If you don't know already, I'm really big into crafting (it's my second nature next to breathing) and DIY projects: most of my room and decor is DIY, and so is a big portion of my wardrobe, accessories and all. For the past month, I've been doing back-to-school sewing, from store bought patterns and online tutorials. It's quite easy to get a normal pattern and transform it into your liking, but I still like going to references that are more "goth oriented" so I do a lot of internet surfing for DIY ideas. I've found lots of cool looking clothing and room decor that you can buy, but I haven't had much luck with finding Goth DIY sites (as well as my other interests like medieval and fantasy). All I have found is Anitomy and Lace and Gothic Martha Stewart, which cater great ideas, but not much.

The world is rapidly growing more and more materialistic, and I think this ideology is creeping into the dark subculture, especially in recent years. DIY is a pretty important aspect to any underground subculture in my opinion, because it shows that you aren't trying to "buy" your way into a scene (especially if you're a youngling), and that you have creativity and individuality in your creations, which is also important. There's nothing wrong with buying something you really like or want, but I see, through some products I've spotted, that people can't even put forth the effort of ripping their own jeans nowadays. I mean, why go through all of that trouble of attaching my own chains to a pair of pants if brands like Tripp NYC can do it for me(?)

I know that not every Goth is sewing superstar, and not everybody has the time, but it's like some people don't even try anymore in the creativity department.

So what do you think? Do you think that some people are taking the DIY asthetic for granted in the subculture?

I think the first thing that drew me into the gothic subculture was the fashion, and I now also love the music and ideas that go with it. A few months ago I started browsing the internet for stores that sold gothic and alternative clothing, but to my great dismay, the prices of many of the items were much more than I or my parents could afford. I began to wonder, how in the world do goths pay for their clothes? It never occurred to me that I could make my own. And while I've never touched a sewing machine in my life, I'm inspired to try now. I'm constantly designing new outfits in my mind, and I think that now I might put those ideas to work.

I do believe that the world is growing more and more materialistic. Society teaches us that the more things we have and the quicker we can get it the better. It always astounds my parents that someone would pay hundreds of dollars for a pair of ripped jeans. Also, on the other side, like you pointed out, not everyone has time. Being in high school now, it seems like I'm constantly studying for tests, and when you have a spare moment, you just don't feel like doing anything that even remotely resembles work. I would say though, that to sew a beautiful dress, the time would all be worth it.

I can't really say much about the gothic subculture as a whole, considering I'm very new to it all, but I think the idea of making ones own clothes and furnishings is a great idea. I feel that when I do something or earn it myself, it makes it much more valuable to me.

I think it's great that you have such a DIY attitude, and I wish you luck in finding websites that can help you!

For the past four or so years, I've been collecting pictures of clothes that I find on online stores, because I always thought "maybe one day, I can have enough money to buy this" or "maybe one day, I can make something that looks like this", and I'm very glad I did.

Much like with your predicament, either the clothes cost way too much, or, they're over seas, usually in the U.K., Australia, or Japan (in the case of Gothic Lolita attire that I spot in G&LB). Even in the matter of corsets, which are always expensive, I didn't want to spend that much. I hardly sewed back in high school as I do now (mainly because of time and space), but now that I do, and my sewing confidence and skills have increased (as well as some work space being cleared up), I can do much more.

There are a lot of benefits when you make and construct your own clothes and accessories. One major benefit is the price: if you know what you're doing and where to shop for supplies, you can make things like shifts, skirts, cuff bracelets and even corsets and bustiers for a lot less. Nowadays, I usually live by the motto, "If I can make it, I won't buy it". I think the most expensive thing about crafting is starting out: gather supplies and equipment (and good sewing machines don't come cheap >.>). But once you accumulate more supplies, it gets more cost effective.

BTW, at the spur of the moment, I decided to create my own DIY blog: http://stitchwitcherycrafts.blogspot.com/ . Since it's newly created, I haven't dumped a bunch of stuff I made onto it yet, so it will be gradual. Also, if you have any other Gothic DIY sites, please post them here.

That one paragraph seems to sum it all up. The majority of people nowadays, regardless of whatever style or subculture is to their liking, tend to focus alot more on the aspect of materialism...Name brand clothing, items that cost more than what I used to pay each month for rent ($225.00)...etc.

There is very little emphasis on the value, monetarily and sentimentally, on creating one's own clothing/decor/etc. The rampant obsessions with everything 'brand name' is eliminating the creative and individual aspect of society as a whole, not only in subcultures.

We live in a throwaway society, where said $150.00 pair of pre-ripped jeans will be viewed as essentially obsolete within six months.

I would love to ramble on more, but I'm not fully awake yet and more than likely have made no sense so far.

I think the DIY aspect was dwindling. People are often of the mentality that "I want it right now!" and if you have to make something yourself it takes time, so they just purchase what they want.

However, because of the economy, some industrious people are getting back to DIY projects because they are cheaper in the long run and much easier to make exactly what you want.

I can only sew by hand so I generally buy basic pieces frrom chain stores or thrift stores and customize them to my liking unless the pattern is very simple. Recently I raided a 2 for $5 sale on t-shirts and used decorative trim and fabric paint to customize them.

I also make my own jewelry. I've noticed more and more people getting into it lately. Let's face it, good jewelry is expensive, but with the recent interest in beads and tribal designs, it is just more practical to make it yourself.

I couldn't agree more. I think the majority of it has to do with big chain stores *cough cough* Hot Topic *cough* *cough* making it super easy for anyone with money to just waltz in and buy a "gothic" *shudders" outfit. I was recently at a mall with some friends and we decided to go into the Hot Topic just for laughs. I was kinda upset to see that they are now stocking many of the original goth band shirts and merchandise, ex: the original Bela Lugosi Bauhaus shirt. This was rather disappointing. I've just been getting into the DIY thing and I have to say that making my own clothing is so much more satisfying - safety pins are one of the greatest inventions ever!

I think you are partially right on that one. However, we live in a society that is fast paced and motivated by instant gratification. I would have to say that I believe that these are the two greatest contributory factors to the pandemic of gothic clothing stores.

Additionally, it not just lack of skill that contributes; it's also lack of resources. For example, I plan to get my husband the "Neo" jacket for Christmas but my sewing machine doesn't handle more than two layers of leather. In order for me to make that style of jacket, it's going to have to handle at least 4 layers in certain parts. It would end up being cheaper for me to buy the coat than to purchase a sewing machine that can handle it, then the leather or vinyl, etc.

A lot of goths have taken their crafts to the internet as well. Which I prefer over Hot Topic. So even the subculture is contributing.

True. There are some projects that you end up spending the same amount of money for it you bought it from a mass producer. But I think the thing that people don't grasp about the whole DIY deal is the satisfaction that you get afterward; I think that's the most important thing about DIY. You can spend so much time on one garment, and you may even spend more than you expected, and at first your tired, confused, and hell - maybe stressed out if it's your first try - but then you get this really awesome feeling after you finally finished your project, and that feeling stays waaaaay longer than the feeling that you get after you used your credit card to buy the same thing somebody else is wearing somewhere else.

I got that same feeling after I finished making my first bustier.

Alas, it's a shame that our society is all, "I want it now, now, now!"

I agree with the lack of resources for more complex projects. I mean, with items like jackets, I'd just buy it - for now. (Because I'm getting the knack at bustier making, and someday I hope I can make my own corset. )

The lack of skill bit, though - like, "I don't know how to use a sewing machine". Not to be harsh, but you have to learn a skill in order to acquire it. I read a nifty article on why one should sew, and an excellent point that the author made was, "if you can learn how to drive a car, you can learn how to use a sewing machine." But again, it's the fast paced nature of our society: people don't have the patience to sit down, and learn how to crochet or knit (but apparently, they have enough time to sit their bums down in front of the TV and watch another season of Big Brother -_-;).

I am a huge fan of DIY projects and have known how to sew for quite a few years -though most of that was spent for costume-making. I agree, there is a wonderful feeling of pride when you make something for yourself and I highly encourage everyone to take up sewing. I'm a strong believer in ANYONE can sew. I even taught my SO, who is of the 'making things out of wood, metal, and sweat' persuasion, how to sew. It just usually takes time and patience to get through the first two or so projects -and no, the first project should NOT be a corset, jacket, or 18th century gown!

But one should also note that DIY projects aren't limited to making things from scratch. There is the art of altering clothes, which once you have the basics of sewing down, opens a whole world of new possibilities. That t-shirt not fit but you love the design? Make a purse/wallet or place the design on something else like a corset, the back of a coat, or hat.

The main thing is, as a subculture that looks at society from almost a third person POV, I'm finding it ironic that a lot of people criticize the 'normal' folks for buying stuff that looks the same, yet these people do it themselves -just with different stores...

I can't sew, although I would if I had a sewing machine. I do repair stuff by sewing it by hand, but I'm not exactly precise with my sewing, so making a garment by hand would probably not turn out too nice. But yes, DIY seems to be becoming a lost art, when buying style is so much more convenient, and sometimes companies make things that you wouldn't have thought of before seeing it.

In all honesty, I never wear anything even close to what is mass produced. Especially the crap I see on hot topic. My clothing does have a more, militaristic feel them most.

One of the things I've always loved about this sub-culture is the DIY aspect. When you hit the club and have loads of people complimenting you on your great sewing skills, it's an awesome feeling!

I take pride in my sewing, arts & crafts.

I know it's not goth, but try googling 'punkrockdomestics', it's a Punk DIY site. But they have the same love of DIY as we do.

I love making my own clothing, even though I'm not very good at sewing, but if I have to buy clothes, I try to buy them hand-made from people I know, rather than just supporting mass-production.
I generally make my own accessories when possible.

Some shops, like X-tra-x, will have some good stuff, but otherwise, I tend to dislike brands.

I live in the scene where almost every club is peppered with younglings with Alice Auaa or Moi Meme Moitie tags sticking all over their bodies, and I tend to get sick of it. Japanese society is STILL just as collectivist and trendy as ever, and sadly it's polluted the goth scene with a vengeance.

The clothing and jewellery I make tends to involve burning, melting, bloodstaining, organic animal parts, and other things involved to create that "unholy wraith from the abyss" look that no "brand" can satisfy!!

I made a pact to myself this August: that I wouldn't buy any clothes that I couldn't make myself for the rest of the year. And I've already withdrawn myself from browsing on my favorite clothing stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe (so I won't be tempted), so my pact is going quite well. Now I shop for patterns.

Of course, the fall semester has started, so I won't have much time anymore except on weekends, so I plan on just accumulating materials until I get more time to sew.

I breathe sewing. It's one of those things I need to live.

I just graduated last June, and before then I really had no time to sew. But lately, it's all I've been doing when I'm not at work. I'm lucky enough to work in a decent-sized fabric store, so I see a lot of different prints and trims I can use. I've haven't sewed anything really Gothic just yet, but I don't feel my skill level is quite that high. Soon, though. Being able to sew really helps me save money. There's no point in me buying something when I know I can just make it myself. And besides, people's eyes widen a lot more when you tell them you made that pretty skirt or corset yourself. So, I can't really speak for the Gothic community since I personally know very few Goths, but for me DIY is an ever-growing, immortal part of me.

Thanks for the link so much, Wolfmammy! I've wanted a bondage belt for years, but I never thought it could be so easy to make on myself! Definitely going to frequent that site.