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

[ejvc]

Bev, I know it does seem like a joke, but no.  I thought I might overlap a bit.  Keep this sewalong going until the end of Feb but also start the spring one. Or do just three pieces for either winter or spring.  No, the reason I want to move it is that I get caught a bit unawares sometimes by the seasonal change (this would depend on where you live) and often start the season with little to wear.

[sdBev]

..often start the season with little to wear.

So true or as the SWAPpers have discovered, you complete the SWAP but the season is gone and you can't wear your clothes.  I know for hand and machine knitting I do start planning spring/summer projects in February.  That's the month I finish my winter stuff up (or call it quits) and then start the next seasons garments.  I do the same with fall/winter knitting projects except August is the switch over month.  Even when machine knit, they take so long for me to complete that the season is nearly over before they can be worn. 

Elizabeth Even if you only complete 3 garments per season, you'll have more clothing and be better clothed next year than you were the last.  If you continue to sew just the 3 garments per season, in  a few years time you will have a good wardrobe.  Put a big IF there, if you use quality materials and techniques on classic garments that will last and stand the test of time.  I might suggest sewing first those garments that you can't buy.  For example, I seldom find pants that will fit me.  Skirts are OK, Tshirts by the dozen and coats pretty easily.  But pants no.  Hence one of my side projects is to develop that perfect pants pattern for me.  I don't care if I have only 1 TNT pants pattern.  Having 1 is all I need to be adequately clothed.  I can purchase everything else.  If I could sew perfectly fitting pants (and I am getting close), I'd be all set. Please let me encourage you to make your clothing plans and complete as much as you can.   

[Sewshopper]

Something that I did a couple years ago, was to go through my closet and pick out orphans that I really liked.  I put them in color groups and then pondered what I might make (or you could buy) that would increase the opportunity to wear them.  I was surprised, it did not take that many pieces to pull things together.  Sometimes, it is just a pair of pants; Capri's or skirt in a color that worked for a couple tops.  It really did expand my wardrobe and put pieces that I liked but just had nothing to wear with to work.  Somehow, it gave me incentive.

I counted yesterday and I have 23 pieces of fabric on the day bed that keeps my "current sewing plans" somewhat organized.  (I have a stash greater than my life expectancy but make no apologies!)  So, I will keep sewing along, no matter what the season and am just glad to have company.

Karleene
 

[ejvc]

Bev, that's very true.  I started keeping a sewing journal about this time last year, and I have completed actually quite a few garments this year.  But NOW that I've FINISHED my PhD, maybe I will have more time?  I pinned up the hem on the checked skirt finally today, as well as finishing up my PMB sloper.  This week I should finish up that skirt and the cream top.

[Jacs]

A good idea Elizabeth - I need to think about winter at least with the planning of things.

Karleene I also do that - I like this sew-along as it helps me sew in outfits rather than isolated items. Although I am still working on getting them to fit together as I had imagined.

[RuthieK]

Love all the great ideas.
My work has gone very busy again though very interesting), and my two SWAP plans are now looking laughable, though I ordered some knit fabric online (knits sew up very quickly for me) which may help things along.
Anyway if i completely miss the mark on the SWAP9s) I might come and join you all here at a slower pace :-)

[LauraTS]

By the way, do you think I should shift the timing forward one month? So that we begin Spring sewing in Feb?  I'm feeling like the season is getting a jump on me when I'm sewing a winter coat in February just as the daffodils are poking up their heads...

I too would welcome this shift - we're lucky enough to start to have some springy weather in March, and it'd be nice to have a piece or two finished and available to wear for the  beginning of the season, rather than not having anything done until the season's mostly over. I think that's why I haven't been that psyched about working on winter clothes.

Karleene, Bev, Jacs, and Sharon (hope I didn't miss anyone) - all of you have some great new pieces, very wearable and flattering.

[ejvc]

Thanks for your comments, everyone.  I've decided that I'm going to begin a spring sewalong thread at the start of February, but also run this one concurrently.  Everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to do two full 6-piece collections, or make one shorter, or whatever. 

I have been sewing a blouse from a PMB pattern.  It has not turned out the way I had envisioned!  I still have a lot to learn about pattern drafting, that's clear.  Also I prepped for hemming my checked skirt, at last, I may get to wear it before winter is over!

[sdBev]

I made a little more progress today.  I finally decided why my embroidery didn't look finished on my coat.  I added 2 tiny (maybe 2" square) embroideries in 2 places.  That means I'm ready to finish construction.  

But that is waiting just a bit more.  I've got to finish my post cards for the pc exchange here at SG; and I've already cut another pair of JSM pants.  That's the pattern that fits pretty good, I'm just tweaking it for a perfect fit.  But I have an idea I wanted to explore on this pattern, so I traced another copy of the back, made my proposed changes to the copy and cut new pants.  I did get involved in rearranging fabric again.  I'm wanting to use light colored, woven, non-stretch fabrics whenever I'm trying out fitting ideas.  Light colored so I can easily see drag lines, woven/non stretch so the lycra isn't substituting for true fit. Every fabric I picked  seemed to have stretch of some kind.  I stopped everything sorted and refolded pant-worthy fabrics into 2 piles stretch and no stretch.  Now I can lay my hands on the type fabric I want for the next pair of pants.  Interesting side effect.  One of my shelves always seem to be dark, gloomy. By rearranging I unintentionally lightened up the shelf by putting more light colored fabrics on that shelf.  Actually makes my stash room just a little more pleasant.  

---Still waffling about the jacket/vest but I'm beginning to look forward to the spring capsule.

And not totally on topic about the 6PAK, but I'm also redoing my blog.  I've been storing pictures at Picturetrails, even paid for upgraded storage capability.  But the last time they hit me up for another upgrade I decided to look around and see what else is available.  I've found 2 sites that have unlimited storage and another 2 that have large like 1GIG before you have to upgrade.  So I'm moving pictures around.  Really messes up the links, and take time.  But hey it is about sewing so I'm enjoying it.

[HeatherB]

My matching top. New Look 6407 again. The same view as the white shirt. This will be a great shirt to wear when travelling - very comfortable and no wrinkles.

First a hanger shot.



Then one of it being worn.

[RuthieK]

Heather, very nice! A useful piece indeed.

[sdBev]

Heather

Great blouse! 

[marciae]

Heather - great blouse!

[Karendee]

Another fantastic blouse, Heather. You are making a wonderful wardrobe.

Karen

[Jacs]

Nice Heather I love that shirt on you.  Well done.

[HeatherB]

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments on my blouse 

[ejvc]

Yes, a lovely blouse, Heather, you are being very inspirational to us!  Bev, it is always nice to have a little clean-up and reorganisation, I just cleaned out my sewing basket and organised things there (meaning I can find things like my seam gauge and bodkin) and it is very nice to be able to use it! 

I hemmed the shell and pinned up the lining hem on my checked skirt yesterday!  I have been getting a little depressed on my PMB fitting adventure so I thought to myself - why not finish the fabulous skirt you have started (I tried it on again, and it says va-va-voom ).  I had an idea, and I was right - this particular fabric does not show my machine blind hem AT ALL.  So it was incredibly quick to hem.  I have an hour to sew now so I think I can finish it up.

Elizabeth

[ejvc]

And lo, my first item is finished!  Unfortunately it is currently a true orphan.  It looks absolutely great when you see the waist (a high waist and a great look for me) but ghastly, ghastly I tell you, with a jacket that is anything but very cropped also.  None of which I have.  But I love this fabric and can't wait to make more things from it.

[kbenco]

Elizabeth,fantastic!, See it was worth finishing that pesky PhD  , and surely that means you should start on a houndstooth cropped jacket, or am I completely unfashionable in thinking that a skirt suit is a useful item in the wardrobe?

I have only made one Summer piece, and need all of Feb to do the rest. I want to make new things in the last month of summer, as our warm weather lasts so long here that things I make too early get worn out before the next season. I put them away when it gets cool, but next summer, they look unwearable when I get them out of the wardrobe.
Karen

[RuthieK]

Elizabeth, very exciting news. Looking forward to seeing the project when you are able to take and share a photo.

[sdBev]

I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I chuckled when reading your post.  Good luck with the sewing especially with the PMB software/patterns.  I've found that I must try something, evaluate and either discard or adapt for future projects.  So give yourself a pat on the back for every, no matter how small, success.  I'll be cheering for you!

[Psalm23]

Hey everyone,
I'm joining in for Spring and Summer.  Due to the fact I wear manly dresses I am not really following a strict color pallet.  I am keeping to cool colors (olive green, hunter green, and plum).  I hope to have spring done by mid April and summer by June.

Spring:
Dress: See & Sew 5201 in green.  I am 90% finished with this dress.
Dress: Butterick 4443 C in black
Dress: Butterick 5030 C in unknown
Top: Simplicity 3750 C in white
Top: Simplicity 3750 C in olive green
Top: Simplicity 3750 E in white
Top: Simplicity 3750 E in plum

Summer:
Dress: McCall's 5703 A
Dress: McCall's 5292 C in white
Dress: McCall's 5292 C in olive green
Dress: Butterick 4657 B
Vest: Simplicity A in black
Vest: Simplicity B in black

[ejvc]

Bev, I know - do as I say, not as I do should be my motto.   

Psalm23, welcome, I'll be starting the spring thread today.  Happy to have you join us!

Elizabeth

[ejvc]

And here is item number 2 of my winter collection -- Ottobre 5/2009 number 5.  I used a stretch blind-stitch to do the hem, which was all that was remaining.  I can't remember what size I cut or what alterations or what on this blouse it was all so long ago that I did the major cutting and construction.  I'm wearing it with my Ottobre houndstooth trousers.

[RuthieK]

Oh wonderful! Its a great smart casual outfit and the cuffs are fabulous. (I never have cuffs like that as I just trail them in the washing up, ketchup, coffee etc but I like the idea of them).
Very pleased to see you sewing AND wearing stuff.

[HeatherB]

That's a lovely top Elizabeth. I like the cuffs too.

[sdBev]

Elizabeth I love your blouse and the pants too.  I'm like ruthie, always trailing my cuffs through water and stuff.  But I've made, oh dear what did we call them.  Mine are stretch bands, cut from t-shirt sleeves, so they are a tight circle.  I put them over my sleeves, roll up the sleeves and the stretch bands hold my sleeves out of the way.  Anyway, that's what I do when I think of it.  Probably 3AM tomorrow morning, I'll think what these are called.


Psalm23:  I'm presuming you already have plenty of bottom for those tops.  Do you prefer skirts or are there some jeans in your closet too?  Indygotiger is making a SWAP comprised mostly of jumpers which are a sleeveless dress that can be worn over blouses or alone depending up her need for extra warmth.  

ETA:  Psalm23  when you get ready to share your creations don't forget the Sharing and Inspirations topic http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,8652.msg144182.html#msg144182  and when you wear them post on the What Did I wear today thread http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,8651.0.html  Not everyone reads this thread but they'll all want to see your creations.  BTW one of the admins should be along shortly to welcome you to the list and give you a few more pointers and links.  Welcome aboard!

[Jacs]

Nice outfit Elizabeth I can't wait to see a photo of that skirt.

[ejvc]

Thanks everyone!  The top is a wool jersey, and is both comfortable and warm - perfect for chilly casual me.  Strangely, the cuffs don't seem to get into much trouble - I fed oatmeal to my two year-old without incident.  Will let you know how they get on.  My view in making them was that I could always cut them off and put a straight band on the bottom, since I have some leftover fabric. My notes say I cut a size 42 from Ottobre and did a shoulder adjustment.  Not quite enough of one, I'd say, it doesn't sit exactly right, but it's still pretty.

I'd really like to take a picture of the skirt on, so I'm waiting for an opportune moment to suggest to my husband that he be the photographer.  I don't know, for some reason he seems tired of this chore.

And I would like to announce that I am making progress, at last, on the navy silk shirt which according to my sewing journal I cut out last January.  It's just that I lost the magazine with the instructions somewhere and it has a tricky front with a part-concealed placket.  It's so old, in fact, that I haven't altered the shoulders on it so it won't fit right, but even without that the fit is pretty good.  Anyway today I got serious with the placket and managed to figure it out.  Or at least figure out something that approximates how it should look.  Instructions are for the birds anyway.

And finally, because I *really* would not like to orphan this skirt, I've picked out a jacket pattern.  I have had for a while, but not used, some of Nancy Erickson's patterns including her 1945 jacket.  The C version in waist length I with the collar will, I think, be rather nice for this wool; and I like the asymmetric button loops shown, so I may use those:

-- the one on the left.

I need some tailoring supplies though.

You may have noticed I'm working through my UFOs.  Next on the list is a pair of the V7881 trousers in a very pretty blue-grey wool blend, which you will perceive instantly will work with this cream top and the navy top, and maybe the jacket as well.  Then I have a disastrously shaped tunic in a very pretty fabric, which I may well recut into a nice sleeveless blouse for the summer collection.

[sdBev]

...
You may have noticed I'm working through my UFOs.  ..

I've working on following ruthies lead in cutting one project at a time, almost.  I do have the coat cut and waiting to be finished, working on Dh's shirt which iis all cut, and I've cut my next project a pair of pants.  But I've found if I cut too many things at once, I forget what I had planned and end up with more UFO's.  I actually planned to be done with DH's shirt before this, but I keep stopping to read and think and do samples. 

Congrats on finishing your UFO's and making them into coordinated outfits.  This really is the most productive way to sew.

[RuthieK]

Congrats on finishing your UFO's and making them into coordinated outfits.  This really is the most productive way to sew.

Oh yes totally agree. 

[kbenco]

Fabulous work Elizabeth. How can your husband be tired of taking photographs of his gorgeous wife? I don't understand it. My poor husband came home one day with a tripod.
I do not know that I could recommend that you  divert any pattern and fabric fund towards mere photography,but most cameras have a self timer if you can wade through the instruction manual, and a pile of books makes a good substitute. Not having a PhD, I have not yet managed to read the entire camera manual, so instead of using the tripod bribe my daughter with clothing, which I find quicker and more effective.    However,I don't want to wait 4 years or so (or maybe 1 - doesn't Claudine's tiny one take her photographs?) to see your skirt.

I find that more than 2 things cut out at once makes my sewing stressful, so I don't do that anymore,  very often.
Karen

[ejvc]

Karen, alas, would that I had a camera!  No, all I have is my mobile phone which let me tell you has no such advanced features as a tripod mount or self-timer.  I'll be so happy to start earning again - there are so many things which would be very useful to have...

Elizabeth

[kbenco]

Foot in mouth typing  .  Makes it tricky to sew us your sewing. Don't some doting grandparents insist on weekly photographs of your daughter? Or maybe the mobile camera phone is fine for such updates. I am finding a camera more and more useful as a sewing self-assessment tool, but I would not like to have to buy a new one, they require budgeting!
Karen

[ejvc]

No worries, Karen! I am not offended at all - a camera is something that most people have, I think, and it really is a wonderful aid to fitting.  I can't imagine sewing without one now!  I think my photographer fiend brother might have one surplus to his requirements so I may receive one after all.

I have made good progress on my silk blouse, and on the dress form at least it is turning out very pretty indeed.  I hope there are no last-minute buttonhole or hem disasters.  I almost had a heart attack today because I nicked it with the scissors while grading a seam.  Fortunately it was on the bib section, which I've doubled, so actually invisible from the outside.  Whew! Close call!  I only have to baste and topstitch the collar stand (collar is finished and attached though), finish the sleeve seams (they are already set in), hem, and buttonhole/buttons, so I should be done tomorrow.  I wish I had known enough to do the shoulder adjustment.