Anyway, as I was putting the closet back together yesterday before heading out for Thanksgiving dinner, I found a 3-ring binder that I had placed old Sew News articles in. Articles that I had cut from the magazine because I thought they were interesting but didn't want to keep the entire magazine...I would be drowning in old sewing magazines if I didn't find someway to manage the process! *LOL* And I need to do that again because the magazines are taking over the bookshelf! But I digress, because look what I found!
It's an article on cluster sewing called, "Don't be Cluster-phobic" published in Sew News in October 2001. For anyone interested in SWAPping but you don't have the time or desire to sew 11 pieces, this article advises sewing just five to eight pieces. The five piece combo recommends three tops and two bottoms to create 12 different outfits. The eight piece combo suggests five tops and four bottoms. An interesting and very doable concept if you want to start small with wardrobe sewing.
The second piece I found has really started my creative juices flowing ~ it is an old ad for a McCall's shift dress ~ 2114. It is OOP and not in my pattern collection, though McCalls does have several others on their website like (M5464, M5180, M4768, M2401, M8107) that could be used as substitutes. I probably just liked the embellishment technique and I can pretty much figure this out without a pattern's assistance. I am seriously thinking about trying this on my black wool crepe Simplicity 3631 dress. Wouldn't that be some WOW underneath the jacket, especially if I don't take the jacket off during the day and you just get a peek at it! Ohlalala baby! *LOL*There were several others that intrigued me and will probably show up in future posts...but I guess enough stalling. I could cut out the other pieces that I'm making, right? Make some bobbins, turn my sewing machines on...y'know all the prep work that would allow me to just keep sewing once I start!
So what are you working on this weekend?
finishing up my sweater and tracing out a couple of sewing patterns. Oh and reading, I'm organizing my closet with all my magazines and books in it, so I'm going through them to see if there is anything I can pass on to someone else.
ReplyDeleteYou had to ask! Let's see, I'm working on Midnight Garden, the red trench, a dress that needs to be made into a skirt for a client, and embellishing/fixing a cashmere sweater for a client that has moth holes in it. Add to that probably altering a few skirts for my MIL, and I've got a full weekend of sewing, let alone anything else!
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is what I need to do. Wardrobe plan on my own. This 11 garments and a wardrober pattern are daunting. But, I really like the thought of a coordinated wardrobe. I wish we could use BWOF for the wardrobe pattern!
ReplyDeleteHappy (day after) Thanksgiving. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your lining shows up today.
DBF is coming over tonight but he's working the rest of the weekend. So I'll be working on some sewing projects this weekend. I have a couple of kitchen smocks cut out for my sister and her friend. Sis likes them for cooking when she gets home from work, and her friend has a swallowing disorder and uses them to protect her clothes when she eats. I hope I can also work on some things for me! I'll also be making a Joann/Hancock run this afternoon and/or weekend. Patterns to buy, ya know.
ReplyDeleteI'm also stalling, but then that seems to be all I've done lately! I just finished about 3.5 hours of work sitting on my couch which will allow me to close out the October books - finally! Feels good to have that done. Now I think I'll put a load of laundry in the washer and head downstairs with a nice cup of tea!
ReplyDeleteI have stuff cut out and ready to sew. g
I could do 5 pieces: 3 tops - 2 bottoms - piece of cake. I even like the term "cluster" instead of "wardrobe" or "SWAP"
ReplyDeleteHi! I like the idea of the 5 or 8 piece SWAP! I've been following the 11 piece SWAP and it's a little overwhelming to me. Thanks for posting the idea! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI am working on a skirt to be part of my "cluster" to match my cream jacket. Then I will need a new top or two to finish my cluster.
ReplyDeleteHope you have started on something!? :)))
Carolyn, I thought I posted a comment last night, but I don't know where it went! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteBut I like this idea of a 'cluster' wardrobe. I've been matching fabrics up to do a SWAP but this sounds much easier to contemplate. I can see doing the eight pieces for my wardrobe since I was only participating in SWAP in an "unofficial" capacity. Thanks for posting that info. Now I can get started.
I'm actually making just an appliqued cover for my new sewing machine. The pattern calls for "paper backed fusible webbing", which I never heard of before...turns out to be Heat 'n Bond or Wonder Under. Hah! It's the best thing since sliced bread and canned beer...what will they think of next? ;-p
ReplyDeleteI too like the idea of a smaller wardrobe....seeems very do-able : And I like your choices of the dress as I have 2 of those patterns :) Enjoy your week-end whether it's sewing or just relaxing...down time is good too :) when we lead such busy lives
ReplyDeleteAnn
My earlier comment disappeared too! Must have typed the code wrong and not seen it.
ReplyDeleteBesides sewing my daughters coat (which by now is almost finished), there's housepainting to be done. Need to do that before your visit and make space for your trunk! LOL, just kidding.
On Wednesday - I had it all planned out to finish sewing my daughter's skirt and finish knitting the sleeves to her sweater, finish up a crochet project I was commissioned to do and start cutting and basting a top I want to sew. Well as of Saturday, the skirt isn't completed, the sleeves are only 25% complete and the commissioned project is only 75% done...lol.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I finished knitting a scarf as it's getting colder - the temp here dipped to -6.5 degrees. Also I am sewing a blouse to hopefully have a new TNT pattern if my alterations worked.
ReplyDelete