Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[Susinok]

Gosh I wonder if I will get anything done in this June Capsule. I have been so distracted lately that I've gotten very little garment sewing done. The sum total of my sewing in the last two months was that totebag. I also want to make more totebags for my various knitting projects. My new kitten has discovered the joys of the yarn skien, or more specifically the joys of unravelling the yarn skien, so I need to keep every project in a bag.

Then again I need tank tops and shorts. Maybe if I keep it super simple. That's something to think about. Hmmm maybe a simple shortish (right at knee) denim skirt and some tanks and cap sleeved T's and a tote as an accessory? Need to dig through my skirt patterns. If I dont' have one, I can whip one out in PMB.

On top of that I've had trouble making decisions, too! The stress must be getting to me.

[Karrol]

Yikes, Robin, wisdom teeth! I remember it well. Yes, great painkillers.  Glad to hear all went well!
Cheryl, I think many of us have used power point to make the storyboards. It's pretty easy to use, but you can use any layout software. I also have Microsoft Publisher that works very well. Anything that you can import pictures of your fabric and patterns, and make text notes, then save as a jpeg image to post to the flickr site. But note that it isn't a requirement of the contest to do one. Just as Elizabeth noted, you'll need to post pictures of the finished garments with comments on flickr. I'd better get cracking, I've got no prep work done yet and too much to do! 

[Susinok]

Oh and Karrol, RIT dye is the devil! It makes a mess! I have tried it off and on since my childhood in the 70s. It just does not produce a quality piece of cloth at all.

I use Procion MX dyes with soda ash. It is really not that difficult, but that stuff will stain anything it comes in contact with. Use gloves and have newspaper strewn about!

Dharma Trading has good supplies of procion dyes. They also have some pretty good step by step tutorials on their website. Dharmatrading.com.

I also highly recommend Color by Accident by Ann Johnston. It has some step by step techniques which use glass jars and ziplock bags to get the textured effects. The piece of cloth in that totebag was dyed in a ziplock bag in a batch where I was making neutrals. I started with orange on one side and purple and cross dyed everything in between in varying strengths. Every piece of fabric out of that batch was fascinating.

Anyway this is probably more than you wanted to know about dyeing hehe.

[Maja]

After thinking hard about it, I decided I'd like to join, if it's not too late.
I wanted to do the mini-wardrobe contest on PR, but between work and studying I barely had time to sleep let alone sew. After my exam on June 4th I'll have more time.

My colour scheme will be: red, white and blue. I haven't decided on the patterns yet. I'll post a storyboard soon. 

[Zoubida]

Welcome to all the new participants !

I'm sewing the skirt's wearable muslin this week. I already cut it, fashion fabric and lining. I just have to assemble it now. But I'm working on Vogue 8146 jacket, not a JCC garement, which I'll make with the same fabric as the wearable muslin skirt to wear at work. I just made the lining's pattern pieces (the jacket is unlined in the instructions but I prefer it to be lined).

So instead of truly working on the JCC, I'm allowing myself to be sidetracked by this jacket which I wanted to make since a long time. 

Count down to official start of the JCC, 6 days....

[LisaB]

Eva, thanks for your thoughts on those line drawings I posted. I agree that the top needs to be long enough to hide the fact that the pants have an elastic waist. Hopefully, the top will still look good with the skirt!

Does anyone have recommendations for jackets that can be made with drapey fabric? Mine is a rayon/acetate blend with a touch of lycra. Should I be looking at Loes Hinse patterns? I've only done structured jackets, so I'm venturing into new territory if I try a jacket with this fabric. More info posted here.

I was able to spend some time in the sewing room today and just need to do hems on a knit top I'd been working on. It's not for the JCC, but I wanted to finish it as it's something I can use for work. As soon as that's out of the way, I want to start working on the skirt for my capsule. I got two of my fabrics prewashed today, so I feel like I did accomplish something toward the goal!

Does anyone know which page of this topic contains info on posting to the Flickr group? It's getting to be a bit hard to go back and find things, because the topic is so active. I have a recollection that we need to be invited or something. Info appreciated.

Thanks,
Lisa

[Morzel]

You go to the flickr group page http://www.flickr.com/groups/jcc-inprogress/  -- at the top right hand there will be a link that says Join This Group?  click it and follow their instructions.  As Zoubida said you need a Flickr account but they are free and as far as I can tell pretty innocuous.  I've never been spammed by them or anything.

Elizabeth

Hope this helps.

[ruthc]

Hi all.

Cheryl for my storyboards (Real men use slings) I use paint.net, which is a free, open source programme along the lines of photoshop.  Once you download it the installation is pretty easy and you get notified of free updates.
You can download it here.

I make a new layer for each pattern and fabric combination so I can fiddle about with the layout easily. When I am pleased with it I save it as a paint file first so it is easy to go in and make any changes later and then as a JPEG to use as a photo file on flikr or here.

I know other people use presentation programmes like powerpoint so if you are already used to using that it might be a good one for you.

Hope this helps

JCC wise I washed the fabrics I had last night.  One thing I love about living in the sunshine is how quickly everything dries.  I hung it out before I went to bed last night and it was bone dry this morning.  Though it looks like there was quite abit of shrinkage, though this might just be the fabric crinckling (is that a word?) up in the washer.  I am cashing in some domestic points with DH and getting a steam iron,  I've struggled with the non-steam one long enough, so hopefullly it will turn out okay when I iron it.

[Zoubida]

Ruth, my husband has some pretty difficult to iron shirts he wears at the office. I have a steam iron and still, often on these cotton shirts I have creases and creases marks showing after ironing. So I learned a trick (I don't remember where, maybe from a friend who was at my home and saw me struggle with the shirts) for effortlessly ironing the shirts.

I sprinkle the cotton or linen with water all over, not wetting them a lot, just sprinkling water with my fingers I dipped in water. I roll the  shirt in a ball and set aside for few minutes (I usually iron a less difficult garement while it rests). Then I iron like usual and tadaaa.... Not a shadow of a crease. Perfect, professionnal looking ironed shirt effortlessly.

[LisaB]

Eva, thank you for posting the instructions!

Lisa

[Carole]

Zoubida and Ruth, this is where an older woman's wisdom comes in handy!  Use a spray bottle filled with water to lightly dampen the fabric, roll it up neatly as possible, and put it in your refrigerator for an hour or two!  If ironing is ever pleasurable (and to me it's not) then this is the way to go with 100% cotton or linen.  I learned this from my mother, who learned it from her mother...etc...

[ruthc]

Carole - great tip, but you are assuming an awful lot about the inside of my fridge that I would put fabric in it. 

[Licarrit]

I can't sew, buy fabric or patterns right now  MOVING! it is the longest dirty word I know! but I am going to live vicariously through you guys and when I get to Wisconsin I get a dedicated sewing room that I get to fix up!!!!! My husband thinks that means wall board and paint, I know it means a serger and a better iron!

Ruth, weren't you moving too?

[ruthc]

Licarrit -  I hope your moving goes okay our buyer for the business fell through. So we are staying in Gran Canaria through to the end of the summer season and then trying again.  No point trying to get anything else sorted now as we will have suffered the low season and Baby Girl is due at the end of August.

In the meantime we are looking at moving apartments too as our current one is pretty isolated which won´t be good once Baby Girl arrives - will update on the moving and downsizing thread when I have some nice news.

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

It figures. The sew along I'm looking for comes along that excludes just what I finally decide to add to my wardrobe, a coordinated group of items in BLACK. Oh well, maybe I'll take a break and work on a few pieces that are also on my list in brown - tank and pants - and orange linen jacket


or maybe fall back into the habit of creative inspiration sewing and make a tunic, leggings, vest and belt, using:







 

[BeeBee]

It figures. The sew along I'm looking for comes along that excludes just what I finally decide to add to my wardrobe, a coordinated group of items in BLACK.

Yeah, this required a re-focus for me, as well.  I'd started some summer stuff in black and white, including some RTW, and "poof" along comes a big, fat, "NO BLACK" rule.  I'm enjoying the different colors, though.  B/W sewing got old fast and the story boards are beautiful, and I get to use my favorite:  purple  .  I almost passed on this due to "No Black" rule, but am SEW!!! glad I didn't, my focus changed and my wardrobe will be much better off for the color change. I think was was headed down a monocromatic path that was best avoided. 

[Licarrit]

Ms. Fine, you always have the most delicious fabrics! I just wouldn't have anywhere to wear any of them.

[Ms. Fine Fabrics]

My new rule is to dress up, not down, but I am wearing jeans today, but it is a warehouse day today..... In August, our store will be hosting the entire Solstiss collection, even some items from Europe that are not part of the collection distributed in the US. We'll have a big party and I have to wear something new made from their collection. I've been toying with the mint knit outfit for sometime, but it might be a little casual for the opening party. I also have a black tie event coming up in October - DH is President of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences - and they have their Gala Awards Party then. I have been playing with a design using a light taupe peau de soie and the metal trim, but that would give me only one item, unless I make a suit.... I do this alot. I spend more time trying to figure out what to make than sewing..... To be honest, the peau de soie suit is probably most practical for me to make this month... Isn't that crazy.

[ejvc]

Hi all,
For those creating storyboards, what software do you use to create them? I've decided, for fun, to use free burdastyle patterns for my capsule. I'm doing it all  without additional expense, and those patterns are free. I do have existing patterns of course, but I like the fact that I can print multiple copies of burdastyle ones if I mess up on altering.


Storyboard coming soon, after I figure out how to do it.

Cheryl

Cheryl, I'm excited by this - I've wanted to try the Burdastyle patterns but haven't so I'll be very interested to see how they turn out.

Elizabeth

[ClaireC]

Ruth, my husband has some pretty difficult to iron shirts he wears at the office. I have a steam iron and still, often on these cotton shirts I have creases and creases marks showing after ironing. So I learned a trick (I don't remember where, maybe from a friend who was at my home and saw me struggle with the shirts) for effortlessly ironing the shirts.

I sprinkle the cotton or linen with water all over, not wetting them a lot, just sprinkling water with my fingers I dipped in water. I roll the  shirt in a ball and set aside for few minutes (I usually iron a less difficult garement while it rests). Then I iron like usual and tadaaa.... Not a shadow of a crease. Perfect, professionnal looking ironed shirt effortlessly.

This is the way my Grandmother ironed clothing before she had a steam iron.  This method works really well.  If you don't have time to iron right away the clothing can be placed in a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator.  I find this funnny...clothing in the fridge.   

[MrsGalihad]

Well, since it was too cold and rainy to go hiking yesterday DH took me to Joann's.  I got some embroidered denim for a skirt and two different blouse fabrics.  Once everything is washed I'll see about posting pictures.  I'd like to still get some nice white cotton for a shirt too but I didn't see anything there.  I'm planning on taking the bus to Denver Fabrics tomorrow to see what I can find before looking online.  I really like to be able to touch things.
The accessory is really going to be the hard part for me.  I don't need yet another tote and I'm not a fan of fabric purses.  I don't really wear jewelry either.  A hat might work since the sun is so much more intense here than I am used to.  I have to think about that some more. 
I love all the color palattes I'm seeing here.  I haven't really settled on one for myself but since I'm using denim for a bottom I suppose I have tons of choices. 

[BeeBee]

Flickr for dummies:  How do I upload my photo into the JCC account?  I found the page, applied for and received permission to be a member, but cannot for the life of me see how to upload a photo onto this account.  Everything I do takes me to MY Flickr account.   No doubt, it's user error, but still....

[ejvc]

Hi BeeBee,

Go to your photo on your account.  Above the photo are a row of icons.  Choose the second one, "send to group".

Elizabeth

[LisaB]

I just went to my Flickr account and tried to find "Send to group". I did finally find it by following these steps, which seem to be different than Elizabeth's. I don't see the icons she's referring to.

1) Choose the organize menu and then "All Your Content".
2) Drag the photos you want to send to the group into the batch editing box.
3) Click "Send to group" on the top of the page. For me, it's one of several phrases listed under the tabs.
4) A box should pop up asking you to select the group you want to send the pictures to.
5) That's as far as I got, because my pictures aren't ready to send! I chose to cancel at that point.

There must be a quick way to do this, but so far it's the only way I've found.

Lisa

[Karrol]

Once you log on to flickr, there on the right side you'll see options: Upload Photos, Your Photostream, Find Your Friends, Everyone's Uploads, and Your Groups.

Click on Your Photostream, You'll see your pics there. Click on the one you want to move, it will open up bigger.

Right above the image is a little row of stuff that says: Add Note, Send to Group, Add to Set, etc. They highlight when you scroll your curser over them.

Just click on the "Send to Group" and a little box opens with a list of your groups. Scroll down to the group name June Capsule Contest and click it. That's it!

[Brenda]

In the strange ways my mind works, it seems I have to join a contest to get to my unfinished projects!!! I know, I know, I don't question it anymore, I just work with it. It's another version of when I was in university, my apartment was never cleaner than it was during exams!

So, today, after at least attempting to write down my storyboard - too many ideas and options, and  trying to utilize my stash as much as possible - I finished the three hour scarf featured on the cover of Threads No. 119 in strips of lavender, aqua, and pale blue organza. I think it's beautiful and I also think it could fit the accessory requirement for those of you who are blocked a bit at that one. (The digital camera isn't at home this week, so I'm not able to post a pic). For a slender scarf, I'd only do 6 strips at 3 inches wide. I'm thinking of doing  one in yellow for JCC...

A few weeks ago I cut Vogue 8182 View B without the sleeves in a white crepe with a floral pattern of pinks, yellows, lime greens, red, etc. I'm thinking it will be my "before June" piece. Then, I bought a white leather jacket (think cardigan from a twinset) earlier this spring. That leaves me with a top and a bottom to sew. I have a piece of solid yellow linen that will either go into pants (V2948) or a skirt (V8269) and I have a soft white cotton, kinda twill-ish that I'd like to make into a blouse - maybe V8476 view C, particularly if I go with the pants in the linen.

I am so pathetic in making decisions! Then there's also the option of using a grey-blue tropical wool from my stash and converting it into V8208 with long sleeves and the skirt... but I want something that screams SUMMER, not this endless cool transition season we seem to be stuck in!!!

I am enjoying the creativity of this group!

Brenda

[Karendee]

Thanks to all of you who have posted Flickr info.

Karend

[Karrol]

Since I'm here, I thought I'd post an update. I got my patterns out for the vintage jackets and decided to use the Vogue Special Design one (it's on the bottom of my board, the only one shjowing a whole suit), but I'll use the Katherine Hepburn pants that I just purchased from VicVelvets on ebay. I traced off the pattern for the jacket and pants from the suit (just in case, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have the pants, too!).
I decided on the pattern I'm using for my blouse, not at home so I can't post it, though. I went with a different one than what was on my board because it was already my size and I won't have to grade the pattern up. (No time! )
I decided on the pattern for my skirt, it's a modern one, but still a pencil skirt. It has a little gathering right across the front I'm hoping will help disguise a little tummy fluff.
Rather than trying to also sew a purse on top of all this, I think I'll probably make a broach to wear with my suit. If you look on my storyboard, you'll see a pin on the waist of the striped skirt in the middle of the upper left (modern) group. Well, it's kind of hard to see, but it looks like a ribbon cockade. I think that will work nicely with the vintage pieces and will be quicker for me than sewing a handbag.

I'll be fitting the jacket this week and if I get it adjusted properly, I'll cut it out and that will be my piece "before June" - though not MUCH before June! I'm not planning on lining it, I want it to be lightweight for summer, so I'll tape the seams. It has no collar so it should go quickly. (She said, in an effort to make herself feel less panicked!). I should have been working on it over the weekend, but well, I just didn't. I had movies to see and wineries to visit and DD's clothes for summer to buy! 

Brenda, apparently we are 2 peas in a pod! LOL!

[peachykeeeeen]

Argh - why did I have to volunteer to make a capsule for hubby? I have gotten no sewing done on it, although Drew wore his baby khaki cargo pants to my mom's birthday dinner and looked quite adorable! I still need to get a picture of him in them to post!

Instead, I spent my weekend (well, half of one day of my weekend) sewing for me. I got a skirt and a shrug done that were going to be part of my original capsule - that is, until I volunteered to make a capsule for hubby. I did get his test shirt completely finished. I don't know if I already posted about this, but the problem with the buttonholes on my machine was that I wasn't waiting for them to finish!! For being someone who has a knack for high-tech, I'm sure having problems with technology lately...

I also signed up for Marji's coat sew-along and like many others hope to make more than one coat during the timeframe - one for me and one for hubby. I was planning on spending tonight finishing up the skirt I made yesterday (it just needs some trimming of seam allowances and threads) and then finishing up the planning stages for the coats and then I'll get to hubby's shorts. This week should be pretty slow, so I anticipate having the time to finish the shorts before June 1st. Ok, who am I kidding - they'll probably be half done, but at least I will have put a dent in them before June 1st!

I also have been rethinking making hats. I am going to try and find a couple of hats that go with the wardrobe. Hubby really prefers to wear baseball caps, so I'm thinking I'll find him a nice fitted baseball cap. I have a couple of ideas and options, but it might mean switching up one of the shirts. We'll see how it goes.

[Brenda]

Movies and wineries... and clothes shopping with/for someone else! I COMPLETELY understand! It's pure logic in my world!

Jamie, I am overwhlemed with just the thought of what your sewing agenda is like for the next 5 weeks. Mind you, that's coming from someone who spent over 6 hours today doing a "3 hour" scarf that had already been started...

[ceilirian]

The last time I was on here y'all were in the middle of an existing contest; nice that this one has a little advance notice for me...

Although I am in the process of setting up an etsy site, I have determined I will successfully participate in this contest also...I amassed a number of fabrics to sew up for myself last year, but didn't alot the time to do it...so here goes!!

[BeeBee]

Go to your photo on your account.  Above the photo are a row of icons.  Choose the second one, "send to group".

Dang, that was easy.

[cmarie12]

I finally decided what fabrics to use and what pieces to make...I don't do storyboards, though!    So I will upload the pic I have of my fabrics to the group...and my JCC collection is called, "Brown is the new Black!"  The collection consists of a straight skirt (from a TNT pattern), a jacket (I want to make a trendy one and have three in contention, but it will all depend on how the dress turns out!), so a dress - again from a TNT pattern and finally a silk charmeuse tank top from the SW Mission Tank.  This will work well with my existing summer wardrobe and will make for some nice pieces for work...my accessory will still be a necklace that I will make myself.  So a trip to the beading stores in NYC is up next!  Shew...glad to have that decided...so I can start sewing on June 1st now!!!!

[mardel]

This is the way my Grandmother ironed clothing before she had a steam iron.  This method works really well.  If you don't have time to iron right away the clothing can be placed in a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator.  I find this funnny...clothing in the fridge.   

You can also sprinkle them, put them in a plastic bag and freeze them.  Works quite well.

I'm still struggling and working through the planning part of this collection, and still going back and forth between two sets of collections.  I do intend to make some kind of decision this week, but I haven't even thought about accessories.  That might be my purchased or already owned item.

[vtmartha]

You can also sprinkle them, put them in a plastic bag and freeze them.  Works quite well.

If I did this, I think I'd be pulling them out 2 months later wondering how to fix them for dinner!