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Sewing A Collection, Part 2:
Color. The first thing I realized when I dove into the world of capsule wardrobes was that unless I started wearing beige, not many of the popular examples would work. I do love color, brights and neutrals, equally, in their place. I understand the theory that having a 100% neutral wardrobe would optimize the combinations and allow a smaller wardrobe to go further. I just couldn’t make it stick personally. How long would I last in a fabric store, confined to beige… That said, having a basic palette is pretty much the only way to effectively start a collection. It doesn’t have to be basic as in black and white,…
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Pattern Review: The Effie Dress
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Sewing A Collection (How I finally started making outfits) Part 1:
*This is going to be a series on my process of sewing a collection, and ending my wardrobe angst. The opinions and issues in this series may only ever apply to me, but since I have spent so much time researching capsules and collections, I will add my experience to it to be taken however it may! * Lets start with a few things about me. I used to thrift shop like crazy, I now sew like crazy, and both have resulted in an abundant and spontaneous wardrobe. I teeter between loving organization, loathing excess, and don’t-limit-me-I-love-fashion. However, if my wardrobe (or sewing/shopping habits) was working for me, I wouldn’t…
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Pattern Review: The Effie Dress
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A Darn Good Pillow Cover (+Tutorial)
I couldn’t resist using the bright teal recycled sari silk from Darn Good Yarns for a pop of color in my neutral-yet-vintage living room. I love mixing pieces inspired by every bygone era, and this textured slipcover adds even more interest. You can find the pack of recycled sari silk here, and see my post about other fabric in my pack here. I have a quick tutorial for making this pillow cover, and you can adapt it easily for any size of pillow (even full size or body pillows!). I used sari silk for the front piece, cotton scraps for the back piece, and some leftover fringe from a past…
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Sewing {darn} Good.
If you sew your own clothing, there is probably a part of you that cares where and how your clothes are made. What happens to the people who make them. What happens to the environment in the process. If you sew your own clothing, recycle, shop secondhand, shop consciously… chances are it is for the goal of doing less harm. Meet Darn Good Yarn, who are providing an opportunity to make something beautiful AND do some good. When they reached out to me, I took some time to read up on what this company is doing, and I will always recommend that you do the same (Don’t just take my…
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No.2: Camel Coat
Its the hottest week of the year where I live, so naturally, I made a coat! Confession time: Last winter I attempted to sew a coat, got frustrated, and binned it. Funny enough, I wasn’t intimidated by coat-making until I tried it! I really needed to wrap my head around the construction AND get my coat-skills up. The Cambria Duster by Friday Pattern Company is the perfect way to ease into things. Its not lined, not too many pieces, no closures- so you can focus on the shape, collar construction, and seam finishing. Even just getting the hang of the weight of the fabric- it was definitely a new experience!…
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Alter-it-August #2: Barbie, Mandy, and Me
Its the second week of August and that means another #alteritaugust project on the books! (If you haven’t seen the first project, you can read about it here). Garment: Barbie graphic tee From: Cannot remember, probably secondhand, possibly RTW clearance rack?… Why I don’t wear it: I don’t mind the slightly over-sized fit, but the sleeves are hacked off so there was massive gaping at the armholes, and the neckline didn’t feel right. The Plan: I LOVED barbie dolls as a kid and the nostalgia factor is huge here! Really, she was my first introduction to fashion and design, from trying to glue together felt for tiny dresses to endless…
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Alter-it-August #1: Jurrasic Measures
I love when an Instagram challenge lines up with what is going on in my own sewing room and closet! When Mia from Sew North announced she was hosting #alteritaugust , I was all in. Go check out her blog for details! I have set a goal of 3 specific projects for the month of August, to alter and share. Lets begin! Garment: Modcloth sweater dress. From: Value Village (thrifted). Why I don’t wear it: It has been hanging in the closet (and survived 2 purges because of its great print and super soft feel). I will sheepishly admit I had no real plans to wear this. I don’t wear…
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Oh, My Darling.
Recently, I was asked to review the Clementine Dress and Top pattern from Forget-Me-Not Patterns, a brand new NZ-based indie company. I have been working really hard to keep my project list manageable (ha ha) but when I saw the design and read a bit more about them, I had to say yes! The Pattern: The Clementine Dress is designed for knits and uses princess seaming in front and back for shaping. The bodice fits at the bust, skims the waist,and flares at the high hip. There are 3 sleeve length options, a cowl neckline, scoop neckline, large pockets, and a basic top version included in the pattern. I made…
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Wilder Blue Yonder
Another week is upon us, and its already been a warm one! I have been cleaning and purging our little house while Mr. S finishes all the things that are left after you renovate an entire house over 4 years, and of course my favorite room to tidy is our shared office/ sewing space. I have mixed feelings on fabric stashes- I love being prepared, but hate storing things that are not in use! ( I’m still working that out as my sewing journey goes on.) When I started sewing, I chose very different fabrics than I do now. I was drawn to all the bold, colorful, printed fabric….while only…
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No.1: A Crepe Slip Dress
My goal with this specific stack of fabrics is to elevate the “momiform” (Mom + uniform) that I wear as a homeschooling mom. I do a few things outside of the house, and like most people I don’t often have time to change outfits. The first garment in this stack is the most transitional from summer to fall temperatures- which in my part of the world can cycle multiple times within a 24-hr period! Layering is key for comfort. When I thrifted this dusty rose poly-blend crepe a few months back I knew that I wanted to make something I would wear a LOT. The color is really versatile and…
