2018 Summer Sew-A-Long Chatter

[mudcat]

A place to discuss travel wardrobe planning...

[Elephun]

Thinking about this. Don't have any trips planned until March, but it should be warm where we're going so I think I can pull this off.
Thanks for organizing this, mudcat

[fzxdoc]

I have a friend who always packs two mix-match outfits when she travels. That's it. She wears one while the other is drying out from being washed. Then when she gets back home, she throws them both out.

I like your idea of a travel wardrobe better, mudcat. 

Kathryn

[Bookish]

This will be fun.  Thanks Mudcat for starting this 

We travel this way when we fly and it certainly makes life easier to only have carry-ons.  I've found it's a great way to pack no matter what the trip.  I'll certainly be following this with delight.

On our Mexico in November trip it was very warm... wish I'd packed more linen and less ponte.  Of course some warmth was needed for returning to the not so  balmy DC area!  Next Oaxaca trip will be in late September as Mr. Bookish wants to experience the rainy season.  Hmmm.

[DebbyA]

This is certainly something I can learn from even if I don't follow through this summer.  My future holds trips to Utica NY (where my mother is now in a nursing home) from Tucson, and possibly a trip to visit friends in Calgary, and definitely a Sew Kansas session in September.  In the past the hardest trips to pack for have been a couple of city days (e.g. London, Paris) followed by a walking trip in that country.

Thank you, Mudcat.

[peggyjo]

Terrific idea!   

[Helen M]

I'm not sure I have a short stay travel plan coming up, but you never know so I'll give it some thought.

Mudcat you had me for minute with 'PDX' then I started to think of my airport 3 letter codes from my airline/res days and my first thought was the right one. Amazing what the brain stores!

[indigotiger]

When reading this I first thought "doesn't apply to me, since I am not planning any travel this summer"... but then I thought about the summertime sewing I am about to dive into, which is a refurbishment of my historic re-creation clothing. So perhaps my travel is through time instead of through place...

[DragonLady]

I'm an "armchair traveler".  Even though I'm not actually able to leave very often, I can plan wild trips and dress like I'm there or at least on my way.

Peru?  I'll need lots of loud peasant skirts and sweaters with long sleeves -and plan to buy a few more while I'm there because alpaca.

Pluto?  I'll need a coat!  A real winter coat!  The kind of coat no one in Arizona has ever seen! 

Did I mention the best part of armchair travel is being able to imagine going places you wouldn't really be able to visit for any number of reasons? 

Combat zone? No problem; I'll just pack my Uzi 9mm and a few extra rounds...it should fit in the Amy Butler bag nicely.

I see no reason to miss out on the fun, even if there's no actual travel involved. 

[sdBev]

....So perhaps my travel is through time instead of through place...

Oh what a novel idea! I take all the reenactment fairs are near you?

I find that my 6-PACS cover my travel requirements although I do add a few items (specifically swim suit and cover up). But I shall be eagerly watching this thread for pics of your own travel wardrobes.

[indigotiger]

Oh what a novel idea! I take all the reenactment fairs are near you?

There are SCA events all over the USA and Canada, and indeed in various places in Europe and Asia as well. If I wanted to, I could go to an event somewhere here in the Pacific Northwest pretty much every weekend, had I the stamina and resources. But, nowadays, that would be impractical to say the least!! I usually go to two or three camping events each summer, which are "nearby" in that the ones I like to go to are within a four to six hour drive.

[CCL]

Oooooo.  I love this thread.  Thanks, DL and Mudcat, for opening it to everyone. 

I won't participate as I am committed to stash busting and finishing out my Slow Sewing Turtles SWAP which should keep me busy until September, if not beyond, but I am looking forward to seeing all the eye candy and hearing about the great travels, in time (forward or back), space, or just plain old land.

IndigoTiger, I so envy you being able to shop the Pendleton fabric outlet.  That's a beautiful piece - I love lightweight woolens.

[bessiecrocker]

The New York Times has had a series of ongoing articles about serious travel packing and wardrobes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/travel/clothes-packing-dress-light-shoes.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/28/travel/the-right-way-to-pack-for-travel.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/27/travel/long-term-travel-packing-tips.html

https://www.nytimes.com/guides/travel/how-to-pack-a-suitcase

I'll be in Berlin in August. My assumptions about the destination are that it's like a European version of New York City: young, hip, urban. Since I am no longer any of those things...I'll just wear my normal old, frumpy, and from the hicks outfits and be resigned that I'll look like a tourist. 

[Elephun]

I'm happy with what's in my closet for now so I think I'm going to sit this one out. This doesn't mean I'll stop sewing, by any means. I'll keep experimenting, of course!

[Pina]

I'll be in Berlin in August. My assumptions about the destination are that it's like a European version of New York City: young, hip, urban. Since I am no longer any of those things...I'll just wear my normal old, frumpy, and from the hicks outfits and be resigned that I'll look like a tourist. 

Bessie,in Berlin you can wear whatever you like to wear.     

Before I visited Berlin,four of us visited an out of our area hat shop near the ocean. I was looking for a kind of Minnie Pearl hat in red. We were laughing out loud while trying on hats,(staff probably thought we escaped from the loony bin ). I wanted to wear a red hat with a large 99 cents price tag when my girlfriend picked me up at the airport,(we have been friends since both of us were three years old.To this day we share laughter,tears of sadness and tears of joy).

Depending on where you are staying in Berlin,or how long,if you like to,or have time to visit sewing related shops I can send you info,(Knopf Paul: Berlin's button bonanza is one).

Every Saturday, the creative scene meets at the Maybachufer: For good reason: Traders have always offered their cotton,linen or silk there. At the same time,artists and designers present themselves there. Varied specialties and plenty of space for strolling and enjoying invite you to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Landwehr Canal. Since its premiere in September 2010, the "market for the beautiful things" has established itself as a place that invites week after week to creative and culinary voyages of discovery.

You may want to read this article "Diese Berlinerinnen ziehen nur an,was sie auf der Straße finden" - These Berlin women only wear what they find on the street. Anna and Karina not only take the term "street style" seriously,but literally literally.    Anyone who now thinks of torn,filthy shreds and is sure that the concept of the two 29-year-olds can not rise - should now immediately be prepared to change his mind.

They have  been collecting clothes from the street for some time. At some point they realized that both can find great things and it would be nice to share it with other people.

"So schön kann Kleidung von der Straße sein" - Clothes from the street can be beautiful.............
Two Berlin women wear the clothes that others have sorted out and document their fashionable discoveries on Instagram. You have not seen such beautiful clothes before.

In an interview with the online magazine ze.tt,Karina explains that she has repeatedly seen photos of people on Instagram who have put all sorts of brands on it. She and Anna have been collecting clothes from the street for some time - and decided that they want to show other people how beautiful clothes can be, that did not cost much. On Instagram, they write that they do not justify a modern philosophy with their project, but only want to show what different ways to dress in a creative and fashionable way.

The city of Berlin is particularly generous, they give a lot and expect nothing in return. For example, the two mean boxes with old clothes, the Berliners simply put on the street, so that everyone can use it.

Many people associate used clothing with deformed, broken and colorless pieces. Anna and Karina prove the opposite on their blog - in fact, it's hard to tell a difference from a professional blog.

[theresa in tucson]

Nice to see you posting again, Pina.  You have been quiet.

[Sew Ruthie Sews]

We're having a heatwave in the UK and that combined with work being really busy and various weekend things has rather sapped my sewing desire. I have made a cover for a seat cushion (not on blog) but not much else.
I did buy some more fabric though and so am now going backwards on my stash shrinking it feels (I've still sewn more than I've bought so maybe not).
However some of it was beautiful ivory lace which I am going to make into sheer curtains for rooms in my house so that should help address things.

I had a wardrobe sort out which took a long time, but for the work side at least has proved really helpful.
(It has also sort of spilled over into updating the bedroom with new curtains, drawers and paintwork which is in progress).
http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2018/06/wardrobe-clearout.html

I did make a note of some 'wardrobe holes' when I did the wardrobe clearout
Dark grey/charcoal cardigan
Teal cardigan
Teal tops

I also got a new chest of drawers to replace my old melamine set I have had for over 20 years and the bottoms are popping out of the drawers! The new drawers are unfinished wood, and I did the first coat of off white paint in a colour called 'Natural Calico' yesterday.

So I guess this summer I want to address my wardrobe holes, make some lace curtains and bust the stash some more.

[Susan in Saint John]

I'll be in Berlin in August. My assumptions about the destination are that it's like a European version of New York City: young, hip, urban. Since I am no longer any of those things...I'll just wear my normal old, frumpy, and from the hicks outfits and be resigned that I'll look like a tourist. 

At the other end of the spectrum from "young, hip, urban", in European cities I often see elderly women wearing just below the knee straight skirts with low heeled pumps/court shoes and a nice blouse.  If it's cooler, there will be a jacket which may or may not match the skirt or a coat.

There are some sure tourist giveaways like white sneakers and baseball caps.  You don't see shorts on the street either.  I think that Europeans take more care dressing than lots of us do in North America.  You see lots of sneaker type shoes now, often in leather, as well as nice jeans everywhere.

[Melinda_B]

Joining in, as I do have travel coming up very quickly!

[bessiecrocker]

Bessie,in Berlin you can wear whatever you like to wear.     

that's what I am counting on. also why I think Berlin is like New York City. You can get away with anything, as long as you wear it with conviction.

I think one of the big changes, at least in my corner of Europe, in what people wear in the summer is that you now start to see more shorts. But mostly on young men! The 20 to 35 age group, with good bodies.  But they aren't sloppy...tailored shorts with nice shirts and leather shoes. No baseball hats. They must have jobs where this look is acceptable, too, as you see them on weekdays out and about on city streets.

Susan in St-J, I know the "old lady" look. I'm probably close to falling into that category. Alas.

Pina, I'll have time to visit sewing destinations in Berlin. Very happy to get suggestions. I'm another who has been missing you here. Hope all is well.

[Turquoise]

I'm joining in too  great idea mudcat!  - as Ruthie has said we are enjoying unusually hot weather here in the UK and I need some summer dresses.  I was so fed up of being hot I went shopping to try and get some but as I should have known they don't fit well so I'm going to make some.  So far I've made a lovely mess of my sewing room pulling out patterns and fabrics from the stash - but that's where it starts isn't it 

[Pina]

Bessie,in Berlin you can wear whatever you like to wear.     

Pina, I'll have time to visit sewing destinations in Berlin. Very happy to get suggestions.

Bessie,I'm going to send you addresses later. When I visited Berlin years ago,I wore comfortable clothes and lightweight gray leather sneakers.  And yes,a black baseball cap with a funny saying,(over 50 and still looking good  ),almost every day,(never at a dinner table). If I were to visit Berlin now I would wear what I like to wear again,including one of my favorite baseball caps. A black baseball cap with a turquoise blue Native First Nation artist embroidery design.

[treefrog]

Joining in too!  We usually have a long weekend at one of the ski resorts when the 'official' ski season is over and stay at one of the lodges.  Depending on how the season goes, we could be x-country skiing or hiking.  Weather permitting we would be enjoying the great outdoors, but could also be stuck inside the lodge - lounging by a fire or indulging in the spa & sauna.

A quick look at the holes in my wardrobe are:

• soft shell jacket


• togs - I've worn two pairs out and need at least one replacement


• long sleeve hiking shirts


• jeans


• windpro pants for skiing - my current pair are almost worn out




Sounds like the beginning on a sewing plan 

[mudcat]

treefrog: this is a great example of what I was looking for.

What are togs, anyway ... seems to be swimwear but also a brand of swimwear.

[treefrog]

That's great.  Although I think I may let you down on my colour palette.  I find the tech fabrics hard to get and have a very limited colour choices. 

Yes, togs is 'Queenslander' for swimwear.  Also known as swimmers, bathers or cozzie depending on which part of Australia you are in.

[PJSewingal]

I'll read along with this thread, but just came back from my big vacation for the year.  2 1/2 weeks total - a few days in Vancouver,BC then Alaska cruise and land trip.  I packed for every type of weather and situation, as my research told me. But we were very lucky with no rain and very nice temperatures.  I found that taking my base neutral of navy in several items, layering, and adding colors with a few tops and jewelry served me well.  I only took 3 pairs of shoes and for me that was an accomplishment!

[mudcat]

Paula, what kind of Alaska cruise did you take? 

We're taking a small boat luxury cruise next month in the Juneau area.  I am claustrophobic so I would only go on a cruise where I was able to go outside from my room. We'll have a small private deck outside of our suite.  I'd like to try some of the European river cruises so this is a test of sorts.

[PJSewingal]

We took a 10 day Cruise/Land Tour with Holland America.  The ship was mid-size - about 2,000 passengers.  I refuse to go on a mega-ship even though we enjoy cruising.  This cruise started in Vancouver, BC and goes to a fairly standard set of places in Alaska - Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, via the Inside Passage.  Then the 3 day land journey was to Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage. We definitely had a balcony and used it often since we had very good weather.  No rain and warm temperatures - not good for the glaciers but good for us!

We do have trying a European River cruise on our bucket list - probably for after retirement.

My remaining summer sewing will be a couple of t-shirts to go with a linen vest I recently completed, some Home Dec sewing and fitting a couple of patterns.

I got the new Vogue Patterns Magazine in the mail this week - Fall patterns and ideas already! I really need to start thinking 'ahead' instead of current season.   

[bessiecrocker]

  I find the tech fabrics hard to get and have a very limited colour choices. 

I wondered about that. I'm impressed that you're attempting something that's pretty specialized.

I'm in Europe, and there's a few local places that manufacture really nice high-end soft-shell fabric and probably something suitable for wind proof pants. Not exactly cheap, however. If you might be interested in importing enough for your project I can provide info and will gladly "enable."

[Lisanne]

Elizabeth - ejvc - has a blog page about on-line outdoor fabric sources in North America and Europe
https://ejvc.wordpress.com/outdoor-fabric-suppliers/

P.S. Performance fabrics - hmm - primary colours, white, black, grey, olive green, the occasional brown/rust.
Merchant & Mills have lovely subtle colours if you're willing to wear oilskin.
https://merchantandmills.com/product-category/cloth/utility/

[sewsy]

I'll read along with this thread, but just came back from my big vacation for the year.  2 1/2 weeks total - a few days in Vancouver,BC then Alaska cruise and land trip.  I packed for every type of weather and situation, as my research told me. But we were very lucky with no rain and very nice temperatures.  I found that taking my base neutral of navy in several items, layering, and adding colors with a few tops and jewelry served me well.  I only took 3 pairs of shoes and for me that was an accomplishment!

Paula, middle DD surprised me with an Alaskan cruise last year. We were on a huge ship, there were three stops over seven days including Juneau....and I had an absolute BLAST!!!! Loved every minute of it. The best part, of course, was spending time with my baby.

[treefrog]

bessiecrocker  Please enable away.  I have a fair stash but I'm always on the lookout for new suppliers. 

Hiking and skiing gear are my favourite things to sew as I can adjust the fit and features to what I want eg pockets in the right place, pants that zip off at the knees rather than the ankles, etc.  Good quality fabrics are well worth the money and will last a lot longer than the cheaper alternatives.  I've got a Polartec windpro DWR jacket that I' made about 15yrs ago that still water repellent.  One of things I need to watch is that the shipping to Australia can way cost more than the fabric so I tend to stock up when the exchange rates are good or there is a rare sale.  I've got a stash of Polartec windpro and power stretch from the Malden mills store that I'm slowly working through

Our local fabric mill has contracts for military fabrics and I used to be able to get samples and seconds of some of the tech fabrics through the factory outlet.  Sadly the outlet closed, but I had managed to pick up Goretex equivalents for $2/m!  At that price I don't mind that it is charcoal grey.  One of the weirdest fabrics I scored was made from extruded basalt - designed to be really abrasion resistant and also waterproof.  I managed to get one of the sample offcuts and drafted out a knockoff of a pair of Kuhl hiking pants.  That shop was always lucky dip as you never knew what you might find.  I really miss it.



Lisanne  Thanks for the links.  There were a few suppliers on Elizabeth's list that I wasn't aware of

[PJSewingal]

Sewsy - glad you had a good time.  Alaska is a beautiful place!

[mudcat]

My cruise boat is quite small .. there will be no more than 175 people (plus staff).  It's small enough to go to some smaller places that bigger boats can't get to.  I sure hope it won't be raining the whole time we're there.  I am keeping track of the weather there and it seems like it will rain nearly every day over the next 10 days.  We're taking our rain ponchos and windbreakers that are slightly waterproof. 

I will probably not make anything for that trip but am going to make another eDress with my planned modifications before cutting into the good fabric.

[treefrog]

Hi Everyone,
How is the sewing going.  I was working on the windpro pants over the weekend.  Managed to repair the old pair by cutting out the zips and adding side panels and a crotch gusset.  Worked out well and didn't have to use nearly as much of my stash of the windpro as I thought I would need to.


In other news, we have a badge for the sew-along if you would like to use it on your blog or whatever.  I've posted this on the main thread, but thought I'd put it here too.  Hope you like it.




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