When I say "tentative," I really mean it.

You know that wardrobe plan I posted, what, five days ago? It's on hold for now. It wasn't the colour scheme or fit that stumped me. It wasn't a faulty needle, bad interfacing, or even loss of interest. I really like the colours and fully intend to make these clothes. Want to know what tanked the plan? Not enough freakin' fabric to make the jacket! Grr... I tried several different layouts and just could not get it to work. The picture below shows the best possible layout.

The empty space is needed for the front facing. The side front piece pictured on the lower right side is just barely hanging on. I don't have enough fabric to cut out the under collar and back neck facing. There were two other pieces left, but I knew I could cut those out in a single layer. I even contemplated cutting the under collar and back neck facing out of a different fabric since no one will really be able to see it. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a fabric with the right amount of stretch (mine is a stretch cotton pique) or in a colour that was close to my fabric.

Since I want to enter the contest, I decided to forgo any further searching and move on to plan B. The garments in the next plan were on my summer sewing list anyway.

(click image to enlarge)

The patterns are:

• Simplicity 2288, view A or alternate cardigan (navy blue knit)
• Vogue 1036 (bone denim)
• Jalie 965 (gold metallic knit)
• Jalie 2908 (existing pair of jeans)
• New Look 6300 (blue, cream, gold metallic woven)
• Butterick 5612, bonus item (cornflower blue linen blend)

The motivation for this plan stems from an outing with my friends, Stephanie and Melody. One day, we met for breakfast and walked the mall afterward. During our walk, we stopped in Chico's where I saw this look. It is a simple sack dress with a zipper-front denim jacket and belt. Once I found the Butterick pattern, I knew this outfit would be in my closet this Spring!

Even though this is a complete change in plan, I think I am making good progress. I already traced, cut, and sewed a muslin of the jacket, V1036.

I cut and sewed a straight size E and find the fit to be wonderful! The sleeve cap did not have a lot of ease and pretty much eased itself with basting stitches. Before I cut into my fashion fabric, I am going to sew a quick muslin of the dress to see if the jacket hits me where I want it.

If I work really hard and plan some sewing each day, I should be able to finish the jacket and the rest of the garments by the end of the contest. The jacket is the only garment that will take the longest to make. I've made the skirt and tank top before and the knit cardigan shouldn't be that difficult.

I'll post my progress as I forge ahead!

L

Mini Wardrobe Tentative Plan

I am slowly returning to the sewing room. The first two months of 2011 were busy, to say the least. I did little to no sewing and am excited about getting my sew-jo back. The mini wardrobe contest started a few days ago on PR. The premise is the same: sew four coordinating garments in one month. The twist is that a fifth existing garment has to go along with your set. This shouldn't be a problem as I have lots of ways to work in the twist with my tentative plan. Speaking of plans...

I actually have a plan! I swore off making plans and story boards because in the past, my interest waned significantly once I started sewing. Hopefully four garments won't be too overwhelming and I'll be able to get it done in time. If not, no biggies. I am not going to pressure myself to get it done. So here is my tentative plan, subject to change at the blink of an eye, popped seam, or ill-fitting bust area.

(click image to enlarge)

Patterns (in order from upper left):

• Butterick 5328 (black stretch cotton poplin)
  
• Simplicity 2422 (coral stretch cotton pique)
  
• Jalie 965 (white rayon knit)
  
• Burda 7866 (coral rayon knit)
  
• Jalie 2908 (black stretch denim)
  
• New Look 6300 (black & white cotton print - not pictured)
  
• Christine Jonson 630 (black/gray/white knit)
  

At first I was concerned that the plan seemed too dark. Spring is usually filled with light, fresh pastels and here I am channeling Darth Vader. Oh well. I like what I have so far and I can branch off of this palette to start another collection. In fact, the coral jacket will match nicely with another cotton print that is patiently waiting to become a skirt.

I actually feel kinda good about the patterns I selected. I made J965, J2908, and NL6300 multiple times. At Christine Jonson's open house last year, I was given the opportunity to try on several of her samples - including CJ630. I'll only need to shorten the skirt and drop the bust seam a bit. Burda 7866 is loose fitting and appears really easy to make. I completed the muslin for S2422 and am satisfied with the fit (more on this later). The only pattern that may take some work is B5328, so I'll work on this last. That way, if I don't get to finish at least I'll have met the contest requirements with the other garments.

I would start talking about the construction of the Simplicity jacket, but since I don't have enough freakin' fabric to cut out the jacket, I guess I'll have to wait. GRRRRRR... Don't you just hate when that happens? I have --> <-- much fabric left and it is not enough to cut the under collar or sleeve facing. I have tried several creative layouts to no avail. I may have to cut the under collar out of something else. Hopefully I can find a fabric with similar stretch and weight. Sigh.

Until next time!

L