The Great Purge: Costume & Wardrobe Declutter

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!
I have delayed and postponed long enough. After the Breathe dress hanging on my wardrobe for over a month, and boxes of costumes living on my dining table for three weeks, only with the accountability of filming it and sharing it with you here was I able to tackle this task. As a maker, I end up very emotionally attached to the things I made, especially my first few costumes, which I've never worn as I don't attend costumed events or really even do photoshoots, and also which don't fit me anymore. In the hopes of finding these costumes and clothes new homes, I'm listing them all on Depop (not Vinted, sorry! I know I mention Vinted in the video and corrected it to Depop but I'm moving everything to Vinted due to outrageous fees!. The link to my Vinted profile is here: www.vinted.co.uk/member/15190... All the listings will be live with this video.
If you have any questions about any sizes, etc, just let me know! I really want them to find happy homes with people who will appreciate them and wear them 🥹 Let me know down below what your favourite item was and if I made a huge mistake in letting it go!
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[@funkypunkypine]

As an older woman who really bought into the minimalist mentality 30 years ago and got rid of so many things, I must say I desperately regret some of my purges now. There is absolutely NO reason to get rid of some of those pieces you love. When you're 60 are you going to wish you still had that beautiful dress that was one of your first? I mean, it's vacuum packed and doesn't take up space at all.

[@juliemiller9258]

That cape can easily be worn yearly for Christmas. Dinner, shopping, caroling, plays etc.

[@SuziSmartPhoto]

Keep the cape! ❤

[@ichsehnursoaus]

yeah, with the red dress, that would be the greatest combination

[@glittergoblin]

Whata generous thing, to be able to say, “I love this, but I don’t wear. And it deserves to go to a home where it will be worn.” It’s hard to say goodbye to things you love and made, and I admire you for giving them a second home and a new chance to be used and loved. 🤗

[@absinthemindedcat]

i acknowledged my love of sewing means my closet will always be growing so i have been purging every other area of my house so i can let my fabric and sewing projects have more space😂😂

[@Kathywake23]

Lolol you sound like my mom and her clothes 😂

[@nadaso8819]

I always find the reasoning of "I don't attend costume events" to be a little strange. like I mean for me the reasoning is very much just that if I like the thing I will wear it even if it's just for like getting groceries or going to a coffee house. Granted I'm probably the weird one here considering when I was in school I knew people who would attend lectures in magical girl cosplay. I do genuinely think that even if some people think you're just being weird it's far more common for people to respect and be impressed by the confidence of having a well defined personal style.

[@amauryy4417]

Congratulations for the difficult choices.... but you deserve a bigger costume wardrobe!

[@bhavens9149]

The room looks like it can handle a second wardrobe, possibly consider getting another to help with some of the other storage as well. Just an idea.

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

When I cleaned my closet I took everything out and put it on the floor. Whole room was full of clothes, I said never again, and donated 4 big boxes of stuff straight to orphanage (I am quite small and was very thin back then, so it fit girls in orphanage) and now I have maybe 1/8 of clothing that I used to have. But the shock of looking at mountains of clothes on the floor was really effective, I spent 2 days clearing it out.

[@quicksilvertears921]

I was cheering you on so hard. I kept saying, I'll never wear it, it doesn't fit. LET IT GO. I am going to do this in my closet too, repeating your mantra. I need to do this with my craft room. "I haven't used it in 2 years, it is going." You inspire me!!!

[@stevezytveld6585]

The results of the makes. AKA the fall-down-go-boom experience for makers of every variety. I've always wondered how bursting the closets are of Cos Tube people. And I completely understand developing an emotional relationship to the things one makes. Good for you for going through everything. I can sympathise - right now me and Mister Husband are reconstructing our bedroom closet (we're presently in pile and basket phase). You're makes are so beautiful. Wear the clothing you love, no matter what the decade or century - and yes, even wear it to the grocery store? - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@charlottereynolds1419]

I hate so many things (they're never quite what I envisage!) that I make so it's lovely to see someone who loves so much of their output!

[@devh6168]

Bravo and I love the attitude you have - someone will look beautiful in it! Some one else will be happy! It needs to be out in the world instead of languishing in my closet! (I don’t wear white, but when I purged my closet last year, no lie - I pulled out SEVEN black summer weight sleeveless blouses....)

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

You did the thing! Those are all beautiful makes and I'm happy you're making room for even more beautiful makes that you'll wear in the future, while giving someone else a chance to enjoy your work. Way to go! 🎉

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I feel for you so hard on this. I'm also very attached to a lot of my stuff. It sometimes takes me two or three attempts to finally donate something I love but will never wear again. "I love this, should I keep it? Maybe I'll wear it!" Nope, I never do. I have so much clothing I never wear because it's too nice for everyday wear or it's not comfortable enough to just lounge around in... so I'm slowly divesting myself of much of it except for a few things I want to either fix or copy. And then I started sewing, so my sewing rule is that it must be everyday wearable, so it's a lot of historybounding and copying the comfy stuff I wear out. I've also been trying to tackle the hall closet which is full of coats, jackets and cloaks I never wear. I gave up a cloak or two as a raffle prizes last year and I have another one that will probably go this year if I can get it fixed up, some stitching has come undone. I do have one jacket though that I will never get rid of, because it was a friend's and he passed away. I've got a few sentimental pieces I keep whether I wear them or not because I love them, or what/who they remind me of. And I have very little established personal style so I can and will wear anything anywhere. I go grocery shopping in completely handsewn outfits now and then when I'm not doing it after work or on the way to something I need to be dressed a particular way for, like beekeeping or martial arts or gardening, either for my protection or the protection of my clothing (or both).

[@conniemurdoch8528]

Please, keep the cape! It’s lovely!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

You did really well! It took me having to pack up to move house to cull my wardrobe and none of it was me made ball gowns. (Going through all the beautiful things that I'll never fit into again was traumatic, and I couldn't part with my wedding gown even though the husband is long gone lol.)

[@nniffa393]

Pro tip: if you only hoard pretty fabric and never make it into anything cos you're scared of wasting it, you never have to get rid of the things you make! Completely unrelated, anyone got fabric storage tips? My storage is overflowing for some reason...

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

😂😂😂

[@morenilloxxl]

I felt this in my bones

[@willgalarneau5655]

what I gathered from this video: you're a critter and I never knew! So exciting!

[@CatsCostumery]

big Critter over here! love it when I find other Critters here ❤

[@canucknancy4257]

You did an awesome job. It's seriously hard to let go of the things that have emotional connection.

[@Lighthouse1852]

Selling is a great idea, or donating to a college theater costume department. It's agony to let go of one's art but you must. Photograph the pieces well, inside and out, as a memento, as a CV document, and as notes on how you problem-solved each detail. Do a little video memo explaining the tricky sections and materials. But let someone wear enjoy wearing the final products, because the recipients will. Let go of the 1870's gown and the beautiful red velvet cape. If the 1860's gown at about 20min can be altered to fit, keep it; if it can't, let it go too. They're all terrific pieces. So are your garibaldi shirt and other wearable antiques. Now may be the best time to sell, given that the puffy sleeve trend seems to be reaching its end. Voluminous, gathered, romantic, vintage-y, cottage core-y pieces are still hot but will cool off. Fashions will change and the audience will shrink back down to just costume aficionados. I also vote to take the top shelf fabric stash out of your office wardrobe and stack it into attractive storage bin/baskets or vacuum bags. It will buy more space where you feel most pinched.

[@Rhaifha]

I personally find it really hard to make things I don't need. But I also love making stuff. So I sew doll clothes for charity, haha. That way I can make a whole lot of stuff and pour in my creativity, but also just.. send the results off. 😂

[@sarahwatts7152]

I really appreciate the generousness of Cat's attitude when it comes to this kid of purge; the number of times she says that something will make someone else happy is telling in the most lovely way. Another A+ is Cat's attitude to Just Kidding Rowling, the bait-and-switch of our generation

[@darkeyedfran]

So proud of you for this declutter!

[@julesg9337]

that little velvet cape i would wear every day in autumn. i have a red wool one, a bit longer, plainer, but i love it ! and i have an androgynous pratical clothing style ;)

[@kburok5651]

Thank you for keeping me company while I attempt to clear out some art supplies and old projects for a move. I loved how you said, "So this can make someone else happy." I think all my supplies are potentially inspirational, but sometimes they would inspire someone else more.

[@azteclady]

Re: selling the dress form, could you perhaps do a "local only" listing for it, and agree to deliver it somewhere locally to you?

[@maudline]

Yeah I was thinking like facebook marketplace might be useful for something like this

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Most of my projects got passed onto others who could use it. Some were donated to charity. Most costumes were made for my kids. I mix period and modern together and no longer think that I don't know where to wear it. I just do. Something I started doing 20 years ago and I don't care what others think. I've been meaning to thin out my closet for over a year. My body changes sizes based upon whatever near fatal health issues I happen to survive. Its going to be a year before I can wear fitted trousers because the scars are deep and will take that long to no longer be an issue. I tend to do a capsule wardrobe and make things do at least do double duty. Some do triple or quadruple duty. My clothes can be changed with accessories. Office, punk, goth and mission. I'm rather poor... I love my Victorian riding coat inspired velvet coat with my jeans, skirts, knickerbockers and trousers. Doc Martens or granny boots.

[@deboragrossko5280]

I think this is so funny, I understand the struggle though, but when we die we are not taking any of these things with us, nobody will care, you can't control the destiny of it. Great for you for getting rid of things you don't need! 👏

[@katierose6424]

such a relatable issue! my cupboard and external drawers are full even with my opposite season wardrobes vacuum bagged away...

[@kaytiej8311]

Well done. You were very brave.

[@makeda6530]

A great reminder because I, too, need to.

[@RyanMercer]

I need to purge like 3/4 of the contents of my office to make room for the 3 knitting machines we bought last week 😆

[@dacrayzblaze1]

Vampire knight?! Lol talk about a blast from the past

[@CatsCostumery]

absolutely! 😂

[@tammymeier9157]

Nicely done! The struggle is real.

[@whoviangirl3878]

That leather-y skirt is so cute!!

[@JustIsold]

In my experience unless you see something and go 'oh I will wear that' preferably with 'I will wear it this coming day for x' you're never going to wear it XD Because if you would wear it would already be in rotation!

[@CatsCostumery]

Exactly! And I keep saving things for the day when, the big if, and then it never comes!

[@Linv4nT]

I feel your pain. That red velvet dress 😍😍 it's so pretty. It reminds me that I need to do that too 😢

[@LualaDy]

I have sold a few of my makes that I simply didn't wear anymore and feel happier now. I did check your listings, and unsurprisingly, as I am a very narrow being, everything is too big for me. Those renaissance inspired dresses are sooooo beautiful! *cries*

[@loonyrune]

Personally I would wear a cape like that to fancier every day things. It is so beautiful. Regarding the Hermione dress, could you alter it in any way so it would become more usable without screaming ´that´ franchise?

[@MichelleSMV]

I'm pretty similar...I get emotionally attached to stuff and it's so difficult to purge things. I think it's a great mentality though to think of it as passing on something you love to a new home, although I don't know if it makes it any easier lol

[@Fayefaye013]

Thanks! I was able to purge 3 garments from the closet, just added to the donation bag. Trying not to think about it too much

[@Miss_Marisa]

I'll be honest, I'm super excited to see what you list > . < I would love to own something made by YOU!!

[@bhavens9149]

sometimes I like to deconstruct an old costume and use the fabric and bits for something else. Just a thought.

[@mrs.knecro7044]

My issue has always been “ I’ll fix that or I’ll figure out a way to use the fabric or resize that” so I end up with a bag full of stuff that usually doesn’t fit

[@coreygilles847]

I would keep the cape

[@MelzoA.]

The struggle is real 😅 relatable….

[@NolChheangLeng-js3cn]

😍😍😍😍

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Ahh, you have fallen victim to Rivers’ law: “belongings will always expand to overflow the available storage space for them.”

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

Congratulation on decluttering, think how lucky you are you have your You Tubes and pictures to remind you. perhaps labelling some of your packages and writing up when you made them. If you do this you may reach for these items

[@reginadecuzzi9189]

donate to an opera company and you can see the costumes used in context

[@thestorykeeper6818]

Okay so normally when I watch wardrobe declutters I'm 100% "Yes! Get rid of it!" But I invite you to keep the self-made costumes that you love even if you don't wear them. A few years ago when I went through my massive decluttering/minimalism journey, I got rid of all my cosplays and now I regret it. Also go ahead and rock that velvet cape everywhere - shopping! brunch! a walk in the park! P.S. I would love the mourning dress if only the waist was 3" bigger...

[@mentatphilosopher]

Seems some, however painful it would be, could have been recycled for the fabric especially as selling it may not recoup either the initial or replacement cost. That grey fabric for example.

[@aquaaurora2747]

Dang it I wanted the blue dress but its already sold >.< Love that fabric. I actually would have bought everything that was in the depop shop, but I'm too late.

[@CatsCostumery]

the blue dress hasn't sold! I had to move everything over to Vinted due to Depop having ridiculous fees, you can find it here: www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/costumes-and-special-outfits/3248355488-1870s-early-bustle-historically-inspired-dress

[@aquaaurora2747]

​@@CatsCostumerySorry, I meant the darker blue one at 12:07- the wrapper/house dress. I did not see that one on your vinted

[@leannemedhurst9662]

I have the feeling that i may have to make a similar move as i keep sewing and am now running out of space 😞

[@manuferguson6564]

i made this cute adorable housedress a while ago and realized i made a huge mistake with a measurement and now it doesn't fit me. I should sell it i know that but i just cant

[@gardeneroflight]

Honey, you just need a larger or a second wardrobe. That one is simply TOO SMALL. 😉

[@jorgereyno1539]

I’d like to make doll costumes based on authors/books such as Jane Austen. Where do you find fabrics? I struggle to find authentic fabrics even in small quantities.

[@maudline]

So sad that vinted doesn’t seem to send to/work in Denmark 😢

[@johneasmith9678]

Did the corset that your friend made a pattern for have a link?

[@lunarmagpie619]

All of your videos have such cozy, welcoming energy, even when you’re being ruthless to your wardrobe. Thank you for being zero-tolerance on terfs!

[@inkwingart]

I tried to follow the vinted link but it doesn’t take me to your page :(

[@CatsCostumery]

I've moved everything from Depop to Vinted due to the fees! Sorry everyone for the confusion 😰www.vinted.co.uk/member/151906283-catscostumery

[@veronicapersson9124]

I can't become a member of depop. For the mobile number, my country's number does not exist. But is there another way that I can buy the red velvet cape? I love when you made it.

[@CatsCostumery]

I've just moved everything off to Vinted! I wish I'd started there, not at all happy with Depop. Here's the new link: www.vinted.co.uk/member/151906283-catscostumery

[@veronicapersson9124]

@@CatsCostumery thanks

[@bonniehyden962]

Cat! Why can't you remake the outfits from which you love the fabric but they don't fit anymore? Even that's historical.

[@CatsCostumery]

I have so many projects I want to make, I find it difficult to envision ever getting around it 😅 I've had a petticoat to re-hem in my to do pile for over a year, I find it hard to believe I'll ever get around to repurposing older makes, and this way someone else can wear it 😊

[@bonniehyden962]

@@CatsCostumery , LOL....same reason I've started just letting things go. 😉

[@susanelliott1970]

Instead of squishing the dress into the wardrobe, why not hang it from a hook on the door?

[@moxielouise]

Not to throw a wrench in your thought process, can't you remake some of these in fabrics you love into something else?

[@cherylf7333]

this might be dumb but are you having to pay for shipping on these? I was going to order a couple of things (definitely that square neck blouse) but then thought about the cost of UK to US shipping for you and how its probably a lot.

[@CatsCostumery]

Shipping is not included in these, no 😅

[@iris7911]

Oh, happy to know that your channel is not for me...

[@sarahwatts7152]

I would very much like to see Cat-Milo-Thatch. KZbin short or something?

[@CatsCostumery]

that is a great idea 😎

[@Neophoia]

When I saw the vampire knight cosplay I started smiling. I have one from when I used to cosplay Rima (my then partner used to cosplay shiki), and I still wear the shirt and dress a lot. The blazer is a bit tricky to wear since it's a very obvious pattern on it, but I do love the set.

[@CatsCostumery]

That's so cool!