Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Carole]

Peachykeeen, I already nominate you for the cutest idea for the capsule contest!  Can't wait for the pictures!

[Karendee]

I agree! Those "big boy" clothes for you son are adorable. I can hardly wait to see pictures of him in his outfits. This might be the best part of the JCC.

I "think" I have stumbled through Yahoo and Flickr this AM. In addition, I have taken pictures of my fabrics. Now I must read my computer and camera books to see about uploading to the computer. I have 2 new computers that are Vista--ugh!! My technology knowledge was even minimal with XP. Does the cute storyboard that PeachyK. made require a scanner? How does that SB work? I must find out.

I've also got to locate brown cotton thread today; how long does thread stay viable? I know some cloth will last years, but people stress not using old thread. Let me know it you have an idea.

Happy planning, posting, and sewing (one garment.)

KarenD

[peachykeeeeen]

Thank you for the tip on the Burda WOF-pants! They are very similar to what he likes. The only problem is that the pattern is size 48 and up and he is a skinny 44, but definitely a starting point.

Johanna, I'm not sure if you've ever read Tany's blog, but she did a tutorial a while back on how to grade a Patrones pattern for an in-between size. I believe that BWOF drafts their patterns similarly and you could probably use this information to grade it down to the correct size for your boyfriend: http://tanysewsandknits.blogspot.com/2007/05/traado-de-moldes-intercalados-da.html. I would probably trace off the two smallest sizes and use those to grade down.

I agree! Those "big boy" clothes for you son are adorable. I can hardly wait to see pictures of him in his outfits. This might be the best part of the JCC.

I "think" I have stumbled through Yahoo and Flickr this AM. In addition, I have taken pictures of my fabrics. Now I must read my computer and camera books to see about uploading to the computer. I have 2 new computers that are Vista--ugh!! My technology knowledge was even minimal with XP. Does the cute storyboard that PeachyK. made require a scanner? How does that SB work? I must find out.

I'm very excited about sewing for both of them, I offered to make more matching shirts for the dog but hubby vetoed that. My storyboard did not require a scanner. I used Microsoft Publisher and copied the technical drawings from the website for each pattern I used and cropped them. Because I ordered most of my fabric on the internet, I copied the swatch images from the website as well. The fabric I have in stash I took a digital photo of and added. Then I resized and rearranged everything until it looked the way I wanted. I then saved the file as a jpg when I was done (it's one of the available formats when you choose "Save As").

[Karendee]

PeachyK,

Thanks so much for the storyboard info. I'll print that off when I go upstairs  to my other computer/printer. If I follow your directions carefully, perhaps I can make my sb.

KarenD

[BeeBee]

I was wondering if anyone knew how to take the line drawing and fill it with the fabric swatch?  I tried using Paint Brush, but it didn't work.

[ejvc]

Thanks very much for setting up the Flickr link.
But apologies that I've never set up Flickr (I am a yahoo member so that's not the problem)  -  what are we supposed to do to become a member of the Flickr group ?

thanks
Lisanne

Hi Lisanne, you go to the flickr group page http://www.flickr.com/groups/jcc-inprogress/  -- at the top right hand there will be a link that says Join This Group?  click it and follow their instructions.  As Zoubida said you need a Flickr account but they are free and as far as I can tell pretty innocuous.  I've never been spammed by them or anything.

Elizabeth

[peachykeeeeen]

I was wondering if anyone knew how to take the line drawing and fill it with the fabric swatch?  I tried using Paint Brush, but it didn't work.

The only problem doing this is that the line drawings are an image that is usually cropped out of a jpg file downloaded from the internet or scanned in and not an outline that Photoshop or a similar program can fill. If you know enough about image editing and manipulation, you can create a layer and draw an outline around the line drawing and then fill that with the photo of the fabric. There are a lot of tutorials on how to do this on the Internet, I usually Google whatever it is I'm trying to accomplish. I've done it before and it works really well, but can be very time consuming redrawing the line drawings with a mouse cursor.

[Karendee]

I have set up my Flickr acct., Yahoo acct., taken pictures from the websites, saved them ony computer JPG files, then uploaded them to my Flicker site-----now----how do I transfer these pictures to our JCC page? I can't find that info. anywhere on the help sites.  Some of you more techno-advanced than I, please come to my aid.

Thanks so much,
KarenD

[tumblina]

Alright, alright - I commit already!!  Somethings gotta give me that kick in the butt to get in front of the machine!   

First draft of my "storyboard" (my ever handy croquis...)


... it all depends on how much chambrey I have - whether I can squeak out the dress, or if I'll have to fall back on the skorts.  The newsboy cap is just a thought at the moment for the accessory - I have one in teal wool that I love (although it had to be altered a bit from the pattern!), but it does take up quite a bit of fabric too.  Hey, story of my life!

Off to PM Elizabeth!  I'll figure out the Flickr group later this week.

[Zoubida]

Oh this thread is growing really fast!

I can't keep up right now with all the new ideas, storyboards, sketches... But I sure enjoy stealing few minutes here and there to come and see what's new here. I love the men's (little and grown-ups) capsules . I think it's a really cool idea. The fabrics displays are envy-enablers

I'm plagged with an agenda which has a life on its own at work. I didn't expect that at this time of year, but it seems I'll be more than busy up to the 16th of June. After that, it gets less hectic. With this in mind, I don't know how I'll save the necessary time for the JCC. I'll probably set aside all my Sundays to work on it. Since I can't expect the whole family and the dog to leave the house so I can sew in peace, I don't know if I'll have enough hours to complete the capsule. I'll do my best. 

[BeeBee]

I know what you mean, Zoubida, a couple of things have already come up in June.  But a good-for-sewing thing is that my DH will be spending Father's Day weekend in Detroit with our son, so I'll get 2 WHOLE DAYS to sew.  I won't even have to stop to cook.  That's my only hope of finishing.  But, even if I have to sew into July, it will be fun and I'll end up with some nice stuff.  I'm almost finished with my "sew before June" item - I have a waist band adjustment and the hem and a button to finish.  Maybe Sunday night - this is a busy week, too.   I have no expectations of winning and low expectations for finishing.  I just want to play.
I still need a way to get the photo's done.  My camera's been broken for a long time.  It may be time to just replace it - it isn't new by any means. 

[Zoubida]

You got me trying to find a way and a place to send the boys, husband and dog somehwere for a couple of days.

I hope you'll find a nice camera soon. And you're right, even if we don't make it to the finish line, we will still enjoy the June "trip" and the outfits we will finish in July.

[kiltsnquilts]

Sewing is my passion - but sometimes life gets in the way! 

I too love the storyboards and ideas and am also finding it hard to keep up!  What a busy board - fantastic!!  It will be great to see the men/baby capsules evolve.  I did make my DH a suit once   It was a Burda pattern, beautiful wool fabric in a dark aubergine with a faint pinstripe.  The trousers looked fantastic but the blouson jacket (oh so fashionable at the time  ) wasn't such a good look!

I am trying to make decisions on my final pieces.  I am hopeful I will have time to take my piece of silk to the dry cleaners to have it pre-treated, if I don't then I have a back up plan - kind of 

I have some teal denim and a lovely patterned stretch with teal shades in - oh, just had the thought it might have a teeny bit of black in    Will have to check that!  Anyway, I have three possible pieces in a teal capsule so still have some thinking to do on Plan B.

I am trying to find a good t-shirt pattern, short and long sleeves.  Also a good jeans pattern for my shape (thunder thighs, small waist, sway back)

Love catching up on all the posts 

[ruthc]

Oh my, a girl takes a few days off from internet access and look how busy you all are.

I think I'm about up to date on this thread now.
My contribution to the floral curtain talk.  When I was 17 or 18 I made a pair of jean style trousers out of some white with red flower curtain fabric. Actually I also remember a blue and purple floral print that also got made into some trousers, the only problem was that I would end up with what looked liked bruised legs because the dye would come out as I wore them. Our town was a "retirement town" so the charity shops were always choca with weird and wonderful curtains and granny dresses for revamping. 

As to (deep cough) "manly accessories" I like the shark tooth necklace idea, though it might be a little too Steve Irwin/Crocodile Dundee for DH and not very shark friendly.

I have managed to steer DH with his fabric choices, as he is new to sewing then I realised I had to not give him too many choices.  So now we have all the fabric sorted for the tops and trousers, just waiting to finalise postage costs from my lovely ebay suppliers.

Here is the storyboard, I just need to decide on the baby sling pattern.
DH said it should be something practical that doesn't show the dirt  and suggested brown - how boring is that!
I have found a great ebay site that sells quilting fabrics by the yard and have managed to narrow it down to 4 choices, none of which I have shown DH.
The problem is trying to match his (deep cough again) manly sensibilities with creative lil old me.
Mind you I'll probably be the one using it most so I might take an executive decision on this.  Also is it too matchy matchy to have the sling and the nappy bag of the same fabric?

Anyway - here is the storyboard.....

[ruthc]

I just showed DH his storyboard and the baby sling fabric ideas. 

Here is what he said....

Panicked "those aren't for my shirt are they?"
Reassured "okay"
When I said they were for the baby sling "And that's what you came up with?  They're a bit 70s.  I love the 70s, I love Mick Jagger, but jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez woman!"

I think I might have to revisit the baby sling fabrics. 

[Karendee]

How funny!!!

KarenD

[ejvc]

I have set up my Flickr acct., Yahoo acct., taken pictures from the websites, saved them ony computer JPG files, then uploaded them to my Flicker site-----now----how do I transfer these pictures to our JCC page? I can't find that info. anywhere on the help sites.  Some of you more techno-advanced than I, please come to my aid.

Thanks so much,
KarenD

Hi Karen,

Once you've uploaded the photo onto flickr , click the thumbnail to get to the page where the photo is displayed large.  Above the photo are a series of icons.  Click the second icon, "send to group", and you get a list of the groups you belong to.  Click Jcc-inprogress and your photo will then be visible as part of the group.  Hope that's clear.

Elizabeth

[Karendee]

Elizabeth,

Thanks so much for your help. I'm almost there. When I clicked the 2nd icon to send my photos to jCC, the Jcc site said I was not a member. So I sent you a message that I wanted to be included. I guess when you respond, I will be allowed to post. Whoever said, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," must be right. Again, thanks for your help; I'll celebrate when I've got my photos up. I believe for me, this part is harder than the sewing.

KarenD

[peachykeeeeen]

I just showed DH his storyboard and the baby sling fabric ideas. 

Here is what he said....

Panicked "those aren't for my shirt are they?"
Reassured "okay"
When I said they were for the baby sling "And that's what you came up with?  They're a bit 70s.  I love the 70s, I love Mick Jagger, but jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez woman!"

I think I might have to revisit the baby sling fabrics. 

I love that, my husband would have just said "um, no" if I had given him anything floral as a choice...I really liked your sling fabric choices, personally - and no, I don't think it's too matchy-matchy to have the sling and bag of the same fabric. But then again, that's me liking "matchy-matchy" when it comes to stuff like that...our little one's swing, car seat, stroller, high chair and playpen/bassinet are all the same pattern!! I would have bought a matching bag if they had one, but they didn't make one in the same fabric.

I am working on one shirt for hubby right now (not part of his plan) to get a feel for the shirt pattern and to assess how long it will take when I only have small chunks of time. I'm also working on the patterns for the different colorblock designs for each shirt so that those are all ready to go and I can cut everything out come June 1. I'm going to try and get the shorts finished and the patterns prepared before Memorial Day weekend so I can spend my 3-day holiday working on stuff for me! I really need some nicer summer clothes that I can wear to work (although my office is very casual, I like dressing up a little).

[MaryPat]

For RuthC- I think it is important to have a sling in a fabric you won't mind (or hubby won't mind) wearing.
I only had one for both kids and my son hated it. He was my first and a very big baby, (10:10) so I blmaed that, but in retrospect it might have been that I didn't like the ditsy little girl print of it. With my second, eight years later, I no longer cared so much. She was also fairly big (10:1) but fit in it just fine. Then again, maybe I had her positioned better. Who knows?
Peachykeeen- that is funny about the matchy matchy stuff. My son is now ten and when he was born the manufacturers didn't make things all to match. I was quite perturbed by the fact that the stroller was Black Watch and navy, the carrier jade and purple, an abstract print on the car seat-ugh! I was thrilled to find a play pen in navy and tartan, even if it wasn't Black Watch.
I like both of your plans. I love seeing everyone else's, too. I am going to take part as well, but don't have a plan finalised yet.

[ejvc]

Hi all --

KarenD you're part of the flickr group now - we have 18 members there.  Apologies to those who are biting their nails waiting to post stuff -- since I'm in the UK my time zone is not really aligned with all the north american and antipodean participants.  Also baby Charlotte has learned to turn over, but hates being on her tummy, so it's impossible to put her down!  She finally went to sleep just now.  Ahh, mommy relaxation.

I'm going to sew along in the JCC although it's really my Timmel SWAP straggling on.  I have two linen skirts (cocoa and white) and a very soft lovely overblouse in a cream/blue/brown print; my accessory will be a sun hat.  I just finieshed a cocoa velour tank that will go nicely.  Or I may make something in the cocoa-cream polka-dot crinkle batiste that goes perfectly.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves here -- considering how long it's taking me to finish the jeans I've been working on for months now, I think finishing one item and being able to vote will be big successes for me!    I'm so glad to have everyone else playing along!!

Elizabeth

[lucindamaria]

I found this contest through a new blog I was reading, and I'd love to participate. I'll try to figure out how to email you personally to include me!

I love the idea of working together with other sewists. The Internet has changed sewing so positively!

[ruthc]

Karen D our family moto is - if you can´t laugh what can you do?  It seems to keep us just the right side of sanity.

I´d also like to point out that DH was born in 1979 - so all his notion of the 70s is from tv, film and music, whereas some of us are actually old enough to remember that decade, well just, and got to see Star Wars at the cinema before it was ever episode 4.  But that´s a whole other off topic thing.


I think my sling / nappy bag solution could be a plain fabric for the sling with a co-ordinating print on the bag.  And if either of these don´t please him for his accessory then I´ll treat him to a new pair of flip-flops.

oh oh, I could get very carried away and do one fancy and one plain....(running off to look at internet fabric shop emoticon)

[Hen]

Ruth, if you regard the baby sling as an accessoire for him, not for the baby (and you get your own flower power one), then I would like something in the style of the first short sleved shirt, denim blue with stripes kind of thing.

[ruthc]

Thanks Hen nice suggestion - (head exploding with too many options emoticon)

I have orderd fabric for shirts and trousers. 
The trousers pattern arrived yesterday, so just waiting on the shirt pattern and of course the fabric.
Heres hoping it all gets here before June so I actually have time to sew.

[kiltsnquilts]

ruthc, wuoud it be possible to make the sling reversible?  That way you could have a plain 'manly' fabric on one side and your choice on the inside.  I love your fabrics .

I haven't had much chance to catch up and post over the past few days - today is my morning off so I plan to go for a walk (feeling very unfit and unhealthy !) and then hope to work on some sewing.  I am in the middle of making a skirt in a black mock suede, it was fairly thin so I interlined it - what a job to get the needle through!  Even the machine didn't really like it that much!!   I only have the side seams to stitch and the hem to do so plan to finish it today.  I am in desperate need of some clothes - with the arrival of winter here I am just layering summer/spring clothes and feeling very  frumpy - not helped by feeling unfit and unhealthy 

If I have time I will also take my silk tweed to the dry cleaners.  I had hoped to make a wearable muslin version of the jacket before June but time has got away with me so it will probably just be a quick muslin in muslin   

I have a Sandra Betzina pants pattern that a friend helped me tissue fit using the Palmer/Pletsch book, it was a while ago so not sure how much my shape has changed but I am going to use it as a jump off point. 

Sorry I haven't commented on anyone's posts - I am reading them all when I can and love the excitement the JCC has generated!  Maybe I will tell myself that it doesn't matter if JCC becomes July Capsule Contest for me 

[ElaineMC]

Thank you all for sharing your ideas & pictures.  I love the creativity and craft that are going into everyone's plans. 

Since I love seeing everyone else's storyboards, I better share mine: (hope it's not too big!!!).

I wish I was making progress.  My DH gave me My Label software for my birthday, so I've been playing with that more than tracing my patterns.  Since I don't have my measurements for the software, I really can't start making patterns with it yet.  Then, last evening when I went down to my sewing room in the basement,  I discovered 2 inches of water  - the sump pump had stopped again! DH got the the flowing water out, but the carpet is still drying.  Now I need to see what low lying fabric, etc has been damaged - before I can do any sewing.

-EMC

[Carole]

I'm having trouble getting my computer to accept a cookie from Flickr, so here is my storyboard so far (it's kind of blurry, will try to fix that)

[Robin]

Elaine & Carol, nice storyboards!
I sewed up my navy blue pants last night and I am wearing them today.
(Really simple TNT pants pattern) 

I have enough fabric left to sew a knee length skirt, too.

whew.
TGIF everybody!

[ejvc]

Hey everyone, 54 people are officially signed up!  This is very exciting! 

Are people planning on starting with the easy stuff first or the hard stuff?  Have you got a schedule?  Is there one item you're just dying to make?  Tell all!

Elizabeth

[Karendee]

Elizabeth,

Thanks so much for assisting me in the use of Flickr. I appreciated your post!

As to my plan, I have not sewn anything  yet; I'm still changing my mind daily, ordering and waiting on new fabrics and fitting patterns. This reminds me of the same way I plan for any occasion like a trip or an event. I plan what I'll wear, then I add to the idea, change ideas, and become befuddled.

But my base will be brown linen from Michaels that I'll make a jacket and skirt (or pants.) Then I'll go from there. I hav e had many ideas (complete with new fabrics) but can't make decisions.

If we wear a cami under a jacket (for modesty), must that count for our bought item?  It will hardly show. I want to use a bought skirt, but I still need a cami under one jacket. I don't want anything in place of the cami such as a knit top, because of the summer heat and humidity in the deep South. Either decision you make is fine. I had several directions from which I can go.

Again, thanks for all you're doing to make this contest fun for all of us; the excitement is high and participation is wonderful.

Karend

P.S. I love for you to post, so I can see the picture of that adorable Charlotte.

[LindaE]

I am going to attempt to get my garments sew in the month of June.  Maybe I will get one sew in the next week.

Here is my storyboard.

[Karrol]

I just posted my storyboard on the flikr site - love all the bright colors everyone is using! Mine looks dull in comparison, but I do have lots of color in my wardrobe to mix and match with the pieces I'm making for this capsule.
Karendee, I'll have to wear a camisole with my blouse as it's a fairly sheer fabric! I consider a camisole to be undergarments so not part of the capsule. JMHO!
My plan isn't really a plan - haha! - but I want to do the pants first as that requires more fitting. Of corse the jacket requires more structure, so . . . .maybe I should do that first. LOL!

I mostly want to use my striped linen for a summer suit, just have to narrow down what kind of a jacket I want, either going with the 40's vintage look, or a safari style or some Frankenstein's monster in-between. I'm just afraid if I get too involved in patternmaking, I'll never get it cut and sewn!   I do tend to get distracted.  I have a babyshower to go to today, but tomorrow I have lots of time to sew! Hoping to get pattern decision made and traced/adjusted so I can cut one item!

[Rosemary]

I have joined in this sewing opporturnity as well. Thanks Elizabeth.
I am only two days back from a month away in Europe, where I saw amazing clothes. Don't know what I'll be doing but have some new fabrics I'd like to try. I need to organize myself and my thoughts so I can blog about new fabrics, notions and other things I found on my trip.

[NDumas]

I have joined in this sewing opportunity too!. Thanks Elizabeth.  I am working on the jeans, pattern and fit, the "blouse" maybe I Will change it, will see.  Then for sure the jacket next. Love all the different ideas and fabrics.
Here is my storyboard.