One night after searching through the blog for something else, I stumbled onto a post about a twinset I made two years ago. It made me realize that I already have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe that would work with these basics...and really wasn't that one of the points of this exercise...to add some basic garments that would extend the life of some pre-existing ones, as well as, add a new color.
So I went through the closet and my drawers and pulled several made by me, as well as RTW purchases, to add to the six pieces that I ended up sewing. I wanted an array of looks. Looks that would be on trend, yet still work in my daily environment. I auditioned several pieces and these are what I ended up with...
The Finished Wardrobe:
There were several vignettes that I wanted ~ a black/creme classic one...
A little bit of color...
The pieces that were previously made by me are The Flower Power Twinset, The black/white/grey cardigan, and the black/white sewing workshop tie top. The links are provided for each make in the previous sentence.
The pieces that I ended up making:
- TNT dress ala Chanel
- TNT 4 gore flare skirt
- Burda 8869 cardigan
- Butterick 6002 jacket
- TNT wide legged lined pants
- TNT straight skirt with elastic waist
Wardrobe Planning Tips:
You're looking for tips right? Tips on how to plan a wardrobe...how to sew one...how to get to the finished line, maybe? First I have to say that wardrobe sewing isn't for everyone because it's a loooong process! I've been working on these pieces since the end of April and I have to admit that several times along the way I've wanted to bug out and sew something else. But every time I'd get to the sewing cave, the pieces sang their siren song to me so I just kept sewing.
Two, having a plan is important...you'll get lost and lose interest if you don't have one. However, the plan should not be rigid. It should be flexible so that it can flow with your creative desires, that way you won't feel restricted by it and want to throw it by the wayside to sew something else.
Third, don't feel like you have to sew each and every piece in the wardrobe. You will never finish that way because you may feel constrained by the process. That is definitely not the point of this exercise!
Fourth, use a hardy dose of TNT patterns for the wardrobe. Adding new patterns to the mix will definitely add some spice to the wardrobe but for me, it was about getting a series of basics. My TNT patterns provide those already fitted basics so why reinvent the wheel?
Conclusions:
Finally, I had two main reasons for constructing these garments...
A - I wanted to see how many garments I could actually get out of 10 yards of fabric. I thought five and was actually thrilled to get six. I probably could have gotten a seventh piece by mixing some of the scraps with other pieces of fabric from the collection but honestly I'm tired of this exercise and ready to move onto some other pieces. I mean I do have a sewing list that must be worked on! *smile*
B - I wanted to introduce this cream color into my wardrobe. In April when I was still waiting for spring to come, this color just screamed spring/summer to me. Now that's it's June, I just want to wear them...
So there will be a lot of dresses coming out of the sewing machine next. Like I said previously I have a sewing list with quite a few dresses on it. I have the fabrics pulled for the next five or six and I can't wait to get started on them because before you know it June will be over and it'll be July when I'll need to start sewing vacation gear.
The next couple of posts will showcase the individual wardrobe pieces, give construction details and, of course, be modeled by me...
...as always, more later!
congratulations on sewing this wardrobe - I have been saying for years that I would do so something similar but get easily distracted - but I live in hope
ReplyDeleteFab wardrobe - I love how the cream pieces have extended the pieces you have already to give such a fresh mix!
ReplyDeleteWell done, That's wonderful that you have 6 new pieces and you have a new colour in your wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting it all done. Your fortitude has paid off. Those are great hints on putting it all together.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, what a great use of 10 yards of a neutral fabric! Your wardrobe is perfect for the season--the Chanel-inspired dress is delightful--and I'm glad to see the flower power twinset again--it looks as good with the cream as it does with the black!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with your 10 yard challenge, I really like all your pieces and the way they work together. Enjoy wearing your new garments.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading and seeing your sewing plans. You have some great combos going her.
ReplyDeleteI love your TNT a la Chanel dress. I know you have already posted about it, but could you please show more closeups of the appliqué?
ReplyDeleteIt does take some persistence to stick with that kind of plan. Looking forward to seeing the ribbon dress on you. The cream/black combo is really lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour post regarding wardrobe planning was a home run. How many times in the past 5-years I've plan to sew a wardrobe, only to get distracted, loose interest because I felt constricted. Instead of enjoying it, I felt pressured and abandon ship. So congratulations on getting it done.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - As always - you did a great job - both planning and creating! Terrific use of 10 yards of fabric and integrating it with what you've already made. You should be very proud of your "job well done!" (Isn't sewing your own fantastic?)
ReplyDeleteWow, you did a great job on all the pieces! They look amazing together.
ReplyDeleteWow, your effort paid off. What a fruitful exercise in persistence!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had fun "shopping" from your closet, and it resulted in a whole bunch of wonderful outfits based on your cream basics. I love looking at them. And seeing something you had made a while back and thinking "I remember that, I really liked it and wanted copy that idea!" It is throwing my sewing to list into chaos.
ReplyDeleteLove the tips for wardrobe sewing!
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job of adding some very versatile pieces to your wardrobe that will mix with lots of other pieces. Looking forward to the detailed posts.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an accomplishment. I don't know if I would have the patience for this kind of work. My mind wanders too much.
ReplyDeleteI love this! It is so cohesive and yet not boring or monotonous. I gave myself a year-long wardrobe challenge, but the pieces I am making seem more random than your collection (I am thinking/hoping when I am done with everything I will have a bit more to mix and match). I am sort of inspired to do a more cohesive collection in the future though. I best you will love wearing these clothes the next few months, and I can't wait to see the dresses that are coming up next!
ReplyDeleteYou've created exactly what you set out to do. A great wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteThese turned out nice. You are such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou really outdid yourself here! Everything is amazing in its own right, but also goes together in a beautiful, cohesive collection. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the posts showing you modeling them and the construction.
Congratulations! I think you will get lots of wear out of this collection.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasing color combination! You are very good at putting wardrobes together! The Chanel inspired dress turned out really pretty!
ReplyDeleteGreat wardrobe an great tips on how to make this work! As always I am impressed by your creativity in adapting designer pieces. Love the chanel dress.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting to see you completed what you set out to do. I wish I had such focus. Your wardrobe is nothing short of inspiring and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou have completed a goal I have always had for myself. For more years than I care to admit. BUT I love your style and your positive attitude! You inspire me. THANK YOU! Congradulations!
ReplyDelete