Wear it loud and proud!

Dispelling the myths of wearing handmade clothes...

Aug 16, 2024

INSIDE: Wearing our handmade with confidence and showing off our awesomeness!

Whenever I go out to where other people are, I’m on the lookout for anyone else wearing handmade garments made with yarn.

It’s rare for me to see someone wearing a knitted or crocheted garment!

Where I live, we’re in the last throws of winter, so you’d assume it’s the perfect time to wear knitted sweaters, hats, scarves/cowls and fingerless gloves.

I’ve seen some babies and toddlers in knitted clothing, but not any adults.

It got me thinking about the myths bandied about regarding handmade knitted garments:

It’s too time intensive: people lack time because of their various responsibilities. However, knitting is adaptable to varying time constraints! You’d be surprised in how many pockets in the day there are.
It’s too expensive: people think handmade things are always expensive, but it depends on the materials. A cashmere sweater won’t be cheap, but a woolen one is much more affordable!
Less durable: Some believe handmade items are less durable than machine-made ones, but with proper care, handmade knitwear is more long lasting than commercial clothing.
Requires special care: While some handmade knitwear may have specific instructions, you can machine wash and dry many items.
Old-fashioned: There’s a perception handmade knitwear isn’t modern-looking, but many designers create stylish pieces that are much in vogue!
It all looks the same: People might think handmade knitwear lacks variety, but there’s a range of styles and techniques used in handmade pieces.
It’s always itchy: Not all handmade knitwear is scratchy; it depends on the type of yarn used. Many modern, high-quality yarns are soft.
It’s not functional: Some think handmade items are more about aesthetics than practicality, but many handmade pieces are as functional and versatile as their mass-produced counterparts.

These myths stem from common misconceptions.

However, with the growing popularity of handmade, these beliefs are being challenged and corrected by makers like us!

Every time I wear my handmade clothing and accessories, I’m proud of my accomplishments! I’m a maker who uses yarn to express my unique flair.

When I’ve finished a project, it feels like wearing a story of stitches. I reflect on the techniques I learned and how rewarding that was. I feel comforted by the cozy texture of the fabric on my body.

I’m so grateful to the talented designers, the yarn dyers, and the yarn suppliers, independent and commercial. We have so much choice!

The best part is handmade clothing lasts a lifetime, and the making becomes your lifelong friend.

Knitting has been with me for 40+ years and will remain for many more years to come (I’m doing all I can to make sure I can always knit & crochet by having a strong body and healthy mind!)

As I write this, I’m wearing my Chasing Lights Shawl, and my Pomatomus Socks. The detail in those socks still blows me away and my hands knitted them brings me such joy! Making with my hands is a gift I treasure.

And another question for you: How does it make you feel when you wear your knitted items?

Press reply or leave a comment!