To Sew or Not (able) To Sew

I'm still in the process of acquiring the 3 panel mirror. I've been so anxious to finish my skirt . So to keep me busy, I've started to cut the muslin for some of my next projects. I have a long list of things to do. Here's a peek. I plan to:

a) Re-build my wardrobe

b) Sew birthday gifts for my loved ones

c) Make accessories, such as more jewelry, 2 purses, and 2 hats

d) Make placemats/ lap-trays with matching coasters

e) Take on two interior decorating projects (I am moving into a new place and a friend ask me to help furnish and decorate their 6 rooms/ 2 baths apt). Sewing-wise, this will include curtains or window treatments in each room if we don't find and buy what we're looking for per room, duvet covers, pillows to match, covers for sofa set (if needed), pillows for the sofa set, fabric to cover some shelves they have, convert a twin-size bed to daybed, etc.

I didn't list the projects in the order of execution. I just wanted you to get an idea of what's on my mind. The apts are going to take some work and alot of time. They still need to be painted first. I've been on a quest online and store to furniture store for the perfect furniture pieces and rugs. So the sewing part of the apt will come later. I'll be updating you thru-out the process with pics though.

Now, I really need a new wardrobe (don't we all). I have some really nice pieces but they are from when I was sizes 2-6 (2 years ago) and I'm currently a size 8-9 top and 12-14 bottom. Yeah.... hence my dilemma. I'm going to clear my closet out of what doesn't fit and start form scratch. As I thought about what to sew, I kept two people in mind: Mimi & Tim Gunn. Mimi from Domestichaven, lists some great guidelines to follow about the do's and don'ts of how to dress for you body type/shape. It's very thorough. Most tips I already knew, but I appreciate that she took the time to put it together. Now I have it handy as great reminders. I don't really watch the "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" show, but I thought it would be fitting to start my new wardrobe with sewing the essentials from Tim Gunn's list of 10 must haves. The Ten Elements are mostly classic pieces, but the focus is the garment's style, fit, and how well they flatter & bring out your best features. I've already picked out patterns for each item:

1.) Basic Black Dress or "Little Black Dress"- Vogue 2899

2.) Trench Coat: I've always wanted a fierce long trench and I happened to come across THIS photo while looking thru Burdamode.com archives of past magazines. It's a pattern from the Burda World of Fashion Magazine September 2006 and unfortunately I have not been able to find a copy, yet.

The closest I've been able to find is this pattern:

Simplicity 4084 - View B

3.) Classic Dress Pants: I want to sew pants that will go well with several outfits but I refuse to make it black! - McCall's 5193

4.) White Shirt: The white shirt is a definite classic -

McCall's 4922

5.) Jeans: My inspiration for selecting this particular pattern was from Mimi. She made a stretch corduroy that came out really nice. - Vogue 8202

6.) Cashmere Sweater: I'm not sure if I'll make it cashmere. Kwik Sew 2759 - View B

7.) Skirt: I'm in the process of making a skirt right now.

(See previous post)

8.) Day Dress - Burda Pattern style no.: 7783

9.) Blazer - The blazer in McCall's 5193 (number 3 above) A perfect piece to put with the skirt or dress pants, and white shirt. Or can be made casual with the pair of jeans.

10.) Sweat Suit Alternative: I like this idea. Instead of grabbing the most comfortable clothes available that is quick and easy (which in most cases IS sweats) to run out to do errands, why not sew a top and bottom that is quick and easy yet chic. You can be casual and comfortable without looking messy. It could be khakis, cords, a cotton dress, or anything that's a comfortable material (that's why this doesn't say jeans again – denim is not as comfortable as a nice soft cotton) that you would want to wear every day. I think I will eventually be sewing ALOT of garments in this category, but for now I'm going to start with- McCalls 5586 top & a corduroy pant from Vogue 8202 (number 5 above)

Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item - This will be my first time making a purse.

McCall's 5340 - View B

I'm not one who rushes home or, when home, follow show schedules to catch a TV show. I don't have that kind of time, but every now and then when I'm home and have a little play time , I turn the boob tube on. From those occasional moments, I always seem to find a garment piece I'd love to re-create. Here are some that I would love to sew and add to my new wardrobe some day:

This coat that Vanessa Williams (Wanda "Wilhelmina" Vivian Slater from Ugly Betty) is wearing has an aire of affluence and sophistication. I found this pattern from Butterick that might work - Butterick 4665

The other night I was watching "Cashmere Mafia". It was my first time watching it and I fell in love with this capelet Lucy Lu wears it well. I hope to capture that same look but in a LARGER scale (cause I don't weight 100 pounds like Lucy!!)

Kwik Sew Pattern 3365

This equestrian-esque look is not from any TV show, buy it is one of outfits to re-create.

Vogue 8311 - gloves, 5590 - skirt, 5190 - jacket , 5471 - top