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Why You Might Not Be Wearing Your Handmade Pieces (And How to Fix It)


I Don't Feel Like Wearing This!


Have you ever put countless hours into a crochet project, only to find that once it's finished, you don’t feel like wearing it? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, a discussion in the comments section of one of my videos shed light on this common issue, and I think it’s something we really need to talk about.

I’ve experienced this dilemma more than once. Even when I carefully select colors and put intention into my designs, I sometimes finish a project and feel disconnected from it. Let me share two recent projects that helped me understand why this happens.

Two Shawls, Two Different Feelings

I recently made two shawls, both of which I love, but I find myself reaching for one far more than the other.

The first is the Luna Shawl from Expression Fiber Arts. I made some modifications, cropping it shorter to suit my high-waisted outfits. The yarn—Soft and Sleek DK in Irish Rain—is beautiful, and the pattern itself is stunning, full of texture and intricate details. Get it HERE.

The second shawl, a Fiber Spider design, is much simpler. I used I Love This Yarn in Mahogany Singe, and to modify it slightly, I added a single crochet border for structure. This one is light, mesh-like, and incredibly easy to wear. Get the yarn HERE.

Between the two, the first shawl is undeniably more elegant, yet I feel more comfortable wearing the simpler one. Why? That question led me down a fascinating path of self-discovery.

Finding Your Authentic Style with the Three-Word Method

In my search for answers, I discovered the Three-Word Method, a concept by Allison Bornstein. You can buy her book HERE. The idea is to define your personal style using three words that encapsulate the clothing you feel best in. Here’s how it works:

  1. Identify your go-to pieces – The ones you always reach for, the ones that make you feel the most confident and comfortable.

  2. Analyze your aspirational style – Look at your Pinterest boards or pieces you’ve purchased but haven’t figured out how to wear yet.

  3. Choose three words – One that defines your everyday style, one aspirational word, and one that evokes a feeling.

After doing this exercise, I realized my three words are:

  • Comfortable – I prefer clothes that allow me to move freely and feel at ease, like long dresses with high waists.

  • Rock and Roll – I love pieces with a bit of an edge—black mesh tops, bold graphics, or unexpected details.

  • Feminine – Despite my love for edgier elements, I still enjoy soft, flowing dresses and delicate touches.

Why This Matters for Handmade Wardrobes

Understanding my style helped me see why I wasn’t wearing some of my handmade pieces. While my first shawl is gorgeous, it leans heavily into “feminine” without incorporating enough “rock and roll” to feel authentically me. The simpler shawl, on the other hand, effortlessly fits into my wardrobe because it balances the elements I love.

If you find yourself neglecting your handmade creations, try the Three-Word Method. It might reveal that some of your projects, while beautiful, don’t align with your true style. And that’s okay! Moving forward, you can make intentional choices that result in pieces you’ll actually wear and love.

Final Thoughts

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore the Three-Word Method for yourself. I’ll be linking resources. I’ve also been compiling a playlist focused on crochet and personal style, so check that out HERE if you’d like to dive deeper into this conversation.

Let’s make sure the beautiful things we create actually become part of our daily lives. Happy crocheting, and talk soon!

Do you have a project that you never wear? Let’s chat in the comments!

Watch the YouTube video here!


*There are affiliate links in this most were I make a small commission

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