is part of my disability. 😊 P.s. think of all the carbon I save not travelling loads like normal people 😂😂

[@catpawrosales4265]

All with you. It's taken me 6 months to alter and fit etc the last 3 items I bought in a thrift shop to fit me because, spoons. I want to do it but I simply have no energy. And I only got around to doing it becase my clothes had worn out and ripped! I do it coz it's the only way to find natural fibres here (everything in the shops are polyester, even 90% in the fabric shops.) I've spent like 5+ years not buying any clothes, crocheting only from stash until last year what yarn I have can now fit in a foot-poof (a 2ft cube). I'm a different creator-type in that I follow instinct rather than instructions, and am self taught (by studying and taking apart clothes) and not trained costumier. I actually enjoy repairs and mending because everything is a little challenge/problem to solve, and no two are the same! Bring me all the stuff to fix! And I do 95% of it by hand, coz why not? And yeah, sizing 🙄 I've got 12-20 that all fit the same body. A body that keeps changing shape :/ Off do download the book, coz why not?

[@maddhappy2286]

I wonder if you could do a trade with someone? Like, you knit them something, and they mend a few things for you?

[@azteclady]

What a brilliant idea, to "repurpose" the WWII rationing ethos for the 2020s! Thank you for sharing it (for those of us who were not aware), and here's cheering you on.

[@jennil7797]

I have this book from my teaching days but use it and the cookery/growing companion volume too. Having been born in 1952, rationing had almost ended but shortages lasted into the early 60s, so was brought up to be careful about both food and clothing. I can't not mend small holes, turn collars, darn socks etc. My 80s children hated it! They liked shopping and felt my mending fetish got in the way of that. They have changed their minds now though.

[@whosaidthat4299]

Mending fetish 🤣 I know what you mean.

[@ramyaiyengar1161]

I know that you get a lot of comments about not showing your failures, but I genuinely loved that clip you included about trying to wear the purchased vintage dress and and it getting stuck on your head. It was both hilarious and painfully relatable.

[@gallerymanager2040]

I completely understand how you feel! I underwent a major health issue last year that resulted in my now being full time in a wheelchair. With this has come a change in by body and so now, I'm having to rethink what clothes work for me and what I keep out of my previous wardrobe. My thrifting days are no more (no energy and a real lack of access in most shops), so I'm resigned to ordering items online. Yet another change I must adapt to in the new life I have.

[@meacadwell]

Like you, at one time I only bought second hand clothing or sewed it myself. But, my rheumatoid arthritis/bone spurs/scoliosis/ME/fibromyalgia body made that too impossible so I started purchasing new clothing that made me happy. I still sew garments when I can but it's getting less and less possible. So, I can commiserate with you. That being said, don't berate yourself too hard. You aren't constantly going shopping - you are purchasing what you need due to a situation you can't control. And you're getting things that will last a long time vs. fast fashion.

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

That's such an interesting concept! To be honest it also looks like good way to teach kids and teens how to not overbuy clothes, just turning it into a game. I wish someone would show me it when I was a teen, it would save me so much money and space. I understand that it was necessity for times back then but now we are fortunate enough to not be stuck with it, so if it doesn't work, you can just stop following it. Great idea! I think I might try it, I don't buy clothes until I really have to, but it might be fun to see how much coupons I would spend.

[@sixtenjohansson4246]

If it's possible, find an elderly lady that is willing to share closet with you. My grandparents old closet was an absolute treasure trove, and I'm so happy my mother held on to lots of it. If you find a suitable lady that is downsizing and can come by for a coffee a chat and bring a dress or two you really have a win-win. I hope you get some energy back soon. ❤

[@rachelmayes298]

What a brilliant idea. My daughter and I always try to buy second hand and I alter them if needed It saves us a fortune and I have clothes going back thirty years I still wear. I’ve never been into the latest trends and just wear classic clothes so I’m never in or out of fashion. I’m definitely going to do this idea. Thank you Claude ❤❤❤❤❤ Ps your make up looks flawless.

[@jennydunlop5572]

I have a copy of the Make Do and Mend book - I am Canadian and bought it on holiday several years ago in the gift shop of a historic house I visited. I am fascinated and humbled by the ingenuity that was shown in wartime in keeping families clothed and fed, and ashamed at how wasteful we are these days. Thank you for sharing your journey! Looking forward to updates!

[@alenaadler8242]

"Make do and mend" was part of my mother's library while I was growing up! I learned sewing basics in school and my mom helped me increase my skill-set. But in recent years due to disability I haven't had the energy for anything like sewing and I sold my beloved sewing machine. And the box holding my mending pile is overflowing now. Clicked on this video so fast...

[@simonrobson1929]

I'm joining in! Sounds like it's the answer for someone who finds it difficult to resist buying yarn and fabric but doesn't find the time /energy to use it. Thanks Claude that was inspiring.

[@dahlia_day]

I'm also disabled and my weight fluctuates a lot more than most people's according to my health. It's so difficult, because I have a closet overflowing with clothing, but much of it doesn't fit because I've lost or gained weight. That means I have to buy items that I already own in a different size. In other words, it's more expensive to clothe my disabled body than a healthy person's. It's yet another disability task.

[@das_moendchen3250]

A friend of mine told me they alter their clothes on the inside and don't cut the extra fabric off. For example they have a t-shirt that's to big so they put in a new seam and don't cut the fabric so that they can unpick the seam when they need the t-shirt to be bigger. If you're skilled with sewing or doing alterations (and your disability allows it) that could be a possibility for you. Just thought I share this...

[@GoingGreenMom]

I have been working on figuring out patterns and such for things that are adjustable. Katherine sews has a tutorial for a skirt design that has the top split at the sides and it ties on for instance, and Im trying to figure out how to do a wrap top that would eliminate the need for bras and still be supportive. I'm hand sewing everything and bigger than most pattern ranges though, so it is slow going.

[@aatashiwadoremi]

I would suggest looking at something like a supportive kirtle. Morgan Donner has a video about making one. You can also add in ties on the sides, so the size is adjustable! I feel like that would be a decent compromise. You could make a shirt/blouse version of it instead, maybe?

[@RuailleBuaille]

The Stitchery is great for making adjustable garments (with mandatory pockets) - well worth a look at her videos

[@orladdin]

Just here to commiserate and offer solidarity. Having a larger collection of clothing is necessary for me, especially because I have sensory and temperature regulation issues which means that my clothing needs change throughout the day and I often sweat through them :( Also, less energy and ability to do laundry, and less money so less space to store all the clothes. I am glad my partner only needs a very small amount of clothing, but also, jealous!

[@c-kcountry-kiwi5294]

After struggling with Post COVID fatigue since the beginning of this year, viewing your video and reading the comments is a real comfort to me - loving the candour. Many thanks to all.

[@shaidabegum.]

Thank you so very much Claude for every second of your time you share with us. I feel like I have a understanding friend with common interests. May our health be the best as it can be❤. Not doing so well with my disabilities physically and mentally. Hoping some ease will come soon. Thank you Claude for all your vlogs, bless you

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Just subscribed. I’m sorry for what you experience but it was useful to hear that you too have ME made worse by covid. I realise that wasn’t the main thrust of the video, I enjoyed the main message and feel quite inspired.

[@hattierensberry2526]

Oh my gosh, I completely understand much of this struggle. Although I don’t have a chronic health condition, a stressful job has put me in a similar situation with my weight, clothing functionality, and budget. It is SO hard, and I am sending you love with this stuff. I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is finding clothing shapes that fit me again and gradually creating time to knit/sew things that I’m excited about. For anyone else going through this, you’re not alone. You’re worthy, you’re valid, and I promise this time of transition is temporary. ❤

[@Briardie]

And now I know why this little book was fast disappearing from Amazon and other online second hand book stores. I recently bought this along with the companion food book. I checked back a few days later and the available numbers of the make do and mend book had rapidly decreased or sold out altogether. Bravo. New subscriber. I am so glad to have found you.

[@Trenchant468]

I relate to every word of this. I had a large wardrobe of great clothes I’d collected over years, but my fatigue levels led to outgrowing all of them. I was too tired to get rid of them so my home was just overrun. Then a friend helped me sort through and unload all of my lovely things. Naturally soon after I unexpectedly lost all the extra weight, but then the clothes were gone. If I order from eBay, I usually have another task at hand, ie repackaging and returning them. Oy.

[@Cutondogor]

*looks at storage unit half full of yarn and fabric* *looks at things bought over the last 3 days at the craft fair ...* Right. I'm in. I don't tend to buy much clothing either, but I have gone just a little overboard with some of the purchases. A bit. Just a touch.

[@MJM-BS3]

You haven’t fallen from grace, it’s a bump in the road. Be kind to yourself.❤

[@carolg.6838]

Claude, You look great, and that is a fabulous sweater you are wearing. I am glad you bought much needed new clothes!

[@Rubyisgrowing]

Sewing? Charity shops? You’re right up my street! Unfortunately we also have M.E in common. I’m so glad to have found your account x

[@amykathleen2]

I am so excited to see how you apply the clothing rationing in our modern day, or maybe you could even adapt some of the coupon values to be more applicable in our current emergency (like higher coupon values for synthetics or for denim with its crazy water consumption, instead of for wool and rubber that the army needed). I personally have just a simple dollar value that I stick to because I know I don’t have the mental energy to stick to any complicated system, but it’s true that doesn’t account for whether anything was sustainably produced. I just kind of figure that if I keep a fast fashion item for 10+ years, stubbornly mending it all the while, it’s not so fast anymore.

[@AngryPixi]

What a fantastic idea! I was following a rationing system for food this year, found on the 1940s experiment blog and learning so much about life on the homefront during this time. Had to stop as making authentic recipies were too hard on me. I definitley need to ration myself when it comes to fabric and yarn though! I've recently had to buy a lot of clothes too, I'd lost a lot of weight so bought smaller clothes, now new medications have put weight back on, plus most clothes hurt to wear so it's really tricky trying to buy clothes sustainably that also work with my disability. Blergh, should wait till I've finished my first tea of the day before I write haha Looking forward, as ever to watching you on your new journey!

[@maryannjordan8143]

Big big hugs pal. My mother suffered from a similar condition, hang in there. Don’t worry too much about body changes, keep your energy for better things. I know it’s easier said than done, but we are rooting for you.

[@susandevinenapoli7649]

I started sewing again in 2016 because nothing was what I wanted ir the price was nuch too high. I love this type of sewing no matter what my size. I never heard of this book my mother's side of the family immigrated in the 1940s but grandma knitted and mended. My mom made copies similar to what she saw in the store. My sewing was just for fun and I love to redesign what I find sometimes even cutting it up and making something new. I challengeed myself redoing wedding dresses/making them out if theifted fabrics and sell them. I love how I can make anything i want and keep the orice low. I don't have a problem in Houston Texas, thr big city has cheap thrift stores. 🤠🇺🇲

[@wolkehauch7445]

As a fellow ME-sufferer I totally get what you mean. Going through shops and trying to buy second hand is not really doable any more. Don't trust peoples listings on Vinted and other such sites. Sewing myself is fun, but the startitis is SO bad cause I can't afford to mess up. Literally, can't afford to buy new fabric if something goes wrong. And weight fluctuations mean I have to try and make clothing as adjustable as possible. And if I have 30 minutes of energy a day I have to choose between sewing, showering and household chores so making a garment can take weeks.

[@dottieland7061]

Erm I sell on Vinted thank you! And I have the ethos if I would not wear I don’t sell it. So please don’t tar everyone with the same brush it’s very offensive!

[@wolkehauch7445]

@@dottieland7061 when you are on a tight budget and buy garments that is absolutely NOT the sizes or measurements stated in the listing you eventually get tired of even trying.

[@patterntreasures]

This is really exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing what decisions you make. I've been trying to be a lot more thoughtful about my fabric purchases for a couple of years now, mostly purchasing second hand. I volunteer sorting craft supplies for a charity shop and it's given me a fresh perspective on crafting and what I buy. Now I feel more able to let supplies go that no longer fit my style or plans etc because I know someone else will love them. The only bad side is I get tempted by the lovely vintage fabric and patterns we get donated sometimes. 😊

[@Tsukushi240794]

As a disabled person in a similar situation to yours, but in Spain and with a few differences here and there, I am very excited about this journey and looking forward to your videos on it. I'll try to join you! Thank you for your videos!!

[@patcampton7163]

My mother sewed clothes for us both and i made nearly all my clothes in the 60s and 70s. Mybfriends did the same. We had lots of great fabric shops though. I have bought some new clothes to replace old things but have started doing a bit of sewing again and using up some of my stash.

[@TheKatelinn]

I have never thought of doing this. I am participating starting today! Great initiative!!

[@SyKnife]

I’m so glad I came across your channel! I have had M.E. for thirty years. Now I’m recovering from long COVID as well. It’s delightful to know there are other sewers and fashion enthusiasts who have the exact same struggles as I do. I also love anything to do with the 1940’s. Thank you ❤️

[@Westibule]

I've never heard of this idea but it sounds great! Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds for your wardrobe (pun intended)

[@johnettehaines6291]

My mother was born at the beginning of the great depression and I was born in 1949. My mother pretty much made all my clothes (except panties, slips, petticoats, and socks). She made my brother's shirts. Between her and my 2 grandma's, learn to sew, crochet, knit, and embroidery. I not only taught my daughter's but my son's as well. I love to take old clothes and turn them into new and useful things. Right now, l am making so placemats. I had them when I had a rectangle table. Now I have an oval table. The rectangle placemats just don't work or look as well. So, I have cut the old rectangle placemats into an oval. That's my project I have been working on today.

[@Wandering.Homebody]

During my long covid years I was also doing a lot of shopping on vinted. Looser fitting, mostly linen or maybe thin cotton, dresses by brands whose sizing I was familiar with, that would accommodate my ever increasing weight. The key, I realised, is always asking about the EXACT fabric composition, overall length, and exact underarm to underarm width. Once I started doing this, i started having mostly hits, and barely any misses

[@Silverhaired59]

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. You do the best that you can at the time.

[@KellySchoch-lp8by]

I AM so inspired. I’ve tried to make or buy second hand clothes. With one exception, I do need to go to rather “fancy” gatherings so clothes for work occasions, and they are the only exceptions. But, I’ve also bought things but not used, cloth/yarn. This system is very much appreciated to know about! Thank you!

[@alyssahardbarger7973]

This sounds like a fabulous project. I inventoried my closet, realized how much I have overconsumed, and am focusing on repair and care of my current clothes and purchases are more needs based. I can't wait to see how this goes!

[@Midge5184]

Thank you for another lovely video! This is something I have been trying to get into as far as sustainability and I've been drop the ball a bit as far as lessoning my buying of new things. I can't wait to go on this journey together and see how we all get on!

[@stoker1931jane]

Oh dear Claude, I feel you. When it comes to clothing and being/becoming more chronically ill or more limited in your energy levels - than you used to be. It has an impact on what you can make, alter and mend. I'm there with you. So I've turned to Vinted as well...but it indeed can be a real "hit & mis" campaign, finding the right fitting sizes and comfortable materials. I love how you are trying to find your Mojo back to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of consuming. BUT I hope you grant yourself some kindness and compassion when you "slip" once in a while. Being "house bound", like many of us out here are, it can all be extra difficult. Be kind to yourself 🫂❤️❤️❤️👋🏻🇳🇱

[@KotaMakes]

As someone with a long time chronic illness - I hear you girl, I know your pain. I have had this situation for the last twenty plus years . At one point I didn’t/ couldn’t buy any new to me clothes for close to 10 years cause I just didn’t have any spoons to the point that I couldn’t even think about what I like or what my fashion sense was. Yes I used to enjoy ecological slow fashion but I was that unwell that I was just existing in a second hand uniform style set of men’s clothing (mostly my husband’s old clothes) that gave me the comfort I needed for being bed ridden, socially isolated home bound. The panic of having to find dress up clothing for one off social events like family weddings argh!! Especially when your body shape and thus sizing has changed - totally nightmare panic episodes. I have some secondhand polo shirts that are 30+ years old that are so soft but I just wasn’t well enough to mend them, they laid waiting in the very large mending pile. I am now well enough to mend and I am starting to get well enough to make clothes again. The mending pile is still being worked upon. I was brought up by WW2 and depression era grandmothers who did and continued to follow make do and mend along with rationing saving until the day they died in their late 90s. I have a great Aunt still going at 100 this year. The ration book system works and you may find it that is very helpful in purchasing ethical sustainable new to you items without overwhelming you budget and space. I believe that you will get better, that you will have an improvement in health. I did. Many chronic illness people who got COVID and long COVID have been reporting that they are getting better slowly, very slowly. So I have hope for you. Don’t give up you are on the right path for social responsible ecological slow fashion, best wishes for your health.

[@maaikedenboer9287]

I am joining! I am an historian, trying as much as possible to buy ethical clothing for the last twenty years, but this is a new challenge I would love to try.

[@CathyW]

Oh I love this idea! I might try and see if I can replicate it with the Australian WWII rationing system (which I know included yarn and clothes as well)

[@mirthevanhoorn]

How have i never heard of this!! This is a-mazing. I'm 100% joining you on this journey.

[@Frogbog11]

Found your videos through shorts and I love all of them. Thank you for the insight, honesty and slice of life you provide. English is not my first language, but I'm hoping that my words properly express my thoughts regarding your videos.

[@kaywilmoth811]

I do like your clothing plans. I happened to purchase the same book when I was in England over a decade ago. It's very helpful. You are a wise lady with your purchases. 😃

[@rochelle2758]

I have a copy of that reprint and I love it. I’m a big fan of letting dresses, jackets etc. out with simple side panels (I call them racing stripes), which is one of its recommendations. Love the idea of clothes rationing!

[@AlisonGreenValleyCrone]

As an impulse book buyer I was delighted to see this video pop up - looking forward to seeing what you do. I have a budget of £365 pa ( a £1 a day). A system copied from a friend of mine…been working well for several years and allows me to buy one high-ticket item a year, if necessary.

[@songindarkness]

I am so excited for 2 Claude videos in one week. What a fascinating idea! I find shopping for clothes a real headache myself being plus size with limited time and energy and on a very limited budget. Especially since I’m trying to avoid synthetic fabrics for environmental reasons. Clothes are necessary but also often avoidable expenses. I agonise a lot about sales because sometimes it’s worth getting a bargain of course, but sometimes I’m lured into buying things I won’t use. But then as you say, complete bans don’t work. It’ll be interesting to see how rationing will help. I am very excited for this series and I will try and give it a go myself!

[@penguinap]

Thank you Claude! I can knit/sew but work demands mean I do not usually have the time or brain space anymore to sew or alter garments. And I am too stubborn/cheap to bring my clothing to an alteration shop😅 I’m currently mending my favourite pair of trousers by hand very slowly (less brain energy than machine sewing for me). Hopefully this “quick” win would help keep the ball rolling. Good luck on your journey!

[@roro4major]

Oh dear girl this was so instantly relatable to me. Wishing you health.

[@x1435]

I love this idea! I am also currently low energy and overwhelmed with the state of my wardrobe. I'm going to try this as a starting point!

[@Cryptey21]

I absolutely want to join in this challenge! I’ve knitted for years and developed a stash (small but there is no room for more) and I’ve learned to sew this year! I’ll definitely be following along and joining in to reduce my consumption, capsulate my wardrobe (I wear a uniform 5 days a week I don’t need as many clothes as I own!!) and be more conscious along with you!

[@janetdwyer4492]

I retired 3 1/2 years ago and committed to only buy clothes second hand - thrift shops and eBay, mostly. I also sew and alter. Arthritis in my hands keeps me from doing much knitting, but am fortunate to have a circular sock knitting machine, so I have a colorful array of wool socks. I wish you well in your post-Covid journey. I caught it (for the third time) in February, and still have a cough that won’t go away. After hearing how sick you became, I guess I really don’t have anything to complain about.

[@vincentbriggs1780]

What a great idea! I look forward to seeing it! I've been trying to refrain from buying fabric lately too, both because I have a massive stash, and because my finances have been awful this year. I get most of my fabric from the thrift store these days, so I'm just not going to go to the thrift store for a while.

[@EvilandPink]

🩷🩷🩷 that sounds super interesting! and thanks for having the pdf available! I'm still going through all my yarn right now to use it up, but doing something like this once I've got my stash under control sounds like a super good way to actually stay on top of things

[@Shetooktothewoods]

I completely relate. A little over a year ago, I gained around 15kg for no discernible reason. I think I was in an extended crash and trying to power through. Now, most of it has gone away, but I have a huge stash of larger clothing that needs tailoring when I have the energy - an easier place to be, I think, than everything being too small. I’ve learned (the hard way) to only buy online secondhand from sellers who provide measurements. Also, when I’m in a crash, the only thing that has full energy is my inner magpie. The combination is not awesome. I might have to follow your brilliant lead and start a ration system, too.

[@madeleinetodd8199]

I've lost a lot of my brain power to 40 years of ME/CFS. A few years ago I got scared of all power tools, including my sewing machine. Luckily I love hand sewing, so I can still repair and repurpose. In-store shopping has been impossible for me for many years, so I buy one or two new items spring and fall, but I choose clothes I will wear forever and I pay for ethically sourced. Drawstring waistbands are my friends! I know I'm off-topic, but I only just found you today.

[@rmlrhonda]

I love this. And thanks for the Claire Bradley info as well. As someone who very rarely watches regular TV, I wasn’t familiar. I’ll follow your journey, and also hope your health improves to the point you can follow your passions more easily again. ❤

[@naomilindstedt6271]

This sounds soo interesting I follow Claire but hadn't really looked at her rationing scheme have since gone through and looked it all over what a great idea!! Her shots of what she's done/bought in a year are great! Looks like lots but also really reasonable especially for makes and I love all her remaking and such! Thank you for bringing this to my attention have got my sew gears turning and ideas forming.

[@eileenfb1948]

I understand where you are 'at'. I found a low carb diet done very gradual was helpful. You may have bought new to get that lovely 'fix' we get from finding a good deal. You are not fit enough, to do the usual which gives much pleasure, as it has gone. My best wishes for your improved health.

[@Carolyn-qd8mj]

Oh, you have ME! I’ve had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Lyme/Mold Illness for around 30 years. So I can relate. I really enjoy your videos!

[@elynapege6467]

YES! I'm participating and following you! I also have recently had an uptake in consumption/shopping. We have the same vises. Cheers to a year or even more creativity!

[@nickyclarer]

I really feel this! I have limited time and engery for making clothing due to working part-time and parenthood. Limited free time and changing health conditions have also resulted in body changes that have made lots of my existing clothing uncomfortable/unwearable. I also have real problems making decisions (thanks anxiety/executive dysfunction) so I will spend weeks researching the best options when i need to buy something new in a worsening spiral of indecision!! I recently bought some leggings and tunics for work (more practical for a primary school creative arts teacher) and it took more than a month to make the decision! (Annoyingly the leggings started to pill first wear despite costing $30 a pair)

[@venomwoolknits]

I thought of Clare as soon as I saw the title! I really enjoy reading her updates on the scheme. Best of luck!

[@Smiju22]

I have done a food rationing challenge before but I haven't tried with clothing yet. I have that same book, and I love the tracker you've created. I look forward to giving this a shot and watching your journey!

[@brendasparks6234]

Never saw your videos before. I’m in on the coupon book idea. It sounds great. Thank you. Feel better

[@oldasyouromens]

This 1940s guide has helped me so much also. I have the same issues and I thank you so much for making this video. At the bare minimum it makes me feel less alone and gives me further resources.

[@lauratittensor2691]

Have just come across your channel by chance, it reminded me that I had clothes in the wardrobe that were too big/small and to get them back out and revalue them

[@PathsToMath]

Love what you are wearing, and I love your energy, candor and beauty.

[@aliceboss3134]

I love seeing your videos so much!

[@amygregg1658]

As a fellow ME disabled person who is interested in slow fashion, I’m so excited to find you! I totally get the energy limitations and the changes this illness causes in our bodies! 😘

[@ecokiwi-ex2cu]

What a great idea! I usually shop second-hand but I still feel I over-consume, I will give this a try to be more mindful of whether I truly need a new purchase

[@debmacie1612]

Good for you Claude. I love that you are tackling this subject. Too many people just buy new because it’s easy and can be cheap. I am also on a journey to transform some of my clothes to fit my new body. I have scoliosis and arthritis that is causing more curving and twisting. Wearing pants with a normal waist means that one side of my waist constantly pulls the waistband into the other side. Even some elastic waists painfully do this as well. As this will only be getting worse 😢 and I do not want to get rid of my lovely clothes i am on a journey to figure out a retrofit system. Good luck to us both. I am anxious to watch your journey. ❤

[@AmbroseMakes]

I really want to give this a try! I think I'm going to swap around a few numbers, like give synthetics a higher value than wool and natural fibre since that's part of the current crisis. Hopefully it will encourage me to use up my fabric stash instead of adding to it even though I don't have much energy to use on sewing.

[@npflaum]

Oh, this is exciting! I don't sew myself, but I look forward to seeing how you go. I had both sets of Grandparents(in US and UK) live through rationing, and I wish I had asked them more about it when I had the chance. Just for fun, I once lived on WWll rations for a month to see if I could do it.

[@cassafrass098]

This is such a remarkable idea! Can't wait to follow along this year.

[@sasabinz7331]

Excellent idea! I am thrilled to give it a try! 🤩

[@sharonthomas4997]

I've got that Make do and mend book! It's really good and inspiring. Wishing you better health this year 😊

[@helenm1085]

I really appreciate you talking about not being able to do things... I think I possibly have some kind of dysautonomia (I've just been told it's probably not POTS by a cardiologist, despite the fact that I seem to meet the criteria! So I'm in a weird unlabelled but disabled limbo)... Anyway I also struggle with fatigue! Mostly it's manageable to a level where I have to live a "slow" life, which means that I have time for hand sewing and quiet opshopping (earplugs help!) and such things. But it's so frustrating when there are so many projects I want to do and the brain fog literally just stops me in my tracks!

[@eileensecrest2185]

First time viewer here, loved your post, Ive already subscribed! You just gave me the push I needed to alter two tops I bought at the thrift store with that intention, but have not done so. I am going off right now to read up (or watch up) on altering sleeves. I look forward to your coupon journey.

[@armedvsokord]

This sounds like a fun way to be more conscious about what you're making or buying. I'll have to join in.

[@anonymous78546]

I love this video. I want to start sewing again. Thank you!

[@fri5481]

This is a nice thing to tray. I gain some weight myself and its fine if i keep it. But oh my i have to rediscover my size and adjustments. At the moment i endup met to big trousers and to small tops😅 (i think im 3 sizes bigger than i was...but the ajustments i have to make are totaly different know). But with this as a extra focus im hopefully not so hard on myself that i have to make 7 pairs of trousers in a weekend in a year is probebly more realistic😅. Realy like your channel and love the top you wearing and send you happy energie so you can hopefully start a bit off sewing soon yourself❤

[@lisahodges8299]

I understand about a change in size and price rises. I recently found myself buying 2nd hand clothing made by a definitely unethical clothing company that I then altered to fit me. Birdy