Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[ejvc]

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

One one item from the 4+1 can be purchased.  So if you buy your accessory you have to make all your garments (though one can be made before June).

Elizabeth

[C_fabrication]

It sounds like fun. I'd like to participate.

I signed up for the last PR SWAP -- had it all planned out -- made not one thing I had planned.

I did make 3 different nighties, so maybe I should make this my Sewing pajamas with a plan contest. SPWAP or SPaWAP which has a nice two syllable ring to it.

Oh, and I could make a nice plush sleep mask as the accessory.

The more I think about it, the more I like it!

1. Bottom -- Fish print cotton knit from Fabric Mart
2. Top -- Tee shirt from Fish print or white cotton rib knit
3. Bottom -- Coral Stretch poplin from Gorgeous Fabrics
4. Not sure yet -- I could count the white batiste with pink ribbon trim nighty I made by modifying the Laughing Moon 100 chemise into a lace yoke. This would be my made before June 1.

Accessory -- pink polarfleece sleep mask.

[tumblina]

Sigh.  It's June 1 and I'm SICK!  And they are starting me on an exercise treatment program at the clinic tomorrow, so I really hope I'm better by then, because I predict I'm going to be pretty hammered by it alone.

I'm not getting off to a good start here.  Fingers crossed for the rest of June!!

[Jafael]

Robin, I plan to wear either the camisole I'm sewing in this capsule, or a tank top underneath the sheer chiffon blouse. It's not the kind of thing I'll wear if I'm spending a lot of time outside in the sun (I live in the desert, I need more sun protection than that!), but it'll be perfect for everything else. I do think it will be cool and comfortable, however.

Karrol, have fun on your date! Of course, one does need a wardrobe to go out on dates!

C-fabrication, love the idea for a pajama capsule, and what a cute accessory!

Jenna, I hope you feel better soon!

Right now all my fabrics are in my washing machine, getting pre-shrunk. I have officially begun! LOL! Perhaps I could have washed them before today, but it honestly never even occurred to me that maybe I could do that part ahead of time! LOL!

[ejvc]

I managed to clear my desk AND sew two seams on my first top!  This is a real achievement in the Land of Baby. The top was pre-cut (I did it in May), and I was thinking to myself, oh no, that doesn't fit with the rules (because I have another pre-made top to use as my pre-June piece), and then I remembered: I'm not IN the contest, I'm RUNNING the contest.  D'oh! Which I started to have someone to sew with!  An excellent plan, I now see (pats self on back).

I am already in awe of KayB cutting a sixteen-piece skirt.  tumblina, I'm really sorry to hear you're ill.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Everyone else, let's get cracking!

[kbenco]

Elizabeth that is so funny, please break all the rules, and put all your garments up here for us to admire.

Bee Bee, you did not hear my scissors either, at least, not in the JCC! It is now June 2 here, and I have planned only 2 pieces. I did finish an entry in the PR May Mini Wardrobe for my daughter, on Saturday, a day early no less! Marji, I promise I will do just as well in this challenge, must beat the PR finishing percentage! My daughter is going to France in 2 weeks, and there are a few more things I want to make her - one more pair of trousers and maybe another blouse, but today I will start on my JCC. I have a half day at home with the children all at school, that time is mine, all mine  Maybe I will lie in the hammock and eat chocolate instead....

[Zoubida]

C-Fabrication, a pyjama capsule is a great idea ! I love it.

Kbenco, chocolate and hammock are a great plan. I vote for it at the condition that you work twice as hard for the JCC later. You'll have great energy from the chocolate and clear mind from the hammock. You should then accomplish wonders.

I copied and cut all my pattern pieces for all the 4 garements at least 2 to 3 weeks ago. This evening I made the skirt muslin and it's at least 1 (at waist) and 2 (at hips) inches too large. So after trying the muslin, I took my measurements again and guess what, I'm smaller by more than 1 inches at the hips and a bit more at the waist (the scale does show only a four pound loss). Granted I watch my diet quite seriously and I take advantage of the magnificent, super-equiped gym at the hospital.

I don't know if it was a good idea to buy such expensive fabrics. If I continue to loose inches like that, I won't be able to wear them much. I'll have to sew keeping in mind I might alter them later. Maybe I should even sew them a little smaller right right now?

Who knew I wouldn't be so thrilled about my (large) hips melting.

[Zoubida]

Thanks for the incentive Mrs Fine Fabrics ! I doubt I'll win my 10$ but it sure is nice to have a reward for being a fast sewist.

[Therese]

Hello everyone -

I've been following the thread, checking the site from work during my break since my home computer went kablooey earlier in the month. We have a new one now so I just pm'd Elizabeth and am joining up!

I think I'll be doing pants, a light summer jacket and two tops. I need something more professional because I'm applying for two different jobs and hopefully I'll be doing some interviewing. If that doesn't work out, I'll keep my shoulder surgery appointment on June 30 and have 5 weeks off work. Then I can wear my new work stuff in August and September. Based on my experience last year when I had my right rotator cuff repaired, I may be able to do some sewing toward the end of week three. This year I'm having the LEFT cuff repaired. Since I'm right-handed, perhaps I can do a bit more than I could last summer!

The primary fabric is a herringbone beige, with a bit of shimmer and single repeating threads of blue, green and dark peach. It's polyester, wool and silk, machine washes and dries wonderfully and has been aging in my stash for a bit over 4 years. The jacket will be collarless so that I can wear collared shirts or whatever with it - still deciding on which pattern to use for that. Still making decisions on all the patterns for that matter! I don't think I'll be using any TNT patterns this time...can't make this too easy after all! The other interesting part is that I'm hosting a co-ed wedding shower for my niece on June 29 so I'll really need to have this completed ahead of time.

It's been SO fun and inspiring to see everyone's fabric/pattern choices and plans. I won't even attempt a story board, but I'll scan my fabrics and post those soon.

Onward and upward!

therese

[kiltsnquilts]

Day 2 here in NZ and while I haven't started any actual sewing yet, I have pre-steamed my silk tweed (might do it again just to be doubly sure!!  Paranoid!)  and cut out two of my patterns which I will tissue fit later today - at this moment I am taking a quick coffee/computer break and then it is back to the bathroom to put the first coat of paint on the walls - have just spent the past hour and a half cutting in the edges     Horrible job but someone's got to do it!!

DH is off to play soccer so once I have done my first coat of paint I will reward myself with a few hours in the sewing room while the paint dries 

[NancyK]

I haven't posted in a while, but I think that I am still participating.  I have to seriously get down to planning.  I have spent more time over at the The Great Coat Sew Along.  I am making a raincoat and a winter jacket.
I will make this capsule from my stash.  I certainly have enough! 
1 knit top
1 silk top
1 summer dress
1 pair of tnt pants.
I need to make a muslin for the dress and silk top.

[kiltsnquilts]

Hi NancyK, good to see you back!I haven't had time to get over to the Coat sew-a-long blog, hope it is all going well?!  I think the sew-a-longs and contests are fantastic motivators!

I am just having a late lunch and then going into my sewing room while the paint dries!!  We have been 5 weeks now without a bathroom (have thankfully got a toilet!) and my evenings have been taken up with visiting friends and family to shower!!  Of course we always stop for a drink and a chat (which is lovely) and end up being out of the house for at least an hour and a half!  Consequently I have had very little sewing time in the evenings!

I still have to buy lining for my jacket and silk skirt, I will get the same colour for both when I get the chance to go buy some. 

Off to steam my silk tweed for the second time - just to make doubly sure it won't shrink any more!

[peachykeeeeen]

It's now almost 8pm and I have done NOT ONE SINGLE THING for my capsule!!! Ok, I take that back - we did decide on and purchase the accessories for both father and son - hubby decided that he was less likely to wear the hat and he needed a new pair of sandals for the summer so we got him and the baby coordinating sandals (the boy has little full-foot sandals and hubby got flip flops, both are a dark brown that goes well with all of the items). I'm also going to change up one of the shirts to a Hawaiian print that will also be made into a shirt for my father-in-law so that grandpa, dad and son all have matching shirts! My FIL's will be done after I'm done with the capsule, though.

We had such a good time at church (the first time I've been in 10 years and the first for hubby EVER) that we ended up spending most of the day with the friends who invited us. The baby just went to bed so I should be able to get at least one or two shirts cut out before I have to stop and prepare for Monday...

Congratulations to everyone who has already gotten off to a good June 1 start!!!

[Elle]

Hello everyone, this has been a fun topic to read through.  I'm in, and I'm using an Advance pattern that I started to learn fitting and alterations with in a class, which was canceled after the first session.  So I've been on my own and finally got up the nerve to cut apart my pattern.  Tissue fitting went well, so then I cut up my fashion fabric    It is a wedgewood blue linen from FFC bought on sale, so nothing too too heartbreaking if my mistakes can't be salvaged.

I actually spent hours this evening sewing, instead of reading about sewing.  I started with the Advance jacket (it is my before June piece) and it is not lined.  The pattern is very different the way it is put together, so rather than struggling to come up with a lining, I decided to finish the exposed seams with a Hong Kong finish.  Fun, looks really  when done, but my goodness it is time consuming. 

Thanks Elizabeth for the fun project in June! 

Regards,
Elle

P.S.  Here is my pattern:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_2BpbVaxuFFY/SAgkO0xl8oI/AAAAAAAAASE/3tbThodO4Jg/s1600-h/Advance+7894.jpg

[Knitmaverick]

I am finally coming out of lurkdom and committing to being a part of the June Capsule Contest...I'm hyperventilating just typing the words! 

At this moment I will be making a jacket, skirt,(or a dress) pants and top in boring cream/tan.  The accessory is a tan patterned silk scarf.  It will be something that I will get a lot of wear out of in So. Cal and will go with all of the black that is already in my wardrobe and is a no-no for this contest.  The storyboard for this project is on PowerPoint and after I make the final fabric selections I will post it and see what suggestions the wise of this thread have to offer.

I'm looking forward to this challenge and meeting new friends.....

 

[kiltsnquilts]

Ok, I have already changed one of my patterns!  I am now making Kwik Sew 3337 View b with my plain green silk homespun.  Reason?  I rediscovered this Vogue jacket pattern and decided View c would look great in the green silk also - although not to wear together!  So I wanted a skirt that didn't use up quite as much fabric as my original!  Added bonus - this skirt is almost a TNT!

[LauraTS]

Elle, great vintage pattern, I love it, so elegant.

I was one of those people that didn't finish their PR mini - I didn't even start with the pieces I had thought of. The good news is that I can just do them for this challenge instead, I guess! Thankfully there's no black in any of them. I may not finish this either, but at least I can have some fun with it.

[ejvc]

P.S.  Here is my pattern:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_2BpbVaxuFFY/SAgkO0xl8oI/AAAAAAAAASE/3tbThodO4Jg/s1600-h/Advance+7894.jpg

Elle, you should have no problem with this - it says right on it that it's the *easy* printed pattern 

Kitsnquilts, what a lovely jacket pattern - what number is it?

NancyK, nice to see you back.  Look forward to seeing what you'll be doing for this capsule.

Elizabeth

[fiberfan]

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!

Pam Erny posted a cuff placket tutorial on her blog http://off-the-cuff-style.blogspot.com/2008/05/classic-sleeve-placket.html last week

Joanne

[kiltsnquilts]

Elizabeth, jacket pattern is vogue 7764.  I hae to say that on the pattern envelope the pictures look much nicer than the actual photo I put in my post!  That is the first time I have seen it actually made up and I am not at all keen on their choice of fabric!

I forgot I had this pattern and I have been looking for some jacket patterns that are a bit more casual - I like the detail on this one and the slightly military styling - no hip pockets for me though, don't need to draw attention to my lower half!! 

I probably won't make this as part of my JCC, not sure I can manage two jackets in a month!!   

[Em]

Hi Everyone!

I cleaned out my closet in January and still haven't replenished it.  I've sewn a lot since January, but I haven't kept everything I've sewn because when I cleaned out my closet, I decided that I would only keep things that I really liked.  This capsule is going to help me replenish my pretty depleted wardrobe, so I tried to pick only styles and colors that would work with what I have and that I would wear a lot. 

My colors will be mostly midnight blue and a little white--they'll work with my existing wardrobe.  There are 2 jackets on my fashion board, but I'm only making one--I just haven't decide which version, yet.  I'm using stash for everything, including notions.  The dress, jacket and skirt are going to be made from the same woven fabric.  I'm using a white knit for the top and velveteen for the bag.  Here's my board:



What I really like about capsules is that it goes by so quickly that there's no time for me to change my mind about my choices.  Full wardrobes are a whole different matter!  I don't think I'll be changing my mind about my choices for this.  YAY!


Em

[ruthc]

Just popping in to say hello as I am still stalled waiting for fabric/patterns to arrive.

Knits, I too have that vogue pattern. I made the version with stand up collar and pockets out of a herringbond linen.  The style goes really well with flared skirts and jeans so should go really well withthe kwick sew skirt.

I did some sewing yesterday - but non JCC.  I made two tiny dresses out of white and pink seersucker for Baby Girl.  I then realised that if I just make a pair of pink bloomers, jacket and sunhat I would actually have a baby capsule, and today I see there is an insentive for fast finishers - oooh I feel a cunning plan coming on.

A while back we got distracted by an ironing discussion - I think it was Carole who suggested putting your clothes in the fridge to ease ironing.  I did that yesterday and when DH came home he was very confused...

DH - "what's that?"
Me - "my ironing."
DH - ""

Then I explained about the discussion on here and he said,
"so it really is your ironing - oh"

Goodness knows what he thought I was going to cook up out of a linen dress and pants!  Still it did the trick.

[ejvc]

Just a clarification: the $10 from Ms Fine Fabrics  (Susanne) for the 30 first finishers is in the form of a gift certificate to her store:  http://www.finefabrics.com - not a personal gift certificate!

Now I think some people think they have *officially* joined but they haven't PM'd me.  Here is my list of 73!  Karendee, MargoH, theresaS, RuthieK, Susinok, BeeBee, Karrol, cmarie12, MelaineMC, Carole, Towanda, Marji, Zoubida, Vicki, c4, ClaireC, Sheilacrochetz, peachykeeeeen, babsie, ruthc, kiltsnquilts, mardel, LauraM, Sherril Miller, Morzel, nancyK, ChristineB, karent, Robin, MaryPat, NDumas, xtiand, Melinda_B, Jodi B., LindaE, Ladyslipper, Mary Jo, Lisanne, AnnRowley, kdenco, Linda Dean, elfieodette, lesliek, Lee K, scottiesews, sewingbea, KathrynT, Phyllis S, gatorgirl4325, tumblina, luncindamaria, Joycelndl, Lizziej, Rosemary, Glossy, Em, CarolTrendall, Mrs Galihad, cherlyc, Dorcus, littleumbrella, LisaB, Brenda, Jafael, mouseshadow2001, vsorenson, Maja, PattiB, miranda, Elle, meauxlily, jayjay, therese.  If you think you should be on this list, please send me a private message.

[kiltsnquilts]

  Bathroom painted, thank goodness!  Now just tiles - haha, 'just' she says!!

ruthc, good to know the jacket will go well with the skirt - not sure I will wear them together as I am not really a suit person, but I like the skirt so will probably make it in other fabrics also.  I will make the version with the collar I think, and no pockets for me!

I have cut out my first item - KS skirt as in above post.  Slight modification to the hem band as my fabric is narrower than the pattern and I didn't want to use loads of fabric cutting it lengthwise.  It has turned out very well as a design element as I have added a piece and will fray it at the join. It will give me a v shaped seam either side of the side seams and I also plan to stitch some green buttons on, have got loads of different green buttons, all sorts of shapes and sizes!

I know I won't manage to get any sewing done tomorrow night as I have a class at the shop, but Wednesday will see me in my sewing room.  Friday is my morning off so hopefully I won't have too many errands to run and can sew! 

I have been thinking about ways to make my aubergine silk shirt go with my green skirt, so far I have found some mother of pearl buttons which I love!  They have that green/purple tinge and make the look a little more casual - which is more my style.  I will keep looking and decide nearer the time.

  Off to recharge my batteries for the night!

[miranda]

Hi everyone

End of day 2 here, and I've cut out my jeans, and a skirt.  Not sure about the skirt, whether or not it will end up in the capsule or not.  Will see when it is tacked together.   So excited to cut it out that I forgot to photograph the denim first.    Ah well.  I won't get to sew for a few days, because of Mum's jeans, but I feel like I've started now!

Bye
Miranda

[Karendee]

It sounds as though several of you are off to a great start! I won't reply individually to your progress, just keep on keeping on!

Congratulations!

Karend

[LisaB]

It's been fun to catch up on what everyone is doing. I've really struggled with what style top to make that will work with the pants and skirt I have planned. I spent a lot of time yesterday looking through online retailers and pattern catalogs. I think I have a vision now.    I ordered the lining that I'll need, too. I still have no idea about an accessory, but I can worry about that later. I need the clothes more!   First up will be my easiest item: no-side-seam pants.

Lisa

[meauxily]

I am doing my firsr Burda pattern for the contest---simple skirt. Its a Safari print from Jo Ann's and bamboo brown knit top.
The skirt is from the 04/2008 and has an elastic waist so I should be able to pull it together in no time--right!!

Meaux

[ElaineMC]

So many exciting capsules!  And progress, too!

Yesterday I worked on a wearable muslin for my shorts.  I'm glad I did a muslin:  I found out they were too small around (that's happened before!) and too long!!  That's never happened to me before.  So, I will use more width and less length - and I will still have plenty of fabric.

I'm going to finish the practice shorts by letting out the side seams.  I did a fly front zipper in - since it's been quite a while since I've done that, it was good to review. 

I would show my wearable muslin shorts, but they're made out of black.

I think I will be able to get the blue shorts done quickly.

-EMC

[Zoubida]

Looking good everybody !!! 

Ok, I need to be reasonnable and reconsider my participation to the JCC. I didn't choose the fastest nor the easiest to achieve capsule. I wasn't expecting a surge in work hours (wasn't suppose to work alone in projects we need to be two at least). I forgot to compute in the kids summer activities (which started few days ago). And we leave for a whole week vacation on the 21st or 22nd of June, that too came as a suprise not long ago. I would have to work every evening and the week-end in whole to make it, and event take few days off work to finish the embellishments. I'm not up to this. I need to take care of things besides sewing and priorities are what they are: priorities.

The discovery of a (finally!!! Tis about time!) slimming body makes me hesitate cutting in the fabrics I bought. I need to see if my body stabilizes at some point down the clean-diet-and-exercise-program. Otherwise I may well be finishing a piece of the capsule only to find it doesn't fit that well less than 2 weeks later. I definetly don't want that to happen. I chatted with the fitness coach this morning and she told me "buy cheaper clothes and enjoy the melt-down". So I'll follow her advice except I'll make cheaper clothes and enjoy the melt-down.

So long story short:


* I don't want to cut in a hurry in the fabrics I bought. They deserve time, care, and quite some muslin work before reaching for the scisors.

* I don't want to find out in one month or two my JCC garements don't fit me anymore and I barely had time or occasions to wear them.

* I don't want to feel torn between work, kids, vacation preps and the capsule. Something has to give.

* I want to make all the items on my capsule plan, only not in the JCC time-frame. I need much more time.


So I prefer to remove the stress off of my shoulders and just make my plans work in my moving and shifting schedule and for unstable (for now) body measurements.

I'll be following this thread with as much pleasure and enjoy all your stories and all the nice things you'll make.

[/list][/list]

[C_fabrication]

Here's idea number one on the June Capsule Contest.



I'm glad you liked my pajama plan.

[LisaB]

Zoubida, I'm disappointed we won't get to see your lovely fabric made up into completed garments during the JCC, but I understand the conflicts. Family and responsibilities are more important, and you will enjoy your new clothing and the whole processing of creating it when you don't have the time constraints of the contest.

I stopped by my local store for thread and buttons today and found everything except buttons to match my planned twinset. Nothing is cut out yet, but tomorrow is another day!

Lisa

[BeeBee]

I hear you, Zoubida.  I've lost a lot of weight since January (close to 20# on a small frame) and many of the first items I made don't even come close to fitting me.  Some of them are no big loss, others  .  As for my JCC, I specifically chose easy stuff, zero challenges other than the one to finish.  A siimple pencil skirt (yes, folks, I reverted ) a previously made simple top pattern, made an item in May and purchased an item.  Oh, and tried to wiggle another purchased item out of Elizabeth, but she held strong.  My point, if I have one  , is do what you can and what you want.  Sewing is your hobby and should be something you enjoy, no something to stress over.  Challenge yes, stress NO!    
There was an article in a recent (probably last issue) issue of Threads about sewing for a changing body, specifically making garments with simple lines but more seams - princess vs darts , using wider seam allowances, staying away from matching prints (large prints or plaids), using busy prints to camo adjustment, forgoing linings, etc.  Stuff to make it easier to alter, in other words.  If you're interested and don't have the issue I can dig it out for you.
And congradulations on your weight loss. 

[Zoubida]

BeeBee, I definetly could use the information on that article you mention. I don't have it. I'll PM you right away.

Lisa, I'm definetly making mock-ups of the clothes probably by the end of July or mid-august, embellishements and all, only in cheaper fabrics. Before even cutting the cheaper fabric, I'm making muslins. The winter-white color as well as the fibers I chose for my capsule are wearable in winter so may be by the end of October I'll have finish the 1 month capsule. By that time I hope my body measurements will be more stable.

Plus, I waited too long to order my lining, a silk habutai from Gorgeous Fabrics. It will arrive sometime next week. Now that I decided I'll take my time, I will be able to use it.

[kiltsnquilts]

Zoubida, I too will be sad not to see your beautiful fabrics made up for the contest.  However, it is certainly better for you to realise now that you need to prioritise, rather than say, half way through!  And sewing shouldn't be stressful if it is your hobby - this is your time out and your stress relief - not the cause of it  

I confess to a slight envy of your changing body shape!  i know that I really should make that a priority in my life also!  For me it is the other way round - for ages I have been trying to lose weight and so have not bought or made many clothes.  I keep telling myself that once I lose weight they won't fit me anyway - but I haven't lost weight and don't have much to wear!  So, now I will make for the size I am now and if I manage to lose weight I will alter my clothes!

Today I can only think about my JCC sewing as I am working all day and have a class here at the shop tonight.  Tomorrow evening we are going to a birthday tea for my niece - I may have a bit of time after that to do some sewing!  I still need to buy lining for my jacket and skirt and also a zip - I thought I had found the perfect buttons for my shirt - but oh no, they are mostly black!!!

I will keep searching!