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!
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.
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
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.
It really is a great pattern, Amy. like a mini class in pants fitting which is a difficult thing to learn.
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
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.
Great tips! Thank you! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
You are SO totally right Justine. LOVE this post. So useful! Well done!
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.
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
Thank you for sharing these 🙂 I love the NL top, I think I’ll be seeking that one out!
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”.
Great post! I’m starting to build my wardrobe too. Your post is very inspiring, thanks Justine!