Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[miranda]

Hi everyone

Quick email to introduce myself.  I'm Miranda, in Australia, and I've PMd Elizabeth to join in.  My plan is to make either jeans and three tops, or jeans, a skirt and two tops, but it will depend on how much denim I have.  Probably only enough for the jeans.  I'm hoping to sew all four pieces out of stash, and won't be able to cut anything for a few days since I first have to finish jeans and a top for my mother. 

I'm very excited to join in this contest!

Best wishes
Miranda

[marciae]

Welcome Miranda.  Jeans - I've been sewing jeans trying to establish a TNT jeans pattern.  However, I'm not doing the June capsule - won't be around to complete it, but love reading about all the plans and seeing all the wonderful fabric.

[peachykeeeeen]

Ruth - thanks for the laugh. Thankfully, both dogs are now home safe and sound. A woman actually found the babysitter's dog another 5 miles from where the dog catcher found them and they split up...we were convinced our next door neighbor let them out based on his snyde comments about the whereabouts of our dog, but our other next door neighbor let us know that the babysitter's dog actually jumped up and was trying to undo the latch - so it appears that they let themselves out. There is now a padlock on the gate

Back to the regularly scheduled programming...I did get started on the shorts, but didn't put much of a dent yet. My plan for the weekend is: finish cargo shorts, cut out all of the shirts and interfacing and, if I have time, do the embroidery on the colorblocks. We'll see how much I get done, it might be a little ambitious. I'd at least like to finish the shorts and then get the shirts cut out on Sunday. Wish me luck!!!

[Karendee]

Robin,

Thanks for the heads up concerning fitting patterns for JCC--your words were encouraging. And I seriously doubt that your JCC will be a sad group of garments. Quickie is OK (quickies can be darling) but all of your garments are so well done and lovely. I recall your red silk blouse, coat, and the blue silk nightshirt for your daughter. Maybe I have the nightshirt wrong, but I can picture the top, coat, and pants for the swap.

You should be working on home dec for your condo; I know it's fun to be "nesting" in a new spot.

Karendee

[zora]

I think I'm going to join in.
I'll do a green mini wardrobe from my stash. I already decided on an Ottobre pants pattern and two blouses (Ottobre and Patrones) but I have no idea what the fourth pattern should be or rather I have so many ideas that I can't decide. Oh and I'm thinking about sewing a wristband as accessory, one with a secret (or not so secret) pocket hidden inside so I can put my house key and a few € inside when I don't want to take a bag.
I already made a storyboard but I still have to find out how to get it online.

[Karendee]

Zora,
Welcome aboard! It sounds as if you're on your way, already. The green sounds lovely, and we'll be anxious to see it on your storyboard. I'm not offering advice on posting it, since I'm not the authority to ask. Earlier in this topic, directions were given, but I haven't mastered it.

Karendee

[zora]

Thanks for the warm welcome Karendee. I found the sandbox and thanks to some experimenting I can now present my very first storyboard. I'm not good at using any graphics software so I drew it by hand:

[ejvc]

Hi everyone!  Hope you're poised for tomorrow.  I'm very excited.  It's great seeing everything being planned and plotted.  Welcome to all the new participants also!

I think I'm going to start first with my blouse.  If, that is, I can get into the room where my machine is.  Currently it's covered with stuff we've moved.

Elizabeth

[Karendee]

Zora,

Your green fabrics do look great. I'm also impressed with your sketches and posting.

Eliz,

I think it's about time; we'd better get ready to begin. Yes, I think the first step toward making your blouse is to clean off your machine so that it can be used. Thanks again for giving us this opportunity to participate in this capsule.

Karendee

[Zoubida]

Zora, I love your story-board. It's fresh and relaxed. I'll save it for inspiration to make something similar next spring. I need more relaxed, casual outfits for spring/summer time but won't be able to make any this year I think since I prioritized work attires.

I'm working on my Vogue 8146 jacket right now. Not JCC related. I really NEED to finish by this evening so I can start fresh on the JCC, probably sometime at the end of the day tomorrow.

[mardel]

Wow, I am still amazed by all the colors and plans and everyone's story boards.

I have finally made some kind of decisions and have narrowed my choices down somewhat.  Here is my first attempt at a kind of story board, and it has more garments than I am going to make, but it is a start:



The floral knit is being made into the Vogue Sandra Betzina pattern with the shawl like wrap at the sleeve. 

The subtle plaid linen will be my basic TNT pleated skirt.

And the floral cotton will be the jacket.

I also want to make garments inspired by the two photos.  The skirt will be easy enough based on my TNT pencil skirt pattern. I have some of the necessary fabrics and others are on order.    I think the original Doo Ri skirt may be some kind of mesh and the layers are not hemmed.  Mine will be chiffon layers and one layer will match the softly gathered and pleated blouse.

The problem now is whether I will get the jacket done or the chiffon blouse, or if things get really wild around here, fall back on a simple tank from a taupe silk knit that coordinates with all the fabrics, but has not yet been pulled down from its resting place in the top of my shoe closet.  The jacket looks simple enough.  The blouse will be a silk base, which I can find a pattern for, but I will have to do some draping to get the chiffon layer just right.  Mine will have tucks at the waist as well to provide some shaping.

I am in the process of putting up a description of each garment on my blog but can't yet get this story board picture, which I made in Microsoft Publisher to upload there.  When I get a more proper story board, or figure this out I will add it there as well.  I think I have added it to the group photo site though.

[kiltsnquilts]

Good Morning all! It is Day 1 for those of us in NZ and Aus (and possible somewhere else in the world but my geography is terrible  ) I am not sure what time zone SG is in - when the time is posted under the title of the post, is it in the same zone for everyone? ETA; just found the answer to my own question - on reading the times of the latest posts, it must be shown in my time zone on my computer because some of the times are listed as 5am today - can't imagine many people are up and posting at that time in the morning!!

  My comments about time zones were purely tongue in cheek - although choosing to start in mine and finish in another is tempting!    Mind you, that would mean pulling an all nighter to keep up!!  Not sure I can handle that!!  

This Contest is certainly drawing a large crowd!  Welcome to all the latest entrants, there are definitely too many now to mention individually - my memory isn't that good  

Robin, thanks for the encouragement - I know deep down it will all be worth it in the end and will keep trying with the TNT's.  I have two skirt TNT patterns so far!!

Lynda G, Hi !  I live in New Plymouth.  I have to say you are extremely brave to be going away with all those teenage girls!  I have two teenage boys (well, one now as my eldest turned 20 on Friday) but my friend and business partner has a 16 yr old daughter - I love her dearly, but she makes me glad I had boys!!!    Hope you have a great trip, I envy you those fabric stores!  We are very limited here in NP, only Spotlight and Fabric Barn (which is supposed to be closing!).  I am planning a fabric buying trip away with some sewing friends but not sure when we will have time.

In an ideal world I would already be in my sewing room - that was the plan but unfortunately now I have to go and put a coat of paint on the bathroom!!  DH is working this morning and I would feel too guilty if I didn't do anything in there at all    Hopefully I will get some 'me' time tomorrow.  

Karendee, sending positive vibes your way    Maybe you can send me some too    

Good Luck eveyone, I am really looking forward to seeing what everyone produces, that will be more exciting than my own sewing!  

[Karendee]

Z,
Your jacket pattern is so stylish. You certainly have a way with the selection of patterns. I am really so anxious to see your beautiful white capsule in all it's glory!

Mardel,
I was overcome by your ideas and fabrics. It is luscious and luxurious! The idea for the layered skirt and chiffon skirt is so smart and sassy. It suits you (smart, not sassy!)

Kilts,
Trying to redo a bath while planning your capsule---you are too smart. I am sending lots of great encouragement your way 'cause I know your ensembles will be absolutely beautiful!

Karendee

[LyndaG]

Hi Kilts
As far as I know our local Fabric Barn isn't closing down so maybe it is just local.  Isn't it fun being in different time zones, we are in the future and everyone else is in the past.  It does get tricky when you go overseas and end up by arriving on the same day you left New Zealand and you travel for 26 hours.  Just think when it is New Years Day we are in a different year altogether.  I have a 20 year old as well plus a 30 year old daughter with 3 children.  What kind of business do you have.  Have fun with the painting.
LyndaG

[BeeBee]

Sew... all of our "down under" friends are half done by now, right?   I can hear the snip of scissors from here.  I'm ready to role tomorrow, though I have simple items chosen - except the one top I want to pin-tuck for the Ad Beg Contest over on pattern review.  My pintucking's not going well yet, I need some more practice, I suppose, and a help session from Marji over on the PR thread for the contest.  For now, I'm headed out to dinner.  We had big storms in the early afternoon, but it's all clear now, so we'll walk down towards the Potomac and have dinner with the tourists.   (this is my version of the tourists - they all have sunglasses and backpacks).

I need a rules clarification:  can the accessory be purchased in addition to one garment being purchased?  Or can only one item be bought? 

[Robin]

mardel, thanks for posting your ideas!  I especially love the chiffon blouse and I hope you get to sew that.  I have some chiffon, too, so I would appreciate a comrade on that front.  I also have LOTS of fabrics that work extremely well with my blue.  I have even considered making a pair of white pants, which I have not worn on 20 years, at least.
I am always afraid white pants will make me look fat.     But I realize that is silly - if they fit properly and I keep it civilized, it will look great.

I am enjoying this thread immensely.  Everyone is so positive and motivated.

[Melodye]

After much dithering, I'm going to join.   I've perfected a pants pattern and am on the way to a top.  Coral, white and tan will be my colors.   Will learn to make a story board and post my patterns.   While I don't hope to win, I do hope the discipline will result in new clothes!

Melodye in Randallstown

[kiltsnquilts]

BeeBee    'you make me laugh'!!!  If you hear the snip of scissors from the Down Under entrants, rest assured it isn't mine!!!   

LyndaG, I can't quite get my head round the time zone thing!  To think that my parents in the UK are in the land of nod while I am going about my day   Add to that trying to calculate the time difference for making phone calls and I am lost    I am sure it is just a local closure of the Fabric Barn, they did the same thing once before and then didn't close at all!!  Maybe they just need to clear some stock    I am co-owner of a patchwork and knitting shop, hence the reason my sewing over the past 2-3 years has been non garment sewing!  We bought the business 2 1/2 years ago, Robyn and I both worked for the previous owner.  It is hard work but we love it!  I really lost my garment making mojo for a while, out of neccessity as much as anything.  Now I feel as if I have things a little bit more under control (only a little bit mind you  ) and I feel I really need the release of making my own clothes - added to that my wardrobe is in a terrible state!  I struggle with my weight and always tell myself that I won't make or buy many clothes because they won't fit me 'when I lose weight'!!  That never happens and I never have many clothes!!!  So, enough.  I will make clothes for the size and shape I am now and not worry about them not fitting 'if' I lose weight 

I still haven't done anything with my silk tweed - I am procrastinating big time!  I know I should really take it to the dry cleaners but keep wondering if it is neccessary?!  Could I steam treat it myself?  I will go and peruse the boards/blogs for advice - I know there is plenty out there!

Robin, I agree with you about the white pants.  If they fit well they will look great, I dont' think size matters but I understand your hesitation!  I think they can look very stylish.

Have done my bit of painting for today - DH is now tiling the floor so I may sneak off to the sewing room - but what to do first? 

[Zoubida]

Mardel, that Jacket is on my to-do list. I love it. It's distinctive and classy. I also love the pinky-brown top (I have a more "country" style of it, RTW) and the Betzina one. The Betzina top I have a RTW version of it, exactly the same except in black. It has a little zyrcon at the top of the back neck and since I have short hair, it shows, it's pretty. I will try to find it and post a picture of the RTW version with the back neck detail. It seems we have very similar tastes.

Welcome Melodye and all the new participant. This is going to be one fun contest !!! I can't wait to see all the project completed.

[kiltsnquilts]

Update on the silk tweed.  I searched 'silk tweed' under Fabrics and top of the list was a question from someone asking for advice on pre-treating silk tweed!  Armed with what sounded like sensible tips from some experienced sewists including Carolyn, Kathryn and Marji, the tweed is on my ironing board as I type!  I have been steaming it section by section with a fine muslin cloth over the top, and allowing it to cool before moving it.

So far so good!  Thanks girls! 

[LyndaG]

Hi Kilts
Are you going to Quilt Symposium in Wellington next year.  I am going as I do quilting as well, well lets say I have lots of patterns, materials and some Block of the months, and of course don't forget all the sewing and quilting magazines.  My mojo is like a yoyo (hey that rhymes) up and down.  I have elderly parents who have been very sick and a daughter with 3 children who is on her own as well as work.  I also have a girlfriend who has just opened up a Quilt shop in AUckland - 2 months ago, called Gillianz.  She wanted to me work for her but I need a more fulltime pay at the moment.  My son used to do Trampoling competitively, he was one of New Zealand's top Men so a lot of our money went on competitions and trips. 

[peachykeeeeen]

Hubby's shorts are about finished. After basting them together and having hubby try them on, the pattern runs about 5" too long on him. So no more cargo shorts. I still did the regular pockets, but they're essentially patch pockets that look like regular pants pockets...I'm not sure if there is a term for that or not - sort of like carpenter pants. Because of their size, I'm not able to even shrink down the cargo pockets for the side so I didn't include them and I had planned on putting cargo pockets on the back (instead of the patch that the pattern calls for), but without the side pockets I decided instead to do single welt pockets as practice. They actually turned out really well considering I've only done welt pockets once before. It was a nice change of pace for me to try something that's still relatively new. Now that I really think about it, this fabric might not have even been appropriate for cargo - it's definitely a dressy/casual type of fabric and not a casual/casual...if that makes any sense!

All that's left is the back belt carriers, waist facing and hem. Probably won't take more than an hour, including family distractions. Baby will probably get me up at 6am for a feeding so I might be able to finish the shorts before church (which is strange for me to say since I haven't been to church in 10 years and hubby has NEVER been to church!).

I also have the fabrics already set out (including one set up and ready to cut) so that as soon as the shorts are done I can cut out the shirts in one marathon cutting session and spend the rest of my month sewing. Hopefully I can have all of the cutting done tomorrow, but I'll settle for having it all done before next weekend. Last weekend I finally found the right buttons for the shirts. I was planning on snaps for the baby's shirts, but now I might just go buy more buttons that match hubby's - I have had a hard time finding the right colors in the right size (since I need baby size snaps, but not in baby colors). I might be able to find 3/8" buttons, but could get away with 1/2" if I had to.

[Jafael]

I really love everyone's choices! So much motivation and creativity flowing through here, it's amazing!

I finished my storyboard. Finally found a pattern I liked for that last piece. All of my patterns are new to me, so I really have my work cut out for me this month!


I just have to mention one tidbit from today when I was at Dillards. I looked around and found several pieces a LOT like what I'm sewing for this capsule. One was a linen dress with identical lines to the dress I'm sewing here. The store version had two notable differences from mine: it was a hideous color, and it's bodice front was lined. It was a solid color, though, and I must point out it's far too hot here in the summer to wear anything with a polyester lining. For me at least. Anyway, that dress was $189 at Dillard's! I'm so excited! I just proved to myself that I'm saving a bundle by doing this!

The other piece that was almost exactly like mine was a chiffon blouse. Mine will have longer sleeves and lower hemline, but other than that, it was almost identical (except in print, of course). $138!! I was just tickled to discover that my choices are obviously "hip" enough to be in stores right now, and that by sewing them I'm saving literally hundreds of dollars, and that's just on the two pieces that were nearly identical to the pieces in the store.

Good luck and happy sewing to everyone who has begun already (you aussies and new zealanders) and everyone who starts tomorrow.

[AnnRowley]

June 1st!  At last...

Wonderful new story boards - much more challenging than mine.  Good luck everyone!

I shall start with my basic skirt - two seams, a zip and a waist band.  Cutting table here I come...

[zora]

I started early today so I can proudly announce that all patterns got copied and cut. It was a lot more work than I expected. The Patrones pattern came in size 38 and 42 and guess what, it turned out I need a 40. And the Ottobre blouse is a kids pattern that had to be enlarged 3 sizes. So right now, I am taking a well earned coffee break 
I never sewed blouses with cuffs before and I don't speak Spanish so if anyone knows a nice tutorial, I would appreciate a link!

[Em]

The new fashion boards look great!  Wonderful styles and beautiful colorways! 

I haven't decided on patterns or fabrics, yet.  Up until late yesterday, I was working on my mini for PR.  For this capsule, I'm sewing completely from stash.  In May, I added a vintage 50s and a classic capsule to my wardrobe.  For this, I'm leaning towards a vintage 40s or a trendy capsule (even if I'm not a trendy person).  I'm going to try to make some decisions and work on my fashion board later today. 

I love capsules!   
Em

[Robin]

Jafael, I noticed you are sewing a chiffon top, too.  Looks lovely!! If you've already posted about it, I missed it.  I am curious about whether your fabric is sheer and what you will wear beneath it.

It seems it will be a cool, pretty top on a warm day.  DO you suppose that is true?  I love to wear silk, but sometime it sticks to me if it's too hot.

Everyone, lovely plans and I am enjoying all the details you are posting.
Happy June 1!  And off we go!

[KayB]

Yay... I also can announce that I started with my skirt, meaning I finished cutting out all the pieces, 16! altogether. Now I have to put it all together and there are plenty of rolled hems....  , since I decided that I'll use this method to finish the ruffles this way.

[Glossy]

Mardel, I bought that Sandra Betzina Vogue pattern last week as there was a half price sale on at John Lewis.  I hope I'm brave enough to put it in my JCC now I know someone much more experienced than me is doing it too 

I'm still struggling to find grey linen so I may have to change my "bottoms" to white. I don't think I'll manage a storyboard as I'm not 100% what I'm doing yet. I've just cut out one pattern and I'm hopefully going to get the material cut out tonight as well so I can get sewing tomorrow.

[ejvc]

Happy JCC start everyone!

I'm EXTREMELY pleased to announce that Susanne (aka Ms Fine Fabrics) has kindly offered at $10 gift certificate at her store to the first 30 participants to complete their capsules!!!!

Now I have to get all set up as to what a final submission is - hoping that 31 people don't finish before tomorrow!!!

Elizabeth

[BeeBee]

I've gotten every thing cut out and marked - except the front facing for the top.  It will have to wait until the pleats are sewn for the template - the pattern didn't come with that piece, they want you use bias binding, but I didn't like that last time.  AND I have lining done for the skirt. 
Before everyone starts congradulating me  I will say that I've chosen VERY simple patterns that I've made before.  No new techinques, no fancy lines or designer jackets.  My goal is to finish and to be able to wear all my pieces.  That's enough challenge right now.  If I get done early - and I may - I might add a jacket out of my skirt fabric - that would be a challenge for me.
The roar of sewing machines is growing and the tiny threads are starting to pile up. 

[BeeBee]

Elizabeth:  I asked a question concerning rules that likely got lost in the chatter.  Can we purchase both one garment and the accessory?  Or only one piece, period, may be purchased?  I have a RTW blouse I'm using, so do I have to make my accessory or may I also purchase that?

[Karrol]

Nice to see everyone ramped up and going on this! I won't be getting to mine till later this afternoon. I actually have a date (!) for lunch with a new guy. Right now that is more important to me than a wardrobe. LOL! 
I know my priorities are messed up, huh? 

I'll probably start with my skirt, too. Getting one thing done quickly will give me the inspiration to keep going. So when I get home, it's the cutting tab;e for me!

[Marji]

Now I have to get all set up as to what a final submission is - hoping that 31 people don't finish before tomorrow!!!
Elizabeth

Just an observation: There were 89 people who entered the mini-wardrobe contest over at PR, and I just looked and counted, if my count is right, only 29 managed to finish and get their entry in by midnight last night. 

In the spirit of friendly competitiveness, shall we see if we can beat that finishing percentage?

And sorry I've been so MIA.
The coat sew-along has absolutely devoured all my attention for the last 2 weeks. Now that most of the blog maintenance for that is out of my hands, and the signups for that are closed, I should have more time to participate and be present in the rest of the sewing world again for a bit.
I'm heading downstairs as soon as I finish typing this to start my muslins for the 3 garments I know I'm making for this. I still have to figure out my 4th garment.

I'm just loving the ambitious and lovely plans that have been submitted here.
KayB, I have to go look at your blog to see where that fantastic skirt is from.
Happy June sewing everyone!

edit to add: Nah, not mixed up priorities Karrol - Have a wonderful time - hope he turns out to be interesting and fun

[KayB]

KayB, I have to go look at your blog to see where that fantastic skirt is from.

Marji, it's from Patrones No. 243 Abril (April) 2006, model 43