Creating a conscious wardrobe is one of the best ways to move the needle towards change (I know, I know, I just can’t leave a good pun hanging…) but it can be challenging to find the time and dedication. It’s not even all that hard, with a few simple strategies and a bit of commitment, it is possible to carve out the time you need to make your wardrobe more sustainable.

Now this is where I turn a little ‘tough love’ on you. Remember, nothing changes if you change nothing!

The first step in finding time to create your conscious wardrobe is to make it a priority. Like any goal, if you don't commit to it, it is unlikely to happen. If you feel like you need more motivation, you can find in inside of yourself. And I’m not talking about that piece of chocolate cake you just ate, sit down with your journal and a pen and really reflect on why this is important to you and what you hope to achieve through this process. Answer questions like ‘why do I want to do this?’, ‘what will it bring?’, ‘how is this contributing to my values?’. Or, and this works really well too, turn it around. ‘Why don’t I want to buy from high street shops?’, ‘What can happen if I stopped wearing ‘off the rack’?’ Write down your goals and keep them in a visible place where you can see them regularly. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your objectives.

The next step is to take a close look at your schedule and see where you can make changes to accommodate your wardrobe goals. This may mean waking up a bit earlier, carving out some time in the evening, or even taking a day off work depending on your eagerness. Be realistic about how much time you can commit, and be willing to adjust your schedule as needed.

I like making time blocks. Draw a table with the days on the week on top and the hours of the day on the left hand side, use different colours for different time spent; family, house work, work, spare family time, spare personal time, and so on. Review this and start thinking about how you can move things around.

You could set aside a specific block of time each week that is dedicated solely to this creating your conscious wardrobe. This might be an hour or two on a specific day, or a longer period of time on the weekends. By making this time non-negotiable, you are more likely to stick to it and make progress towards your goals.

Another strategy is to integrate wardrobe creation into your daily routine. This might mean bringing a small sewing project with you to work or taking a few minutes each day to mend an item of clothing. Even small actions can add up over time and contribute to your overall progress.

If you are struggling to find time in your schedule, consider enlisting the help of others. Reach out to friends or family members who share your interest in sustainable fashion and see if they would be willing to work on projects together. Or join a making, knitting, crafting circle in your neighborhood. This can be a great way to make progress while also spending time with others.

It is also important to remember that creating a conscious wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It is unlikely that you will be able to transform your entire wardrobe overnight, so be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Our online community is an excellent place to show what your making and celebrate the process. Take the time to enjoy the process of creating and mending garments, and remember that each step you take is a step towards a more sustainable future.

In addition to finding time to create your wardrobe, there are also other strategies you can use to make the process more efficient. For example, consider setting up a dedicated space for knitting, sewing and mending, investing in high-quality materials that will last longer, and learning new techniques that will allow you to create more complex items.

In episode #27 of the A Smaller Life podcast I give even more tips to make more time to make. If you want them delivered to you in a quick cheat sheet,

Creating a conscious wardrobe is a fun, rewarding and fulfilling process that can help you align your values with your actions. By making this a priority and taking the time to commit to your goals, you can create a wardrobe that not only looks great but also supports a more sustainable future. Big deal. Very big deal. And you get to play with yarn and fiber along the way. Seriously… who thought of this idea, it’s genius!!

 

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