Six-piece winter collection sew-along (Dec-Feb)

[ejvc]

Hi everybody!  We have had some beautiful wardrobes over on the six-piece autumn collection sew-along, and I'm now starting this topic for our winter collections.  In my area anyway it's started to get rather frosty so winter clothes will be a real bonus.

The idea behind these collections is to create simple, smallish groups of clothes which work together and can form the backbone of a seasonal wardrobe.  By limiting the colours and the pieces, you create something you can wear every day, while still leaving time in your schedule to sew all the awesome things that grab your interest at the time.  Thus, the six-piece collection runs over a season, 3 months, and if you sew two pieces per month you will be finished with time to spare.  In autumn, RuthieK sewed more than 10 pieces in November!  I, on the other hand, sewed only 3 over the whole period. 

The collections are also based on the idea that you should be able to layer the clothes for warmth and versatility.  I don't tend to wear dresses, so they aren't included in these plans, but I think if you like dresses you should put them in the "Layering top" category.  Or sew them as extra.

The formula is:  four colours: a dark neutral, a light neutral, a complementary colour and an accent.  From my original post about this: "Colour examples: navy, beige, white and red (classic maritime!); black, grey, white and red (classic urban!); chocolate, beige, ivory and plum (sophisticated!); charcoal, silver, white and pink (zow!); chocolate, olive, cream, and orange (cha cha!) etc. My current set is brown, navy, cream and blue - low key. Or interesting combos, a la trinny & Susannah: dove grey, lemon, lavender, and eau de nil -- although I have a hard time imagining myself in lemon trousers so I might not really go for this. But how about blue-toned burgundy, olive, mushroom and lavender? See Trinny & Susannah's Rules page for more suggestions of four-colour palettes."

The garments for winter are

WINTER
Trousers (dark neutral)
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Coat (dark neutral)

This means a matching coat and trousers, plus jacket and top in similar colours.  Possibly boring, definitely useful.   If you don't feel like doing it that way, I suggest you consider a different neutral for the coat, leaving a matching trouser/jacket/shirt combo.  Use prints/textures primarily composed of the neutral to add variation in this.

My current plan (which those who know me will have a good laugh at now) is as follows:
1. Dark brown wool/cotton trousers, Marlene pattern
2. Red jersey top (fabric in stash)
3. Oatmeal jersey top (fabric in stash)
4. Crop jacket in dark brown velveteen, Marci Tilton pattern (fabric in stash)
5. Vest in same cotton/wool fabric, Marci tilton pattern (fabric in stash)
6. Navy melton coat with brown stitch detail (fabric in stash)

I will start with the trousers, vest, and jacket.

I also currently have four UFOs: a navy silk top, a cream wool jersey top, a navy plaid skirt (all these go nicely together), and a silk plaid dolls dress. I hope to finish these also during the upcoming months. 

Needless to say I won't be participating in swap!

[DebbieF]

Considering I got side-tracked during the Autumn sew along, please include me in the Winter one.  Of course, Winter in Florida is a bit different than elsewhere.....our temps are lowish in the morning (low 40's) and can get up into the 70's by afternoon.  I think my colors would be ivory, olive, milk chocolate and maybe lavendar or butter yellow...kind of low key neutrals.  I do love dresses and given that the climate is moderate, might have to include a dress or two!

[Sharon]

I am going to join in, however mine will be a Summer collection and I'm doing my best to make it a casual e.g. non work collection as most of my sewing is for work and my casual wardrobe relies on RTW which isn't what I want to wear.

I need to think about my colours, however the basic colour is brown (darker neutral), cream (neutral) and purple (accent).  I just need one more, maybe a coffee (lighter neutral), hmm  plenty to think of when I should be working 

Sharon   

[DebbieY]

Since I failed so dismally in the last Six Pack I doubt, with Christmas festivities and the start of Summer School Holidays in two weeks, that I would do any better with this one. I am still working on achieving acceptable fit and creating some TNT's. Should I manage to create a Summer Collection at the same time that will be a bonus, but I am not expecting to achieve it.

[RuthieK]

I absolutely love Elizabeth's idea, but I am going to be doing SWAP and I don't really need a winter coat since I have several purchased ones already so I shall probably sit this one out.

I did consider a mini festive wardrobe to wear for casual Christmas events but even then I am not sure what my colours would be other than I want an old gold blouse and maybe a red cowl neck knit top. However I can't think of anything else such a capsule would have in it.

So I will probably just start thinking about SWAP in earnest since I have not quite got a plan that works just yet.

Looking forward to see what you all come up with

[RuthieK]

OK so a rummage through the stash produced a few pieces which could work really well for a mini Christmas wardrobe.

bottoms
black poly with clear threads which glitter only slightly when the light catches - drapey evening pants
black fabric with a slight dull sheen - more pants if there is enough fabric, otherwise a long skirt of some sort
black cord with red and gold embroidery and a few red sequins, a long straight skirt (simple style)

tops
antique gold crinkle satin - wrap over blouse
red slinky - a simple knit top of some sort (not a lot of fabric)
red/white/black print knit (not much stretch) - a knit top of some sort

and then if I am brave enough some beautiful soft red faux fur made into a little short jacket with black satin lining.

[MaryAnn]

Ruthie, you are very inspiring. The idea of a mini Christmas/New Year's Holiday wordrobe is intriguing. I'll have to rummage through my stash, as well. Thanks for the idea. I'll report back

[marciae]

Ruthie - what a great idea!!  Might need to re-think this!!

[kitnrose]

Ruthie, that fabric is gorgeous!

And I'd love to jump in and make this the backbone of my SWAP - hopefully having two incentives will help push me along. 

Colors - Dark brown, cream, peacock blue, and lilac

Bottom -Dark brown skirt (sorry, not pants - I just don't wear them often enough!) - Just finished tonight! 

Tops: Brown knit tee (must check color with skirt) and a blue silk shirt

Layers: Cream sweater, machine knitted, and Lilac wrap cardigan?  Brown vest?  Something else entirely?

Coat: Brown cape from lovely brown wool gauze, gift from Licarrett.  If it's the right weight- I have enough heavy things, need lighter things for next winter when we're back in TX.

[boppingbeth]

I'm jumping in, too.

I finished a navy/rose stretch lace top and jacket twin set this morning, waiting for my dental work.  Although it works with the plum pants  and the grey pants I made for the autumn set, it has a much more formal feel.  So, I'm going to add a few more formal pieces.

1.  Stretch rayon velvet full legged pants.  These look like a long skirt, but are pants.  I've made them out of other fabrics, and but my oldest stole them.  This time, the gold ribbon label is going into them so they stay mine!

2. Long sleeved stretch rayon velvet dress (probably empire line, but simple skirt). 

3.  Another twin set, from a white embroidered and beaded stretch lace. 

[Ann]

I am not going to jump in as it is near impossible for me to do this where I am living. I will do the summer one as I will need that kind of wardrobe. And I am looking for the material.

I like how people are looking at holiday clothing - some of the ideas are wonderful. I am not doing much at Christmas this year so will end up wearing jeans, tops, and slippers most of the time. And if I do dress up, I will wear a western shirt with a bit of glitz in it.

So in the meantime, I will watch and drool.

Ann

[Jacs]

Hi I'd like to be in too, however like Sharon it will be a summer wardrobe as it is meant to be summer here (torrential rain and freezing temps at present - and we are off to DS's rowing camp tomorrow)

My colours will be Blue and white - I've named the collection "China Blue" after a piece of cotton sateen that sort of has an Asian flavour.

I'm making
1. A skirt Burda 8090 in the aforementioned cotton sateen
2.A skirt Burda 130 from WOF 2/2008 in a dark denim off cut from DK I think
3.A jacket from Burda 146 WOF 8/2004 in a Denimy Blue/ purple jaccard (sp?) with white sprigs of flowers scattered all over
4. Singlet from Jalie in white self strip knit
5. Tshirt Burda 148 WOF 4/2003 white burn out knit
6. Princess line shirt Burda 140 WOF 4/2004 in white and one in sky blue

All these fabrics are from the stash as I am on a stash busting crusade bought on by the recession hitting us hard.

So far I have cut out all except the jacket and started on the Jalie singlet which looks great.Looking forward to sewing and sharing with you all.

I was lucky enough to be given an almost complete set of Burda mags from 1999 until when I began subscribing in 2006 so I have been delving into styles that will suit me in the Plus size category.

Regards Jacqui

[ejvc]

Great!  For summer in the antipodes the collection formula is as follows:

SUMMER
Dress
Skirt (accent colour)
3 blouses/tops (1 to match skirt, 2 to complement)
1 light layering top/cardigan

Jacs, do you think you'd like to make one of your skirts a dress?  Sounds a beautiful collection.  I love blue-and-white.

[ejvc]

Ruthie -- three bottoms?   I think you are mocking The Formula 

Elizabeth

[Jacs]

Hi Elizabeth

Yes I can add a dress - they are on my to do list to try and fit - so maybe that will be my challenge to get a dress to fit my body (petite until armholes then extra long in the waist with a dreadful swayback).  Unless it sort of falls from the shoulders dresses usually look odd on me and then I look like the baby is due anytime skirts and tops are always a safer bet.  but thats what this is about coming out of our comfort zones hmmm?

Regards Jacqui

[RuthieK]

Oh Elizabeth, by sewing sparkly Christmas things I should get thrown off the thread! And I am only planning 3 bottoms, that does not mean any of them will actually happen
I just love playing planning wardrobes so much. Also I am not a tidy person and need clean tops and bottoms every day to look presentable.

I must admit I am more worried that the planned red faux fur bolero jacket is too insane to be a sensible layering piece. But I hope you will still let me be part of the thread anyway.

[sdBev]

Ruthie  I love your Xmas mini-wardrobe.  We're too casual here for anything like that, but I love it just the same.

I'm in  not sure what my colors will be.  I need to rummage in the stash.  But I do remember a grey wool blend (probably because it seduced me only last month while in the fabric store).  I was thinking skirts instead of trousers, but I've got someone interested in helping privately to fit my pants pattern so I may do trousers.  Also skirts aren't really practical in the winter.  I mean I was thinking skirts and then the temperature dropped to 24F at about 2Pm and the wind blew from the North.  It blew all the way through my tights, long johns and jeans.  I hate to think where the icles would have been hanging had I worn a skirt.  

WINTER
Trousers (dark neutral) probably Grey
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets probably a vest and a cardigan
Coat (dark neutral), I do need a new coat and I have a dark grey berber fleece that would work perfectly.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm still thinking  

[ejvc]

Ruthie, considering you actually completed the autumn wardrobe (+) I'd be a fool not to let you on the thread.  For all I know you'll do Christmas and Winter and SWAP.  I don't put anything past you.  (Plus, can one actually throw someone off a thread?  It seems unlikely, not to mention mean.)

Jacqui, I hear you about dresses.  As in, I haven't got any because I can't buy them to fit, and therefore I'm COMPLETELY out of the dress habit.  But one wants a lovely dress for summer, no?  Can you try making a croquis (see indigotiger's SWAP thread) and using that to evaluate different styles?

Sharon, Debbie, boppingbeth, kitnrose, sdBev, nice to have you along!

It's the coat that's worrying me.  I have this lovely navy blue wool melton, and a serious need for a winter coat, but still I hesitate.  I think I am afraid of the interfacing.

[RuthieK]

It's the coat that's worrying me.  I have this lovely navy blue wool melton, and a serious need for a winter coat, but still I hesitate.  I think I am afraid of the interfacing.

A coat does seem a big undertaking, but really is only a longer jacket. I know you love details though Elizabeth, and its all of those which take a project and make it really complicated.

[RuthieK]

Thank you Elizabeth you are so gracious especially when I play fast and loose with your plan.
I shall try a little harder to follow the rules..... (only with my Christmas twists)

WINTER
Trousers (dark neutral)
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Coat (dark neutral)

Trousers (dark neutral)
This will be the black trousers with the self stripe
(and an extra would be the cord embroidered skirt)

2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Hmmm so if the complement is the gold blouse, then the match needs to be mainly black (I would not normally wear black around the face so this is a stumbling block for me). I do however have some black knit, which made into a nice top could have some simple embellishment at the neck.

2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Well if I have the black cardi-wrap as one and the red faux fur as the other....

...but then I don't have
Coat (dark neutral)

[wanders off musing]

[boppingbeth]

Ruthie

Could you use a shawl, or other wrap type item instead of a coat?  Or, maybe  a dress coat? 

[sdBev]

Dumb question time.  Would someone please define the difference between jacket and coat?  I thought there was a difference in terms of ease and length.  But I'm looking at my patterns, many of which are termed coats, but I would have thought were jackets due to length and closer fit.  What is your opinion?

[ejvc]

My opinion is that you can wear a coat outside in cold weather with a jacket underneath :-) but I agree it's confusing.  Ruthie, you need a black velvet evening coat, of course.

[boppingbeth]

I always though that a coat could be worn over a jacket.  In the summer, this would be a rain coat, or trench coat.  Since I'm in Canada, I'm thinking a lot warmer.  I probably actually need a coat.  I even have a Marfy pattern for a coat (somewhere in the sewing room).... but I haven't made a coat in years and years.  I bought a really nice dress coat second hand, and my oldest has claimed it, so now I need to start thinking about what I want for a coat. 

[RuthieK]

Ruthie, you need a black velvet evening coat, of course.

Why of course I do. Absolutely no time to make one though! Plus I only have black stretch velvet.

[ejvc]

Well, you are entitled to six yards of guilt-free fabric as a reward for your autumn collection.  I should think black velvet would fit the bill.  And surely some boring other projects could move out of the way for this? 

[RuthieK]

Ooh Elizabeth you are a wicked enabler!

[sdBev]

'Nother dumb question.  I think my colors are going to be grey and dark grey for neutrals and a yellow contrast for one of the tops.  Do I  have to use yellow as the contrast for my layering top?

[sdBev]

I have looked through my stash and come up with some fabric choices.  I started to write this post but is morphed into a thesis.  I transferred the thesis to my blog (link in signature) and am only posting pics here. 



I haven't picked patterns and definitely have to purchase a wool crepe for the trousers. I think my colors are grey, dark grey and yellow.  I am moving towards sewing this 6PAC!

[AnnetteAK]

I have been reading the thread for the autumn collection and have decided to join in the winter collection. Haven't decided on colors yet, will have to look through my stash of fabrics . I may be slow until mid-January when my daughter and boyfriend move out. My sewing room plus the garage is filled with their stuff.  Plus my husband will be home for the holidays --he teaches in western Alaska (a small village in Bering Straits).
I plan on 1 or 2 pants, 3 tops and a jacket/coat. Oh! a detached fur collar (real fur). Pics this weekend.

[Ann]

Here is what I found for Jacket and Coat:

A jacket is a lightweight, thigh- or waist-length coat that may be worn by adults or children. Some jackets are fashionable, while others serve as protective clothing.
http://www.apparelsearch.com/Definitions/Clothing/jacket.htm

Confusingly, what was once called a coat is now commonly referred to as a jacket, as in a dinner jacket, although the original meaning is still used in tailoring—to mean the upper part of a suit, for example.
What is now commonly called a coat—an outer layer of clothing such as a trench coat—is, in tailoring terms, correctly called an overcoat, since it is worn over the coat.
http://www.apparelsearch.com/Definitions/Clothing/coat_definition.htm

This will throw a twist into what you are thinking.

[DebbieY]

I am still unsure if I can fit this in around the kids school holidays and other committments but if I can I would like to do either a Summer or Autumn Six Pack. It's summer here atm and it stays pretty warm till well into May, we don't really get an Autumn and not much of a winter, so either of these options would be suitable for me.

Summer
Dress - I don't have any so this could be a good idea
Bottom piece - accent colour (probably cropped pants as I don't wear skirts very often)
3 blouses/tops - 1 to match, 2 to complement
1 light layering top/cardigan

Autumn
Skirt or trousers - neutral (probably pants)
3 blouses/tops - 1 to match, 2 to complement
1 Layering top/cardigan - to match pants
Jacket - co-ordinating neutral

I am still working on achieving some TNT's but with end of school activities and summer holidays approaching, with Christmas and a birthday thrown into the mix, I don't know how far I will get. No patterns, fabrics or colours considered yet, atm I am still thinking about it.

[RuthieK]

Hello Debbie and welcome!

Well I decided to start with red for the Christmas wardrobe and so yesterday evening I cut out the red print in the kimono sleeve pattern and the red slinky in the plain scoop neck pattern.
Then I sewed up the red slinky and its apparent it is too big. Recently when I have made a size 16 top its come out too large on several occasions, so I think I am probably slimmer on the upper half than I think I am (sigh).

Anyway this evening I shall cut the sleeves off make the shoulder seams a bit shorter, reinsert the sleeves and recut the side seams to fit better. Its too big in the shoulders and bust but OK on the waist and hip. I did already take the back waist in, so I guess why that is OK.

Yorkshire Lass suggested I make a satin backed rectangular stole with my red fur and wear it with a brooch this Christmas which would allow me to wear like that or unpick and restitch into something else another time.
That is an excellent idea, and so that is what I shall do.

My lovely Janome sewing machine is making wierd noises so I am going to have to switch to my much less lovely Toyota sewing machine and take the Janome to Chester for servicing/repair. I shall miss it so lets hope the repair people only keep it for a week.

[Jacs]

Hi everyone

RuthieK I am loving your christmas collection and I cannot wait to see that jacket - who cares about the rights and wrongs of it. Isn't that why we sew?

As regards the dress issue I took myself shopping yesterday (if it isn't fabric I find it rather a chore as fitting is an issue) and tried on lots and I mean lots and lots of different dress styles.  I even went to the ridiculous all in the name of research. Thanks to a rather bored shop assistant early in the morning we spent a wonderful time trying on alsorts and NZ designers as well. 

Realisation #1- anything with empire line and gathers/pleats is a NONO!

Realisation #2 - Vertical colour blocking can give me the illusion of a waist.

Realisation #3 - No matter how much I love Trelise Cooper designs (NZ designer) there is no way that I should ever appear in public wearing them (think overblown aging blonde barmaid)


Realisation #4 - Princess lines are the way to go.

So off to Burda to find a design and begin.

[sdBev]

I need to make up my mind and start sewing!  I've been "thinking out loud" on my blog.  The gist of it is that I've changed my colors they are now Truffle, truffle-grey mulberry and rose-pink.  The fabrics look good together, so if that doesn't sound enticing, I'm using incorrect color names.  I've been working on selecting patterns today.  Narrowed that down, but still haven't finalized my decisions.  I don't want to make an 11-garment swap, but I'm having a hard time reducing this to 6 garments. It's going to be 8 for sure because I have 3 fabrics for pants that I'm dieing to make.   I'm not sure if my Missioni Knit works well with my colors, the rose-pink specifically.  But I want to make it up anyway.  I just need to make some final decisions so I can get started.

Ruthie- You are awesome!  I see newby's being impressed by your productivity too.  Don't down-play your accomplishments because you're using TNT's that now seem simple to you.  At one time you wrestled with fitting every one of those patterns.  They are paying off for you now.  If newby's knew that too, they would feel better about working with simpler patterns and cooperative fabrics. 

Elizabeth- Great to hear about your shopping trip.  I've found it's really helpful to try on clothes even when I have no intention of purchasing.  I look at colors and shapes and mentally make a note what is and is not flattering.  I usually don't take a whole morning, and I wait to make my notes until I'm back in the car.  Yeah, I forget somethings, but I feel like it's rude to try something on and then makes notes and sketches right there in the store.