Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Karrol]

Cool!
so here's the ideas I'm playing with. I really want to use my vintage patterns and make some summer appropriate pieces.


Do you think it's too much to have the striped linen for a jacket AND pants?

[Lisanne]

This is the first time I’ve entered a wardrobe contest and I’m wondering about preparation.  I know that pattern pieces must only be cut out during the contest time.  But I’m wondering what sorts of work can be done before that.  As examples, could I make before the contest starts  :

-  patchwork blocks which were going to be used in a bag.
-  an area of crazy piecing from which vest fronts were going to be cut.
-  an area of embroidered fabric from my embroidery machine, from which the yokes of a blouse were going to be cut.

Sorry, I seem to be one of those people who query the edges of the rules !

thanks
Lisanne

[kiltsnquilts]

Lisanne, from the questions you have asked your plan sounds intrigueing!  I won't presume to try to answer them though - wouldn't have a clue but will be interested to see the answers also! 

Karrol, I love your storyboard/inspiration - IMO the striped fabric would be great as pants and a jacket, esp if being worn with the plain blouse.  I love the idea of vintage but have never attempted anything like it - maybe one day.  I must admit to being inspired by the blogs i read by those who do a lot of vintage clothing, not sure my lifestyle goes with the vintage look though 

I did manage to do some sewing today, finished a hooded t-shirt that I am really pleased with.  Unfortunately for the rest of the weekend I will be making curtains for my niece's and nephew's bedroom ready for them to move into their new (renovated not built) house.  I offered in a moment of weakness, thinking at the time that it wasn't for ages!!  All I really want to do is   Just hope I can make them quick 

I went to the fabric stores to try and find a lining for my silk tweed but couldn't make a decision.  Nothing really said 'I am perfect' and I can't decide on a print or plain fabric.    I did manage to come away with three pieces that are nothing to do with my capsule but they will go with other fabrics in my stash to make another capsule of their own - not that I need a reason, right? 

[AnnRowley]

I've decided to jump in here.  The weather here in the UK is unusually warm for May so I've just had a look at my existing Summer clothes....

So - it will be Simple Summer Separates - nothing tailored, couture or, of course, black.   
A skirt and three tops I think. I have a pink linen/lycra and a co-ordinating print as a jumping off point - patterns and other fabric to be decided.

Some lovely ideas so far, I'm looking forward to seeing those great fabrics made up.

[ruthc]

I'm definately doing a husband capsule (oh that would be so much funnier if I could say husband swap)  anyway....
I've decided I can't wait till June to make me some new tops so will do sewing for me this month and sewing for him next month.

DH lives in shorts/jeans and t-shirts for work and day-pyjamas at home (old saggy sweat pants and t-shirts) so I do forget he has an interest in how he looks.
His non-work clothes are pretty limited and this is as much to do with available budget and his hatred of shopping as anything else.

He has already
White linen trousers
Black linen trousers - I made this and forgot to pre-wash so they are 7/8ths length but he can get away with this with flip flops.
Blue jeans
Grey cargo pants
white short sleeve shirt
white long sleeve shirt
couple of blue short sleeve shirts
couple of black long sleeve tops.

He has asked for the following
One long collarless long sleeve shirt
One short sleeve shirt, "just like the one of my dad's I used to wear when I was 16"  and I know what thats like 'cos I was wearing my mind reading specs when he described it!
A-n other shirt as  yet to be described
Trousers

He would have had all shirts if he could but the contest requires trousers so that's what he is getting.
For the accessory I will make him a man-bag.

I just realised that the no-black thing could be a problem as I think the "my fave shirt from when I was 16" was black.
I'm thinking a white and blue colour scheme, or maybe I'll convince him on a nice tan linen for the trousers.
DH seems to have a problem visualising the pattern and the fabric made up into real clothes.  So I show him the pattern and the fabric and get at best a non-commital kind of "hmmmm" but when I make the garment up then he gets all impressed but is still unable to equate what I are wearing with the pattern and fabric I showed him before.  Funny fellas.

Karrol - I love your storyboard. 
Marji - fab fabrics

[Robin]

DH seems to have a problem visualising the pattern and the fabric made up into real clothes.  So I show him the pattern and the fabric and get at best a non-commital kind of "hmmmm" but when I make the garment up then he gets all impressed but is still unable to equate what I are wearing with the pattern and fabric I showed him before.  Funny fellas.

Ruth, my DH is the same way.  If I show him a pattern, and the drawing shows a sketch in red, he says, "But I thought you wanted a black jacket?"

It cracks me up to point out that I can sew it in whatever fabric I want.   

[Robin]

oooh, Karrol, you story board is something!  I can't wait to see it!

I know I am not commenting on all the wonderful ideas here.  Work has been soooo busy that I just skin through things.  Plus I have not had internet access in the evenings earlier this week.

But I am just thrilled at how many people are joining in!

[Fabricarts]

I just wanted to add a comment that I think being able to visualize how the fabric and pattern will come together in a finished garment is a learned skill. I'd suggest that when you meet up with someone who can't transform a 2-D image and a flat piece of fabric into a mental image of what the garment will look like (let alone evaluate how it will look on a body!) you can remind yourself how far you've come in developing your skills. Thanks for the conversation about this!
Miriam

[Karendee]

My, what a full set of posts this morning! It is so exciting to see all the the sewists flocking to join the contest. Plans are really moving along, sounds like we'll see embroidery, crazy quilting, summer separates, husband's wardrobe, gorgeous fabrics (Robin, Marji, Kilts,), couture based plan, and vintage wardrobe. I'm sure I've forgotten some--if so mea culpa--I did not mean to leave anyone out. This is so much fun.

Karrol,
IMHO the 2 pieces out of the linen stripe would be an asset to your wardrobe plan. It would be a core of the plan to branch out from. Beautiful storyboard.

KarenD

[ElaineMC]

Karrol – I echo all the wonderful things said about your way cool story board.

Ruth – Mr. C will be one stylin’ new dad!

OK, fellow capsule sewists – I need some opinions to help with my plans.

Below is a picture of my fabric.
The royal blue will make V2532 shorts view B .

The white will make HP Metropolitan Seriously Stylin’ Jacket

The accessory will be bag made with scraps from the royal and white.

Which two of the three possible tops should I make? Starting on the left moving clockwise:
1.   Blue & taupe floral knit HP Metropolitan Tie Me Down Top
2.   blues & greens  leaf print rayon KS 3199 vC
3.   Blue, pink & white cotton stripes print BWOF 3/08 # 109

I haven’t made any of them before, so I need to do some muslins this month – especially for the jacket!

Thank you for your input!

-EMC

P.S. - Ruth - maybe you shoul make Mr. C a diaper bag that matches!!!  My husband always ended up carrying the bag when I carried the baby!

[ruthc]

It cracks me up to point out that I can sew it in whatever fabric I want.   

The fabric men seem to have most problem is is floral linen.  I made a lovely, bias cut linen dress, white with a dark red and green flower print on it.  My boyf of the time described it as looking like a  tablecloth, DH said exactly the same thing about the same dress more recently.  I´ve since given it to a friend, but I really liked it.  
Men - no imagination!

[Karendee]

EMC,

I love all your fabric and pattern selections, but I vote for the Burda top with the stripe material. If that's not your final choice, all are lovely combos.

KarenD

[ejvc]

EMC - I also love that burda top -- LauraLo made it for her winning SWAP.  Be warned, the sleeve caps need to be cut on the bias or otherwise adjusted or you can't raise your arms - check out Laura's blog for details.

Elizabeth

[marciae]

What a great sew fest this is going to be.  I have the capability to take the computer to the mtns with me - had not planned on doing that - was only going to check message, SG every 10days or so - when we come down to pay bills and check on things.  Welllll, after all the talk this morning I'll probably have to have my morning "fix" of SG - even in the mtns!!   You all are very inspiring!!

[scottiesews]

I'm in, after a great deal of deliberation but I can't escape the fact I need some clothes!  I have two possibles, depending on what I can find when I fabric shop tomorrow with 9 yr old in tow who hates fabric shopping!!  I really need to go to Preston but I don't think I'll manage that for a week or two.  Anyway, I start teaching sewing related courses in September & will need appropriate clothes.  I have also taken up fly fishing & I refuse to wear khaki or traditional camo & the joke last week was that myself & a young girl were both wearing something pink & we were more successful that the lads so I thought I'd expand on the theme & make a fishing vest in pink!  I'm thinking a pink camo pattern just out of spite directed at my DH who would wear nothing but realtree camo if he could!  He is currently adamant that he wants a tie in realtree for his daughters wedding next year.

[Fox Valley Patti]

I probably won't officially join --  but I love the spirit of the contest, and will challenge myself to sew along!

Otherwise, I doubt I'll get 4 garments done in June!

But, if I don't have a challenge - I won't get those UFOs done at all!

[xtiand]

Sue (ScottieSews) I was in Fabrix in Lancaster today and they had lots of Camo fabrics, I seem to think one was pink but if not Dots and Stripes have a pink one http://www.dotsnstripes.co.uk/view_product.cfm?id=607
They are in Dundee but do mail order and are quick to send orders.
Christian

[KathrynT]

I've just officially sent Elizabeth the message, so I'm in. 

Now those of you have seen my last 2 SWAPs don't be too shocked, but I'm not going to make all purple!  I was going to say no purple and then realised that the accessory (necklace) I have asked someone to make does have some purple beads.  That will count as my purchased item - purchased but designed by me!

I found this really cool shirt fabric that is white with pink stripes about 1/8 inch wide and 2/3 of the pink strips are pintucked.  Now to find the other 3 fabrics.

[scottiesews]

Christian, thanks for the heads up, it's Fabrix I'm heading for tomorrow.  I'm also hoping they still have some cheap tencel so I can make a muslin of the dress I think I want to make for my step daughters wedding next year.   It calls for something drapey. 
http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V2354.htm?tab=vintage_vogue&page=3 .  Now what clothes to add to a fishing capsule?  Trousers, vest, 2 shirts maybe & a baseball cap?  Decision time may have to be in the shop tomorrow.  I think I may have some beige twill for pants but will need to find it to match other fabric to.

[LauraTS]

Sue, I saw some fabric in the store the other day: regular camo colors, with pastel embroidered flowers. Not in your neck of the woods, but it cracked me up.

[ClaireC]

Wow!  Four pages already of wonderful ideas, fabrics and patterns.  IYou are all very inspiring and it's a bit intimidating to be amongst this group of experts, but I'm going to give it a try.........

I've changed my mind at least 100 times since I joined the contest.  I ditched the navy/pink/white theme and thought about navy/white/red, which I then ditched for red/whte and   I have very little red in my closet and since I've been able to find a few "blue" reds rather than "orange" reds I think this will be the way to go.  However, Regis, this is not my final offer.  I wasn't born a Libra for nothing.   

At the moment I'm thinking cool, summer cottons with a retro feel.  I have some red and white polka dot fabric and I've ordered solid red and cherries on white.  They all coordinate from the same line.  Now to add a punch of another color and since black is out I may consider a very dark navy for an accent.  These are the red fabrics I'm considering...for now. If anyone has any idea of a contrast fabric, in addition to navy I'm all ears.     I have some gorgeous white swiss cotton purchased from Michaels a few years ago and I have dark navy linen, as well as denim.






For patterns, I'm thinking about a 50's style dress. A little jacket, A-line skirt and a top.  I did buy a patent red purse, but I'd like to make my accessory, whatever that may be.

Back to the drawing board with my thinking cap on....it's smoking.....

[Carole]

Here are the beginnings of my fabric selection.  I have  to say NONE of them came from my stash.  That's because nothing in my stash co-ordinates with anything else.  That gives you a clue as to why I need to do this contest! Thanks to the GRITs thread on this site I found my absolute favorite of all fabric stores ever, Textile Fabrics in Nashville.  And even then I could only find three fabrics that I liked that didn't have black in them somewhere...the dark berry color will be pants and the other two simple tops.  I live a very quiet life! 

[kiltsnquilts]

Ooh - great ideas and plans!

Carole, your fabrics are lovely - are the top fabrics both embroidered or printed?

I have some gorgeous white swiss cotton purchased from Michaels a few years ago and I have dark navy linen, as well as denim.

ClaireC, denim with your cherries and red sounds lovely - keeps it fresh and casual.  Navy would be good also.

Scottiesews, your plan really made me smile - what a cool idea to make pink camo for fishing! 

On the subject of being able to visualise fabrics/patterns made up, I am lucky that it is something that has always come easily.  From whenI started to sew at about 12 I was able to imagine how fabric and pattern would go together - but I do think it is something that also comes with experience.  (Hope that doesn't sound big headed?!  )

[kbenco]

I really like seeing all these fabric combinations. I have not got that far yet. At the moment I would like to make a blouse from either
this brown/purple/yellow print
or this red/purple/brown print
 
These are 2 Indonesian cotton batik sarongs that I bought last week after I saw a fabulous batik blouse on a very well dressed friend. Her blouse was machine embroidered and beaded to emphasize elements of the batik, and it looked fabulous.  I had to restrain myself from poking and prodding at it to see how it was made, although I did quiz her closely as to the provenance. I would really like to make a blouse like hers as the centerpiece of my capsule. I am so ready for some colour and embellishment after what seems like a long time sewing for practicality. This weekend I finished sewing a mega boring green raincoat for my daughter. Bleugh, but useful.
Karen

[xtiand]

Kbenco, the red,purple brown would be my choice but both fabrics are wonderful. I think it was the little bird that caught my eye on the red,purple, brown one. It would look wonderful with added embroidery and beads.
Claire C I love the cherry fabric, I can just imagine a 50's dress in it.
Sue, I bought a couple of Vogue patterns at Fabrix (okay 3 Vogue patterns) yesterday two dress patterns and a long caftan style shirt and fabric for one of the dresses a pretty eyelet design but it is black!
I had two capsules in mind the first is cream, black and amber but because of the black it wouldn't work for this contest. I could sew the cream and amber items for this and add the black later.  The other is navy and white which would use some of my unfinished SWAP fabrics and would I suppose be the sensible option.
Today it is hot again (quite a surprise as the forecast was rain) so I'm wearing my "scrubs" style top and trousers in periwinkle blue linen, cool and comfortable but I must remember to change my clogs (white) before I go out or I'll look like an extra from a medical drama!
I had a disaster this week, I bought a very pretty and quite expensive navy and white paisley skirt last year but didn't wear it as we had a fairly wet cold summer. I wore it to school on Wednesday and later I washed it at 40degrees as the label suggested. When I hung the washing out later I realised it had shrunk to about half its original size. I took it back to the shop yesterday, mainly to ask advice rather than request a refund but was told very curtly that as it is 12 months old they want nothing to do with it. I've apparently had 12 months use of it, ie it's been in my wardrobe 12 months, so they feel they owe me nothing not even advice on why it shrank. Very disappointing for me and one customer less for them in future! I suppose the moral is always wash new garments soon after buying to check the accuracy of the washing instructions while it is still in the current range!

[ruthc]

Claire - those fabrics are so cute.  I think a blue linen or denim would set them off well.

Carol - lovely fabrics too.

I have managed to get DH to commit to brown trousers.  It is a very gentle process of coaxing information out of him when he isn´t reading Le Monde online or playing his empire building game.

I offered him a choice of blue or white trousers, NOT BLACK, and he suggested brown which I have managed to narrow down to "the same as my dress I just made"  Which is a chocolate linen dress I made for my swap.
I will need to double check later that this is still okay and have forewarned him that I have downloaded some swatches to look at for shirts.
So I am thinking the following:
Long sleeve collarless shirt in white with a self stipe - this Indian lawn is nice.
White indian lawn

And the other two short sleeve shirts in a stripe - I like these ones but I´m not sure DH will go for them.
Brown ikat stripe
Brown and red stripe

And then the man bag out of the brown linen or I just realised I could make a baby sling in some funky fabric as my accessory.

Now I just need to get DH to commit to some fabrics. 

[scottiesews]

I went fabric shopping & didn't come back with anything even vaguely suitable for a fishy capsule!  No pink camo to be seen anywhere.  I think I will try & get to Aberkan in Preston next Weds if I can - depends on the weather, if it's fine I can't go, DH will be fishing which means I'll have the school run, if the weather is lousy I can go & put up with the traffic!!
However I did come away from Fabrix with 8 metres of navy tencil to make some wearable muslins, some pink linen for a jacket, some beige cotton/linen for pants & a purple mix batik for a top so I have enough to do a capsule as I think they all go together quite well.  I fell for some black viscose prints but had to be firm & not buy so I have something to make this capsule competition with.  Everything is in the laundry so I'll take a pic later.  I have some Vogue patterns in my stash that I'm going to use for some items, the rest will be drafted from PMB.  I do need holiday clothes this year so the colours I've got will be perfect.

[ClaireC]

I forgot to give a shout out to Ann at Gorgeous Fabrics for her generous support for this contest.

I just love everyone's ideas and fabrics.  The number of people signed up is inspiring.

Carole, I really like those fabrics and your ideas for using them. 

RuthC, DH should be happy with your choices.  I can totally picture a comfy, summery guy-type wardrobe with those fabrics as a base.  Now, to see if he has the same vision.   

Sue (Scottiesews) I saw pink camo somewhere..... check http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/  and http://www.fabric.com/]  Also, you could search on http://www.ebay.com/

I'm narrowing down fabrics (already pictured above) and patterns.  However, I will not repost my ideas here as the list is entirely too long and I won't waste precious space or bore everyone with my list.  I did post everything in my blog if you dare to peek.  http://sewingislikechocolate.blogspot.com/   

I'm already somewhat proud of myself since this is the furthest I've ever gotten in the planning stages of any contest I've entered or thought about entering.  Carolyn left a message in my blog that she's going to be all over me "like white on rice" to make sure I finish this.  Go Carolyn...that's exactly what I need...kick my butt.   

[Carole]

Karen, I vote for the red also, but both fabrics are beautiful!  Lucky you for such a great inspiration to start with.
RuthC, aren't you afraid that your husband will like your creations for him so much that you will end up sewing all his wardrobe forever?  In addition to your own, and of course, the baby...
Kiltznquilts, both of my fabrics are embroidered.  The white eyelet actually has tiny little sequins as well.  I cannot resist bling!

[ejvc]

Dear ClaireC,

I am now watching you.  You will be completing this capsule.  Now you have two people to kick your butt.

Seriously, this contest is meant to be a bit challenging but easy enough for people to have fun.  So have some fun with it, and make some clothes you'll enjoy wearing.  BTW I think a nice contrast to the red and white would be a very lightweight denim, or a cotton dyed with indigo.  Red white and blue, you'll be done in time to wear them to a 4th of July barbecue.

Elizabeth

PS everyone, we now have 48 contestants!  This is beyond my wildest expectations, and I'm very excited.  I would LOVE to put 48 sets up on Flickr!!!!

[Karendee]

Hi to all who are participating/posting for the JCC. I continue to be amazed at the wonderful fabrics and plans for wardrobes.

Claire, the red/white dots with the red cherry fabric is luscious! I think a retro look with suit that fabric to a T.

Carole, what beautiful fabric! Like you, I am a Southern gal who likes a little bling!Glad to hear you found all of the fabrics in Nashville.

RuthC, hubby's plot thickens with all you are planning for him.I liked the idea of a diaper bag, baby carrier for his accessory.

Karen, the fabrics are both beautiful, but I have to vote for the red. It is so dynamic. Some of your special handwork (beading etc.) would really set that off.

Scottisew, I think your "outdoor theme" is unusual and wonderful. And, oh how appropriate. Hope you find the Camo fabrics.

Kilts, I'm still drooling over your glorious woven fabric. Michael's has a similar fabric on his site.

Kathryn T, glad you officially joined JCC; FVPatti, glad you're sewing along.

Hope I didn't leave anyone out from the posts today. If so, it wasn't intentional--my memory just lags at the best of  times. LOL!

KarenD

[marciae]

Ann - of Gorgeous Fabrics had some camo denim on her site a couple of days ago.  I also got some wonderful lite blue denim fabric - NAYY

[RuthieK]

The fabric men seem to have most problem is is floral linen.  I made a lovely, bias cut linen dress, white with a dark red and green flower print on it.  My boyf of the time described it as looking like a  tablecloth, DH said exactly the same thing about the same dress more recently.  I´ve since given it to a friend, but I really liked it. 
Men - no imagination!

I wore a RTW skirt to work this week which fitted again after many years. Its slightly crinkled black with dark red roses, and I think quite tasteful.
One of the guys at work who knows I sew wanted to know if I had cut up some curtains to make it, which I was not best pleased about. No-one would have black and red floral curtains!

[RuthieK]

We are putting our house on the market and so my sewing room has to turn back into a bedroom (sob). I get to keep the one built in cupboard, one drawer unit and one bookcase for everything and the sewing machine will have to squeeze onto the desk with the computer.
Am gutted, but DH is doing something similar with his stuff to move his pinball machine out of the living room (yes I know I know) so I've gotta play ball.
Maybe I should decide NOW what I am going to sew in June and put the rest into storage (offsite). Hopefully by then we will have an offer and just be waiting for the paperwork to go through......

[kiltsnquilts]

ruthc , the fabrics you have chosen (possibly) for your DH's wardrobe are lovely - the idea of choc brown linen and those woven ikats is delicious, hope he trusts your judgement 

kbenco, both your fabrics are lovely - red would be my personal favourite, I can imagine it made up and embellished, yum 

Karendee, i am also still drooling over the silk tweed    Not sure how similar it is to the one on Michaels but it has a metallic thread through it so should satisfy your love of 'bling'!  I must look at Michael's version - it might be the same!

RuthieK, I feel for you losing your sewing room!  I had to pack mine up last year when my DB and family moved in for a few weeks while renovating their house - it was painful!     Luckily at the time I was so busy I wouldn't have had time to sew anyway, but it still hurt to pack it all away - even if I don't have the time to sew I often go and sit in there and dream