Spring/Summer Inspiration

The making has been slow the last couple of months but the change of season has me considering all the beautiful things I want to add to my wardrobe.  

With a week at Sewjourn coming up fast, I wanted to put together a plan (of sorts) so that I could sew with a purpose.  So here are my inspiration boards for spring/summer.  The first board is more for the office and the second is more casual, but pieces will cross over from each because I like my clothes to work hard.

All photos via my pinterest boards

It's ambitious, and I don't have exact pattern matches, but I think that might work better for me.  There's no self-imposed pressure to sew all the things but there's enough structure that I don't waste time wondering what to sew next.  I've already picked out several items that I want to make so watch this space.  Actual completed projects coming soon!

all photos via my pinterest boards

Blush pink for winter? New Look 6459 pants.

So according to Instagram I finished these pants on April 2, but I only just managed to convince one of my kids to take photos today (excuse all the wrinkles from sitting at work all day).

These pants are New Look 6459 that everybody else made several years ago. I bought the pattern for the top, but ended up making the pants, and I see another version happening soon (with a couple of minor modifications).

I have to say that I'm in love with this fabric - it's the heavyweight vintage blush linen from The Fabric Store.  I would make all the things in this if I could!  In terms of adjustments I cut a size 18, omitted the front darts and used a slightly narrower seam allowance from the waist to the hip.  I think the instructions have the invisible zipper on the side but I moved it to the back.

Next time I make these I would interface the pocket openings to reduce the gaping, I'd add a little extra through the back crotch curve (it's just a touch uncomfortable when sitting if you know what I mean!) and I'd lengthen them by 1.5 inches.  I'd probably also slim the legs a little bit. 

Not sure I've got the styling quite right, but I'm loving these pants and really enjoying how versatile they are.

A "Gem" of a top

So the title is a really bad pun, but the top is really good!

I used the Style Arc Gem Knit Tee to create this top with long, slightly flared sleeves.

The pattern is a good one for a basic t-shirt and I used it late last year but didn't think it warranted blogging.  This is still just a t-shirt but I thought it deserved it's own post.

The idea for this has been rolling around in my head for a while.  It was probably inspired by something I saw on Pinterest or another blog.  It had to have long, slightly flared sleeves, be semi-fitted through the body with a scooped neckline.  I also knew that I wanted to make it up in this light weight ponte that I bought at Spotlight a couple of years ago.

To create the vision in my head I scooped 2 inches out of the front neckline, grading to 1/4 of an inch at the shoulders.  I extended the sleeve to a create a finished length of 68cm and a circumference of  40cm (yes, I do switch between imperial and metric measures!) and I used a facing to finish the neckline which I think provides a really clean finish.  I've kept the slightly high-low hemline as I like the touch of extra length in the back and the shape of the hemline.

I'm loving this top and plan on making at least one more in a sold colour, not sure yet whether it will have the flared sleeve or not.

April Plans

I hate to sound like a cliche, but... where has the time gone?!  I can't quite believe that it's already April.

I was trying to prioritise my projects for the month and thought that it would be good to blog them, helps me with my accountability but also helps to keep me on track.

Images via Closet Case Patterns and Grainline Studio

I think three projects is realistic - none of these are particularly complex but will be great additions to the wardrobe especially as we head into Autumn.

I've just realised that I'm almost exactly copying the photos above!  I'm planning the Closet Case Patterns Sasha trousers in a caramel stretch wool from Tessuti, the Closet Case Patterns Kalle cropped shirt in a white stretch cotton shirting and the Grainline Archer in a white viscose.

So far I've managed to cut out the Kalle shirt but Emerald Erin's Jordy Bralette is calling my name so who knows - there could be a change in plan!

#2018makenine and other goals

I like the concept of nominating 9 projects for the year so I've made a #2018makenine.  I've already posted it on Instagram but I thought I'd recap here and capture a couple of other goals too.

Let's start with the other goals.  Like so many others my stash is overflowing and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it.  As I was scrolling Instagram over Christmas I found Katrina's stash diet and decided to join in.  I have fabric piled high on an armchair in my sewing room and I won't be buying any other fabric until it's cleared (my cupboards are also overflowing but I'm trying to be realistic and set small, achievable goals).

This year I'm also saving for a coverstitch machine.  I've wanted one for a long time, Wade even told me to just go out and buy one, but I want to save for it and get the satisfaction of doing this on my own.

Finally, here's 9 projects that I really want to make this year.

True Bias Lodo dress - I already have the pattern and the fabric.

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True Bias Lander Pants I have the pattern and need to dig through my stash to see if I can find the right fabric.

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Swim Style Chic Bandeau Bikini - Pattern purchased, fabric in the stash, just need the findings.

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Grainline Studio Cascade Duffle Coat  I have the pattern, fabric and toggles.

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Grainline Studio Archer Shirt I have the pattern and some beautiful linen and I hope to make a start this week.

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Orange Lingerie Esplanade Bra Need to buy everything for this one - will be later in the year I think.

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Cloth Habit Harriet bra  I have the pattern and I have the fabric and findings.

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Style Arc Ziggi Jacket (in leather) I have the pattern.

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It's a bit of a challenge and I'm keen to get started.  It will be interesting to see if the plan changes as the year progresses.  Do you have sewing plans and goals for 2018?