Spring and Summer 2012 Sewing Plans

I so enjoyed reading Scruffy Badger's great post on her Jubilee-inspired wardrobe that I wanted to take the time to write down my own sewing wish list for the upcoming seasons.  

I have finally decided to embrace my love of handmade clothing and if my closet explodes, so be it. After all, I use Solanah's excellent closet rotation plan, so I should come through relatively unscathed.

Source: google.ca via Sarah on Pinterest

I am having a glorious love affair with blues, meaning sapphire, cornflower, periwinkle and turquoise are taking centre stage.  Paired with shades of gold, lemon, and hot pink, I am creating my own sunshine during this cold, wet, and somewhat snowy (oh, yes!) Spring we're having.

Source: rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.ca via Sarah on Pinterest

THE PLAN

Blue Floral Pendrell blouse
Butterick 4452 capris
Butterick 5763 wrap skirt
Colette Crepe
Colette Licorice
Colette Macaron
Colette Negroni for Mr. Friday
Colette Oolong
Colette Taffy
Drawstring capris from Simple Modern Sewing
Lady Mary's Walking Skirt
Lady Mary's Flower Show Dress
Mail Order 9487
Marian Martin 9281
New Look 6808
Pyjamas for Karen's PJ Party
Sewaholic Renfrew
Victory Patterns Chloe

Source: rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.ca via Sarah on Pinterest

No doubt that several of these items will not get made, but I've decided to just 'go where the energy is' and sew for the sheer fun of it and whatever I finish is just fine.  I've also been sure to tie in my plans with the following sew-alongs:

• Sew Colette
• That's Sew Cinematic
• Sewing Through the Decades
  
• The Colette Patterns Spring/Summer 2012 Palette Challenge

I have actually done quite well with my Franken Pattern Pledge and am enjoying being a mad sewing scientist!  Everything I make this year must mix-and-match; there will be no closet orphans in 2012!

MY PROGRESS

I have almost finished my version of Lady's Mary's Flower Show dress, with the exception of the zipper and hem.  I am really pleased with the direction it has taken and am looking forward to sharing it with you.

Source: google.ca via Sarah on Pinterest

I also need to photograph my Linda tunic and Larita trousers and a really fun version of Simplicity 3673, all of which have been finished since March.  Ooh, I also have Lady Mary's Walking skirt done, too.  I am not sure if I will make the Armistice Blouse or go with a more modern Simplicity 2601. 

This month, I've made 4 Renfrews - as well as a dress version - and a rayon challis Pendrell.  All of these are waiting on the photography skills of my Mr. Friday. Much like Debi's David, he is always happy to pitch in.

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What are you planning on sewing for the upcoming seasons?  What sew-alongs / challenges are you participating in?

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A Sew Cinematic Update

Hello all!  Sorry for the radio silence! I promise I have not been idle, despite my lack of posts.  I have completed another outfit for That's Sew Cinematic and am just waiting for Mr. Friday and I to find time to photograph it.  I am really happy with how it turned out and have already given it a test run when Mr. Friday, Sister Friday, and I went to see Cabaret last weekend.

I wore my Lady Edith blouse to work yesterday and was lucky enough to receive several compliments.  I love the slinky soft fabric and it was very comfortable to wear all day.  I am happy to say my fear of slippery and uncooperative fabrics seems to be abating.

I have updated my Sew Cinematic plan a bit.  After the disaster that was the attempt at making Miss Friday a spring coat (ugh!), I don't feel that making Lady Cora's beautiful coat is something I want to tackle right now.  I will; however, use the lovely linen I bought to make a pair of comfy linen crops from Simple Modern Sewing. Drawstring waist? Yes, please!

Lady Mary's Flower Show Dress, Armistice Blouse, and Walking Skirt are still in the plan and I am definitely making Vera's floral dress.  I have added in this beautiful outfit worn by Linda Porter (Ashley Judd) in De-Lovely:

Source: google.ca via Sarah on Pinterest

This has been in my inspiration folder for quite some time and, much like Lady  Edith, refused to sit any longer, waiting to be sewn!  So, I was happy to oblige and even racked up some Franken Pattern points while I was at it. I have paired it with Larita's trousers and quite like the look.

Source: getglue.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I also hope to sew Audrey's quirky and colourful outfit from The Lorax.  Yes, animated movies are not immune to my love of costumes and Audrey's was too fun to resist!  I plan on using Sewaholic's Renfrew for the top and will more than likely draft/franken pattern the dress.  Now, to find that beautiful yellow fabric!

Another bit of Sew Cinematic news is that the deadline for the sew-along has been extended to June 30, 2012, as per your request! Relax, sit back, and create at your own pace!

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That's Sew Cinematic: Lady Edith's Blouse

Source: tv.yahoo.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Now, I know I had planned to make Lady Mary's Armistice blouse and skirt as my first Sew Cinematic projects; however, Lady Edith had other plans.  Like the oft overlooked middle child she is, Lady Edith piped up and demanded the attention that she felt was her due when I brought home this fabric:

When I saw it in the store, it immediately brought to mind Stephanie's beautiful version of Lady Edith's floral blouse.  I love that blouse and have wanted to make my own for quite a while.  Initially, I struggled with finding the right pattern before choosing View A from Butterick 8477, with a few modifications. I didn't want an exact duplication of the blouse, rather a nod to Lady Edith's style.

Prior to the Sew Colette Sew-Along, I would have definitely have shied away from picking 'difficult' fabrics, such as this poly-rayon blend.  Working through the handbook has really boosted my confidence and made me trust myself more than before.

I love the silky feel, the drape, and the floral pattern of this fabric.  While it does fray like mad, I found it not nearly as tricky to sew with as I had imagined.  I went slowly and carefully and used lots of pins.   I definitely plan to sew with this type of fabric again.

I am very happy with how this blouse turned out and really liked working with Butterick 8477.  I love middy blouses and only made few modifications to this one: eliminating the hem band, lengthening the sleeves, and adding Jasmine's cuff to the sleeves.

In homage to Lady Edith's style, I paired this blouse with my Meringue skirt, black tights, and Edwardian-inspired shoes.  I would happily wear this outfit to work or pair it with capris and ballet flats for a more casual look.

Next up for That's Sew Cinematic: Larita's Easy Trousers.

What are you working on for the sew-along?  Who are your cinematic inspirations? 

* * * * *

Franken Pattern Stats:
Butterick 8477: 1 use
Colette Jasmine: 1 combination

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The Franken Pattern Pledge

Sometimes I feel the only way for me to stay on task is to make a pledge.  Today, it's about focusing on what I have.  Goodness knows I have no shortage of fabric and my pattern collection is nothing to sneeze at; however, I am worried that if I don't bring my creative energies into line, I'll never sew half the patterns I own!  Our recent trip to the bookstore yielded these treats for me (As a local library devotee, I only buy books using gift cards):

Simple Modern Sewing is a book I have been thinking about buying since before Christmas last year.  I'm lacking pretty and comfortable lounge clothing in my handmade closet and this book definitely will fill that gap.  The eight patterns enclosed can be combined to make up 25 different garments; great value for my money, I say!   I do love the blouse pictured on the front cover and would love to sew up some deliciously soft cotton or linen lounge pants to match.

During our shopping trip, Mr. Friday unearthed several partially used gift cards and I was able to pick up this book.  Again, it has been on my list to buy for a while.  I am especially happy with the diversity of projects and clear instructions.

When I returned home and added these to my collection, I realized another pledge was hatching.  As I said above, pledges seem to keep my creative energy focused, which means I am more productive and, therefore, much happier with the results of said productivity.

So, what is the Franken Pattern Pledge?  It's a straightforward attempt to actually use the patterns I love, rather than leaving them languishing in my collection.  It involves using my favourite patterns, either alone or in combination with another, to make the projects I have earmarked for this year.  For me, that includes:

• Advance 9833
• Butterick 2507, 4552
• Colette Patterns' Crepe, Jasmine, Macaron, Oolong, Peony, Sorbetto, and Violet
• The Colette Sewing Handbook
• Famous Frocks
• Lisette 2060, 2209, and 2245
• Mail Order 4687
• New Look 6808
• Sewaholic Renfrew
• Simple Modern Sewing
• Simplicity 2886, 4218
• Victory Patterns' Chloe

When I find a pattern that I love, I tend to make several versions of it and feel more confident playing around with it to get different looks.  In all honesty, I feel very lucky to have access to extensive sewing supplies and I should definitely make use of them.   As you can see from the list above, Colette Patterns and Simplicity feature heavily in my list.  This is due to the fact that both brands tend to fit me out of the envelope with only occasional adjustments needed.  To quote an old cliche: 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

Therefore, I pledge to use the above patterns listed to create the items on my project list for 2012.  I will not purchase any new patterns until I have used each pattern at least once on its own and at least once in combination with another. 

(Oh, boy, this will be hard!  Colette Patterns and Simplicity are bound to release new designs that make me practically salivate.  Guess I better get a move on!)

JOIN ME!
As always, I find I stay motivated if I'm not in the lifeboat all alone and would love it if you joined me on yet another mad adventure.  Please feel free to copy the code below and add the badge to your blog or website.  I'd would love to follow your creative endeavours!






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