Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[RuthieK]

I haven't got much further with my JCC sewing as yet, and got pretty tempted to swap out into a different colour range to make a knit dress to wear with my new shoes. But perhaps I can find a dress fabric that will co-ordinate with the 'Sophisticated safari' olive.
Sewing and showing the house to viewers seem to be incompatible, as soon as I get anything out the estate agent calls with another viewing and I have to out everything away again and vacuum.
I don't currently have anyone booked in to view this weekend, so maybe.... if I can just find where I tidied the olive thread away to, I can do some sewing.

[ruthc]

I am too impatient to wait for DHs patterns and fabrics to arrive, especially as Robin very generously sent me a big pile of farbric - some for me and some for Baby Girl.
So I have decided to start on a JCC for me - it will be called "Watermelon mama" as I cut into a watermelon the other day and loved the vibrant colours and they just so happen to match some of the fabric Robin sent me.

So I'd been mulling ove what to do with a length of olive green jersey - should I do some yoga pants or a skirt? And decided at 10pm that I would do a skirt and I would do it NOW! Lucky I had just cleaned out my sewing box and found the only knit needle left.
It is a made up pattern - front and back the same, cut from the hip as a circle skirt and then a long length of bias fabric as a sash tie along the top. This way it can grow with me and hopefully decrease with me too.

I was really pleased with how it came out and am wearing it today - without hemming or finishing the edges.
I used a blind hemstitch for the seams in a bright green thread so there is a contrast ladder stitch on the seams.  I will hem and finish it tonight.  It is very comfy and because I made the belly band nice and big it means I can wear my pre-preggers t-shirts and tops with it without having any tummy peeping out.  Yay.

Next up willl be the top from vogue 2923 in a dark pink jersey.


The bottom is eleasticated but I will probably put in a tie instead to allow for expansion.

I am looking at things that will last the next three months - to B Day - and can be good for after too. So probably one skirt and three tops or two tops and one dress.  The tops adapted to allow for nursing.

[mardel]

RuthC, congrtulations on getting the jersey pants sewn up, and wearing them.  That top will be lovely  and it looks like it will be great fun to wear. 

Sharon, I understand about the frustration of pulling things together.  My lining fabrics, and the tiered skirt fabric just arrived yesterday evening and as I was putting things together by project, I suddenly panicked when I realized I hadn't checked my zipper stash for the skirts.  Luckily I had the two I needed but I realized that I really need to put in a zipper order for future projects, so I am going to take some time today and get that together, even though it does not apply directly to JCC.    With DH not well last year I hadn't realized how I had neglected my sewing supplies.  With nothing really available locally, I can't count on running out to pick something up, and so need to be prepared for whenever the time or inspiration hits.

I have one UFO I feel I must finish before starting my JCC, but with luck, I may have some time to work on it this weekend.

[MaryPat]

Thanks everyone for the compliments on my handbag. I got sick of all tan before I even started it, so had to change it up a bit. I might even make a white jacket now.
It is great to hear the progress reports and see all the pictures.
I get capsule envy (maybe even a bit of baby envy) with all of the comments I read on here.

[Carole]

Just checking in as I've been away for the past week.  I finished my "berry" pants before I left (one premade item) and wore them while I was on vacation.  They held up to the "berry breezy" title of my capsule as they were quite comfortable and cool.  Of course I have no picture, as I was busy with the camera taking over 300 pictures of my darling grandchildren instead!

Congratulations to all who have begun (or revised) their plan.  RuthieK, hang in there with all the viewings.  I hope sewing will reduce your stress.  And RuthC, I am all for you sewing in watermelon colors.  They sound cheerful and the patterns look perfect!

[ejvc]

Dear all,

I both rock AND rule.  Yes, I have finished a shirt, and I have the pictures to prove it.  I've been wearing it all day and love it - looks good both belted and unbelted, goes with everything, and the seam finishes inside are really nice.  This is the first piece I've made since I started my SWAP in October that I really like! 



Happy sewing all, and to those experiencing frustration may things suddenly become easier!

[LisaB]

Beautiful top, Elizabeth! How wonderful that you were able to complete it AND that you enjoy wearing it! 

I'm plodding along here. Finally got my pants cut out and received the lining I'll need for my other pieces. Buttons are still en route to me. That leaves finding a skirt zipper. Even though I haven't done any sewing yet, simply participating in the JCC has helped me focus on pulling together all the needed bits to get these pieces made.

Lisa

[sdBev]

..., I suddenly panicked when I realized I hadn't checked my zipper stash ....   With nothing really available locally, I can't count on running out to pick something up, and so need to be prepared for whenever the time or inspiration hits.

So do you just "stock" neutral colors in specific lengths or choose one of each? 

[ClaireC]

Ann & Mrs. Galihad I like both skirts very much and each for different reasons.  Ann's I could wear to work or for casual and it's breezy and cool looking.  Mrs. Galihad's for how funky the skirt is.  I like the morphed idea.  It worked very well.
EJVC, nice job finishing your shirt.  It's very pretty and looks comfy.

Me, well I cut out part of my dress pattern, but was way too tired to do anything with it.  I have this weekend slotted to work on the JCC, coat sew-along and my fitting class.  I keep telling myself that I *must* have something to show by Sunday night, even if I just make the skirt for my JCC.

Anyone as far behind as I am, don't get discouraged.  We still have time...that's what I keep telling myself when I feel panic setting in.   

Ruth, good job switching your focus to a JCC for you rather than continuing to wait for the missing items from DH JCC to show up.  And on top of that congratulations on completing your first item.  The top from the Vogue pattern will be pretty and useful with the tie.

[kiltsnquilts]

HI girls, just dropping in real quick to hijack the thread with a question that is unrelated - I know this is a busy thread and I am bound to get an answer! 

As a Husqvarna Viking dealer, we have been sent the info to log on and watch the live webcast of the unveiling of the new HV top of the line Sewing & Embroidery machine.  Thing is, it is being shown at "5.15pm CT (USA time)".  Can someone tell me what the time difference is between NZ and CT - scuse my ignorance but I haven't got a clue what that stands for!!    We would love to watch the launch but not if it is early hours of the morning - that is too much excitement altogether!!

Apologies for the hijack - I haven't even got time to read all the other posts and leave a comment - but will do so later, Thanks 

[BetsyV]

Kilts

Go here and compare your closest city to Chicago. CT is Central Time; our Central Time zone. We have 4 on the continental US: Eastern (New York for example) Central (Chicago) Mountain (Denver, Colorado) and Pacific (Los Angeles).

I am not participating but I am enjoying watching everyone putting their capsules together! Way to go, everyone!

[LindaE]

If it is 5:15pm CTtoday  it has already passed.. I live in the CT time zone and currently it is 6:40pm..

[kiltsnquilts]

Thanks BetsyV and LindaE, Linda can I ask if it is Friday for you or Saturday?  For me it is currently 11.40am on Saturday, I can work out the time difference but not sure if you are behind us - actually, you must be behind us I think!    Lol, only behind us in physical time

Edited to add - launch isn't until 15th June so no worries about missing it!!

[BetsyV]

It's Friday in the US. That world clock indicates which day, also.

[kiltsnquilts]

Thanks so much Betsy, got it sorted now, it will be screened at 10.15am here on Monday 16th June - still cant get my head round the fact that it is another time in a different part of the world!!

Back to regular posts now - Thanks a lot both 

[LyndaG]

Kilts
Always remember, we are the first country in the world to see the sunshine or the day break. 
Lynda

[Em]

RuthieK--I hope you find your tidied away olive thread.
Ann--Your classic skirt is lovely
MrsGalihad--What a fun skirt!
Elizabeth--Your blouse looks wonderful!
To those dealing with frustration--I've been there myself and hope you get over the hump quickly.

As for my sewing, I finished the muslin for my top earlier today.  I used a red knit and am very happy with the way it turned out.  I wasn't going to make any plan changes, but because the red top fit in so perfectly with my PR mini, I'm thinking about changing my colors for this capsule to red and white.  I'm starting on the muslin for my dress next and am very tempted to sew the final out of some red pique that was leftover from a jacket I recently made.  It will match the jacket perfectly and I can definitely use a summery dress suit.

Happy sewing!
Em

[kiltsnquilts]

LyndaG, that was the thought I had when I realised that USA must be behind us - I was thinking about New Year and that NZ is the first country to see in a New Year!  I have ony lived in NZ for 4 years so the time difference doesn't come naturally to me 

 I have had a great afternoon with my sewing 'sisters' here.  I have been trying to finish a quilt for my DB and SIL as they have moved into their new home - my business partner Robyn suggested we have a sewing bee and all work on it!  What I didn't realise was that she had also organised a surprise lunch as an early birthday celebration for my birthday tomorrow!  We had a great afternoon and the quilt is almost pieced - I just have to put the final borders on tomorrow and it is done!! Isn't it good to have great friends? 

On a JCC note, no work on mine today.  I will hope to do some more tomorrow, on Friday I managed to overlock the edges of my skirt panels and pin them together so will pin fit it tomorrow.  I hope to find time to go and buy some lining for it, I will have to be less particular I think!  I know it won't show but I really wanted a satin rather than a lightweight lining - I find they always cling!

RuthieK, hope you manage to get some sewing done this weekend.  We haven't done the house selling thing yet as this is the first home we have owned (DH was in the RAF and we always lived in Married Quarters!) but I am not looking forward to it - hope you sell soon!

RuthC I dont' blame you for getting impatient Lol!  Why not make something for yourself, you deserve it!

ejvc, lovely shirt - I am not surprised you are happy with it, it is a great feeling to enjoy wearing something you have made!

Have a good sewing weekend everyone 

[ruthc]

Hola!

I love my new skirt - I hemmed it and finished the sash yesterday evening and here is a photo of me in it.  It is sooo comfy that I am wearing it again today.



I started on the V2923 top in a curious fabric from my mystery box from Robin.
I don't know what the fabric is, it is a sport/stretch fabric with a texture of tiny little holes and it kind of reminds me of thermal fabric - I do apologise to Robin if it is something super chic and fancy, I just don't know how to describe it.
It isn't a texture I might have chosen myself but I love the colour and am having lots of fun getting over my jersey/stretch sewing phobia.

Here is my storyboard so far - as this is a bit of a make-it-up-as-I-go-along entry then it is missing the two other items and the accessory.

[ClaireC]

Ruth, I love your skirt and the sash is very ooh..la..la chic!  I love the name of your JCC.  I'm getting off my computer now and will start my day.  I have big sewing plans and nothing else on the agenda except a quick trip to the post office for my May Patrones mag that I snagged.

I'll be checking in later when I sit down for lunch.

[Carole]

Robyn, I sympathize with your time zone dilemma as here in the U.S. I sometimes have trouble!  Half the world away I would be totally confused.  RuthC, your skirt is adorable.  I wonder if you realize how exotic and "vacation-y" your backgrounds often look?

[ruthc]

Carole and Claire - thanks for the compliments.  I was so pleased with how it turned out.  I am considering investing in some more fabric and making some for etsy - it's my new adventure!

As for my location - he he he - yes I do realise, I try not to mention it too much.  I was just saying to DH the other morning that one of the things I love about Gran Can is the blue sky - it really is super blue and beautiful.  Still the bills need to be paid and ***t still happens but living with perpetual sunshine and blue skies does help.  Also I can't believe how small my bump looks in that photo - it looks a lot bigger looking down!

[AnnRowley]

Ruth - great skirt! Love the idea and it will look as good with your top as it does with swimsuit - or is it just a tee?

How nice to be able to wear so little  . Here - in the Engish Midlands it's just 60F and raining gently... I'm off to start on something warming for dinner - it's nearly 5.00 pm.

[Karendee]

RuthC,

Your skirt is adorable and is so flattering on a expecting body. I think these could be a big hit to sell. Congratulations on your new fabrics; sew to your  heart's content.

Karend

[NancyK]

Ann, 60 degrees?  We had the mid 60's yesterday and today is supposed to hit 90.  Hopefully that is just in NYC, where it tends to be hotter than the south shore of LI.  The water is still cold and the breeze tends to be off the water this time of year, so a bit cooler than NYC.  Thank goodness!  I am wearing a sleeveless top, version of the HP sunshine top, and it is perfect.

[Robin]

Tee Hee Hee Ruth-> You look amazing and I am super pleased that you are enjoying the fabric.  The melon colored mesh knit is indeed a mystery fabric.  When i was first learning to sew knits, I went to G Street, to the bargain table and bought all sorts of knits to practice on.  I had no real plans for it, so my stash became your stash!

I really love reading everyone's progress!  Elizabeth it made me so happy to see you had sewn a shirt that you love.  Isn't it just the best feeling to accomplish a pleasing garment?  After the frustration, success is sooooo sweet.

I am right in the same boat with all of you who change your plans.  I used one of my 4 capsule fabrics to sew a pair of crops (knee-length shorts) which throws the whole collection into turmoil.  Why? No way can I wear those shorts with the chiffon as a top.  They do not go together at all.

So here is my solution- After I weeded out my stash, I found myself in possion of a wonderful collection of pieces that really work well together and I stacked them up, and I leave them on display for inspiration.  If I just keep "shopping" from that pile, I will have 4 pieces that coordinate by the end of June.  Obviously, I like blue and red.


Now here is where it gets silly.... I went to A Fabric Place, looking for something to use for a tote bag.  I found a great red denim with roses on it.  Within only a few hours, I decided it should be a jacket, not a tote.  SO I went to Chico's and bought a red belt.
Now.... QUICK!  Sew it before I change my mind again!! (but hey isn't that sorta the fun part???)

But wait.... now that doesn't go with the crops I sewed last week   ....    Aaarrrrgggghhhh!!!

 

[Glossy]

Robin I am in awe of your stash. As a beginning sewer mine is tiny! I love the red belt.

Ruth C I love your skirt and your Vogue pattern. I might treat myself to that this weekend as vogue patterns are on offer in the UK at the moment (half price - makes them almost reasonable!!)

Looking at you makes me so ashamed of my maternity wardrobe. I literally lived in two pairs of black trousers and various t shirts in all different colours. Very boring although I am not in such an exotic part of the world (the North of England!)

[Karendee]

Robin,

I just lost my post, I think. But what I was saying was how much I adore your red demin and belt. You must keep that for part of the swap. I truly love that fabric.

Karend

[tumblina]

No progress yet to report (except I'm feeling a little bit better!) - but as an interesting side diversion for Em at least - I've started adding pictures of the vintage pattern stash my mom lent me to my blog!

Part 1

I'm loving all the FOs and great ideas on here lately!!  Keep those machines humming!

[KayB]

Oh great, there are a few FO already! I'm a little bit behind my own time plan, having still not finished my skirt. Well, I'm almost there....

[zora]

Ruth, what a great skirt!
Tumblina, keep the patterns coming. Vintage patterns are so inspiring, I really wish I had some too.
Robin, the red denim with the roses is gorgeous.

It took my 5 tries to get the collar on my Patrones blouse right (did I ever tell you how much I prefer to sew t-shirts?) and then I made a mistake while sewing the cuffs and I was so fed up, I threw the blouse in the darkest corner of my room and started sewing the Ottobre blouse. Which of course means that tomorrow I will have two unfinished blouses and only the most hated jobs (buttonholes and cuffs) left to do 
On the positive side, the Patrones blouse fits quite well and will look very nice should I ever get it finished.

[Jodi B.]

Well, I finally have the beginnings of a plan, but I need your help.  I've attached a picture of my JCC fabrics, but I need help deciding between the two prints.  The middle fabric is a linen/tencel blend that will be Burda WOF pants.  The darker of the solids is destined to be Simplicity 4076 (the gathered front version).  The lighter of the solid I'm not sure on yet -- it actually matches perfectly in real life.  I'm going to be making a necklace for an accessory, but that still leaves me picking a fourth fabric for a top.  The top one has bluey/purpley threads woven through it that match well, and the floral lacey one is very close, too.  Thoughts?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Jodi

[Therese]

Hi Jodi - looks like either one will go well. Which of the two goes with other things you already have? I am forcing myself to stick to my plan, but it's a struggle!

RuthC - love the skirt and you look great! I always felt good (and rather pleased with myself besides) during my three pregnancies 

Robin, I love that fabric - you have quite the knack for the fabulous jackets.

Ann, I can relate to your temperatures. We are having a cold June so far here in the NW corner of the US - nights are still dropping below 50 degrees at times and we are still getting snow in the mountains. DH calls this a "glacier-growing" year.

Claire, I hope you've been able to focus on sewing today. I am hosting a big co-ed wedding shower on June 29 (the day before my shoulder surgery) so the house needs some serious attention. I'm taking it one room at a time and today was the "away-at-college son's bedroom" day. You know how a relatively unused room can attract clutter! Someday it will be my sewing room...but I'm resisting the temptation until he graduates, just as I did with our daughter (whose room is now our office).

A confession to make to you all...last night I completed my spreadsheet that details my fabric stash. It lists when & where I bought the fabric, width, length, composition, care instructions, etc. I have almost everything listed...guess how many yards I have...over 370  The oldest pieces are from 1986 or so...

On that note, I'm going to go start on my pants now!

t

[Melinda_B]

I made a muslin, well a calico really, of my pants last night     They, ahhh, need a bit more work.....  I don't have any TNT patterns (yet!) so this will be a first.  Sigh, I was reminded of why I have never sewed pants for myself before.

I have Kenneth King's "Trouser Draft" here, so I'll be going through that this afternoon looking to fix the many fitting problems which all centre around my derrierre.  I have a feelling it may well have been easier to simply draft the entire pattern! 

[miranda]

Hi everyone!

To everyone who's posted pictures so far - they're all so great!  I can't wait to see all the final combinations.

I have some progress in my JCC.  I have mostly finished my jeans - they're a TNT so virtually no fitting required, so pretty quick.  I decided to make the most time-consuming item first before I run out of puff!  I have also changed my mind about an accessory - I saw a necklace the other day which I think will go nicely.   

Bye
Miranda