Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Zoubida]

Elizabeth, there's no right or wrong way I guess. It's all about what works for us. Yes, I use Ann's way for tracing the paper and then repporting seam allowances on the fabric. I read her method on Ann's Pearls of Wisdom here.

I'm an unsure, still learning basics sewist so I tend to do things in a time-consuming way. I even buy inexpensive fabrics (1 or 2$ a meter) to use for "samples" techniques I don't master. In the not so far past I made "prototypes" of invisible zippers mounted on dresses backs or sides of skirts, or bound buttonholes, or waist treatments, or whatever I was trying for the first time. This way, I learn to make the technique and every mistake happens on the prototype. I know how to avoid it when I sew the real garement. It's time consuming, and no wonder I can't post on the "sewing too much clothes" thread here.

[Karendee]

Capsule Cohorts,

I continue to be overwhelmed with all the beautiful garments being made or finished each day. Due to a busy weekend, I read all posts, but didn't respond to your wonders, now my brain is on overload. So I won't personally comment on each garment, but I so impressed.

I am one bias neck binding away from being finished with my first garment--Bermuda blue silk dupioni top/blouse. I'm please, and will enjoy wearing the top. The quality of the fabric left much to be desired, but I didn't realize this until I had sewn some seams. Today, I'll finish that project and begin a silver coated linen Sewing Workshop Plaza jacket. These tops will be worn with brown linen skirt for the JCC to include black skirts/pants after JCC.

Karen, I'm impressed that you finished DD's capsule; Ruth C. your garments are flying by. Again, congratulations to all.

Karend

[Keeley]

Hello,

I'm new here (just registered).  I decided to register after looking at the posts because I would like to join in on this contest.  I'm due in November and all my maternity clothes have been dropping like flies (some have been through five pregnancies so theirs was an honorable death ).  I've been frustrated trying to find maternity clothes in the store.  The styles just don't fit with who I am or the design just doesn't work with my lifestyle (example: I need pants with front pockets that don't have a maternity panel).

I had been planning on sewing up some clothes but sewing, especially when it's for me, always seems to get pushed to the bottom of the list.  So, when I saw this thread/contest, I thought it would be a great motivator for me to sew up the beginnings of a functional wardrobe.

Is it too late to join in?

At the risk of sounding rude, my plan currently is to sew up a pair of pants, a skirt (modified from the pants pattern so I can use side ties instead of a panel, thus keeping the pockets... I just now realized how insane that sounds), and two tops using Simplicity 6436.  If I have time, I'm going to make a jacket as well from a different pattern (to be announced later... once I pull it from the depths of my pattern box).  Haven't decided on the accessory yet though it's probably going to be a scarf or headband.  I've chosen blue and white as my base colors with burgundy and pink as accents.  I cut out the pants last week and began sewing last Friday (so I started in June).  I haven't made the pants before using this pattern, but I have made a few shirts several years ago and I loved how they turned out.  The style fits in beautifully with the Texas summer. 

Anyway, sorry to just kind of barge in here like this.  I'm just really excited, both about this contest and the whole concept of SWAP.  Freedom feels good. 

[Morzel]

Welcome Keeley, it is definitivley not too late to join (just remember to PM Elizabeth), I also haven´t started with anything yet. Great stuff shown already, and Karen, doing a capsule in a weekend is great. You are one fast (and talented) sewer.

Ruthie, I like your fabric very much! Hope your sewing/clearing up is not too exhausting.

Eva

[ejvc]

Dear all,

We now have an astonishing 81 participants - that's 8 since we last listed them, including Therese, Branch, CreativeDiva, Sharon, heatherbelle, Shery Doty, boppingbeth and Keeley.  Knitmaverick (aka jayjay) is also in, though listed under a different name last time.

Kbenco, the woman who finished THREE Timmel SWAPs, has of course finished, so I must now post some guidelines for official entry.  I will also post these  as an edit to the first post in the thread so that everything is all together.

1) When you are ready, please send me an email at ejvc at googlemail dot com.  I've set up this address just for this contest.

2) Send me (as specified in the original instructions) four photos - one showing all the garments (composite or hanging or whatever) and three of the wearer modelling the items.  No flat photos of the clothes please.  You may attach the photos to the email or send me a link to your photosharing site and I will download them.  Don't send more than four.  I don't want to pick.  You pick.

3) ALSO send me the pattern numbers of each of the patterns and a description of the fabrics you used.  Help me out here - don't just say "vogue 1222" but "watermelon silk tee from Vogue 1222 view A" so it's clear which pattern goes with which garment without me having to look.  Tell me which item (if any) was purchased and which (if any) was made before June.

4) ALSO send me your blog address if you have one so that people can go to take a closer look.

5) ALSO send me a short amount of text describing your collection, giving it a name, and saying why you should win.  Seriously - why do you think this collection is great.  I'm sure you can think of something.

6) ALSO send me your Stitchers Guild ID, so I can match emails to ID's.  I won't reveal your name or email.

I will post the pics in groups on Flickr.  This way I can keep track of who wins the 30 first finisher gift certificates.

Kbenco, I expect an email from you soon :-)

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

Elizabeth,

Please be sure to let me know as we have capsule finishers so I can get the first 30 their prize coupons for FineFabrics.com

[mardel]

No sewing here the past weekend but I am envious of all the beautiful things being produced. 

SDBev, I order zippers in the colors I use the most,  I tend to gravitate toward certain colors, and I order the types, lengths I use the most often.  That doesn't mean that I can't be caught off guard by a mad urge to make a lime green skirt or something in bright orange (not my us &al colors) and have to rustle up a new zipper.  I am just prepared for the most likely scenarios.

[RuthieK]

WOW! Someone has finished already!!!! I haven't even finished one garment. Darn that whole having to go to work and having to sleep thing it takes away form sewing time.

[kbenco]

Elizabeth, no email from me, the capsule for my DD will only be entered as a capsule of shame if I do not finish my original, planned capsule for me. I have yet to start my first official piece! My children's clothing has a nasty habit of queue jumping, but because I have the June capsule on my brain, my weekend sewing turned into one all by itself .
I love your BWOF dress pattern. That looks like a terrific summer piece.
Karen

[Towanda]

I  haven't finished one thing yet. I am drafting my patterns from PMB and I have done 4 muslin's for the sheath dress that I wanted to make. Every muslin had problems, the second one was the closest to what I wanted but needed more ease. I changed from a fitted side seam to a straight side seam. I increased the ease on the third muslin. For the fourth muslin, I cut the ease back a little bit. Now I am frustrated because I'm swimming in the dress and can't figure out what is wrong. Light bulb moment this morning, I retake my measurements and I have lost two inches in the waist and a inch in the hips. I guess not drinking sodas and eating the 100 calorie snacks is paying off. Tonight I will draft another pattern and make another muslin. I guess that it is a good thing that I bought more muslin this weekend.

[cmarie12]

Excuse me!  There are prizes for finishing first?!  And I didn't read that wrong there are 30 of them!!!  And here I've been parceling out a garment a weekend to meet the deadline...ummmm outta my way...I am sliding into my sewing machine to get one of the 30 first prizes!!!!

[mardel]

Oh Carolyn, you make me laugh so!!!

I didn't realize there were multiple prizes for finishing first either, and I haven't even started (nor am likely to move much faster, no matter how much I would use that prize).  So go for it!  I won't stand in anyone's way; as if I could work faster if I wanted to (but that is a topic for another time and place).

[miranda]

Hi everyone

My new skirt for the JCC.  It is KwikSew 3098, view B, but minus topstitching.

[miranda]

Hi everyone

...And my new jeans, which I have also managed to post in another thread here...  Oh well, probably a sign I should get off the computer this morning!

McCalls 5142, "The Perfect Jean".  View B/C, without the embellishment.

I'm very pleased with them, although they're not entirely perfect.

Bye
Miranda

[peachykeeeeen]

Oh boy I am so far behind!! I didn't have time to read everyone's posts in-depth (I had a VERY busy weekend and today and tomorrow are spent working off-site so I'm not around a computer until late). I'll try to get caught up by the end of the week. RuthC, I love your skirt and your new top!! SO cute and they will work equally well once baby C is born!! Hubby can wait, I'm glad you're making some nice transitional items for you!

As for my progress, I have one shirt finished. I started it Friday after work in a half hour I had before I had to attend a get-together, I didn't work on it at all Saturday (super-human-speed spring cleaning for a BBQ we hosted that evening) and I finished it Sunday evening after church (hubby took the baby to run some errands for his dad). There are a few things I need to further change on the pattern (I turned a romper pattern into a button-down shirt) to make it perfect and may end up not using this one in my final capsule, we'll see how things go. I'll try to post a picture of it tomorrow. Add this to the completed pair of cargo pants and the purchased shoes and I only have two more shirts to make.

I've already mentioned this, but I'm focusing on baby clothes first and then hubby's matching shirts. This way I can have at least one capsule completed in time (then I can say I finished a contest!!) and then get hubby's done. I ended up putting the fusible interfacing on the wrong sides of the waistband piece and have pretty much decided that I can't stand hubby's shorts. I'm going to probably use a different pattern (one with an ACTUAL waistband) and re-make them later.

What's amusing to me is that I figured I would have a ton of time to finish up the capsule for both baby and daddy, but then suddenly our social life exploded and now we have all of these new obligations. Unfortunately I can't tell hubby "sorry, don't want to go to a BBQ because I want to go home and sew" - especially when it's beautiful outside and I spend all day during the week inside working!

Off to bed...

[scottiesews]

I've made one change to my JCC, I tried my top on with the beige pants & it looks OK but navy would be better.  So I pulled out some navy linen last night & made a pair of pants!!  So now it's a grey print dress, blue/purple top, navy pants - all now made - a pink jacket & a bag still to do.  Phew.  Won't be sewing tonight, got a school play to go to.

[kiltsnquilts]

  Wow!  What great work so far!  Sorry for not commenting individually, I am struggling to keep up at the moment and read the posts Lol  

No sewing from me this week either - didn't even get amything significant done at the weekend!  Tomorrow I will go and get lining for my skirt.  I thought the jacket lining was a priority but I can't go any further on my skirt without lining!  I have overlocked the edges and am ready to put in the zip.  then I will pin fit the panels (easy to alter!) and will probably stitch the facing on to the lining as an applique rather than have a seam joining them.  I haven't actually done this before but it is a tip I read somewhere!

I will make another 'sort of' TNT skirt in the denim and then try for a long sleeved tee in the aubergine knit.  I would really like to make a cross front tee and have a Jalie pattern but I haven't tested it yet, I do have a large amount of black knit that I bought cheap so I could use that for a muslin.  My other option is a cowl neck top which should drape nicely and look good underneath my jacket.  With luck I will have the last two weeks for my jacket.  Fingers crossed X !

Off to bed now to think/dream about sewing my JCC!

[Zoubida]

Miranda, the jeans and the skirt look great ! This cut of jeans is really nice. I love it. I wish I had a jean pattern fitted to my measurements. I won't be doing that before next November at the sewing school. You have two bottoms here, half the capsule done. Great work!

[mardel]

Miranda, the jeans and skirt look wonderful.  What great basics to have completed. 

[Robin]

Miranda, great skirt and jeans!
Carolyn, you cracked me up- you always manage to paint a picture with words and I could see you whip into high hear.
And to everyone, great job!  The pace is fast and furious here, so it is really hard to reply to everyone but keep it coming!

What will we do in July
We will need another contest of sorts.
I, for one, would happily pay a small fee to participate.
I have in mind something like a poker game - we all ante up and have a good month-long sewing game, then divvy up the pot.
Only we sew.

Maybe someone will step forward with an idea.
Elizabeth, hats off to you for taking on the management of a contest.  We all enjoy it so much.
Maybe YOU should get the prize!

re: progress, I completed most of a cropped tunic made from white eyelet.  It is so extremely hot here and I am making clothes to wear on weekends.
Somehow, I will emerge with 4 coordinating garments by June 30!

[lucindamaria]

Question: What's the current style---should I press creases in linen pants or not? I'm leaning toward not....but would like some opinions. Thanks! 

Nothing finished yet for my capsule wardrobe, but in process. This is a very good exercise. I never realized I fractured I can be in my sewing. You know, sew this garment with plans for coordinates, but the newest fabric calls out---and there goes the plan. I understand the need for a plan, and to work the plan.

[AnnRowley]

Miranda, I'll add my name to those congratulating on your skirt and jeans - very nice indeed!

 I've finished my blouse and went out into a very windy garden to take photos.

                              
                           
                           More details here.     

The pattern is from the May 08 BWOF and I'm pleased with the way it's turned out.
I normally use a size 40 and narrow the back and shoulders; but this is is difficult with a raglan style like this. As it's very  loose fitting I used size 38 with a small FBA. Worked well.

I made no attempt to match the rather chaotic print - it had a 36" repeat anyway and had no visual centre. Seems to be fine.   

As an aside - I'm going to show each completed item on my dress stand and will take a final set with me wearing them when I've finished. 

[fzxdoc]

Miranda, I commented on your jeans on the Sharing topic, but I didn't realize that you have finished a skirt as well.  Good for you! They look great.

AnnRowley, that blouse really turned out so pretty.  I absolutely love the buttons that you chose for it, which perfectly pick up the colors in the blouse.  In fact, they act as sort of a visual center for the whole blouse, since the random fabric print had none.  A beautiful job, really. Kudos.

Kathryn

[tumblina]

Miranda - what great looking jeans and skirt!!  Now there are wardrobe staples!

lucindamaria - I would think that would depend on where you live.  Around here, I'm not sure many people use an iron at all, let alone crease pants... so I would aim for "not" .

Ann - I'm really liking the blouse.  I seem to have really become attracted to pink in the last little while!  Too bad my capsule is blue

And I can finally report some progress!  3 things are now cut out, and the zipper is almost in the skirt (there was a spot on the front panel, right where the topstitching would go for the fly front, and I nearly freaked - but soap and water and a washcloth later and I think it's too faint to see from 5' away now, even without the washing machine, so I think it's all good), so just the topstitching left on that - then only the buttonhole for scary bits left!

[Karendee]

Congratulations to AnnR. and Miranda for other beautifully completed garments. Both are very professionally sewn. And a big heads up to others that I have missed. Kilts, you'll find just the right fabric for lining --
Lucindamaria, I think to crease or not is personal preference-
RuthK-Hope your house sells soon, so you can quit the work of keeping your home without sewing projects--

Robin, white eyelet sounds cool, comfortable and chic--
Z- I want to see those 2 beautiful garments you've made-
Mardel- I loved your blue coat fabric on your blog-
PeachyKeen--don't let your sewing interfere with your social life (and the same to you, Karrol)
Scottie, you'll work out your sewing colors to suit you

And to the rest of you, keep on sewing today. I just completed my first garment--dupioni silk Now jacket from Zen/Now by Sewing Workshop.

Karend

[Lee K]

You're all leaving me in your dust! I've settled on navy/lime (or possibly they call it kiwi); a dress and pants in navy to begin. I should get them cut and started today. I finished another dress on the same pattern last week, so it should be straightforward.
Lee

[ejvc]

Oh!  Great jeans and skirt!  And Ann, I'm making a blouse in a very similar pattern from this month's Burda - hope it turns out as nice as yours.

Robin, re another capsule contest - I think a good month would be September.  I think you need time to recover from one and plan for the next!  And that way it's kind of seasonal.  Then the full SWAP starts in January.  Maybe though we could do a single garment capsule extension or something to tide us over in the middle months :-) 

My white linen skirt is cut out and basted together for fitting.  I've noticed that although Ottobre patterns are lovely in terms of their construction details and instructions, they don't fit me very well.  They are made for a relatively flat-seated woman with a tummy.  I, on the other hand, boast a waist as my best figure feature and have, let us say, a plentiful booty.  I actually saw the darts on the skirt pattern and laughed at their itty-bitty-teeniness.  Like they have a six inch difference between waist and hips and I have 12-14 inches.  Anyway, some extra darting must be done before the final version.  Even in its current humongous state it's quite pretty though.  Can't wait!  I hardly ever buy skirts because of my figure so it will be nice to have some.  I plan to make a second one from this pattern once it's properly altered.

Elizabeth

PS Am basting not with waxed thread (can't find my beeswax) but with machine embroidery thread which I think Marji recommended on her blog.  Much easier to take out!  I'm liking it.

[ruthc]

Keely - have you seen the Burda 7889 maternity trouser pattern?  I really liked it but it does not go with my lifestyle.  The photo on the model doesn't do much for it but the line drawing shows how nice it is.  It reminds me a bit of sailor trousers, I thought it had pockets but mis-remembered but I rekon you could add them in quite easily at the front.

I finally tracked down the fabric for DHs trousers - it had been at the post office all along but they couldn't find it when I first went 23 May! - so I took DH as his Spanish is better than mine and they had it after all.  So it is washed, pressed and ready to be cut, just need to get a zip for it now.

I'm a bit stalled on my watermelons as it were, but I've seen a fantastic grass green swiss dot fabric which would be so cool as a top, I am also tempted by a bright yellow.  But the pattern I ordered is lost somewhere between McCalls and me along with DH's shirt pattern.  Grrr. 

Miranda - fantastic jeans and skirt.  I am suffering jean withdrawl symptons so am very envious.

Ann R - such a pretty top.

Maja - what fabulous colours and prints.

EJVC - I can only sew fast because my baby is still inside, my husband has his chef hat on most days and he has a new computer game so doesn't require any company leaving me free to sew.  It won't last.

[Carole]

I have some ideas for a Fall contest:

"What I Need Right Now"  This could be an upcoming party, a pair of jeans, an outfit for work, a bathrobe.  One garment, but whatever is really needed.

"Sewn From My Stash"

"UFO Finally Finished."



What do you think?

[Zoubida]

...
Z- I want to see those 2 beautiful garments you've made-
...

Karen, I was refering to Miranda who completed two pieces of her capsule. Infortunately I'm not even half finished with my first piece.

[Zoubida]

Ann, How delighteful a blouse you have made ! The colors are perfect with the skirt.

[Karendee]

Z,

What a laugh. I read so many posts, that obviously my mind was confused about who completed 2 garments.  Of course I'm mainly confused, even when I don't read posts. LOL. I have completely finished one jacket/top. I cut out the 2nd today and am working on it. Right now I'm taking a break because my back is tired. Anyway, sorry I sped up your sewing--take your time with your glorious fabrics. I know they'll all be beautiful.

Karen

[Karendee]

Carole,

I like all your ideas for a sewing contest. I don't have any UFO's but I guess I could start one if we chose that option. I really like the idea of making something for an upcoming event. I can see a fall ballgame weekend, a glamorous party (Zoubida,)  Thanksgiving with the folks, or Mother/daughter holiday dresses (Redhead.) I could really get into that idea. Thanks for thinking ahead.

Karend

[kiltsnquilts]

Ann, great blouse. Miranda, I love your skirt and jeans!

I have just made a quick trip to the fabric shop and managed to find some lining for my skirt.  It was a fabric I saw earlier but it wasn't a perfect match for my green, I had decided it was the best of a bad choice so went back to get it - well, now it matches even better than before because it was reduced to only $1 a metre!!!   It had already been reduced to half price ($9) and I thought it had all gone - small panic!  But I unearthed it at the bottom of the pile and was pleased to see the $1 sticker on it!!

I also bought 6 metres of a slinky knit that was also reduced to $1!  Not a bad colour, a kind of rusty brown, but more importantly it is a similar weight to the aubergine knit I have got for my JCC so at only $1 a metre it is great muslin fabric - if it works I will be able to wear it, if not I will not feel bad at throwing it!

Possibly no sewing for me tonight, I want to give my DB and SIL their quilt at the weekend and so have to stitch the binding on tonight, and possibly tomorrow night too 

KarenD, love the tag 'Capsule Cohorts'!! 

[Karendee]

Kilts,

Thanks for referencing my tag for our group. Mostly, when I reread my posts, I remind myself of some of my English 101 composition  students (before retirement.) Oh, what essays!

Glad you found your lining fabric--and what a bargain. It sounds like you found quite a bit of fabric at a good value (cheap!)

Happy quiltbinding,
Karen