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.