My Hand Made Wardrobe Line-Up - I'd Better Get Sewing!

The sun is starting to make an appearance, hopefully, it signals a lovely summer for all of us. It's a good time to think about what to sew for a holiday wardrobe. 

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On holiday, comfort and convenience are the order of the day. Lazing on the beach, walking along the shore, browsing market stalls or simply an afternoon nap. Planning ahead for a relaxing time is worthwhile.

Make a list of the things you'd like to do and put together some outfits.

My worst downfall with sewing is finding enough time to make it all. My favourite part is choosing patterns and choosing fabric.

This is my Scottie Dog Shirt - click the image to see the article.

This is my Burdastyle Blouse - click the image to see the article.

The first pattern I want to sew is the View A and View C, perhaps with the sleeves from View E from the K2181 pattern that I got with Sew Magazine:

If the magazine is no longer available in stores, you can buy a back copy on eBay here. If you just want to buy the pattern, you can get it here on eBay.

I also saw a lovely jersey dress in the latest Burdastyle magazine. You can buy the single pattern direct from Burda here (No affiliate). If you want to buy a back copy of the whole magazine, you can buy it here (affiliate) on eBay. I am considering adding small bra strap covers so that I can wear it to work. I haven't figured out exactly how I'll do it yet.

If you have been following me on YouTube, or reading my blog, you'll know that I love jumpsuits. I am in two minds as to whether I sew the Ava Jumpsuit pattern that came with a magazine, or the jumpsuit that came with my Sew magazine - Simplicity K9125, you can get it from eBay here. The thing I really like is the fact that there are no buttons or zips on the orange one, and the tie should cinch it in nicely. I just have to be careful, as I learned with my leopard print top, choosing an unflattering fit can be so disheartening...

I have a similar style to these in pink and I am seriously considering getting these sandals from ASOS to go with the dress.

I have another project lined up - another sleeveless jumpsuit, this time I want it to be buttoned down the front instead of a zip, and I will possibly add a front ruffle. I saw a dress I like in the Burdastyle magazine and I want to incorporate the top part into a jumpsuit, and pair it with a short pattern from the same magazine that is designed with a fly front. I want to turn it into a faux button (press studs) fly and have the buttons run through from the collar to the fly, It is an ambitious project, but I think I can manage it. I just have to find the perfect fabric. I am torn between a fine striped poplin or something different. Preferably a fabric I don't need to line - possibly even a chambray. I will keep you posted.

I recently made a shirt dress and the collar is a similar style to my Scottie Dog Shirt pattern. The difference in how it is constructed is what drew me to the pattern. This one differs in that the whole collar and facing for the buttons are sewn together and are then sewn onto the shirt in one seam. It is proving to be rather technical, for what it is. I suspect that cutting the fabric this way uses far less fabric than if the facing was cut as part of the bodice, like my Scottie Dog Shirt.

I am really pleased with how it turned out, although I don't know how I feel about all the gathers - it's much fuller than dresses I would usually wear, I do think it will settle after a few wears. I really like the top half and I am seriously considering incorporating elements of it into a shift-style dress or even a button-down jumpsuit.

I would also like to sew another sleeveless long jumpsuit with a lined bodice. I really enjoyed sewing the Lilou Dress from Tilly and the Buttons' book and I am so happy with the fit, I think I will borrow the bodice - after all, I have already made it once. I might even try some shaping on the neckline. I am thinking about making the jumpsuit open at the shoulder and zip down the side, from the armpit to the hip. First, I need to finish my current project, which is turning out to be a bit more challenging than I expected - but isn't that part of the fun?

You will probably notice a theme in some of the patterns I have chosen to sew, I am trying to extend my sewing skills, in a way that is still enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, the collars are all technically challenging in different ways. I want to find my favourite elements, and experiment whilst creating a wardrobe I love. I am also building up to the Rosa Shirt by Tilly and the Buttons because I really want a shirt like that. I have even bought some fabric with a tiny bit of stretch. I want to sew it semi-fitted like another ready-to-wear shirt I already own.

If you have a project you want to share - please go to my Facebook page and post some pictures or any advice for the people who follow my page. Find me here:  https://www.facebook.com/Sewandeverythingelse/

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