Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Marji]

Zoubida, you are truly a woman after my own heart.
Just in case you decide you can't get it made up after all, I'd be more than happy to send you my address.
  those fabrics are gorgeous!

Why oh why don't I just LOVE to make up fabrics and designs that are more appropriate for my current lifestyle? hmmm?


I too join the ranks of those totally impressed by the sheer loveliness of all the plans.

I'd take dibs on those cherries too.

Who would have thought that a "no black" rule could result in such a wonderful array?

[Carole]

I second Marji.  Although I lust after Zoubida's fabrics (and Marji's fabrics) I just can't see wearing them made up into tee shirts and pants while going to the post office, grocery store, and such mundane places as my life requires.  Right now my most exciting social plan is dinner with girlfriends at a local cafe.  Not that I don't love my girlfriends!

[Zoubida]

Thank you all !!!

See, I have the opposite problem with my wardrobe. After 7 years at home, running errands, the boys and the dog at my sides almost all the time, I accumulated rather sporty/comfy/relaxed outfits, the SAHM kind. Now I work since September 2006 and I find myself struggling with what to wear at special events I have at least once a trimester. I need cocktail dresses and fancy things for those occasions. And those are as difficult to shop for as a perfect pair of jeans.

I can't wait for Christmas... If my job settles by then, the Council's Christmas Party is very formal, a white-tie one. Starting in August/September, everybody is looking for THE dress and by November there's an excitation about shoes, jewelry and accessories, even the week before manicure and pedicure business cards are flying around in the office from desk to desk. I will make my dress. There are so few occasions to wear a fully formal evening gown nowadays.

[ClaireC]

Zoubida, I'm drooling all over my keyboard looking at your fabrics.  Ahhh....formal events are something I used to live for.  Sadly, I work in a place that does not have a "holiday party" and last year my husband's work decided to cancel theirs since the cost was getting too high...sob!!!  I like nothing better than putting on a formal gown and stilleto heels (well, the heels I wear on a daily basis) and dancing the night away dressed to the nines.

Now, for my capsule...thank you ladies for the compliments on my cherries fabric.  I'm at loss for a name for my capsule.  Sometimes my creative streak just comes up blank.  My fabrics are in the wash and I've nailed down my patterns...be still my heart....

Cherries fabric, Butterick Retro '57 #4513. - view A
Whtie eyelet, McCalls jacket 5669, View B or A (this will depend on how hot I feel)   
Blue denim, Simplicity skirt 4091, View D, E or F (this will depend on how flattering the skirt is on me with a sash or band of contrasing fabric around the waistline)
Red with white dots, Butterick 4799, View A or B (again, will depend on how hot I feel)
For accessories, I have shoes and a red handbag.  I'll be looking for some chunky red,white & blue (or any combo of these colors) jewelry.  I'm thinking bracelets and earrings, which I may make, or I may consider these my purchased accessories.  Again, it depends........

None of these patterns are TNT, so I have some work ahead of me.

I also have never done a storyboard and the thought of putting together a professional looking one is more than my brain can handle right now.  I will put together *something* resembling a storyboard and I'll post it.  This will be closer to the beginning of June...I think.

Now, to go check out the posted storyboards.....although I'm not sure my keyboard can survive anymore drool.....................

[Robin]

Popping in to get my daily dose of sewing fervor!
I pulled out all my summer fabrics and mixed & matched til I had more than one nice capsule.

I will try to take pics and post...
Thank you to those who ARE posting pics, it is such a treat!

I LOVE the variety of approaches to this! 
I am trying something new- sketching croquis for myself (anybody remember the "little Ruthies"?)
And I am thinking about a capsule of layers:

1. Sleeveless top that doubles as a camisole-like garment
2. blouse /overshirt
3. jacket (could be a raincoat, we sure have a lot of rain!)
4. bottom

I find I am dressing to suit the weather every day and it would be easier if I had more coordinating layers.
Carry On!

[peachykeeeeen]

On the JCC front - I finished hubby's test shirt this morning except for the buttonholes and buttons. I have those marked and I hope to have those done tonight. Since I'm using a new machine, I need to practice a little bit to get used to the one step buttonhole again. I haven't received the fabrics for hubby's JCC shirts yet, but I went fabric shopping with my mom yesterday and found a couple of suitable replacements if my fabric doesn't come in by June 1st. If I can get the shirt finished tonight I can start on the shorts tomorrow or Wednesday and hopefully have those finished before the end of the week so I can spend the rest of the time until June 1st working on summer stuff for me!

This was copied from my post that was moved to the waxed thread topic...I'm behind

Zoubida, I love your fabrics!! *wiping drool off of my keyboard* - I can't wait to see the finished products!

Last night UPS delivered the fabrics for the shirts. I have a whole boatload of similarly-colored fabrics to prewash, so it's perfect timing to throw those in. Now I need to plan out which colors will work out to each colorblock configuration and figure out embroidery designs and make samples so when it comes to beginning on June 1, I can really go along assembly-line style. Hubby is going out of town for a couple of days so I'll finish the shirt and put a dent in (or hopefully finish) the shorts before the holiday weekend.

I might make one non-colorblocked shirt out of a Hawaiian-ish print because I think I'll get sick of using this polyester poplin. Hubby loves it and it wears really well, but it's a pain in the you-know-what to press! It just does not want to keep a crease!! Good for the anti-wrinkle loving part of me, but bad for the part that needs a good press. I also need to cut out the pieces in single layers because it shifts and slides and I ended up having to recut one of the collar pieces of the test shirt because they ended up two totally different sizes!! I should have known better since I cut all of my own stuff out in a single layer, live and learn

If anyone has any ideas of how I can keep the collar and front looking sharply-pressed without topstitching (especially since this fabric doesn't do so well at looking sharply pressed), please let me know! I've been toying with the idea of using something like Steam-a-Seam 2 to fuse all of the layers together, but I'm afraid I'll regret that after a couple of washings...I might try some light starch and see if that makes any difference as well, but I really could use some other ideas!

[Lisa]

I might make one non-colorblocked shirt out of a Hawaiian-ish print because I think I'll get sick of using this polyester poplin. Hubby loves it and it wears really well, but it's a pain in the you-know-what to press! It just does not want to keep a crease!! Good for the anti-wrinkle loving part of me, but bad for the part that needs a good press. I also need to cut out the pieces in single layers because it shifts and slides and I ended up having to recut one of the collar pieces of the test shirt because they ended up two totally different sizes!! I should have known better since I cut all of my own stuff out in a single layer, live and learn

If anyone has any ideas of how I can keep the collar and front looking sharply-pressed without topstitching (especially since this fabric doesn't do so well at looking sharply pressed), please let me know! I've been toying with the idea of using something like Steam-a-Seam 2 to fuse all of the layers together, but I'm afraid I'll regret that after a couple of washings...I might try some light starch and see if that makes any difference as well, but I really could use some other ideas!

You mightt want to try spray sizing as well (not as "stiff" a result as spray starch).  I nearly always use it when I'm ironing something.  I can't think why you couldn't use when pressing (I also do that if I think it (the fabric) needs a little more "omph" as I'm working with it).   Just because I use it while pressing doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to be using it in ironing the garment after the fact.  But I usually do.

Good luck!

Lisa

[BeeBee]

While not exactly drool-worthy, here are my fabrics for the JCC.  Not shown - because it's at the laundry & it's boring - is a purchased white blouse.  The floral in the back is already made from V8363, I wore it yesterday. The photo of the fabrics is a better representation of the colors/  There are more photos on my flickr and a write-up on my blog.
http://beebeepastiche.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beebeepastiche/

Are we supposed to be posting to another site?  I know it's probably here somewhere, but....

[CarolTrendall]

How do I insert images into these posts?  I have tried everything and can't make it work, nor can I find instructions in the FAQ.  I'd like to post my storyboard and fabrics, but I can't figure this out. 
Thanks,
Carol

[Lisa]

How do I insert images into these posts?  I have tried everything and can't make it work, nor can I find instructions in the FAQ.  I'd like to post my storyboard and fabrics, but I can't figure this out. 
Thanks,
Carol

Hi Carol!

You'll find instructions in the FAQ, here.  And please come and try out the various methods in the Sandbox...that's where we keep an eye out for those who might need help.

I'll look for you in the Sandbox!

Lisa

[AnnRowley]

I just got back from a week away... what a lot's been going on here!  Just love all the fabrics and ideas.

"Away" was Rome (I have family there) and I had hoped to add something to my proposed list of fabrics - but absolutely nothing  appealed to me. Like everywhere else fabric stores there are closing at an alarming rate.

Later I'll take some photos of my ideas so far - and I did start some knitting while I was away in the hope that it will get done by the end of June - we'll see.

One small point - I'm planning a bag of some sort for my accessory - but is it all right to show our garments with beads etc. that we already own?  My colour scheme is sort of based around a necklace, but I don't want to use it as a "bought" option.

[Karendee]

BeeBee,

I like your fabrics for Jcc; your skirt looks great, too. You did a nice job of fitting the skirt, although I read that you had to alter the size somewhat. I really got a hoot from reading your blog. You have such a comedic way with words. The picture of the new Dining room looks light and comfy. Congratulations on all you've accomplished with your move, sewing, closed Interstates, big dog----everything.

Karend

[Embee]

I'm giving some thought to joining in (will PM once I make up my mind, LOL) - the full 11 piece SWAP/Wardrobing contests make me look on with envy, but I know I'd never finish!  This, though, seems doable.

A question about the "accessory" clause: would a jacket count as an accessory?  I'm thinking something summer-y that couldn't be worn on its own (i.e. no front closures), but that could go over sleeveless tops/a dress to ward off office air conditioning or a night breeze. 

[scottiesews]

Plan A, Hooked on Pink, has been abandoned as I cannot find the pink camo I wanted & I don't want to spend the extra on shipping for something that will only be worn on specific occasions!  So Plan B, Summer Holiday is all systems go!  Trouble is I keep changing my mind & I bought some more fabric today.  I'm going to wait until I have it all washed & then make a decision.  I have pulled out several patterns & I see a dress, possibly two (is that allowed?) in the capsule.  I'll keep the beige linen pants I just made as one item for now but may substitute a skirt later.  I made a top from New Look 6605 but while it looks good from a distance it was a bear to sew up & I made so many mistakes it doesn't stand closer inspection.  I will keep it for around the house & see if I like it any more.  The problem was the slippery fabric rather than the patttern I think, & the bias cut didn't help.  I knew there must have been a reason why I hadn't used it, must have been ageing at least 15 years!  Tomorrow I'm going to learn how to do a storyboard.

[AnnRowley]

  Tomorrow I'm going to learn how to do a storyboard.

Sue, this is something I need to learn too.  Would you share the instructions - or point me to them please?

[scottiesews]

Ann, I think I saw a link somewhere on the SWAP thread to instructions on Patternreview but I cannot find it!  Nor can I find it on Patternreview!!  If all else fails I will just have to guess & let you know!   

[Fabricarts]

Ann and Sue, you can take a look at Sigrid's blog post storyboard in powerpoint. I don't know if this is the one you had in mind, but it's a place to start.
Miriam

[BeeBee]

Here's my story board, so far.  I need to add the beads for the necklace and the white blouse (when it returns from the laundry - it was almost a goner  ). 
Any good name suggestions?  I'm drawing a blank, though I'm sure I'll come up with something great in July.

[Karendee]

The recent storyboards looks wonderful. i am so impressed with how far along everybody is. I just cut out my June garment, Now top  by Sewing Workshop in Lt. teal or aqua dupioni silk. I think this pattern will be one that I'll use often, if it fits well etc. This is the first item that I'd done any adjustments (as I am learning from all of you.)

Keep on stitching.

Karend

[ejvc]

A question about the "accessory" clause: would a jacket count as an accessory?  I'm thinking something summer-y that couldn't be worn on its own (i.e. no front closures), but that could go over sleeveless tops/a dress to ward off office air conditioning or a night breeze. 

Nope, a jacket (closures or not) is a garment.  I know this is a grey area, but I just can't bring myself to see a jacket in the same category as a necklace.

However, by all means make yourself a jacket!  You can make more stuff, you just can only submit 4 items and an accessory for the contest. 

[ejvc]

Re storyboards, for those who are stressed: cut yourselves some slack on the storyboard front.  I think one of the easiest ways is to assemble a pin-board of patterns and fabrics and photograph it.  The storyboard is meant to assist you in your planning, not be an end in itself.  Because of that I've abandoned my powerpoint story boards and instead gone toward the croquis model where I sketch onto me-shaped blanks - much better for pattern evaluation.  Threads has a blank croquis at http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00147.asp which doesn't look like me but on the other hand it helps to understand what they should look like.  I just traced over a photo of myself in dark black pen to get the outline and then I sketch over the outline to get the mock-up of the final design.

Elizabeth

[Zoubida]

Thank you for the nice things you said about the fabrics.

Beebee, looking so good already ! Your skirt is darling. And Claire, your plan and fabrics are so very promising. I can't wait...

I can't really make my storyboard work nicely. I'll break it up in sections. One section by garement.

And I agree, storyboards eat up time even when you know how to make them. So going low-tech is a good idea.

I'm getting sidetracked today. I recieved my Loes Hinse European Pattern from PR. I'm thrilled !!! I bought enough fabric at lunch time to make an other capsule. I'm so tempted to sew the pants and a little top right now... 

[Carole]

I don't think anyone has replied to Ann regarding her question about a currently owned necklace being considered the one purchased item.  It is my opinion, Ann, that a necklace you already own should not count against you if you follow all the other guidelines.  I intend to wear shoes, after all!  And we have our rings, watches and so forth that will no doubt be worn in the pictures...that being said, I was not the one who came up with this idea in the first place and will certainly defer my opinions to our fearless leader.

My storyboard is by no means the best, but I used Microsoft Publisher to do mine, it was easy with that software.

In other news, I went shopping for RTW today and was appalled at the prices for simple summer jackets and tops.  I think I will kick my sewing skills up a notch.

[BeeBee]

My storyboard is by no means the best, but I used Microsoft Publisher to do mine, it was easy with that software.

Ditto.  Then I saved it as a .jpg and uploaded it to my flickr account.  When I make changes, I will open my original .pub file, alter it, save it, save a .jpg, lather, rinse, repeat.  Not as complicated or timeconsuming as it sounds.

[heatherbelle]

Hi all

I love all the stuff going on here, sorry for not mentioning other wonderful plans and fabrics specifically! I have not posted much at all lately due to two weeks of illness, but am on the mend now. I have just posted my storyboard on the Flickr group and here it is too:

As you can see, it is all about casual winter wear, by which I mean casual enough to go to the playground with the kids. I keep being tempted to stray away but this is definitely the greatest need in my wardrobe at the moment - thanks to SWAP I have enough smart casual clothes for work and going into town. I still have to purchase two fabrics but they will all coordinate with my SWAP colours - we're still in sage/teal/dark blue territory. I'm looking for a cute warm beanie to buy. I'm also planning to liven it all up with a bit of dark pink/fuschia, and already wear a lovely pashmina a lot that is teal/sage/dark pink paisley. The Jalie patterns arrived yesterday from Julie yahoo! Not just these two either, there were five in total!

To those who haven't done storyboards don't worry I sometimes think they are more of a hindrance than a help! You can tinker around with them no end. I made mine in Powerpoint then saved it as a jpeg to add to my web album.

[Em]

Hi!

My name is Em.  I've been enjoying the wonderful pics and posts here since last year and decided to come out of lurkdom to join this contest.     It's really nice of Elizabeth and Gorgeous Fabrics to sponsor this contest.   

And it's really great that a lot of people are participating.  I love the fashion boards and plans that have been posted so far--so many great styles and fabrics!

I'm entering a vintage capsule in the PR contest, but I'm participating here, too, because I really love capsules. 

I haven't decided what I'll be sewing for this contest, yet,      but I'll probably start planning it this weekend.   

This is going to be so much fun!

Em

[Em]

Forgot to add that my capsule will probably be made up of work styles. 

Em

[AnnRowley]

I don't think anyone has replied to Ann regarding her question about a currently owned necklace being considered the one purchased item.  It is my opinion, Ann, that a necklace you already own should not count against you if you follow all the other guidelines.  I intend to wear shoes, after all!  And we have our rings, watches and so forth that will no doubt be worn in the pictures...that being said, I was not the one who came up with this idea in the first place and will certainly defer my opinions to our fearless leader.

My storyboard is by no means the best, but I used Microsoft Publisher to do mine, it was easy with that software.

Carole, thanks for your thoughts on the necklace - I'll see what we all think when the time comes to take our final photos.

As for the story board - I think I'll just stick to what I know and take photos - sewing, not computing, is what I do...

[Zoubida]

I whiped-up my visual plan in 3 boards. I changed my mind on few patterns to use since last Saturday. I think this is very close to the final plan, if not it already. All left to do is find trims for the Valentino embellished ensemble and decide on the way I'll make the wrap which will be my accessory.

I abandonned the coat project. Not enough time to deal with it. But I'll probably try to make it later in the summer. I replaced it with the Audrey style top which has a pleat/dart detail at the top of the sleeve. It doesn't show on the picture. I like this detail a lot.








I will try to find the energy to go shopping for trimmings and wrap fabric tonight and then I'm all set. This week-end will be spent sewing muslins.

[cmarie12]

Zoubida - what number is the Vogue pattern?  I think I have this pattern in my collection - well not in the collection stored in my sewing area but the pattern boxes that are stored in a closet where every pattern I've bought for the last 20 years is stored...yes, I know I have issues!     Btw, I love your fabric choices!

Claire - how about "Cherries in the Springtime!" for a title

Ann - I don't do storyboards...I make a list, take a photo of the fabrics and the patterns and work from there.

As for my June Capsule - I have an idea of what pieces I want to make - no pattern or fabric choices yet.  I think I want to do a blue capsule but not firm on that.  I haven't yet gone through my fabric collection to see what I have.  However, I do have one firm rule - these four pieces must come from things that are presently abiding in my home.  The only thing that I will allow myself to purchase will be notions...and the findings for the necklace that I want to make as my accessory.  Once I have a firm idea of what I'm making, I will submit pics to the Flickr pool.

[MrsGalihad]

I've been mulling this over and decided I'm going to join in.  Finishing will depend on actually getting some fabrics as I have no stash to speak of but I can try.  I have two skirts, two blouses and a dress that I am wanting to get done for the summer.  The extra motivation will help.  I followed along on the SWAP thread and am planning on joining in on that next year.  This should be good practice. 

Off to go PM and officially enter.

[Robin]

I am scrambling along.  I sewed up the dark blue cotton fabric into a pair of pants.  This TNT is so easy I can sew a pair in an evening and wear them the next day, which was very much required.


Just the fact that I have a functional sewing space is a miracle.  These pants are my first garment sewn in Baltimore.
woo hoo.

[Karendee]

Robin,

Your pants look great. The fit is excellent. Hold on to that TNT pattern. Glad you're enjoying your new sewing space.

KarenD

[Carole]

Zoubida, I can hardly wait to see your finished garments.  Your inspiration is gorgeous. 
Robin, great pants!  I can see you will really enjoy your new sewing space.
MsGalihad, welcome to the group, it's sure to be a lot of fun.

[scottiesews]

Decisions made!  I can't get the pic in for some reason but here's a link http://www.flickr.com/photos/59594124@N00/2513699641/  Just an accessory to think of.  I might machine embroider a little bag to carry essentials like cell phone, keys & change.  I've oped for a Keep It Simple Stupid approach as the easiest way to make sure I complete the contest............ 
Even better I have also bought some navy linen to make a pair of pants & some off white linen that matches the grey dress fabric to make another jacket.  Along with other existing tops I will be able to extend the capsule.  I also got some embroidered & tie dyed red & off white cotton for a dress but I can't make it fit with the pinks & purples although it will go with the navy & off white so that makes a separate capsule.  I think I had better start sewing the capsule extension now or the summer will be over before I get chance to wear it.     I just realised that planned like this I have a Swap going on!