My sewing goals for 2024
I am writing this somewhat retrospectively, for the first two months. January and February's goals have been achieved, but I'll include them here for a holistic view of my sewing plans.
I decided to don a fashion designer hat, in some respect, and plan for the year in terms of seasonal 'collections'.
Just for the fun of it.
As designers do, I will be sewing a season ahead. So in summer, I'll be planning and creating for my autumn wardrobe. Part of this is because it helps me stay organised, and will stop surplus coming into my minimal wardrobe. I am looking to pare things right back, (as I always am), and I feel like looking ahead, and having something new to wear each season, (rather than planning and creating retrospectively, and waiting a year), will be my reward for my efforts.
Sewing in summer for autumn
JANUARY
I purchased this slightly masculine but still elegant looking herringbone cotton in a remnant sale at https://thefabricstoreonline.com/
I instantly knew that a pair of pants were in order to wear casually with a white tee shirt, or slightly smart with a collar. I had just enough fabric for the pants, with nothing left over. (My favourite outcome!)
These pants will be replacing the black ones I made, which are the very first pair of pants I've ever made!
Despite being my wardrobe remake staple, they are being retired. the fabric did not withhold to my level of expectation and livelihood, so out with the old and in with the new.
Cost breakdown:
1m fabric (100% cotton): $16.80. (Usual cost was $24 per metre.)
Thread: $4.99 for a spool, (however, I did not use an entire spool.)
Zipper: $3
A bar closure: $1
Bias-binding for seams 4m: $7.80
(This was a step I elected to add to the making of the pants. You could finish the seams on your machine, or with a serger/overlocker, and not spend any extra on bias tape. Or, you could make your own from scraps.)
There was also interfacing required for the fly front, which is so neglible I don't really know how to account for it so I'll absorb it into the thread cost.
Finally, I used some of the cotton gabardine scraps I had to hand, for the pocket bags. That fabric was $7 for a half metre. I probably used about $1's worth.
Estimated total for bespoke, made-to-measure, one-of-a-kind, handmade pants:
Total: $34.59
FEBRUARY
Khaki green skirt. This was a $0 project.
I wrote about the fabric for this skirt over on my Frugal February blog
These were once mens trousers, and I refashioned them into a skirt.
Every season 'collection' is going to have pants and a skirt. So far, autumn is done.
Cost breakdown:
Some matching thread: $5
Sewing in autumn for winter
MARCH
I've already started this coat, so I am at least a little ahead of myself. Which is just as well, because this is a big project. Though the goal of a completely hand sewn, couture coat hasn't gone completely to plan - (I decided due to my need to follow the pattern instructions to a tee, I probably shouldn't risk my own ideas of construction just to make it by hand) - I have managed to do a lot of it using couture techniques.
I learned this from Paige Handmade and watching her at-home, DIY couture cocktail dress series, a few hundred times.
My coat is 100% wool with a silk organza interlining, (so I can anchor all those seams using a couture technique), and a 100% silk lining. I decided against welt pockets, based on my inexperience, and desire to have a coat that is as plain as possible. I did two mock ups in calico before forging ahead. This I aim to complete in March, ready for the winter.
You can see the cost breakdown at this post
APRIL
Blue wool pants.
I will either use the The Alina chinos pattern again, or the Butterick pants
I like the Butterick shape, and front pleats, but I don't like invisible zippers on pants. (Especially not on the side.) During another remnant sale at https://thefabricstoreonline.com/ I picked up this stunning shade of teal, 100%wool suiting. I knew immediately some winter trousers would be amazing in this colour and fabric, but when I held it up in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but desperately want to make it into a shirt, too!
So May's plan will depend upon what is left...
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $35.70
Thread: $5
MAY
Blue shirt or wool vest
I will have to see how much fabric I have left over, after making the trousers. If there's enough for a shirt, I will make a matching teal wool shirt. (Not necessarily to be worn together, although with a contrasting turtleneck underneath, I think that could be a very striking outfit); but even to be worn with a pair of jeans for a slightly elevated, but casual look.
Wool sounds itchy, but this is suiting, so it's very smooth against the skin without any prickliness at all. And the colour is just so beautiful.
If I don't have enough for a shirt, I will have to rethink what I will do with the remaining fabric.
And in that case, I thought I could use my leftover fabric from my wool coat to make a matching vest, but I think I might have enough to see if I can make a classic French jacket
That would not be something I can finish in a month, but will be an ongoing project to chip away at, in the background, over the course of the year.
Let's see what happens, come what May!
Cost breakdown:
All surplus materials, no extra cost.
Sewing in winter for spring
JUNE
Skirts are not actually a typical piece of my wardrobe. I have always favoured trousers, and jeans, and I only own two formal dresses. even for special occasions, I would prefer to wear a tux, or a suit, more than a dress. But, I am evolving somewhat, and have discovered that structured skirts, with belt loops and front flys, are something I quite like; they don't have to be girlish or whimsical at all.
They can actually throw an ever so slight, feminine and sophisticated lens over what is typical male domain.
I like this clash of worlds.
For spring, and for a year-round option for special occasions, (like attending a wedding, for example), this beautiful white herringbone cotton would make a lovely skirt. I have never made one before, so I have purchased a pattern and I will see what I can do to create the sort of skirt I would love to wear in warmer weather.
(I'm also excited to try a back vent.)
It's possible I might have some left over, and if I do, I was thinking a matching vest could be fun. Possibly with hook and eyes down the front, instead of buttons?
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $23.10
Thread: $5
JULY
A standard, collared shirt.
I've had a pale blue, cotton shirt by "Velvet by Spencer & Graham" for about 10-11 years, and it's both getting a bit tired, and is a bit stained. It's still totally functional, but I would like something fresher. (And not stained, let's be real.)
I thought this colour might be a nice shade to lift my wardrobe. My current one is a very pale blue, and whilst I find it extremely easy, I am trying to get a little more daring. (Baby steps!)
This is a shade more vibrant, and I think I'm ready for it! It's a fine cotton twill but I only purchased a metre, so I'm hoping it's enough. It was $14.
I haven't purchased a pattern, yet. I do have an Angela Kane shirt pattern, which I've made once before, but I want something longer and with a rounded hem, so when I get to this project I'll find a more suitable pattern.
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $14
Thread: $5
AUGUST
Working with silk is tough, because it slips around a lot; but I saw this double silk chiffon on sale as I was scooping up my other bargains, and it just seemed too good to pass up. I had in mind a silk shirt/blouse, and then I thought I could use it to make all sorts of lovely silk undergarments, to wear under white clothing, (because nude under white is the least noticeable); but after some underwear making fails, I've decided it's too beautiful to risk, and will return to my original plan.
I am yet to decide if it's a collared, button down blouse, (slightly billowy), or, if I make something far simpler, and more feminine, and just go for a slip-on blouse with a lower neckline. Like this one
We shall see, but whatever it is, I think it will be a welcomed addition to my wardrobe because I currently don't have anything like it.
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $22.40
Thread: $5
Sewing in spring for summer
SEPTEMBER
I have visions of making something like these pants (or the skirt) to wear over a coordinating swimsuit. (So, a navy blue that matches as closely as possible.) I think that would look so nice when walking to and from the beach. Also, as I don't sunbathe, it's nice to dry off after a swim and spend the rest of the time on the beach with some clothing on, as I rely on clothing as well as sunscreen to protect my skin, and this fabric has such a beautiful hand feel.
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $25.50
Thread: $5
OCTOBER
I've thought about making a shirt dress for summer for a long time, especially after seeing Ashley Olsen strolling the beach in one, but I have to admit, I get stuck as to whether or not I would actually wear one. I was wondering if I could make an oversized, longer-than-normal shirt with one of these shirt dress patterns.
My idea is that with jeans and other trousers, I can tuck the front in and leave the back quite long, and loose; but could also wear it over a swimsuit at the beach as a long shirt.
I guess, the more I plan it, the more I'm trying to make a shirt that looks as though it belongs to one's boyfriend; and you've just decided to 'borrow' it. I liked the slight 70's vibe this fine cotton twill gave me.
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $33
Thread: $5
NOVEMBER
Another fabric purchase from https://thefabricstoreonline.com/
A linen-cotton blend, in another vibrant, light blue.
I only have a metre, so I need to see what I can do with it. I initially thought a sleeveless collared shirt would be nice but I'm started to err more on the side of a slip on, very loose, sleeveless top not unlike the very first thing I ever made from Angela Kane
I already have the pattern, and I know this would work.
Cost breakdown:
Fabric: $18.20
Thread: $5
DECEMBER
I have not planned for December, yet, but I do have two different silks awaiting plans. I would also like to consider some household projects, and the collation of all my fabric scraps, to make use of them.
We have a lot of items of clothing that require mending, so this is something I intend to get to throughout the year.
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