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Sewing A Stylish Basic Wardrobe: Spring / Summer 2013

05/20/2013

Has your sewing expertise grown to a level where you are making your own clothes and loving it? But do you find yourself impulsively buying your fabrics and patterns, creating garments, but none that really go together? This is a common problem for those of us who make our own clothes. I’m also guilty of  sewing “the icing on the cake” when it comes to sewing projects. Bold patterns, colorful items that I don’t exactly know how I am going to pair together. I have made lots of flowered dresses, but only one in basic black one, which gets worn the most. I get so distracted when I shop for fabric!

What to do?
 Make a SEWING PLAN.

Create  mini collection of basics that you can build on and that you can add to with pieces of colorful, fun pieces you may have already made. And bring your list of patterns you plan on making with you when you go shopping for fabric so you can focus.

My Must Sew List Of Basics:
Below is a list of basics every woman should have in her wardrobe from the April 2013 Harper’s Bazaar issue.
 I’m substituting  how to sew the basics instead of where to shop for them.

A plain, neutral colored pencil skirt:
You can make it in a black stretch woven, a khaki woven or even in denim, depending on your wardrobe. I would recommend sewing it in a stretch twill. It’s durable and comfortable to wear. A woven cotton pique is also a nice choice fro summer.
Two pairs of trousers:
One in classic black. I would sew these in a stretch woven twill. Stretch cotton pique would be cute for summer.
A more trendy pair, perhaps a tuxedo style pant or in a bright color. Or even try a floral print.
A Pair of Tailored Shorts
You can sew these in a basic color or go wild with a print. Some fun options for summer might include cotton lace over a lining, a super bright color, a floral print, or something more classic like seersucker.
Two dresses
A little black dress which will be a basic wardrobe staple you should sew in a timeless style.
Another more festive style in a print. Maybe a maxi style, always nice in summertime.
Three to Five Tops:
Two silk blouses
One button down
Two knit tops

My Pattern Recommendations For A Basic 
Handmade Wardrobe
Spring Summer 2013

Pattern recommendations for the pencil skirt:
Pencil skirt patterns you can buy:
Pencil Skirt by Burdastyle
Basic Slim leg trouser pattern:
Simplicity 1696 Amazing Fit Pants. 
I have just finished this pattern in a stretch floral and will be blogging about it this week. I highly recommend this pattern. I like this pattern because it gives lots of info on how to fit your pants properly. The pattern is a bit more advanced with slash pockets and a center zip fly. But the instructions are very thorough.
Tuxedo Trouser Pattern
McCall’s 6707
Tailored short pattern:
McCall’s 6756
Basic peplum top pattern
Vogue Patterns 8815
This peplum top in a solid color and sewn sleeveless is a fashionable and flattering choice for your wardrobe.
I would sew it in stretch woven cotton or double knit.
I will be blogging about his top later this week. I made mine in double knit with an exposed zipper.
Dressy blouse pattern
McCall’s 6650
This makes a dressier top for summer and would look great with a pencil skirt or even jeans.
I would sew it in a silk print and I have. To see my version click here.
Basic Button Down Top Pattern
McCall’s 6436 
I like this pattern choice for a button down because it comes with cup sizes, an awesome feature!
For summer, I’m planning the sleeveless version in chambray.
New Look 6648
A dolman sleeve knit top. That sleeveless top on the bottom right would look great on most people! I love tops that have a draped neckline.
Knit dress patterns for summer
I love the ease of throwing a knit dress on when it’s hot out.
McCall’s 6752
This little knit dress would make a great LBD to wear in the summer time.
Simple maxidress pattern
McCall’s 6744
To see my version of this pattern, click here.
I have been loving the McCall’s patterns this season, as you can see! They just seem to very fashion forward lately.
How about you? Do you find sewing basics boring and only like to make the fun stuff, too?
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Related posts:

Peplum Top and Floral Pants: Sewing My Basic Wardrobe Stylish Kids Patterns For 2013; My Big List Announcing My Pencil Skirt Drafting and Sew-a- long. Stylish Little Boys Sewing Patterns
-McKenzie

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About Justine

You made it to the end of the post! Please stop by often for a variety of sewing projects, clothes making tips , and stylish handmade living. Feel free to email me at justine @ sewcountrychick.com if you have questions.

Comments

  1. amy mayen says

    05/20/2013 at 3:37 pm

    Ive been eyeballing the trouser pattern & the shorts! I barely sew for myself but if I make myself a few things, I think I’ll reward myself with those 2 patterns. Thanks for the review on the pants too. I need to work on a zipper fly…if the instructions are great then it’s like buying the pattern & getting a free lesson 🙂

    Hear me justifying buying more patterns? I’m awful.

    • Justine of SewCountryChick says

      05/20/2013 at 3:50 pm

      It really is a great pattern, Amy. like a mini class in pants fitting which is a difficult thing to learn.

  2. Diane says

    05/20/2013 at 6:13 pm

    Ha! I’m bad at buying way too many patterns (and fabric) too. 🙂

    If people are interested in joining our sewing group’s Summer 2013: Pencil Skirt Challenge, here’s a link to the info ( http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-2013-sewing-challenge-pencil.html ).

    We’re a bunch of beginners (including Amy who commented before me) who are trying to sew more!

    Diane @ Vintage Zest

  3. Jennifer Lachman says

    05/20/2013 at 7:01 pm

    I love the simplicity amazing fit patterns. I own two already and I think they have taught me more about sewing than any other pattern I’ve ever owned.

  4. Stone Cottage Adventures says

    05/20/2013 at 7:08 pm

    Great tips! Thank you! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

  5. Mie Brindle says

    05/20/2013 at 9:20 pm

    You are SO totally right Justine. LOVE this post. So useful! Well done!

  6. Sew Blessed Maw says

    05/21/2013 at 12:56 am

    Justine.
    Great ideas. Thank you for the tips and patterns.. I too find my self just sewing and not thinking about what I need? This is a great post.

  7. Lil' Bit and Nan says

    05/21/2013 at 4:40 am

    I love these suggestions! Such an awesome idea Justine. I know I suffer from this problem as well. Everything in my closet is so bright, bold, and loud. – Bethany

  8. thewardrobesurgeon says

    05/21/2013 at 5:06 am

    Thank you for sharing these 🙂 I love the NL top, I think I’ll be seeking that one out!

  9. Without Directions says

    05/21/2013 at 7:09 am

    This is such a useful post! Thank you for gathering up some great ideas. I have been looking for a pants pantern after a couple recent not-so-great pairs I have made; I will definitely try out that simplicity pattern.

    Another great pencil skirt is the one by Gertie in her book “Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing”.

  10. Yeka Dharmajanti says

    05/24/2013 at 9:12 pm

    Great post! I’m starting to build my wardrobe too. Your post is very inspiring, thanks Justine!



I'm Justine! Welcome to my sewing blog! Here you'll find lots of handmade clothing for myself and other lucky folks! I'm a native Los Angeleno who moved to a small farm outside of LA with my family.

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