At the beginning of May I read this post from Karen at Fringe Assocation on how she records her outfits. She uses a bullet journal and she describes the types of records she makes; how often she wears me-mades, the average percentage of me-mades in an outfit, categories of garments and wear counts. I love the look of hand-written journals and the idea of a tangible record that I can hold in my hand. However, I have a long-held aversion to paper – I hate the way paperwork accumulates in our small house and I find the most efficient way of storing data is digital. So, a spreadsheet it is for me! I have been recording Me-Made-May on a spreadsheet since 2015 and throughout that time this spreadsheet has evolved considerably from recording what I wear and whether it is me-made or RTW, to now emcompass these other statistics:
- garment category (trousers, skirts etc)
- pattern company (Simplicity, Named Clothing etc.)
- colour
- wear count
I’m now fully equipped at the end of each Me-Made-May with a bunch of data that reflects my wardrobe use and it has been really useful. It shows me exactly where the gaps are in my wardrobe. Of course, I think sometimes that my spreadsheet is overkill for the task in hand, but now I’ve kept this record for 5 years I can even provide a report on how my wardrobe has changed over the last five years……can’t wait to finish this month and examine the data! Anyway, I’ve attached my sad spreadsheet, should anyone else like to use it here – MMM-template
Anyway, taking a look at this week’s outfits……
Day 15 Me mades: Hidden kittens top, 70s flared jeans, blue Driftless cardigan
Day 16 Me-mades: Red Sorbetto top, Black Burda Jeans
Day 17 Me-mades: Denim jumpsuit
Day 18 Me-mades: Blue pinafore dress
Day 19 Me-mades: 3/4 sleeved t-shirt, 70s flared jeans
Day 20 Me-mades: 70s flared jeans
Day 21 Me-mades: Tissue knit top, 70s flared jeans, Petrol Jenna cardigan
Day 22 Me-mades: Wrap trousers (not blogged yet), blue Driftless cardigan
Favourite Outfit:
I’m choosing Day 21 which is a full me-made day – tissue knit top, 70s flared jeans and Jenna cardigan. I’m sure I’ve worn this combination before, but I love the combination of the top and the cardigan. I may have grumbled hugely about that t-shirt when I made it; the fabric was a beast, but it is so light-weight and delicious to wear.
Early takeaways:
- The lack of summer tops is bothering me. I couldn’t find a top that I felt really worked with the voluminous wrap trousers and I must say that since I’ve started this May this has been the only occasion when I’ve truly felt stumped about how to put an outfit together. I suppose that is good news in a way.
- This week I’ve worn a range of garments from one of my oldest (the red Sorbetto top) to my most recently finished make (the wrap trousers).
Steely Seamstress 
May 23, 2019 at 1:51 am
LOVE your spreadsheet template. Perhaps I may have to use it! Great makes. I’d suggest something more fitted to balance the volume of the pants. Would you consider tucking a top in?
May 23, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Thanks, glad you like the spreadsheet – I can really geek out of these things so good to know I have company! I agree about tucking tops in except it was just after dinner and (you’re welcome to call me vain) but my belly was ginormous!
May 23, 2019 at 7:49 am
I’m a bit addicted to spreadsheets too!! Perhaps you could produce some graphs as well 😀
May 23, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Now you’re talking – graphs it is!