Handmade Capsule Wardrobe: A good place to start

Hey y’all, welcome to today’s post on my blog, YoungFolk Knits! Kaci here, and I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that resonates deeply with anyone who adores slow fashion, handmade items, or just wants to live a bit more sustainably. That’s right, we’re talking about building a capsule wardrobe, but with a twist—it’s all about handcrafting your own unique pieces.

For those who might be new here, this blog is where I share my passion for fiber arts. Knitting is my first love, but I also dabble in sewing, spinning, and other crafts. Living on a small farm in Arkansas with my family, where we raise gardens, chickens, and even bees, I find inspiration in the rustic beauty of the Ozarks. So, if this sounds like your cup of tea, stick around!

Why a Handmade Capsule Wardrobe?

Creating a capsule wardrobe isn’t just a fashionable choice; it’s a lifestyle decision that emphasizes quality over quantity. Inspired by my grandmother, who was an avid traveler and a proponent of owning fewer but better-quality items, I’ve embraced the idea that a well-crafted garment is worth more than several fast fashion pieces. In recent years, there’s been a significant shift back to appreciating the art of handmade garments. This resurgence has brought with it an array of patterns and ideas for creating stylish, yet timeless, clothing.

Starting with Knit Patterns

Knitting has been a cornerstone of craft for centuries, but today’s patterns aren’t just about old-school styles. They’re modern, versatile, and utilitarian. I’m excited to share a couple of knitting patterns that are perfect for anyone looking to start their handmade wardrobe:

The Ranunculus Top: This is a must-have! It’s a versatile pattern by Midori Hirose that can be knit in different yarn weights, offering a range of textures from airy and drapey to cozy and warm. I personally love knitting this top in a sport-weight yarn for summer wear.

Ravelry project page.

The Moonset Tee: Designed by Haley Smedley (Ozetta on Instagram), this fingering weight tee is a wardrobe staple. Its elegant V-neck adds a touch of sophistication, and its simplicity means it pairs beautifully with just about anything.

The Emanuel Tee: By Joanna Garish (Cbri on Instagram), this is a quicker knit due to its DK weight. It features beautiful lace details on the back, adding a unique touch while keeping the front simple and sleek.

Eurus slipover: vests/slipovers are incredibly versatile pieces and for that reason I included the Eurus. It’s an absolute beauty with cables and side slits.

A few other faves:

Sewing Staples

Moving on to sewing, which pairs beautifully with knitting to round out a capsule wardrobe:

The Austina Boxy Top: A free pattern available at the Fabric Store online, it’s perfect for sewing novices and pros alike. I love making this top in linen for a breathable, year-round garment.

The Bob Pants: From Style Arc, these pants are the epitome of simplicity with an elastic waist and optional inset pockets. They’re perfect for anyone just venturing into sewing their own clothes.

Find the pattern here.

Hinterland Dresses: From Sew Liberated, these dresses offer versatility with different sleeve lengths and closures. They are ideal for various fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk, making them adaptable for any season.

Handmade Capsule Wardrobe: Bringing It All Together

Mixing and matching handmade items allows you to express your personal style while being mindful of consumption. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good in what you wear and knowing that each piece has a story, a purpose, and a place in your life.

If you’re inspired to start or enhance your own handmade capsule wardrobe, I hope these ideas and patterns provide a great jumping-off point. Remember, the joy of making isn’t just in the finished product but in the process itself. Happy making, and until next time, keep those needles clicking and those sewing machines humming!

If you want to hear more about my ideas for a capsule wardrobe, watch this week’s video on YouTube: