Stitcher's Guild Reloaded

The blouses and cardigans...
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The cardigan is a bit dark in the photo, being more of a royal blue.  I think I would like to have two more toppers:  an ivory cardigan and either a cardigan or casual jacket matching the aqua turquoise in the print.  With dark wash bootcut jeans as my main bottom, an array of blouses in solids and coordinating prints to go with the different cardigans would give me lots of outfit options.

I've been a bit out of pocket with the start of my new job, but my mind has still been simmering on my SWAP plans.  I have a few RTW pieces that are really driving my plans this year.  I recently thrifted a couple of blouses and cardigans all from the same label, so they work together really well, along with a green cardigan I already had.  The colors in the print blouse have been my main inspiration.
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@Scottiesews when the stuff is out one always gets more done- as soon as you pack it away, there is more work involved than just sitting down to weave a few strands... so one doesn't start with a small time frame... Interested to have a peep of that scarf!

@Morzel The last item on the loom was a scarf. Had to put it away while I decorate a bedroom & I simply can't find anymore time! I do have a hoodie type top cut out but quite when I'll get to it, I have no idea.

@Scottiesews I wish your husband all the best! Good to see you again- I am looking forward to your SWAP start. What's on your loom right now?

@warpjr1965 yes, do sew up that moto jacket, as the pattern (and the colour for it) sounds great, even if it does not fit into the colour scheme. Which, by the way, sounds very fashionable.

@MsSindy those fabrics look beautiful! I can't wear orange, but seeing your orange wool makes me want some myself... How come you think the red/black print does not look good with the tan wool? I think it looks good together in one of the photos. I'd wear it (IF I were to wear orange... ) Tackling the pants pattern right away seems smart.

@treefrog as for being short of fabric, nothing left for back pockets - could't you use some different fabric for back welt pockets? (You could use black satin fabric for the welts and red pocket fabric for a bit of tail feather...  )

@kushami your choices of jacket patterns and considering length - one has a bit of parka styling. (If you use a flowy fabric) You could use a long length for both pencil and full skirts. Like so:


I am thinking about a smart parka style jacket/coat myself - the Kelly by Sewaholic. We'll see.

For my tops, I'm going to keep it simple and quick.  I'm thinking about the different versions of B6687.  Perhaps adding some bust and waist shaping to the body and then just change out the sleeves for the different material.  This pattern should work for all my blouse weight material and it looks pretty quick/easy.  I think it will make a nice blouse that I can tuck in and wear under jackets.  I bet I could easily change the neckline too, if I wanted.  I usually prefer a v-neck or scoop.  Well, damn, I guess I just altered the whole pattern! 

But I'm hoping once I do the alterations, it can become a TNT.

At first I wasn't going to bring in the Tan because it doesn't go with the red/black print, but I've let go of the fact that everything should match with everything.  I really need wool pants/skirts for work, and tan will be a good basic to wear with damn near everything in my closet!  Plus, the tan goes well with the wool blend and the red-orange.

I've made my first pattern, which is an a-line bias skirt.  I had one from Ann Taylor that I loved (and ruined), and was saving it for years (they never go out of style).  So I made a pattern from it and so far am really pleased with it!  If it works out well, I may comb my closet for some of my other favorites to clone.

Next up, I'm going to start working on my pants pattern - that will be a challenge for sure.  I'm going to be using Simplicity 2860, which is a nice classic style with a flat front.

Well, I've been busy finishing up two things I've been working on: a casual top with cape-like sleeves and a sexy date-night dress.  They both came out wonderful and I'm really excited now to turn my attention to my SWAP plans.  Working on those did give me some time to reflect, so that was good.

I took some pictures of my fabric.  The tan and red-orange are my wools, and the black/tan/red is my wool blend.  Those are my main fabrics that I want to make coordinates from.  Then I'm thinking skirt and top from the black/red print, and a couple of neutral tops from the white (it's actually off-white), and black.

Oh gosh Scottiesews, what a year! Sounds like DH is doing well enough, I hope he remains fit!

I am glad you are joining, and am really excited to see your weaving, if you manage it. I would love to learn, but really have not got the time right now.

After some considerable absence I "think" I may be able to find time to at least start SWAP this year.  I had to bow out of 2018's SWAP as I struggled with the pressure from hubby's side effects from chemo.  By May 2018 he had battled through a years worth of chemo for lung cancer & chronic Lymphoid Leukemia & was declared to be in remission.  However by October 2018 the lung cancer had returned with a vengeance, but now on Immunotherapy the tumours have shrunk & there are few side effects.  It will not cure him but give him the opportunity to make the most of the time he has left which could be a few years yet!  Of course he had to develop a skin cancer, now removed, & there has been a spread into his bones but he's gone back to allotment gardening so fitter than he's been for some time.  Anyhow he's retired on health grounds so I partially retired too & the theory is I get more time to sew.  Along with new hobbies of weaving & I just bought a spinning wheel, my thoughts are to incorporate some self woven fabric into my wardrobe.  My head is quite literally spinning with ideas at the flexible rules this year.  Heres hoping I get further than previous years