…building a me made capsule wardrobe…

It has been a funny kind of spring. A few hot days, and then over the weekend, in the middle of November, we had the fire on, two nights in a row. I’ve been thinking about spring sewing since the beginning of October, but it hasn’t really seemed necessary – between the few summery bits I made earlier in the year, and my winter me-made items, I haven’t as yet needed any extras.

The warmer weather is coming though, so I’m starting to round up patterns and think through fabric choices. When trying to decide what to add to my me-made rotation, I only have a few guidelines:
*designs that can work either as casual, or a bit more dressed up
*bonus points for designs that work across seasons, or that can be layered
*a limited colour scheme – generally neutrals, or nearly neutrals, like navy & mustard.
*the occasional pop of colour, as long as it blends with more than one other piece
*comfy & versatile is the name of the game, above all.

I have a few holes in my wardrobe I’m hoping to plug with me-made. On my list for spring:

*iKatee Ida blouse. I haven’t yet picked a fabric, but I love the simple silhouette contrasted with the fussy bodice detailing. I’m thinking a white or cream fabric would make the most sense, then I could pair it with darker shorts, with jeans, or even with my fun and Very Extra lion echino skirt

*Thurlow trousers as shorts – I made these mustard ones in November last year. They have fast become my go-to choice for nice town shorts. I’d love to add another pair to the collection, in a navy cotton drill. They are such a great staple, I might even make two pairs, maybe the other in a grey linen?

*Linden shorts. I’ve blogged a bit about these before, and to be honest, I haven’t progressed any further since then. I had intended on getting the chambray toile done over the camp weekend, but got distracted with other plans. I want to get that version finished, and then make a proper pair in a mid-to-dark denim

*Alice Top – It had a similar silhouette to the Ida, with less fuss for a more casual look. I prefer a looser style top to balance the tailored look of the Thurlow, and the more fitted cut of denim shorts, to create an illusion of shape – the looser fit over the tummy is also much more forgiving of the mummy tummy.

*Plantain tee. I’ve made four of these now, and I quite like it – fitted through the shoulders and bust, looser around the tummy (see above mentioned need for flattering forgiveness!). I want to add a couple of basic tees to the rota based on this pattern. A white, and maybe an olive green, to fit with my “nearly neutral” colour scheme while still mixing it up.

*Loungewear boxers. I made a pair of these back in May and they are so so comfy, I want to make another couple of pairs for kicking around at home in, for those times I need to change out of town clothes, but will be staying inside and want something a bit comfier than my farm ruggers.

*WInging it skirt. I have a great, long linen skirt I’ve gotten so much use out of, and have navy linen waiting to be turned into another. I love them because they look dressy but are super comfy and cool (and can then be paired with leggings in winter for year round wearing!)

Also on my wishlist is a dress, something like the Wiksten Tova, or the Tilly & The Buttons Coco. I’ve got some jersey remnants I want to make up into some 3/4 length Avery leggings.

A rather ambitious list, really. We have something happening every weekend between now and the middle of December. I’ve been madly sewing this week for drama costumes, while neglecting the party dress I desperately need to finish, since the wedding I’m wearing it to is next weekend. I have some of the fabrics I need for the list above, and a $40 voucher for spotlight in my inbox. I had ,my second shot this week, so I can now head to the local fabric shop and check out my options there too. School is nearly down for the year, and I’m hoping December will be super productive craft wise. Let the end of year craftapalooza begin!