Third Piece of My Mini Collection

My last pieces for the collection are another pair of Ginger jeans and a Style Arc T-shirt (“Alannah”). I used a jean kit I bought from Closet Case Patterns that has black stretch denim. I figured that since the main theme for this was black and white, black jeans would be a good addition. I also wanted something colorful to add to this. I chose to use the Aloha fabric I bought that I featured in my haul video here. Here are the posts for the first two pieces in the collection (one and two).

This was an interesting process. Sewing with the idea of making a “collection” or coordinating pieces requires more thought than I had imagined. I was sure of what pieces I wanted to create, but staying on track and making sure I had the materials was key. I wasn’t overwhelmed with trying to decide what to make next since the next piece was predetermined. But, I’m so used to my free-flowing style of making whatever, that I did feel more restrained in my options.

I also realized that while I definitely need to be more selective in my choice of what I make, I love color so sticking to a plan of only a couple of colors was difficult. This won’t be the last time I do this (definitely!), but I will do it differently next time (maybe spring/summer dresses, woven tops, coordinates, etc.). The possibilities are endless after all…

I’ve written about this Style Arc T a while ago (here) but it’s one of my favorites. It’s a basic, well-fitting T-shirt that has a great length. It only takes about an hour to put together. It’s a PDF pattern and as far as I know, it’s still available.

The jeans are the Ginger jeans (skinny jeans). As stated above, I made these using a kit which included everything except the pattern. If Closet Case offers these again, I highly recommend purchasing. I did not use the rivets that came with the kit, but you get those and the jeans button(s), top stitch thread, needles, zipper and fabric. If you don’t have jeans top stitching thread, you can use a triple stitch on your machine. I did use the jeans thread this time, but I’ve had less trouble (jamming) with the triple stitch so I’ll probably go back to that. The triple stitch generally has the same look as the thicker jeans thread and is very secure.

As far as planning my next project, I’ll be taking some of the lessons learned from this process into consideration. I know I need and want more woven (non-knit) tops/blouses. There’s a list of items I could really find useful that I don’t have. I’m often looking in my closet and not finding coordinating pieces or things that I really want. So my sewing emphasis this year is in filling those gaps.

Let me know if you have sewn your own collections and how you found that experience.

Second Piece In My Mini Collection

For the next piece in my me-made mini collection I decided to make a blazer. I chose the “Morris Blazer” from Grainline Studio. This is actually one of those things I’ve had planned (fabric and pattern together) for about two years now. But, whatever… I’m glad I got it done.

Morris Blazer Grainline Studio

This is black ponte knit (this is a knit blazer pattern). I figured this would be a good addition to my black & white theme. I also wanted something that would be versatile.

Grainline Studio Morris Blazer

I also wanted something that was waist-length. This pattern fit the bill on all those areas. In the pictures above I’m wearing it over the Vogue 8766 dress I made a couple of weeks ago.

And here is a more casual look.

Morris Blazer

This is one of those patterns I would make again with some alterations. I think this would be better for me if I went up a size. It fits as is, but I like a bit more room for wearing over tops, etc. I would also make the sleeves longer (just an inch or so). But this one is certainly wearable. Since this is a medium-weight knit, I’ll also be able to use this in the summer when it’s hot and humid outside but freezing inside.

As for my next piece, I think I will make another pair of Ginger jeans. I have some black stretch denim bought for that purpose that’s just waiting for me to cut into it…

Dressmaking With Vogue 8766

I haven’t made myself a dress in quite some time. I always realize what I want to wear (and what I don’t have) when I need it. I’m trying to change that. I’m sure many of you have noticed as I have that many sewists are taking to creating their own collections. I’m currently participating in the Seamwork Magazine “Design Your Wardrobe” course which has really made me think about this more and more. This has been four weeks of information and inspiration and is designed specifically for sewers. So, I consider this dress the first piece in my mini-collection.

Vogue 8766

I used stretch cotton sateen for this (I’ve had this material for about 2 years now). I’m not sure if the pattern is still available because I’ve had that for a while too.

In fact, when I was looking for a pattern to use, I realized that I had bought this one twice! I made View F for may dress (without the ribbon tie).

Although I had more than enough fabric, I did have an issue getting the skirt cut out correctly and I basically had to make some changes so it would fit the fabric.

But I’m really happy with the way it came out. I’m currently making a black knit jacket to go with the dress as part of my “collection”.

If you have this pattern I would certainly recommend making it. There are a lot of options including many for warmer weather. I hope to have my other pieces ready to share with you soon. I think that thinking in terms of “collection” sewing will solve my problem of having several pieces, but not necessarily having things that go together, at least not initially. My goal is to have a more cohesive look with pieces that I can mix and match.