Announcing: June Capsule Competition 2 (JCC2) - Rules and discussion thread

[Robin]

Janis, I love those pants!  They look so cute with the shoes and the rest of the outfit.

How would you describe your shape (for example - are you a pear?)
Just wondering if I could get away with that look.
They look like high-end RTW.

[Carla]

I doubt you will want these nursing dress or top patterns but you might get some construction ideas from Elizabeth Lee.

http://www.elizabethlee.com/patterns/mompats.htm

[kitnrose]

Gorgeous pants, Janis - you look so cool and chic!

I still need to get started.  For whatever reason I've been in a bit of a sewing funk - probably just recovering from finals and the end of the SWAP hitting at the same time.  However it's been a great planning time and I feel the mojo returning so I should be able to jump in!  Also my beloved little Joann's had a huge sale on remnants, some of which were 1 1/2 yards and I found some gorgeous ones, including a length of dark red cotton duck from their home dec section.  Perfect for my TNT denim skirt pattern. 

Also trying to figure how to sew one of the skirts - the fabric really wants to be a cute retro cotton skirt, all fluffy and such, but my figure says no.  Quite emphatically.  As does my personality.  Still want to use the fabric so trying to figure out just how to make it work.  Might post a picture and get some advice on that.

Anyway, great job everyone and best of luck!  Keep showing of your stuff, I love to see it and it's inspiring!

[Morzel]

Janis, those pants are great!!!  Got to have a look at the pattern... And am just a curious as Robin if this style would work on me.    Beach vacation? You will be the most stylish person there with these pants!

Scarletthread - Re woven maternity tops - I haven't found much in wovens as well. There are a few dresses (this, for example, I love it!), but they are combined with knits for the nursing opening, so having a double top front layer. The other option I found was a blouse with invisible zippers within the front princess seams. Loose ftting tunic style. I am not sure if having a zipper coil left and right of the breast will be comfortable... For now I will just do regular blouses with my wovens. I have some E.Lee patterns here- though I doubt I will use them. They do seem quite dated. But I really wanted to have a look at their nursing opening technique. Maybe I'll think up a way to update those patterns or do my own pattern and include those openings? The styles are for wovens and definitely loose fitting, probably a neccessity with wovens/nursing openings.

Zora - what a fun accessory!! Never heard of such a thing, but seems a good idea.

Ruthie - it is fun to see you and others go for lime - it is such a fresh summer colour! But I would shy away from it, so I am in awe of you branching out into this completley new colour. I hope you found some useful fabric in the right colourway.

[Karendee]

Janis,

You look so smart and trendy in your new pants. Wow, wow. I'm like the others and want to think about these pants. You have certainly hit the jackpot with this look.

Karen

[MaryMM]

Janis, I love those pants.  The outfit is perfect in my estimation.  Just a touch of piquancy, very noteworthy, not too spashy.  Yum.  I think Sewing Workshop really has a winner on their hands with the Trio pattern.  I love the t-shirt and the top too.  You look wonderful.  Mary

[Janis]

Thanks so much to all who replied on my pants.  They are a bit of fun and DH even likes them .  Robin, I actually just finished determining my shape using a book that was recommended by Katherine, I think.  Anyway, I am a triangle shape, which means I have very narrow shoulders and back tapering to a wider waist and still wider hips.  I wear a size 8 pants in RTW and I used the extra small Sewing Workshop size since I'd had some experience with SW.  I did add some length to the crotch, but not sure I needed to.  In the end, it's not a fitted garment, so there's a lot of leeway.  I honestly think this is a style most body types could wear.

[LauraTS]

Janis, great pants. Apparently bohemian is one of the big looks this summer, according to the mags, so you're right up to date!

Also trying to figure how to sew one of the skirts - the fabric really wants to be a cute retro cotton skirt, all fluffy and such, but my figure says no.  Quite emphatically.  As does my personality.  Still want to use the fabric so trying to figure out just how to make it work.  Might post a picture and get some advice on that.

I hate that when that happens. I picked up a remnant at JoAnn's recently that would look super-cute as a contrast band at the bottom of a skirt, but the only ones I can find that have that detailing in the yardage I have are dirndls or pleated skirts, the kind of skirt where the main front and back pieces are more or less a rectangle. I've never found a RTW skirt like that that looks good on me, so I'm hesitant to try it for fear that it would make me look like a huge block.

[CarolTrendall]

Thanks for letting me join so late.  My orphan is a limey green wool BWOF jacket I made so many years ago that I forget.  I love the fabric and I love the colour, but I have nothing to go with it.  I also have lost about two dress sizes since I made it, so I plan to take the back in a little as well as actually getting around to putting the buttons on that are still sitting in a glass dish on my sewing table where I put my jobs to be done.  I have enough of the wool to make something else, but I don't want to go the usual route of skirt or pants.  I'll need to think about that some more/

I'm going to go down to my sewing room shortly and pull out a few tons of fabric and see what I can match up.  I'll be back later with some pictures.

[Marybi]

I wish my fabric would get here; at this rate I'll be making s'mores and camping instead of sewing. I've found an ebay magazine source so I can get a copy of BWOF without feeling I'm paying ransom instead of shipping. I could not find a price for the subscription on the Burda site. It seemed a good idea to read one before ordering. it's fun to see the plans being made.

[RuthieK]

Laura, there was a Burda Wof which used border fabric but didn't make it seem too pleated last winter. The style was pretty simple.
If you are interested I will try to dig it out.

I bought all my tops fabrics yesterday in a mega fabric shopping trip and they are here




http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2009/06/fabric-shopping-for-jcc.html

I didn't buy any bottoms fabrics as nothing really spoke to me and I have loads of black, black with white, black with pinstripe stuff in the stash which I shall use.

In fact I have enough that I could now do a black/lime/white Summer SWAP, that starts with the JCC but continues into July as well.

The lime tops which don't have black in will also work with other bottoms, e.g last years JCC olive bottoms, also navy, white etc.

[Morzel]

Great finds, Ruthie! I spotted my favourite already  , the lime/white one in the top photo left. Wonderful fabric you found!

I am sorry to pester everyone with another photo of my accessory. I decided to change it from the blue bag (though I only have 1 blue outfit to wear it with) to a teal/deep seagreen scarf with burgundy/brown paisley pattern on it. I bought it 3 years ago and wore it twice since then... I do have teal tops, but they are just off the scarf colour- too blue. This teal is more greenish and would go well with my seegreen fabric - which is still in flat form. So here is my accessory, final choice , toghether with some of the fabric.

[RuthieK]

A very pretty scarf :-)
And you have lots of fabrics in the pile which would work with it.

[Robin]

Eva, love your scarf!!  Now that I think back, I didn't have any special nursing tops. I used scarves, diapers, baby blankets (whatever was handy) for modesty when I was nursing my DD.

Ruthie, i am excited about your new color direction!

Jafael, your Earth sandals are cute and I love your fabrics, too.  I find those Earth shoes to be very comfortable.

[Janis]

RuthieK,  I love your coordinates.  You are going to have more than a beautiful June capsule.  You'll be ready for the entire summer!

I am struggling to find fabric I like that coordinates with other pieces (my usual problem).  I think I'm going to have to change my orphan because it isn't fitting in with the new stuff.  I hope it's still okay to be in a state of flux.  I'm going to try to pull it all together this week.

[ejvc]

I'm very easygoing about the state of flux issue  .  I've been ill so haven't done much now.

Elizabeth

[Beebeedee]

Love the fabrics Ruthie - did the cat come with them?  He/she looks like they've already chosen their favourite!!! My fav's the black with the lime and zebra leaves. I can't wait to see what you do with that one. At present I'm unsure about pattern so wouldn't have the courage to make such a selection for myself, but it's wonderful - really glamorous.

I'll be ordering my fabrics tomorrow. I'm not sure I'll have time to actually complete this in one month as I've just picked up a couple of new jobs, but here's hoping. I'll definitely finish it though. I want to wear my new clothes!!!!

[RuthieK]

Cat is an old lady who has been with us for 13 years now, and so must be about 16. She has retired from active duty but likes to keep an eye on what the 'staff' are doing.
She is very fond of fabric and tissue patterns, apparently they are comfy to sleep on LOL.

I too am very excited about my new colour direction though I am sewing study curtains at the moment and have not got into the lime yet. I'll probably make up a couple of the knits to get started and then do some bottoms from TNTs before I go off into anything more complex - like one of the blouses or even the jacket.

I also love this Next bag, and think it might have to be a reward to myself for completing the JCC

[kbenco]

Janis - extremely cool pants, in both senses of the word! I can just see you walking down the beach whilst wearing them. The blousing effect in the lower leg is a great detail.

Eva, your scarf is so pretty. I did not use special nursing tops either, just front un buttoning blouses/dresses and a scarf or blanket to cover me and the baby when in public.

Ruthie, I am really looking forward to your lime capsule. I think the bag will co-ordinate very nicely with your new fabrics.

Carol, I am also very interested in your lime capsule. I have some lime cotton lycra, that was earmarked for my children, but may have to change to another fabric pile for me.

I have started on my capsule, with a pair of Marlene BWOF 08-2008 105 pants (yes, again), but I am not happy with them. I have finally worked out that the pants are just too big on me, and although the tropical wool fabric sort of blends in with my lace wrap top, I do not think that they really co-ordinate as these garments. To me, the top says "evening" and the pants say "work". I am back to the drawing board. I have hemmed these pants for flat work shoes, but am wearing them here with flatter sandals , so please excuse the not quite right length. I do have some more of the wool fabric. Do you think it would look more "evening out" as a skirt?

Karen
edited for typo

[Janis]

Karen, I think your combination is beautiful.  We all get stuck in what is right or appropriate, but nowadays people are really thinking outside the norm in terms of fashion.  We can do anything we want, and your combination of tropical wool and lace is lovely.  I really like it.

[Lisanne]

Karen  -  I don't know what your climate and local 'clothes culture' are, but it looks like a lovely summery outfit to me.

For the pants, what would be the effect if you lowered the pleat closure to hip level ?

[Morzel]

I really like it.

Same here! But just as Janis says, I wouldn't think of the lace top as an evening only garment- I would wear it to work (it is a smart looking style! Appropriate for work, I think) just like shown here. For evening wear, I would either go for a drapey and bit shiny pant or a skirt altogether. Or make a simple sleeveless dress and wear the lace top over it- for day or evening wear. 

I also love this Next bag, and think it might have to be a reward to myself for completing the JCC

  Great attitude!

[zora]

Ruthie, I love your colour choice! Green is such a nice colour for summer clothes. And the green Next bag is just to die for.

Morzel, great choice for an orphan it really looks great with your fabric.

KBenco, I like the combination of wool and lace. It's a great way to wear a lace top to work or for other daytime events. Looks very smart.

I have half a jacket and half a pants now - I did all the easy stuff and left what I don't like to do  Oh well, at least both the jacket and the pants look good so far.

[MaryOK]

To me, the top says "evening" and the pants say "work".

Karen, I really like the look of the lace top and wool pants.  The neutral colors blend perfectly, and I think the camisole helps the top transition into day-time.  I think the pants will look better to you when you get them to the right length. 

[Karendee]

Karen,

I strongly support the popular decision here of wearing the lace top with those pants. That is a perfect outfit to wear out and about, but not to work. I think the lace is too fragile to support a working situation.

You look lovely,
Karen

[Robin]

Karen, I LOVE the lace blouse layered over the more casual knit and topped over the Marlene pants.
Can you tweak them if they feel too big for you?  Because thy look really great.

I see people dressed like that at work - but of course, every workplace is different.

It really, really looks good!

[cindyintampa]

Karen, I really like the lace top with those pants.  Maybe you can throw a jacket over the top to make it look a little more work appropriate.  I don't think the pants are too big, it just looks like you have pants with full legs.  Do you normally wear more fitted pants?  It may just take getting used to the style.

I was reading one of the What Not to Wear books last week, and the outfit that I was planning to make was in the book!  I wanted to make a button-front full skirt out of this seersucker.


I need some help figuring out a style that will not look dated, can be worn with a t-shirt, and is a-line (I'm a pear).

Anyone have any ideas?

Cindy

[kbenco]

Thank you for the kind comments about my outfit. I guess I am just a bit too conservative (ie, stuck in a rut!).

[Carla]

Karen, they don't come any more conservative than me and I think it looks great!

[Lisanne]

Cindy in Tampa  -  I love fabric like that too, but it's difficult to use in anything except boxy styles.  I'm a short waisted pear and, in the Body Shape book, T&S recommend pleated skirts with the pleats sewn down to hip level.  Could you devise some way of pleating so the less attention grabbing lines of the fabric are what is seen at and above hip level ?

[DeniseM]

Ruthie, I'm coming to your house to swipe your fabrics.  If you see a little redhead on your doorstep who loves green and has an American accent, do not open the door. Shove a cup of tea and a couple of scones (with cream and jam, of course) out and send her on her way. Such a great group of fabrics. Eva, be forewarned that I also look pretty rad in blues. 

I have not had a chance to coordinate my capsule and here it is almost the middle of June. Guess I'd better get started on those BWOF shorts. There are so many orphans in my closet, I don't know where to begin - the size 2 pants that won't even go past my ankles?

[ejvc]

Hi, thought I would finally post a picture of my orphan!  Here's the skirt:


Photo at Flickr.

Also, I made a pin as an accessory the day before June.  As I realised last year, I'm running this contest, so I can't win, so I don't need to play by the rules! So there!

Anyway here's my little ribbon pin:



Elizabeth

[JennyAnne]

My baby came out (9 days ago now), and I'm back to sewing.  :-)  Haven't done anything on the JCC pieces yet, and I'm still not sure I'll finish in June, but it's great to have energy again. I wore the purple top I'm including as my closet piece (not the orphan) yesterday, and I love it.  Well, I wore it for about three hours, actually, until it got majorly spit up on. 

[Morzel]

  Congratulations, Jenny!! (this next one's not for you, but it is the closest to a toast:)   To the new baby!! You being back to sewing so fast sure means everything went well... Glad and happy to hear from you. May it continue this way!

There are so many orphans in my closet, I don't know where to begin - the size 2 pants that won't even go past my ankles?

Elizabeth, what a great skirt! Love the pattern with the plain pockets. And the pin is just plain fun!!  

Today I did almost nothing but sewing - felt great! I got my dress almost done (though I cannot try it on as it is drafted to fit some time after birth), need to finish the sleeves with a band, do the hem and find some buttons for it. But I left it at that for now and switched to the teeshirt. Tried out the method to sew a buttonplacket to a shirt and then cut out the tee and made the button placket. It turned out okay but will need some more practise... So I at last got started on something.

[cindyintampa]

Congratulations Jenny.  Mark is a beautiful baby!