Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Zoubida]

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

54 people ?!  That's fantastic !!! This will be such an exhilerating contest. I can't wait to see everything. Voting will be such a task, I can see how it will be difficult to choose among the different styles and talents.

My husband has his five weeks vacation starting on the 20th of June. He suprised us with a week he booked at a seaside hotels chain in Gaspesie (Québec), he booked us the Classic Tour. It's fantastic, except... We leave on the 21st of June ! Therefore, I have to finish whatever I'll be able to do before that date. 

I have a huge General Assembly which will take place on the 16th of June and that requires an incredible amount of work from me, before (preps), during (hosting and organization) and after (follow-ups). All the 256 MDs of the region are invited. Needless to say I already have to fight panick attacks and try to find some comfort in methodical, efficient (and still hard) work. These General Assembly are as draining to take care of as a big wedding, except for the dress and table settings. And this year, I'm ALONE taking care of this.

So, in order not to miss the JCC contest...

• I went fabric shopping this afternoon. Didn't find everything I need. Still have to choose trimming, embellishments and coat's fabric
• I copy and cut some of the patterns tonight.
• I'll be sewing my test garements (wearable muslins in cheap fabric, without embellishments) starting tomorrow morning. Monday is off (Queen's day holiday) So I'll be sewing Monday most of the day (muslins)
• On the 22nd of May (stores close at 8PM that day) I'll go buy what I didn't find today
• On the 24/25 of May, I'll continue my work on muslins. And probably use the right to "sewn before June item". That'll not be a whole garement though. Only the embellishments to hand-sew on the jacket's sleeves and hips area.
• Sunday the 1st of June, I cut in the real thing! 
• I'll be working from then, every evening 1.5 hours and as much hours as I can on week-ends to hopefully finish (picture included) by Friday, June 20th

I realise this is a tight, very tight plan, maybe not so realistic. But I won't kill myself at it. It doesn't matter if I can't finish all the 4 items. I'll enjoy the process.

[Zoubida]

I tremendously enjoy looking at the new storyboards and fabrics pictures posted here and on the Flickr group. What a bunch af talents we have here !

 

[ElaineMC]

I have a plan, but I’m a little overwhelmed! 
None of my patterns are TNT, and three of the four are from pattern companies I haven’t sewn before:
- Kwik Sew shirt
- Burda shirt
- Hot Pattern jacket

I am nervous about the HP Metropolitan Stylin’ Jacket – the only review I’ve found on PR says that the arm holes & sleeves are a bit funky.  I just got Bernina My Label, and could do a jacket from that, but I don’t have my measurements entered yet, and will need to do some fitting muslins to test it out too . . . 
Maybe I should just use this McCalls 5334 jacket instead?  I think I know what adjustments I will need to make and can hopefully skip a muslin.  But I really want that HP Seriously Stylin’ Jacket . . .

-EMC

[peachykeeeeen]

Elaine, that HP Seriously Stylin' jacket is on the list for my end of summer/beginning of fall list. I also read the review on PR and can't help but wonder if she was correct about someone closer to the middle of the size range having better results (I'm generally in the 16-18 range for HP patterns). I'm going to give it a shot as-is (well, with the new waistband piece of course) and see if I get better results with the original pattern on my body type. I often need to lower armholes, so it might not be so outrageously big on me...

Back on topic, I have all of the new front variations traced off and ready to go for hubby's shirts. I wanted to make sure that even though I'm using the same pattern and different colors, that I produce three distinctly different shirts. I think I'll be able to easily accomplish that. There are 3 different colorblock variations and a solid one-piece front that I can mix and match. Now I'm just waiting on the fabric to arrive.

Hubby also decided that he would rather have the lighter colored khaki linen-look fabric (the same fabric I was already using for the baby's shorts) for his cargo shorts instead of the darker khaki twill I have. This is fine with me because it uses up the entire piece - one more out of the stash! - and gives him a more beach-ready "Tommy Bahama" look. I think it will go better with the casual retro style shirts.

[kiltsnquilts]

Wow Zoubida, sounds like you will really have your work cut out for you - Good Luck   While I think it will be good motivation to do the JCC, I agree with you that you shouldn't kill yourself over it - after all, this is your hobby and you are supposed to enjoy it    Hope you manage to get it all done as per your plan, how lovely to have a holiday to look forward to at the end of it all!

Elaine - I know where you are coming from re feeling overwhelmed!  I don't really have any TNT patterns, apart from a summer skirt I made two or three times this year and also a very plain A-line skirt that would look good in almost any fabric.  I did buy a t-shirt pattern and wasn't happy with my first attempt - I asked for advice in the Individual projects section - wasn't sure if it was the right place to post it but lucky for me Debbie Cook found my post and gave me some help!  I was hoping I could make at least a t-shirt with little alteration - I now feel a little daunted about the whole thing - have  I bitten off more than I can chew

I don't have any worries about my ability to put the garments together - just my ability to make them fit my out of shape body   

Off to my sewing room to make some tentative plans - which, of course, are quite likely to change 

[KayB]

Oh wow - 54 people and the storyboards, ideas and fabrics keep rolling in. I posted mine on the Flickr Site. This is my second time participating in a more than one-item-contest. The first time I almost finished - but due to stress/moving house I didn't make it. This time I hope I'm not going anywhere.

[ejvc]

Oh wow - 54 people and the storyboards, ideas and fabrics keep rolling in. I posted mine on the Flickr Site. This is my second time participating in a more than one-item-contest. The first time I almost finished - but due to stress/moving house I didn't make it. This time I hope I'm not going anywhere.

Hey everyone, KayB has loads of great knitting stuff on her photostream.  Beautiful bags etc!  Hope we get to see some of that for the JCC.

[Robin]

Another contest, another leap forward.

Doesn't it seem the structure of a contest helps to hone the planning skills!!

I went through all of my stash yesterday and removed quite a bit - ah the wonders of Craigslist!  I posted "Free Fabric" and someone picked it up within a couple hours.

Then I shopped my stash for summer sewing and amazingly, found many coordinating pieces that center around my favorite color: BLUE.
I think my plan will be called "Blue is the New Black".

[Glossy]

Could I join in do you think?

I've been lurking for a few months now as I've been doing an evening sewing course. My level is still most definitely "beginner" but I'm hoping to get up to your standards soon.  I'd love to try the challenge to make myself some summer clothes. 

Can I make the same top a few times in different fabric or do you have use four different patterns?

Glossy
xx

[ejvc]

Could I join in do you think?

I've been lurking for a few months now as I've been doing an evening sewing course. My level is still most definitely "beginner" but I'm hoping to get up to your standards soon.  I'd love to try the challenge to make myself some summer clothes. 

Can I make the same top a few times in different fabric or do you have use four different patterns?

Glossy
xx

Sure, welcome!  I haven't got any rules about the number of different patterns you have to use.  If you want to use the same pattern for all your shirts, go for it!  The aim is a) to get something sewn that b) co-ordinates with some other things in your wardrobe.  Many of us have found that we make things only to never wear them because they don't match with anything else we've ever made or bought.

Regards

Elizabeth

[Glossy]

Well that sounds like I'll be able to manage it then.

Thanks Elizabeth.

[Zoubida]

A JCC kitchen table... 



I'm blending different patterns' features to obtain resulting garements as close as possible to the inspiration ones. Husband and kids decided to visit my in-laws. Perfect! No meals will interfere with my pattern tweakings.

[BeeBee]

karent spend part of the weekend with me and we went to GStreet yesterday and finished or JCC shopping.  My "make before June" item will be complete tonight (lacks hemming and a button hole), I have a white blouse to use as a purchased item, I found a blouse fabric and another skirt fabric at GStreet.  My accessory will be a beaded necklace, I bought the stuff for that at Michaels yesterday - same shopping center as GStreet.  If I run out of time, the accessory necklace may turn into a pair of earrings  , but I still have hopes.  We even made it to JoAnn's for zippers, so I'm set. 
I have about a week in June that I'll be out of town, but my husband will be out of town the next weekend, so that should make up some time.  I choose easy patterns, I have no aspirations of winning, I just want to participate, have some fun and end up with some clothes that fit well and go together well, and I'd REALLY like to finish on time. 
If I can get my camera to cooperate, I'll put together my story board, now that I have all the pieces. 

[RuthieK]

I think my JCC will be themed 'Sophisticated Safari', you know the sort of safari inspired look you can wear to the office but is not practical out in the wild LOL.
The jacket will be from Simplicity 4231

It is unlined which always annoys me, as I just can't get the jacket on and off without a struggle, so I'll add my own lining.
I think I'll then add the Loes Hinse 6 gore skirt in matching fabric (an easy and flattering look for me), some straight leg, faced waist pants (not decided on a pattern yet).
Jacket, skirt and pants will be from a dark olive light weight wool which I think will be quite classy. Just have to check I have enough fabric for all three. If not the gore skirt can be from some toning fabric instead.
Then the scoop neck top from Butterick 3344 in a knit fabric - either animal print or red slinky. Or perhaps a safari style blouse in cream fabric of some sort (several choices).
My accessory will be a chunky beaded necklace, hopefully made by me, but if time proves short, then purchased :-)

[KayB]

Hey everyone, KayB has loads of great knitting stuff on her photostream.  Beautiful bags etc!  Hope we get to see some of that for the JCC.

(Scratching my head...... ) Thanks Elizabeth! for reminding me that I have to think about an accessory for the outfit - completely forgotten about that!

[mardel]

Wow!  So many exciting things are happening on this thread it is a thrill to try and catch up with everything. I love looking at everyone's storyboards and colors -- oh my all the fabulous colors!! It has taken me days to work through the posts and I can't possibly keep up with everyone's fabulous ideas.

Zoubida, I love the preliminary version of your story board.  Some of those styles are in my own wish file as well, and I like your pattern choices for realizing your vision. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the ideas.  It does sound like your schedule is a little overwhelming, good thing you have a plan.  At least you will have a lovely holiday and fun trying to get a few things made.  Kudos for giving it a whirl.

Marji, your fabrics are absolutely TDF.  Fuschia and orange have long been one of my favorite color combinations, well truthfully fuschia and almost combination including fuschia would be one of my favorites  Can't wait to see how the fabrics evolve.

Karrol, your story board just blows me away. I love the idea of vintage but always worry about pulling it off.  I am really excited by your plans.  I think the stripes would be great for a jacket and pants, and the perfect combination with the other fabrics you show, the tweed and the solid cotton.

Oh wow, Ruth C and Peachykeen, I am really impressed that you are tackling menswear capsules.  And the father/son look plan is just so adorable (although your DH might not like that term).  Both of your plans look so stylish and cool and husband-friendly.   

ElaineMC your colors are so pretty and I love the combinations of the prints with the patterns for the shirts and the lovely coordinating shorts.  It looks like a workable plan and I understand how you are feeling overwhelmed.  I don't have many TNT patterns either and that is part of the problem when I try to focus on what is doable.  I am trying to figure out which things are likely to be easy to fit and finish, while at the same time all the things I want to make either are either completely uncooperative when I try to fit them into a capsule, or will work but will need quite a bit of pattern work to get the look I want.  Needless to say my plans are still quite vague.

Claire, I love your red and white theme and the fabric with the cherries is just so darling and will make a perfect dress.  It is so nice to have something fresh and cool and pretty in the summertime that is most definitely  ;Dnot a work dress.  Your capsule plans look like a lot of fun, and I the plans for the tops and denim skirt sound just wonderfu.  Thank your for the mention of your blog -- I haven't gotten there yet, well, I peeked and was overwhelmed and have to go back once I dig myself out of the hole of this thread.

[BeeBee]

I finished my skirt last night, and am wearing it today with a RTW blouse.  I think it turned out well.  AND I used 3, three, 3 new "skills":  I made my first button hole  (yeah, I know, old hat to some but for me it was a milestone, it looks good and I didn't slice my waistband cutting it open  ); sewed the button on with the machine - not that one button was any big deal, I just wanted to try it and it worked like a charm; I used beeswax and ironed my thread to hem with.  OMG!  The difference this made!  I couldn't believe it - entire hem without one tangle, blended into the fabric well.  I'm just all over impressed. (I guess I don't get out much, lol, but I had fun).  This put a whole new light on handsewing. 
Since I have a couple of weeks before I can start the next JCC, I think I'll make my retro fabric dress.  Also not black, but no coordination with JCC.  Well, maybe?  My camera cooperated a little yesterday, so I'll try to get some pics on my blog tonight and my JCC story board up. 

[Zoubida]

Thank you Mardel ! You are brave to have gone through all this thread in detail. I try to keep-up but it's really active. New information several times a day.

I can't wait to see more storyboard or sketches posted on the Flickr group. I know I didn't upload any picture yet myself. I'll have first to find time and modify the original idea so it fits in a 3 weeks time-frame rather than 4. I won't do the coat. I replaced it with a skirt and a top in Audrey Hepburn style.

Beebee, isn't it grand the way the waxed and pressed thread work for hand sewing ! I love that and I don't hand-sew any other way. I have yet to try and sew a button by machine. My Pfaff has a special foot and setting for that. I'll have to try it.

[Karendee]

All of these posts and plans are mind boggling and wonderful. I see swirls of white wool,  brown linen, cherries, baby/father outfits, camp shirts, slings, orange/hot pink, safari, work ensembles, Tommy B., retro, Grandmothers honored, felted purses, handmade jewelry--everything in my mind. How wonderful all these plans sounds. Forgive me if I didn't reference your plan---my mind can't retain 54 plans easily. Oh, how wonderful to have such a large, excited group.Each time I check our site, the mind gets blown away with the excitement. One of the best posts was from BeeBee, when she referenced the point of learning new skills. For many of us, that is the goal--certainly not winning the prize from the "big guns"--those of you will outstanding skills.

Go plan and have a lovely day!

KarenD

[BeeBee]

My Faff has a special foot and setting for that. I'll have to try it.

My machine is a Pfaff Smart 200C, so it's a little different than most Pfaff's, but it uses the snap on feet, including the button foot.  It has a stitch setting for the button, so you don't have to drop the feed dogs and it sets the stitch length to zero.  Then you set the stitch width to match your button holes, using the hand wheel and adjusting width until it's right.  I also use this same stitch to shorten zippers, meaning to create a new zipper stop, as I ususally use a longer zipper than my opening.  It's really fast for this

[Zoubida]

Your Pfaff system sounds really cool BeeBee. The way you describe the system for button-sewing sound so practical. I have no idea how mine works for this feature (a more than 30 years old machine). I hope it's not too complicated or I'll be drawn to sew them by hand.

Karen, I agree, learning new skills will be our real prize in this capsule.

[Zoubida]

Here are the fabrics I selected so far. I will need some more, not sure what they will be but I'm attracted to a Cashmere-Wool blend I saw on Saturday which I will use for my accessorie (a warm wrap for chilly evenings). I also need the embellishments.

But these are the foundation of my Capsule. My idea was to use the "Parisian Lady" trick which made them famous for their elegance. Monochromatic wardrobe playing on textures rather than colours. This trick also includes accessorizing to add just the right touch of interest without ostentation. I also choose to make this capsule a seasonless one. To me, the ultimate wardrobe should be wearable all year long. I hope to achieve this with my choice of fabrics.



I tried my best to take a close up of the fabrics, hoping to make them justice despite the difficulty of photographing white. There's a pinkish cast on the picture but it's from poor lighting. All the three fabrics are buttery (winter) white.

[vtmartha]

Oo la la, Zoubida!

[Lisa]

A lively discussion of waxing thread for hand basting and sewing developed here and started to veer into a discussion of the virtues of silk vs. waxed/pressed thread.  Since those lookoing for that information won't find it here, it's been moved to its own thread, "Thread for Basting...waxed? silk?"  Please continue (and enjoy ) that discussion there.

If you believe that a post of yours that was moved shouldn't have been (...or that a post that should have been moved wasn't), please let me know!

Thanks all!

Lisa

[Karendee]

Zoubida,

Indeed, you have selected a most sophisticated and beautiful set of fabrics, worthy of a Parisian Lady. These fabrics are very suitable for your original couture inspiration piece jacket.

Karen

[BeeBee]

Beautiful stuff, Zoubida.  But I think I may have spilled ketchup just looking at them.   I love your idea of using the same color and working with the textures, I'm looking forward to seeing your creations.

[Karrol]

swirls of white wool,  brown linen, cherries, baby/father outfits, camp shirts, slings, orange/hot pink, safari, work ensembles, Tommy B., retro, Grandmothers honored, felted purses, handmade jewelry

You know Karen D, your post made me realize what an amazing amount of creativity we have here! Truly inspiring to read all the plans and ideas. Really awesome, Ladies!  I an excited and honored to be working with all of you!
Mardel, thanks so much for the compliment on my storyboard! Now if I can only get that plan complete~ LOL! That's the hard part!

I cut the above from my other post (moved with the wax/thread discussion) and put it back here.

Zoubida, those fabrics are yummy! I love an all-season wardrobe. It's been so hot here these past few days, I had to break out the lightweight silks and linens.

[kiltsnquilts]

Oooooh Zoubida - I second that Ooh La La!!  How divine your fabrics are - can't wait to see your creations using them!  What a treat for us - I agree that it is lovely to see (and imagine fondling!!) all these lovely fabrics - and inspirational to look at all the storyboards. 

So ar I haven't had the time to set up my Flickr account for the photos - I will do soon though!  I haven't done a storyboard before and was letting that get the better of me on the motivation front for a while but have decided that if neccessary I will just drape my fabrics and photograph them with the patterns - I know a storyboard isn't a requirement for the JCC but I would love to learn how to do one, just don't think this is the right time - somehow 

For me, along with learning new skills (and re-learning old ones!!), is the feeling of community that I am getting from taking part in the contest.  It is my first one, although I have read along with SWAP on some of the blogs, found SG quite late in the competition - but so glad to have found you all!!

I have washed my green silk homespun and now just have to take the silk tweed to the dry cleaners - I am procrastinating on this, not sure why   Maybe a little nervous as it has been a while since I have done much in the way of garment sewing - but  I am more than ready for a return to it so will just bite the bullet!  If I make my other pieces simple then I can concentrate on the jacket.

[BeeBee]

I washed all my fabrics tonight for the JCC, still need to iron them, but I'll wait until I'm ready to cut so I only do it once.  I've pretty much determined the patterns, so that's done.  All made before, so should go okay.  I wore my "made before June" skirt today and was very happy with it.   

[Zoubida]

Thank you ! I hope I won't create wadders with these fabrics.

BeeBee, I'm a mustard person. Not better or worse than ketchup...  You reminded me of a boss who used to bring a "Plan B" outfit when she was wearing white at the office.

[KayB]

Oh Zoubida, the fabrics are gorgeous, especially the silk-chanel and the white colour-theme really seems fresh - great idea to use texture.

[ruthc]

My idea was to use the "Parisian Lady" trick which made them famous for their elegance.

My DH is French and when I first met him I told him about the English perception of the French ladies as super-chic - he was bemused, it is true his mum is very chic, but he said none of his female friends are.  Having said that when we stayed in Paris for our honeymoon the receptionist at the hotel was definately wearing Chanel (or a very high grade knock off) and had a teeny tiny poodle.  Zoubida do you think it would be going to far to have a teeny tiny poodle as your Parisienne Chic accessory?

I am in the "waiting for material to arrive" phase of my plan that goes hand in hand with sewing projects here.
Though I did suddenly remember that I can get fabric in Ikea so I think I might do that for the sling fabric.

I´m off to read the waxing and ironing sewing thread thread....

[Zoubida]

Thank you Kay !

Ruth, choosing a tiny poodle as an accessory would make my youngest son the happiest little guy in the world. He can't manage our huge dog and has been asking for a smaller/tiny one for months.  Chic is still very present in France I think. You could whitness it with the Chanel+Poodle receptionnist. I hardly can imagine such a vignette anywhere but in Paris.

[ruthc]

I think it must be a Pairs thing, like in the UK, where London has a completely different vibe to anywhere else.
I miss my London clothes!  Even DH´s JCC is fancy for the board-short and t-shirt vibe here.

But anyway - I love your fabrics too. 

[mardel]

Oh Zoubida, what a beautiful group of fabrics!  They seem to perfectly capture the feel and elegance of your inspiration photos!

I am progressing, albeit very slowly on narrowing down my capsule choices.  I had a plan based on various shades of taupe which I jettisoned in favor of blues.  But the fabric for the skirt which would be the centerpiece of the blue capsule seems to have gone missing.  All my notes say it should be with this blue grouping, and I am wondering if I pulled it out to make before some crisis or another last year and neglected to put it back?  So the taupe plan may be back in the works. The taupe plan is good because it is appropriate for the weather we are having now and would also be a good transition set through Indian Summer and into Fall; it just might not all work as well if summer ever arrives. I have one more idea for a summery grouping, but I need to look at the fabrics together and see if it will work.  For both plans I am still one piece short of 4, so more thought and planning is involved.  More details as I get things kind of figured out in my head.