Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[RuthieK]

I bought thread, threaded up serger and sewing machine and now have a partly assembled skirt in olive lightweight suiting.
If I can finish it tonight and then have something finished by every further Sunday night in June then I am just on target for finishing by the end of the month.
I am clear on my neutral - its the olive suiting fabric for a skirt, pants and a jacket (which may be post JCC) , essential in a 'sophisticated safari' look, but I have lots of options for co-ordinating or contrast tops.
I have a wild leaf print knit which I think really does play to the 'jungle' side of the safari look which could be a top or a dress.
I also bought some opaque knit lace which can't go with the jungle leaf print but works well with the olive for an underwear as outerwear type look.
I have too many choices I think.

My conclusion at this point is to sew the garments - skirt and pants - which I am sure of, as the basics in my capsule, and then allow the creative juices to flow a little in a few weeks when I must decide on the other pieces.

[ruthc]

Morning all.

Warning - more holiday type backgrounds coming up, look away now if suffering from an English summer.

I completed the melon mystery top.  It is very similar to the BWOF top I made for the Timmel swap, but with lots more width in it so it falls into more folds and with the elasticated waist to make it poofy.  I kept the elastic in the bottom and just knotted it off instead of making a tie.  Two reasons - 1: I am a lazy sewer - actually that was the only reason but once I had done so I decided that a tie would not have given the same poofy effect.

It goes very well with the green skirt and for a moment I was worried that I did actually look like a watermelon but DH assures me otherwise.  I have decided I am stealing DHs accessory so will make a sling for me and DH will get an oven mitt.  Although a very good and very active cook he is incapable of actually going into the kitchen without burning his hands.  I am going to use Robins zoo print she sent me and make him Tiger paws - as his nickname is tiger and the motto for burnt hands is "tiger paws hot things!".

Glossy - the top is really quick to sew, it took me about an hour, maybe a bit more from cutting out to finishing.  The only notion you need is a bit of elastic so no fannying about with zips and buttons.  I left the top tie open so I can adjust it easily.  It would need a strapless bra or no bra, or you could make it in a sheer with a plain spaghetti strap vest underneath (I did something similar in the Timmel swap)







Therese - 370 yards - oh my!  Do you also have a stash of oversized shoulder pads from the 80s?

Jodi - I think the fabric with the purple/blue threads going through it sounds nice.

And finally AnnR - yes it was just a tee I was wearing and having done my conversions - brrrrr cold with you!
It's between 78 and 88 here.  Sorry.

[AnnRowley]

And finally AnnR - yes it was just a tee I was wearing and having done my conversions - brrrrr cold with you!
It's between 78 and 88 here.  Sorry.

Ruth, I've just come in from a morning's gardening and it's 22C / 72F so I can cope with the background!  That's fickle English weather for you...

And what a lovely top, you don't look remotely like a water melon!  No one would suspect that it only took you an hour or so to make; now why don't I choose patterns that make up so quickly?

[tumblina]

now why don't I choose patterns that make up so quickly?

  I think that every time!  And then I remember - because I'm me, and it's no fun unless I set the bar higher than I could possibly reach . 

Ruth, that's an awesome top, very un-watermelon like, and a style I normally don't like, except you really pull it off!  I think it's the drape of the fabric...

[Carole]

Therese, I am more awed that you made a spreadsheet than of the amount of fabric:  I'm sure I have about the same amount but it's hidden away in bins so I don't feel so badly about it.  I still love every single yard and every time I go down to my sewing room I swear I'm not going to buy any more until I sew most of it up.  However.....best laid plans and all that...I am a fabric junkie.  RuthC, I am on the opposite end of that English weather, 92F here and no nice ocean breezes.

I am sewing up the Jalie sweetheart top in a fabric that goes with my "berry" pants.  This fabric I don't like so much, so I decided it will hopefully be a wearable muslin.  If it fits, I'll have one more garment for my JCC.

[ruthc]

Carole thanks for reminding me....

I realised this morning we have a very fruity JCC - there are cherries and berries and watermelons.   

Ann - glad you are getting some sunshine for the garden, before you know it there will be a hosepipe ban.  Those simple patterns are great for those of us that need instant gratification but your complicated ones let us go "oooooh" and daydream too.

[RuthieK]

I realised this morning we have a very fruity JCC - there are cherries and berries and watermelons.   

I have olive(s) and some large leaves (in a print) so just need to add some feta cheese and I have a whole salad LOL

[zora]

Ruthc, that's a very cute top and already the second garment of your jcc, I'm impressed how fast you get things done!

[Therese]

...and my striped basic fabric can be the tablecloth!

RuthC I love your new top! And I might have a pair of those lovely shoulder pads lurking in a dark corner somewhere...

Carole, I made the spreadsheet in the hopes that I will do more sewing up than buying this year...we'll see how that plan goes  I also thought that I might end up giving some away. However, I only found two pieces that I knew I would never do anything with - and my daughter is using one to make a bag! The two surprising things for me:
#1: I really still like what I have!
#2: That linen closet of mine holds a LOT of fabric! I do have some on an open shelf where I sew, but most of it is tucked away in the closet. There is actually room for MORE fabric in there!

Didn't get to my pants last night - DD is home visiting for the weekend so I'm whipping up a lined pencil skirt for her. I am using stash and that feels good. It's always fun to make things for her, anyway! I should be able to get a start on those today. One advantage of our yucky weather is that I don't feel guilty sewing rather than gardening. Back to it!

[scottiesews]

I just finished my grey print dress, so far that's the pants & a dress made  & I have also decided on Linda Ghees Fancy Fish Handbag as my accessory.  Just a top & a jacket to do.  Here's hoping I continue to get enough time to sew. 
 

[Glossy]

Ruth you sold me on the pattern - I bought it this afternoon (about 10 mins before the shop closed - the sales assistants were not best pleased!). It looks so good on you - I hope I can make it up as well.

The strapless bra will be making an entrance this summer with my first top for JCC being strapless as well. Although I must admit to wearing it today in the garden with a normal bra - a fashion faux pas if ever there was one but nothing my husband or daughter would notice  

I started sewing up Simplicity 3790 (view B) this morning. After a sleeve problem due to not cutting out the pattern properly I am getting somewhere with it. I'm doing it light grey with a white insert.

[Sheilaz-CTK]

Hello All,

    The June Capsule is really moving along, trying to catch up on all the goings-on, its really busy.  Well I have totally detoured from my initial plans for the Capsule (hope its ok).  It all started so innocently, I made a simple dress from New Look 6571 and immediately started on another one. Since it would be for the office, I also made a cardigan from New Look 6150 (oop).  I then realized hey..... its June, and the ensemble would fit the bill of 2 pieces of the 4 required....lol.  Now I need to figure out 2 more pieces that would work with what I've made.

The fabric is dk grey/white pinstripe lightweight knit.  I knew I needed to stablize the neckline and opening and used elastic for the neckline and ribbon on the underside for the cardigan opening.

[sdBev]

sheilaazcrochet

Your dress and cardigan are lovely.  I can see wearing the ensemble to work and then slipping off the cardigan for a summer lunch with the girls or out for drinks after work.  Just keep a change of accessories in your purse and off you go!!!

[Maja]

Everybody is making such lovely progress. I finally decided on the patterns and spent today tracing and cutting patterns for all three tops. I had to work yesterday (Saturday), so this weekend was really short.

Here's my sort-of storyboard:




Patterns from left to right:
Simplicity 4020
Jalie 2449
Burda WOF 5/08 #103
Patrones n.241 (February 2006) Chind trousers

One question: Do shoes count as an accessory? I could really use this as an excuse to buy another pair   

[boppingbeth]

Wow!  You are all humming right along.  I love the watermelon maternity stuff--it looks so stylish and comfortable.  And the shirts, and all the cherries and red fabric.  And the red roses, with the red belt.  Yum. 

I have washed the fabric for my capsule, but instead of sewing  those fabrics, I made two pairs of shorts in non capsule stuff from the stash.  Grey mystery fabric, with outside pockets.  Brown Lycra cotton twill with slash pockets.  Both 'dress shorts' in the just below knee length that is so 'in' at the moment.  And since I have no shorts at all, they were a priority.  But, now for the teal. And report cards.  And marking....

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

Maja,

Your a designer after my own heart. I love the bold serendipity of your choices.

Everyone participating in the capsule is absolutely amazing! I can hardly catch my breath watching what you are all doing.

[RuthieK]

Here's my print fabric

I am thinking of making it up in the wrap dress in the current burda WOF . Its a plus pattern which is a size too large, but I can smooch it down.

[ElaineMC]

I love seeing all the progress.  The "fruit salad" is such eye candy!

I am done with my shorts except for tacking the inside waist band.
I also got the applique onto the outside of my bag: It might be a while before I can finish the bag:  I need to get cording for the straps and cut out the blouse so I can use the scraps for the lining.

It's hot outside but cool in my basement sewing space.  There is flooding here in the Mid West of the US, but the only flooding I worry about is the sump pump stopping and my sewing space getting flooded . . .

Keep up the great sewing!

-EMC

[LisaB]

It's been fun to catch up on the latest postings. Thanks to everybody who's been keeping us up-to-date on their progress.

I rushed through most of the housework on Friday night so that I could spend more of Saturday and Sunday in the sewing room. I finished my easy item, which is elastic waist no-side-seam pants. I'm about halfway through drafting my six-gore skirt pattern. I think I'll make it up first in the lining to see what I think of it before cutting into the good stuff. My one disappointment so far is that the buttons I ordered for the top of the two-piece dress arrived and don't match. I hate the thought of driving all over the countryside trying to find something that matches, but I don't think I have any other options at this point. Maybe I can find something by the time I finish the skirt.

One week of June is over. Three to go! Keep those machines buzzing!

[Patti B]

I'm so glad that the June Capsule came along! My fabrics will coordinate with the blouse I'm posting below -- white, lime, turquoise, yellow, orange and even a little red. The other fabrics are a creamy yellow Brussels washer linen, a nice rayon knit print. A heavy white knit jacket that I sewed in May is the coordinate and the last piece -- well, I don't quite know yet! I reviewed it on PatternReview and other photos are included. The collar is the striped fabric that I pleated and stitched so that it would be 'solid' -- fun! Here's the KwikSew 3621 blouse that anchors the colors --

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

I am sewing along. My composition was held up since I could not think of a 4th item that I was not forcing. Yesterday, someone came into the store and pulled out a piece of cotton muslin and voile in a large patchwork, and ta...da... I've been wanting a pleated skirt -- fit around the belly and full around the hem -- with horizontal tucks from one side seam and this fabric gave the perfect opportunity to play with a drape doing just that. I can use the diamond shaped patchwork as a guideline for pleats. And, it matches the printed linen jacket I plan to make with the brown summer weight wool pants and tank. I call it "Travel with an Iron" and here is my storyboard:

[Zoubida]

Patti, cheerfull, summery colours you have on that top. It should be a great, refreshing capsule coming soon.

Elaine, lucky you to have finished (or so little it is left to finish) a piece already! I can't wait to see the finished handbag.

Anne, your skirt looks great !

I started my first piece of the revised capsule. It's the 117 runway trench coat from BWOF Feb. 2008. I know, I know... I was supposed to choose easy-peasy, quick to sew things. What can I say... The fabric lended itself so well to that trench coat, I couldn't resist making it, particularly after reading a thread here about it. That reading aleviated my intimidation to sew that trench. I felt I could do it. So here we go, I'm making it.

I spent most of the day working on the pattern pieces. I'm in the process of thread marking seams and notches right now. It's far from completed.



So, that's where I'm at right now. Two weeks left for me, since we're going on vacation on the 22nd of June. Not much time...

[lesliek]

Those are fabulous patterns, Tumblina...I'm looking forward to seeing more.

I'm feeling pretty good about my capsule, although I'm not quite able to post pictures yet--got the photos onto the computer but then ran into some trouble.  Anyway, I've finished a wearable muslin of my pants, Jalie 2561 (I can't link but this is seems to be a very well-known pattern, and one I never would have found without my "internet sewing community") and wonder of wonders, they fit just right.  Actually, I'm not entirely certain what's going on in the back, but I'm going to get a photo to double check!  They feel great, though, and I'm sure you can all relate to how very happy I am to have a pants pattern that actually works!  I'm going to wear them to work tomorrow!

Keep on sewing!
Leslie

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

I spent most of the day working on the pattern pieces. I'm in the process of thread marking seams and notches right now. It's far from completed.

So, that's where I'm at right now. Two weeks left for me, since we're going on vacation on the 22nd of June. Not much time...

Well, you are further along than I am. I'm feeling very go with the flow. I am happy I've put together the composition. I am really ecstatic about the skirt and how it works with the jacket.... and I'm just happy to have it rolling. Since one of my clients came in and asked if I'd make her a wedding dress, and we're starting construction on new store location, and we have to move by the end of July. I think I'll finish these pieces by end of August, but if I can get the skirt done this month, and have it to wear this summer, and if I can get the jacket done before the end of summer, the pants and shirt will bridge the ensemble through Fall.....  If the capsule works for long term inspiration, I'm happy with that too.

[Zoubida]

Susanne, I like the combination of burnt orange and off-white/creamy colors on your storyboard. And that chiffon/satin fabric looks dreamy!

A weeding dress + renovation and moving a store ? Wow... You're brave !

[Jafael]

I'm just blown away with how well and beautifully everyone is sewing! I'm making good progress on my first piece, but I certainly don't have it done yet. (I'm a bit behind, at this point!) Reading these posts just inspires me in ways I can't even articulate!!

[ejvc]

Hey everyone,

Things are looking great.  Ms Fine Fabrics I love that muslin/voile fabric in cream, I'm not surprised it inspired you.  Maja, I am coming and taking your clothes after you finish your capsule.  Sorry, but that's just the way it is if you are going to use such super fabrics and patterns.  Ruthc, I never dared even try on t-shirts like that because I thought they'd look awful.  You have proved me wrong.  It is a little irritating though how fast you sew.  Zoubida, you are thread tracing your seam allowances?  Won't you just sew over them and leave an awful mess?  Tell me, I don't understand such things.  I only ever use carbon paper, tailor's tacks (v occasionally), and chalk for marking.

PattiB, I am amazed by your collar pleating.  What a great foundation piece.  And it's the first shirt you've sewed?  Congratulations on such a nice piece.

I've now traced my remaining three patterns - a blouse, a shirt/jacket, and a skirt (two Burdas and an Ottobre pattern).  I have also maybe decided on a hat for my accessory.  I have to go buy zips, elastic, and buttons today at the trimmings store.

Elizabeth

[Em]

Hi Everyone!

So many wonderful things sewn and a lot of wonderful plans with gorgeous styles and coordinating fabrics chosen!  Capsules and wardrobes are so fun!  I love seeing what everyone's up to!!! 

I just finished sewing 2 red knit tops and I'm very happy with how they turned out.  I also had time to cut out a fitted sleeveless red sheath and a red printed raised waist pencil skirt today.  I guess I'll definitely be dropping Midnight Blue and will use this capsule to turn my PR mini, Lady in Red, into a full wardrobe.  I'm still making the dress and the bolero from Midnight Blue, but I'll get to it after Lady in Red. 

Em

[AnnRowley]

What a busy sewing w/e you've all had - such wonderful new goodies to see!

Not much sewing here but I hope to finish my blouse today.

Elizabeth, I'm not sure how Zoubida works but I when I thread trace the seam-lines - often - I hand baste, using the tracing lines as a guide, fit, and then remove the thread tracing before doing the final machine stitching.  I stitch just alongside the final basting, nothing gets caught, you just have a very accurate line to work with.

Sheilazcrochetz - I went to your blog to look at the details of your lovely dress and cardigan - would you put  link to in your signature line so that others can see all your interesting details - please?

[kbenco]

Well ladies, I am done.
Actually that is a lie. I have done next to nothing on my capsule, just a trial blouse in my new pattern, but instead of feeling bad about this, I will tell you about my revelation today. I have made a capsule for my daughter by doing some down and dirty quick sewing this weekend. 1 blouse, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 t-shirt as my sewn earlier item, and a purchased hat as an accessory! see here.
Naturally this does not compare at all to everyone else's beautifully constructed, well thought out plans, but if I am really pushed for time at the end of the month, I will cheat with this serendipitous possibility for an entry. 
Next week I will definitely sew for myself!
Karen

[miranda]

Hi everyone

Progress!!!

I've finished both of the bottoms I was making for the JCC.  I'd bought denim to sew jeans - McCalls 5142, which is my TNT jeans pattern - and bought about a metre extra.  Happily, this metre extra, and a bit of rearrangement when laying and cutting out, meant I could also get a skirt out of the same fabric.  Plus some cotton woven for the pockets etc.

My patterns were:

McCalls 5142 "The Perfect Jean".  I've previously had help fitting these jeans in a sewing class.  It is a "trouser jean", which is currently my preferred jeans style.  The fabric is a dark navy denim with no stretch.  I really like these jeans.

The skirt is KwikSew 3098, view B, cut out of the same fabric, lengthened fractionally.  I was going to do the topstitching with the same thread as the jeans, but ran out so used some white topstitching thread which I had in my drawer.  I was also going to do the edgestitching, followed by topstitching as per the pattern instructions, but after having made two pairs of jeans in the last week and a half, I am afraid I was a bit over topstitching, so I just did the edgestitching and called it a design feature.   

I only have "on the coathanger" photos available now, but am very excited! 

Bye
Miranda

[Zoubida]

I thread trace stitching lines, balance line, darts and other construction or style marks directly on the fashion fabric when I'm unsure about how to make a garement. I then baste and check not only for fit but also for techniques or directions. In this case, using a BWOF pattern, not cristal clear to me and no drawings to help understand, the thread tracing isn't for fit only/particularly. It's also to allow me a "dry-run" of mounting the different garement features.

In this particular case, the way they explain the pockets is new to me, I never used that way for attaching them. It will be my first time mounting a collar on a collar stand too, and I'm not sure how to do it (the back collar facing is a mystery right now as how I'll deal with it too). The thread tracing of the seam allowances will serve as guides. It may look overkill to you, but it actually doesn't take long to thread trace and that helps me visually with the basting and mounting of the different elements when I'm not sure I know what I'm doing.

Before stitching permanently, I pin and baste, then remove the thread tracing. Except for some features like in this trench coat, the elastic guide for the shirring at the waist. I'll leave that thread-tracing on, it'll guide me put the elastic at the right place so I don't end up with a crooked waist. I'll remove the thread tracing after encasing the elastic in the zig-zag stitch. It may happen that I'll stich over it a bit even if I'm carefull so I used a thread color just slighly darker than the fabric, if a little is desperatly caught in the stitching, it'll be less visible in all that shirring than a contrasting one.

Thread tracing is the way I found not to transform lots of garements in wadders since I'm not too advanced a sewist. When I'm sure about the way I should do things and/or the directions on the pattern, I don't go through all this. I still baste everything before putting it under the machine needle to permanently stitch.

[ejvc]

Zoubida and Ann, thanks for the thread tracing remarks.  Am I correct that you don't draw the seam allowances onto your patterns?  You thread-trace the seam line and then eyeball the allowances, and use basting to make sure they line up before sewing? 

I've always added the 1.5cm (or whatever) allowance onto the paper pattern, cut it out, and let the sewing machine take the same amount off.  I baste tricky seams (e.g. with gathers or curves) before sewing but often I just use pins and no basting.  I mark with carbon/chalk/tailor's tacks any placement, folding, dart etc lines.  My basting isn't even enough to use the machine to sew just next to it - I'm always sewing over it, although I try to put it in a little way inside the seam allowance.

It's very interesting to me to see how others handle these issues - thanks for answering.

I took baby to the haberdashery (=notions) store this morning.  This is a new store I found in East London, a 5 minute bus ride away, that is an old-fashioned garment industry retailer which also sells to the public from a tiny dark shop.  You have to go with a list, because there's no browsing, since everything is behind the counter.  Anyway I got lining fabric at £1/metre, petersham tape at 35p/metre, buttons at 30p a dozen, an ENORMOUS (25 metre!) roll of 2cm wide elastic for £1.45, and two zippers for £1.54.  Also 100g of dressmaking pins for £3.00.  I don't know how many 100g is, but the box is big.  Like a thousand? I will never buy pins again.  Giant 500 metre spools of thread cost £1.00.  They have everything in this shop (except non-lining fabric).

Anyway, I can't describe to you how happy this makes me, since by and large the UK is a dressmaking desert.

Elizabeth

PS Got the linen cut for my skirt this morning during the baby's nap.

PPS Also had a revelation that this dress from the current BWOF is a perfect dress to wear over light summer trousers.  Must it form part of the developing collection? Time will tell.  The blouse I'm making next is the short version.

[scottiesews]

Oooh I like that dress, Elizabeth, I shall dig out my Burda to look at while waitng at school in a few minutes.  I've almost finished the top for the capsule & I like it but I don't think the bust darts are quite right for me however its a busy print so no one will notice.  I must get someone to take some pics.  I'm wearing my dress finished yesterday & have been complimented twice so despite the detail being lost in the pattern I'm happy apart from a couple of niggles that are my own fault when cutting, I really should have dropped a size above the bust as I feel it's just a tad too wide at the shoulders.

[Carole]

Everyone is doing so well!  I am making easy-peasy pieces but I still struggle with my serger.  Spent at least 45 minutes on it last night (could it be because I was also watching "Design Star"?)   Regarding thread tracing:  I thread trace or machine baste the marked line for my elastic waist pants because the stiching shows on the wrong side for me to line up the elastic.  My wasitline is hardly a gentle curve!  Since I don't tuck in tops over these pants, the waist fits quite well and it's an easy thing to do.