Six-piece autumn collection sew-along

[Towanda]

My fall wardrobe needs some serious work. I need a couple of different autumn collections - one for church and professional dress, one for business casual work clothes and a separate one for the wearing around the house. The only permanent decision so far is to use black as a core color. I have a lot of other stash fabrics that will work with black garments. Another reason is that I need to replace all of my black pants and skirts. The pants are too big and the skirts are out of date. I realized today that I need tops with two different lengths. I want shorter tops to wear with skirts and longer tops for pants.

One of my plans is to make a Chanel style jacket from a black boucle that is resting in the stash. Hopefully, I have enough to make a suit. I bought a ton of black modal knit from fabric.com and the plan is to make a set of knit garments that I can mix and match.

One good thing is that my work hours are changing next week and I'll have time in the morning for sewing. I may actually get something done.

[Lisanne]

Hen, would a 'cut on' sleeve style work for you ?  there are several new patterns :

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5941.htm?tab=palmer_pletsch&page=1

http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M5932.htm?tab=jackets_coats&page=1

http://www.butterick.com/item/B5394.htm?tab=coats_jackets_vests&page=1

http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8605.htm?tab=the_vogue_woman_collection&page=1


If you really want to go for raglan, there are several Park Bench patterns with unusually deep raglan shoulders, good for layering.

http://www.thesewingplace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=213

[JennyAnne]

Janis, those fabrics are so pretty and classy.  Can't wait to see what you make!

[Jafael]

Indigotiger, I adore your sketches! And those dresses are great! I think the crossover bodice will look fabulous!

Elizabeth, when I inventoried my clothes, I just took it one drawer, or one section of the closet at a time, and wrote down my pieces on regular note paper. Things like "brown linen pants" and "cream scoop neck". I typed it all up, because that's my thing, I like typed lists, and crossed them out as I added each one, so I didn't get confused. As I typed, I divided my list into sections, Summer and Winter (I only have two categories/seasons of clothing where I live) and then subcategorized Bottoms, Tops, PJs, etc. Because I was typing, I set up my list to count, and when I was done I found out I have 34 bottoms in my summer weight wardrobe, and 12 tops. That's the part that shocked me the most, because if you'd asked me before then what I needed most, I'd have said bottoms, though I knew I needed tops, too.

I'd say about half those bottoms I've been holding on to until I lost enough weight to fit into them again, so I haven't worn them in a couple years, but they are truly loved items. The good news is, I may be down enough to fit into them, so I plan to actually start trying on some of what I own. To make matters even worse, at least 1/3 of the tops I have are too big for me now, which means my need for tops is significantly higher!

I also found out that much of what I actually have, is not really how I see myself, or what I want to wear. Colors I bought because that was what was available when I needed new clothes, skirts that are shorter than I want to wear skirts anymore (I'm too lazy to shave my legs every day!), that sort of thing.

I don't know if all tops fits into the idea of a coordinating collection, and that's what I really need most, to make what is actually in my closet work.

[Quincunx]

I'll dive in here, since autumn clothing is something I can actually wear here--there's been no summer to justify summer sewing.  Planning on either dresses or matching skirt/blouses, then some sort of warm top layer, probably a bolero and certainly full-length sleeves.  I have a lovely, unifying piece knitted out of two-color yarn that (miracle!) matches the two longest cuts of fabric in my stash, but it's a wide headband (about 20"x4", 50cmx10cm) which looks dreadful when worn as a headband.  Has anyone sewn a knitted panel into a woven garment?  Where?  How???

Searching for the cable connecting camera to computer now. . .

[Lisanne]

Thanks for the advice to jump in and start, Elizabeth.  Sadly with my sloping shoulders, short waist, and high hipped pear shape needing crotch extensions, all patterns look much better on me if they're altered to fit.  I haven't got any TNTs, and don't at all enjoy the pattern redrafting and muslin making stages.  And the pattern making software I tried didn't work for me (perhaps it was that two years of struggling to get it to work that put me off making muslins !)  aargh  aargh  aargh. . .  I know that means I really do need to buckle down and work on it but am a bit short of enthusiasm at present !

Any suggestions for patterns that look flattering without alteration on anybody of any shape and lifestyle and personal style 

Well, that wail has made me realise it would be best to use patterns that need minimum alteration.  Trendy styles have fitted shoulders and fitted waists, and are much more flattering on me, but to get going I do need to look at my cache of much simpler patterns.

So I picked out an ultra-easy vest pattern  -  now why did I buy it two sizes too big  -  uungh. . .

[owara]

janis,
what a lovely mix of colours, prints and textures!

i have kept my fabric mix to plain colours as i just haven't got the knack of mixing prints & textures.

jean
http://notesfromthesewingstudio.blogspot.com/

[Hen]

Has anyone sewn a knitted panel into a woven garment?  Where?  How???

Searching for the cable connecting camera to computer now. . .

How about turning the headband into a collar? The jacket on the photo is from boiled woll, so not woven, but you get the idea.

It is soo bad weather here, thunderstorm, and the prediction is the same for the whole weekend. Really makes me want to sew those autumn clothes. Not so much does it motivate me to finish the knee-long skirt for the WiaW and to take the pictures of me in short sleeves.

[ejvc]

Jafael, this collection is top-heavy, because of the fact that tops change the "look" of an outfit more than bottoms, and therefore add more apparent variety.  If you know that you really need more tops, what I'd do is take one of your good "bottoms" in the right weight and colour and just declare that to be part of your autumn collection.  Make your first top to co-ordinate with that.  Once you've finished the three tops, layering top, and jacket, then decide if you also want to make a new bottom.

Lisanne, for the same reason, I would go with a top pattern as your pattern, and plan to make the same top in 3 different fabrics.  I don't agree that everything trendy is fitted now!  By no means.  Burda for example has a free downloadable tunic with a curved yoke that I think is cute and trendy; and lots of the tunics are quite unfitted.  I think in your place I'd look to tunics for my first pattern.  I am very happy to look at tunic muslins virtually.  Or any other kind of top.  If you will return the favor of course.

I will be showing my navy silk top when I get home next week which has all the problems I normally have with shirts so I'd be grateful for advice.

Elizabeht

[Janis]

Thanks for the comments on my fabrics.  Jean, this is the first time I have ever been able to put together a "collection" of fabrics for a capsule.  I tried to do it for the JCC, but just couldn't manage .  I'm pretty happy with where I'm at right now.

I have finished altering one of the pants patterns and one of the top patterns, so I'm ready to start sewing.  One thing that is stopping me on the pants is that I have never lined anything.  So I need to do some research on lining pants before I begin.  If anyone has a good link for lining pants, especially if there is a video involved  , I would greatly appreciate it.

[tricia560]

Well, I started cutting out a silver skirt at lunch.  I'm really winging this--I drew a shape that I thought would be nice as a 6-gore skirt and I'm going from there.  If it doesn't work, it's a muslin, if it does, it's my first garment for my collection   I bought this fabric 2 years ago, so I won't cry if I hate it.  I have a really pretty blue drapey fabric I'd like to make another skirt out of, so the silver is a stand in for that.

I also cut out pieces for a burgundy t-shirt that I think will go nicely with the silver.  I was going to sew at lunch too, but I can't figure out how to use our sewing club machine, so that'll have to wait until I get home tonight.

[ejvc]

Janis, I recently lined my first pair of pants.  It was really easy.  Cut the lining pieces exactly the same as the pattern pieces, but sew them with smaller seam allowances.  Assemble the lining. Turn back the CF seam allowances above the zipper dot and finish them.  Baste them at the waist to the trousers after you've inserted the zipper and assembled the trousers but before the waistband is on.  Then the waistband covers the upper edge.  Handsew the finished CF edges to the sides of the zipper.  Voila.  Very simple and lovely.

[Janis]

Elizabeth, thanks so much!  One question:  The pants I'm making have pleats in the front and darts in the back.  Do I make the pleats and darts in the lining?

[ejvc]

Darts, yes.  Pleats, I think yes or you could convert them to darts.  But pleats should be fine.

Elizabeth

[Hen]

Lisanne, thank you for the pattern links, but the cut-on sleeves will not help with the layering problem. Maybe I used the word "layering" wrong, it is not about a layer-look, but I just want to be able to wear all the things over each other.

I want to make the soft-shell jacket from this pattern:



and the shirt(s) from this:



and the cardigan worn over the shirt and under the jacket should be quite slim fitting to avoid bulk. I found this pattern:

[zora]

I like the concept but I don't need that many new clothes every year and I don't have the money for that much fabric either. But I'd love to make six piece collections consisting of new pieces and existing pieces, maybe even using some hardly ever worn stuff or some ufos. I'd love to join in if this is acceptable for you.

[ejvc]

Zora, sure, I'd love to see what you put together.

Hen, what I would do is modify your top pattern.  Fold the front in half on the CF.  Add 1/2 cm, then about 2.5 cm for facing, and a seam allowance.  Interface the 2.5 cm strip all the way down, finish the seam allowance edge, fold over the interfacing and edgestitch.  Then fold the facing in and add buttons and buttonholes at the CF to the appropriate sides.  Don't forget to add the appropriate amount to the neck binding.  To make it slightly bigger, why not just use slightly smaller seam allowances when you sew it up?

Elizabeth

[owara]

great progress everyone!
glad some people are still at the "patterns" stage, which is where i am now.
i planned to draft and cut the patterns this weekend but got distracted today so i need to catch up.
my plan is to at least complete patterns for the 2 september items.
i think i'll start with the simple tops first 

zora,
i just completed a skirt which was converted from an old pair of peddle-pushers that was too loose for me.
old clothes are a great source of fabric!
would love to see your plan.

jean
http://notesfromthesewingstudio.blogspot.com/

[BC Designs]

I'm gone for a few days and you guys are zipping right along!  Weekends are too busy at work for me to sew, but i'll be back in business Sunday. I just got the August issue of the Burda Magazine and there are several loose jackets in the plus section that I like, so my pattern selection may change...again...

[RuthieK]

I think this is a great idea, and once I come back from holiday (vacation) hope to join in with you all.

My WiaW is supposed to be in purple, teal and black (might not get finished within the timescale), and I definitely have more teal pieces planned which I would like to add in.

[ejvc]

OK, it's prize time.  Following in the wonderful footsteps of the WIAW (wardrobe in a week) nutters, I hereby declare that anyone who finishes their autumn collection by the end of September wins six yards of guilt-free fabric, and the guilt-free pattern of their choice! Anyone finishing by the first week of October wins five yards, by the second week of October 4 yards, and so on.  Everyone who finishes is will also win a guilt-free accessory, such as shoes or a bag, to complement their outfit.  Sadly, you must purchase your own prizes, but you can easily justify them by saying you've made your autumn wardrobe!

Elizabeth

PS You know there's a winter collection too, right, coming up for Dec-Jan-Feb?  See, your wardrobe sewing could be self-sustaining this way...

[Carole]

I like the idea of prizes you can pick out for yourself!  Good idea, Elizabeth.  Very motivating for me, as I can browse all I wish...guilt free...now if I can just sew as fast as I buy fabric, I would be happy.

[LauraTS]

Love the idea of the prizes, Elizabeth. 

I'm gonna try to get into the sewing room to work on things this weekend, even though it's hotter than the blazes. I laid out my ivory jersey the other day and realized that I can't fit both a top and the cardigan I was thinking of on the piece I have (and I've had it for a couple years, so no chance to buy more). Not sure what I'm going to do instead - I may decide to buy a new ivory sweater cardigan instead, since I need one and I can't sew sweaters.

[Sergerqueen]

I had wanted to join in, but I'm just not able to pull 6 pieces together I can get 3 or 4 pieces that coordinate together, but not a whole capsule.  I think I will work on completing items that match other things in my wardrobe along maybe with this mini capsule.  I will be cheering on everyone who participates.  You go girls!!!

[marciae]

I "might" join in - see how much I'm home!!   I did finish a very nice looking off white top tonight - it's been cut out for a couple of weeks.  Will try it on in the am!   It looks very good on 'Trixie".  I have a pair of brown with caramel stripe denim that I've cut out a pair of slack - will start sewing on them in the am.  Fri we leave for Ruidoso for the horse races.  I still have all the fabric I've brought home the past two years.  I really need to sew and quit stashing/purchasing!!

[owara]

i like guilt-free!
sadly i'll only probably get a guilt-free accessory at the pace i'm going.
BUT i'll have a whole new capsule! yaaayyyyyy!!!!

jean
http://notesfromthesewingstudio.blogspot.com/

[Carole]

Fri we leave for Ruidoso for the horse races

  I envy you.  We used to have a summer place in Ruidoso and went to the races regularly.  That place is heavenly.

[marciae]

OK, it's prize time.  Following in the wonderful footsteps of the WIAW (wardrobe in a week) nutters, I hereby declare that anyone who finishes their autumn collection by the end of September wins six yards of guilt-free fabric, and the guilt-free pattern of their choice! Anyone finishing by the first week of October wins five yards, by the second week of October 4 yards, and so on.  Everyone who finishes is will also win a guilt-free accessory, such as shoes or a bag, to complement their outfit.  Sadly, you must purchase your own prizes, but you can easily justify them by saying you've made your autumn wardrobe!

Elizabeth

PS You know there's a winter collection too, right, coming up for Dec-Jan-Feb?  See, your wardrobe sewing could be self-sustaining this way...

Just reread this!!  IF we finish - what are we going to sew in Oct and Nov  since winter collection doesn't start until Dec!!

[DebbieY]

Just reread this!!  IF we finish - what are we going to sew in Oct and Nov  since winter collection doesn't start until Dec!!

How about a 3 piece min collection each month based on whatever you need (sleepwear, lingerie, workout wear, etc.) It could help fill some gaps but not be too time consuming ...

[QuiltersFan]

I need this type of inspiration to keep me on track - thanks for getting it started.  I sew rather randomly – learning as I go but ending up with a number of things that don’t go with each other.  This is my first post here so I hope I get it right.  I have been collecting fabric that would fit with an autumn theme for some time so am prepared to jump in. 
This is a photo of the fabric collection.
The multi-colored rayon batik is already a tango skirt (that goes with nothing I own).  I have more of the fabric and plan to make:
1.  Top (Burda 8503) in the collarless version short sleeves/multicolored rayon batik as a top. 
2.  Top Thia Tee (La Fred) in the golden knit (unknown fabric), round neckline/3/4 sleeves.
3.  Top – undecided pattern (possibly Athena 2 - La Fred)  in the lighter olive fabric at the top of the photo (tencel I think). 
4.  Top/Jacket Burda 8503 in the collarless version long sleeves as a blouse jacket – textured eggplant tencel.
5.  Skirt  Burda 3152 in textured eggplant tencel.
6.  Jacket The Sewing Workshop Plaza Jacket – eggplant wool crepe.

Extra fabric in reserve for potential substitution:  olive silk Noil, very light weight rayon jersey in golden.

[clambaby]

I am doing well with WiaW as my only contests and wonder if I can do as much as 6 that coordinate in one go. After having woken up at 4:30 am and pondered this for a while I have decided to use that as an opportunity to work on some more TNT, and remembered that if it doesn't all totally coordinate or is successful that's fine too. Decided to eliminate the stress as step one. There should be enough time with this to refine a few new patterns.

So here goes:

1. Black Loes Hinse Biarritz (thank you Terri for your inspiration) jacket to go with my WiaW skirt and hopefully to produce another comfortable suit. A new pattern for me and hopefully a TNT in the making.
2. Black/ icy green silk blouse from pattern already used in WiaW. So using a TNT.
3. Black pants made of same fabric as jacket and WiaW skirt. Many pattern possibilities. A needed new TNT.
4. Black/white rayon knit top, going to try a Christine Jonson pattern, my first, to see how that goes.
5. Grey/black shell and wrappy thing, like DKNY cozy, possible new TNT.
6. Grey shiny rainwear coat. Need to test drive CJ's Easy Coat as a basic coat and I will make this as unlined. Possible TNT.

All fabrics are from stash and all are meant to give me more TNT options. If I can do this I will be in a better position for the November WiaW and possibly the big time SWAP.

Oh and I may try a black faux leather bag too if I have time, I have never made a bag.

[ejvc]

This is so cool.  I'm back at home now and it's great to be looking at things.

Someone has pointed out to me that my prize system runs out of prizes somewhere in November, and surely there should be a prize for everyone who participates!  This is what comes from doing things in a rush, isn't it, because the person is totally right.   We should have one incentive for finishing, and one for finishing in good time!  So how about instead, you mentally chalk up one yard for each item you finish, but you aren't allowed to actually PURCHASE any fabric until you have reached the end of your personal goal (as I know some people aren't planning to make six items).  And in any month you finish two or more items you can buy some kind of accessory.  That way we are rewarded along the way, our greed to get more fabric helps push us along, but we really WIN the prize when we finish.  Is that better?

clambaby and others -- this really is meant to be NO STRESS -- just a way to keep us motivated to sew a great wardrobe.  If you like what you make, it's definitely good enough for me!!

Elizabeth

[Towanda]

So how about instead, you mentally chalk up one yard for each item you finish, but you aren't allowed to actually PURCHASE any fabric until you have reached the end of your personal goal (as I know some people aren't planning to make six items).  And in any month you finish two or more items you can buy some kind of accessory.  That way we are rewarded along the way, our greed to get more fabric helps push us along, but we really WIN the prize when we finish.  Is that better?

Elizabeth

Darn, does this mean that I have to return the fabric that i just ordered? I'm going to start working on my collection this week focusing on making muslins for new patterns. Today I'm going to make a muslin for a pair of pants that I hope will become a TNT pattern.

[fzxdoc]

Quiltersfan, welcome to Stitcher's Guild! I really love the fabrics and colors you have chosen for the Autumn Sewalong, and the patterns that you are contemplating for them.  It will be a very pretty collection indeed when you have finished.

You seem to be doing fine with the logistics of posting links, but if you have any questons about the site or how to use its features, please don't hesitate to ask.  You'll see one of us admins or mod are online much of the time.  You can find us by scrolling to the bottom of the home page where our membernames appear in red or blue.

Again, welcome to SG, and enjoy sewing that collection of autumn garments!

Kathryn

[tricia560]

Well, this was a weekend of trials and tribulations.  I finished the silver skirt I wanted to (except for the hem, I need help marking that).

But then I got cocky...I tried my first sleeve.  I hemmed the sleeves flat, then sewed them into the armholes, then sewed up the side seam and down the sleeve.  Tried it on, patted myself on the back for a job well done, and hemmed the bottom hem.  Sigh.  And then noticed one sleeve was inside out    Doh.  At least I noticed before I wore it to work.  I can't rip all that out now, so I'm going to try and cut off the hems and redo them, making the sleeves shorter.  Luckily, the fabric is a knit, and I can't tell the right side from the wrong side anyhow....

On the other hand, I found a picture I'm going to use as inspiration for all my color choices: http://lkart.com/leaves-and-bats/autumn-leaves/

I used Photoshop to pull out the colors into swatches:
 

I think I'm drawn to that painting because I already love a lot of these colors and wear them often, but I think it'll help give me more focus, and suggest a few colors I haven't considered before.

so plan 1 for fall:
3 skirts - brown, green, burgundy
3 tops - brown, burgundy, cream/tan

and plan 2 (winter?):
3 skirts -  silver, blue, black
3 tops - silver/grey, blue, rose