Sewing for ME!!!

One of my goals this year is to make more everyday wardrobe items for myself.  Even though I have the luxury of 2 full weekdays to sew, they're usually filled with projects for either my theatre clients or Etsy shop.  The result is that I haven't sewn something for myself since I made a reception dress for my wedding almost 4 years ago.

Last month I found a really great blog article through Pinterest that showed how to use 14 basic wardrobe pieces to make 30 different outfits, and I'm incorporating this idea into my sewing goal to make my own wardrobe challenge!  One of my rules is that I have to make or thrift everything, no ready-made items unless I already own them.  (I'm also trying to go on a fabric buying fast, but that really hasn't happened yet...)

So my first item in this great quest is this cute little blouse based on the Sorbetto from Collette patterns!  The fabric is a very thick poly/rayon with a matte finish.  Almost feels like it could be a peachskin fabric, but not quite.  It's light but substantial enough that I don't feel like I'm naked.  The original pattern is sleeveless, but I found a sleeve pattern online and it works perfectly.  I wasn't sure what the boxy shape would look like on my body type, but I made a muslin version first and did some alterations on that to get the shape just right before cutting my fashion fabric.

I'm not sure yet how this will work into my 14 piece wardrobe, but I know it will get used regularly.  I'm already thinking of more variations on this pattern to make again soon!

Pin-spired!

Like many people (okay, lets be honest - most women) , I am addicted to Pinterest.     Not in a crazy "plan my wedding even though I don't have a boyfriend" kind of way, but I love the whole idea of a virtual bulletin board.  Designers have been using this kind of thing for years, but back in the day we used magazines, people.  You know, those things printed on paper?  Remember paper???

Anyway, I love it.  Not only does it feed my need for crafts, DIY home improvements, and really awesome and/or easy recipes, but I've also found it extremely helpful for designing shows.  And every once in awhile, I find something that just blows my mind...

Like this little gem from MK at outfitposts.blogspot.com.  Using just 14 basic pieces, plus a few accessories, she put together 30 outfits!  I have to dress business casual 2 days a week, this is perfect for me.  I love almost all the different looks, and it feels really wearable, not too done up or over the top.  

So of course, this means I need more clothes ;).  But I'm going to make this a challengeand exercise in thriftiness, and here are my self-imposed rules:

• I must try to use as many existing pieces from my wardrobe as possible.
• Anything that I don't already have must be built, not bought.  And I need to use fabrics and patterns from my stash.
• The few things that can't be made, like cardigan sweaters or accessories, must be thrifted. 

I think this is going to be really fun!  Last summer I wanted to sew one new item for myself each week, but work got in the way.  This time I think I'll just take it easy and do as much as I can, when I can.  Right now I am in the middle of 2 shows, starting a huge musical for March, and I'm also working on 3 wedding dresses between now and June, not to mention all the work for new items, craft shows, and custom orders that is involved in my Etsy shop.  

So I'll be busy for awhile, but I can always sneak a few things in where possible.  And since this doesn't look too appropriate for the 30 degree weather we're having right now, I can shoot to have it all done by this summer.  I will of course let you know how it goes, and post any pieces I make.  Maybe when I have the whole wardrobe put together I will model my version of each outfit!  (Okay, that probably won't happen because I hate having my photo taken.  Sorry.)

If you want to play along, I'd love to see what you come up with for your own wardrobe!