Sewing a Mini-Capsule: Update {Self Care}

At the end of March, I shared with you my plans for sewing a mini capsule. Or rather, filling in the holes of what I currently have. Now that it's the end of Me Made May, I'm ready to share my updated mini capsule.

And, now you know our big news you can understand my need for a mini capsule! One of the reasons I have been kind of working on the wardrobe is I had gotten rid of a bunch of my maternity wear way before baby 4 was even close to coming. I was fighting through this winter with elastic around the button of my only jeans that didn't kill my hips until I *finally* made my Love Notions Maternity Sabrina Slims and a friend giving me a pair of rtw skinny maternity jeans (among other awesome items).

I used the book The Curated Closet By Anushka Rees to help me out a little bit too. Mostly colors and what kind of items. I have way more than enough skirts for my lifestyle. Even if they are super comfy in the heat. You can read what I had to say about it here.

Here was the plan (using the 4x4 wardrobe sheet from Vivienne Files)...

And what I have now...

<img 4x4 update>

Added Items:
Ponte A-Line Skirt

Grey shorts

Mint Tank
Purple Tank
Maxi Skirt
Denim Capris

Ponte A-Line Skirt

Using leftover fabric from the navy Ponte pants I made a while back I made a knee length A-line skirt. Instead of gathering the waist of the skirt I decided to go with about 2" box pleats. They are far from perfect, don't sew pleats when the kids are awake and messing with you. Trust me.
 I've been wanting a pleated skirt for a long while. I would have preferred it in brown, like a faux suede, but that wouldn't fit in with my clothes and probably wouldn't ever get worn. It may be better in a woven material than the knit, but it didn't require any extra purchases! It's not a "love it!" item, but it is sufficient for now. I discovered this fabric pills horribly after several washes, so this is just going to be a seasonal item. 

Grey Shorts

I was given some grey shorts and decided to add those in place of the pinstripe grey pants! They are super comfy, and perfect for our southwestern desert heat. I'm super excited to have these and have worn them quite a lot recently.

Mint Tank

I used some leftover fabric from Halloween this last year and made myself a knit top using Pattern 4 Pirates Layer Me Up Shirt cut as a tank. It is so nice and cool in our really warm weather though I don't know how long it is going to last since I had to get creative about cutting it out of the leftover fabric. (shame on me, I know) ... I have had a really bad case of forgetfulness and ended up having to restitch the neck binding on twice! I don't know what I was thinking messing up the ratios as bad as I did. No matter how hard you try quartering the binding is not going to match up with the shoulder seams. Gapped in the back and super stretched in the front just looks so bad! I almost didn't fix it, but so glad I realized there was just no pulling off a poorly attached neck binding.

Purple Tank

This fabric is leftover from a project I had intended to make for the girls but ended up not for some reason. It's from one of those buys where you just get yards upon yards and then never use it. But it was perfect for this project, and I have room to grow. It's the Pattern for Pirates Free Spirit Tank. Super comfy. Super slinky, and super stretchy. I might make another top out of this material. Goodness knows I have plenty of it!

Maxi Skirt

I switched out my mint cardigan for a flower print maxi skirt. I got this from a LulaRoe seller who was closing up shop and selling everything discounted (IMO that's the best time to buy LLR pieces because they are way too expensive!) And I love the material. Perfect in the summer heat!

Denim Capris

I traded out pants for these capris. I am thinking I would much prefer shorts. These, I thought I got rid of, came from a time of my life when I disliked showing off my thighs in public and refused to wear shorts. I have since discovered how much more comfortable shorts are and have gotten over my thigh insecurities.

I'm super happy with how these outfits are turning out so far... (forgive my not so good phone pics, I was rushing through naptime)

Seriously!? So many outfits from a 4X4 Wardrobe from Vivienne Files! And that's not even all of them! I missed the ponte pants with a couple of the shirts! I am impressed. Now to just work on styling with jewelry, changing out shoes, and my hair (cause I am so tired of a bun and so want a haircut!)! 

Now what?

I'm thinking the cardigans need to be switched out for something else. Just one was not enough and I don't need them for the weather we have now. At least that is what I am thinking. Another top in that color, or a tank so I have a sleeved and non-sleeved option. I will need to sit on that one a little bit more. But now that our temperatures have hit a high where layering is just too much with the heat, I am thinking switching them out will be best. A lot changes in two months! I need to work on these things faster! LOL!

Although, I did pick up some cute leafy green patterned olive semi-sheer knit (mystery, it was from Walmart).  I am thinking it would make a perfect kimono. I assume that would make a cute layering piece and if not a cute swim cover. Not that I ever go to the pool. I added it into the plan, but with the gray. I think it should change places with the cream. But isn't it lovely?

I am also thinking of trading out my ponte pants for another pair of shorts. I haven't been wearing those either, it's just too hot and I can't handle the heat right now!

Had you been working on some self-care sewing?

Sewing a Mini-Capsule: Planning {Self-Care}

I love the concept of a capsule wardrobe.

A limited amount of clothes: 

not spending as much time folding & sorting (Ha! Like I sort my clothes!)

fewer items mean fewer loads of laundry meaning it takes less time out of your day to wash and move to the dryer (and not load upon load upon load...)

I think I really started looking into it for the first time about 3 years ago... I've been looking for ways to pare down my wardrobe, discard the items I no longer wear without regret and find a color combination I absolutely love which I can mix and match in endless ways for an amazingly magical wardrobe.

So far, I have been unsuccessful.

I was *Finally* able to get rid of totes upon totes of clothes I have not worn in years, just within this last year. I was *Not* able to do it without feeling the regret later because some articles had been put in the totes by the kids moving things around, or I was planning on going through it one more time only to realize later there were things I didn't really want to donate. My heart still hurts.

Despite getting rid of the totes and totes of clothes, I still have an overabundance of items in my closet. Most of which, I do not even consider wearing! And yet, I cannot seem to part with any of them!

I've come to the conclusion that the bloggers, Instagrammers, and social media capsule wardrobe gurus are some sort of clothing wizard (magician, sorcerer, what have you). No matter how much I have tried I don't seem to conjure the same type of amazing outfit combinations. 

That is not stopping me from trying.

I think all I need is a little bit more practice. 

I am going to go with a mini capsule.  For now.

After lots of playing with my wardrobe and then running through Vivienne Files Build a wardrobe from scratch and going through the videos for Dress Your Truth, I think I have found my colors. Purple, mint, navy, and dark grey. This is what I have the most of in my wardrobe, these are the ones that get used the most. so why not? 

I attempted the 10x10 Wardrobe Challenge and quickly fell off the wagon before I really got started. Recently the facebook group Sew Altered Style Sewciety did a similar challenge with 7 items to create 7 outfits for 7 days. I started and followed through. I loved it. I even created projects in my head to help my wardrobe. I have been perusing online for fabric ever since.

I am thinking of attempting to do an almost 4x4 capsule by Vivienne Files. She has a great worksheet for it here, I just used google docs to fill in the blanks. I am planning some sewing to fill in the gaps. 

Things I need:

Navy: shirt and skirt

Dark Grey: cardigan, pants

Mileage: mint shirt, purple shirt, Cream Shirt,

Expansion: modify store-bought denim

And because I needed to round it out to make the grid work, I added a Chambray top. Because, I think I want a chambray top. This also fits with the Make 9 in 2018 challenge which is ever so popular in the Capsule Wardrobe Sew Along group on facebook.

Now, just to actually find a way to aquire the fabric (after searching my totes upon totes of stash here at home) and what patterns to sew up. I'm thinking some tops from Love Notions, Patterns 4 Pirates, Made 4 Mermaids though none of those are set in stone (actually I think I'm already going to change it up), and I haven't decided on the grey pants yet. I might need some help, What are your favorite patterns to sew for yourself?

Are you a capsule/minimalist wardrobe curator and only have what fits or were you like me and just got/sewn clothes because you liked them?

Nursing Friendly Willow Wrap Dress: For the Love of Dresses and Tunics {Love Notions Blog Tour and Giveaway}

Welcome to my stop on Love Notion's  "For the Love of Dresses and Tunics"! I had to jump on the chance to participate on a dress or tunic because I have been totally in the mood for something to wear with my bright green leggings from here but was having the hardest time finding anything Ready To Wear from the store! Perfect timing and opportunity to make a beautiful garment!

And? I am so In Love with this dress! I made the Willow Wrap Dress, just perfect for this nursing momma! It was the first thing I made from my Spring Capsule Wardrobe and I am so glad I did!

I feel beautiful in it! I felt beautiful while I was pregnant, and feel beautiful now!

I love the gathers on the side (hard to see in this fabric). But even with my post-partum belly (by only 5 days) This dress still looks awesome!

And some cuteness with the baby... :D

Even the husband is happy with the way I look in the Dress! Bonus since it's purpose is for date nights. I plan on wearing it for Valentine's day. We do dinner at home, sometimes in front of the tv with the kids, sometimes not. I'm gonna pull out some candles and set up the table for a nice date night in, and I'm excited! A girl has to feel beautiful, especially after having a baby only a few days ago!

I'm also thinking of pairing it with my leather jacket and some heels for a wedding in March. I might end up sewing a blazer later, but for now the leather jacket will do nicely! Oh, I am excited to wear this out with the husband!

Check out these other awesome bloggers and their incredible creations!

Feb. 8th  Pear Berry Lane   Rebel and Malice  Craft Blizzard 

Feb. 9th Friends Stitched Together Bunch o Berries HattieLu Handmade

Feb. 10th Beri Bee Designs The Wholesome Mama Handcrafted by RED

 Feb. 11th Phat Quarters Blog Sew Sophie Lynn Sew Starly 

Feb. 12th Boutique Birdie Pen Seb & Rox Creative Counselor 

Feb. 13th All Things Katy! Sprouting JubeJube Lulu and Celeste

There is a Giveaway!
Winner receives: 5 patterns of their choice from Love Notions (bundles excluded) & $50 GC from Girl Charlee!
There are three entry opporunities: visit LN page, leave a blog comment, & sign up for the LN newsletter.
Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize, after that, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pattern was provided free of charge in exchange for participation in the tour. 

All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe: Preparing for Spring

Wait, Spring? Already? Are we even close to being out of winter? I guess some of you are still experiencing snow on the ground and the thought of spring seems so far away. Punxsutaney Phil has said it will be an early Spring! But here in the lovely desert, we had experienced 80* weather already last week. If anything, I should be preparing for summer! Ha! But, spring will work decently from about... now... until April/May! And it fits perfectly into my goals this year!

Goal 3: I want to finish with the KonMari method on my clothes. I held onto a lot last year to prepare for the pregnancy and for nursing. But then turned around and ended up accidentally discarding nursing shirts. I really want to cry because I have maybe one or two tops that work for that! I also still have a bunch of clothes that hasn't worked for me in over 10 years and should probably discard them regardless of whether I *think* I am going to turn the items into clothes for the kids. Hey, the discount second hand stores are taking spring wear now!

Sudoku sheet from Free Notion

Goal 4: I want to rebuilt my capsule wardrobe. I thought I was happy with what I had last year, but I have come to realize that it doesn't work for me now. Really? I don't know if I can fit into any of the clothes that I had. I don't know how much weight I will loose, and how fast, once this baby decides to finally make her debut (as of today: 40weeks+5days)... But most those clothes took me years to fit into and never really fit the same way after kids... Why keep them? Especially when I love the items I have sewn for myself!

Sew for myself I shall! So I used my outfit planners from the kids printable wardrobe planners (girls, boys) and the Sudoku sheet from Free Notion (both modified to fit the odd sizing of my planner) and the motivation from the pinspired pirates hashtag contest (which I completely missed) to plan some nursing modifications to shirts. They even have a spot in my planner set-up which I love having so easily accessible!

outfit planners (girls, boys)

I have to say that I am really excited! Hopefully I can actually spend the time on the sewing, but based on necessity I think I have to!

I have quite a bit of my fabric already! That is always a good feeling! I love these fabrics, picked up at the local discount fabric store a while back and now I know just what to do with them! All together there seems to be less continuity between them, but I will also do a pink, purple, blue and green camisoles for layering under and to add an element of modesty during nursing...

I just need to work on the bottoms, but I may wait a little longer to work on those and use what I have not yet purged. And who knows what is going to fit ...

These were the colors That I was thinking. I am finding that I am loving pinks/purples and the blues!

Adding the neutrals of brown, blue/denim and white. with green as an accent. I'm still debating on black too...

I just need a jacket/blazer, but not sure the pattern or the fabric to use: possibly navy blue, denim, or both. But it's all in time!

I'm just excited to get something together that I will love and that I will wear.

Now... If only I can bring myself to get rid of the other clothing items that are just taking up space!

Looking for inspiration?
Pinterest Inspiration: Nursing and Maternity, Capsule Wardrobe, Outfit Inspiration, PDF Women's Sewing Patterns

I want to hear from you!
What are your plans for your clothes this year?
Do you just use what you have (hey, if it works it works!), or do you just get what you like? Do you tend to stick with certain colors?
Do you capsule your wardrobe? How do you plan it out?

Building My Capsule Wardrobe: Month 3: Round 2: Time for a Fresh Start

When I set out on this adventure of limiting my wardrobe in the Capsule fashion, I was confused as to the limitations of having that set wardrobe for only 3 months.

Why only 3 months?!? It made no sense. 

Of course, in the southwest desert we only have 2 seasons. 

1.   Hot 

<and>

2.   sort of not Hot. 

Based on this I figured I would really only need to go through the process twice. Once for hot (which I started 3 months ago) and once for the not so Hot season. 

I was wrong.

We are HOT right now. My warbrobe is no longer sufficient. I'm not comfortable, it's humid from the monsoons; still fairly dry though, I'm not really complaining! But the colors do not match my mood, my feelings, or how my body is feeling at the moment. 

And, guess what!?! It's been 3 months! Those people that do it for 3 months? Yeah... they are brilliant.

I am not going to attempt sewing anything new. Maybe a new skirt, but that is very doubtful. Not right now. I'll be sharing why in a little bit. But, not today.

I have set up a new capsule wardrobe and traded out some items to be more fitting to my mood and the monsoon season. But have keept some items.

I have to say though that this has been a great experience for me. I have taken boxes (and I mean LOTS) of clothes to goodwill. I was going to try the second hand store but really, I didn't want to bother. I just wanted them gone. And, I didn't even worry about turning them into clothes for kids except for the ones that had holes in the hem and shoulders. I love having more room in my closet, more room in my drawers and less laundry to have to worry about.

I think I am going to be limiting the kids clothes too! I'm tired of having tons of their laundry to have to worry about. Aside from the potty training little girl. That laundry is pretty much unavoidable.

So... Here is the list for my new wardrobe... 

5 camisoles
4 tanks
4 shirts
2 blouses (1 sleeveless, 1 with)
1 cardigan
2 capri
1 pants
3 skirts
3 dresses
2 necklaces
27 Items

I decided not to count shoes. I am sticking with a sneaker, ballet flat, and flip flop.

I'm seriously in the middle with clothes right now and the heat with the monsoon has limited in what I am comfortable.

I'm incorporating some more browns and more blues, but still have some pink accents in there a little bit.

This is definitely going to be changing soon, but I am holding on as long as I can to these items! ;) I am hoping I can make it another 3 months!

Happy Organizing!

A Good Pair of Pants Aren't Sewn in a Day: Women's Bundle Up {BlogTour with Winter Wear Designs and GreenStyle Creations}

I love jeans. They are comfy. And, when they fit right, they make a girl look good.

The hard thing is? A good fitting pair of jeans are so hard to find! For the past year, I have been wanting to make my own pants but scared out of my mind! The Bundle Up Women's tour was the perfect opportunity to check this one of the list, and I sewed up a super cute tank to go with my new jeans! (don't worry, they both fit in my new capsule wardrobe)

There was so many awesome patterns, it was hard to pick. But having been wanting to sew up a pair of jeans, the choice was clear. Check out these awesome patterns in the Bundle Up Women!

I signed up to sew GreenStyle Creations Jillian Tank and Winter Wear Designs Real Deal Jeans.

Isn't this such a cute combo? Love the jeans, so comfortable! The top is so lightweight, cool, and flowing. Perfect for summer! The under tank is perfect to pair with other tops, or on it's own. Love the whole combo!

Winter Wear Designs Real Deal Jeans:

Modifications: I adjusted the rise in the back to account for my tiny hiney. sadly, most of my girth is in the front. But, I haven't been in single digit sizes since I first met my husband a little over 8 years ago and this was a size 8! I am super duper excited about that!

Embelishments: I added some free motion quilting to the pockets. Love how it looks and adds that perfect extra touch!

The Pattern: Honestly, I was terrified to sew up a pair of jeans. Why did I wait so long? So I could sew up this pair! The directions are simple and easy to follow. The pattern pieces themselves weren't difficult either. The pattern has cutting lines for shorts, capris or pants! I almost went with the shorts option, but I rarely even wear my capris. I just love pants.

One thing that I think scared me was the time. You have got to make a muslin first to get a great fitting pair of jeans! Make sure you are at your best physically too. Trust me, when you are bloated is not a great time to make a muslin! I may, or may not, know this from experience. ;) But in the end, with the time invested, you get an awesome pair of jeans!

GreenStyle Creations Jillian Tank:

I added nothing and changed nothing to this pattern. Isn't it awesome!

The Pattern: super simple. easy to follow directions. It is also a quick sew! The outertank works great for woven or knit fabric! It comes with a bandeau option, or even a sports bra! This is really like 4 patterns in 1!

The back is cool. And I am so proud of these pants!!

Check out some of these other amazing bloggers and their creations!

Mimi's Mom - Baby Fish Designs - The Wholesome Mama - Gloria June - Sew Happily Ever After - Manning the Machine - Sew Like My Mom - Sproutign Jube Jube - Keep Calm and Carrion - Friends Stitched Together - Thread Riding Hood - Gingerbear Hibbadorary - Pensebrox - Sew Starly - If Only They Would Nap - Handmade Boy - All Things Katy - Bunch-o-Berries - Bee Quilted BeautiesSew Thrifty - Made by Sara - Feathers Flights - Mabey She Made It - Mae and K - Sugar Plum Cuties - Rebel and Malice - House of Estrela - Phat Quarter Blog - Sofilanjes

Have you already gotten your patterns? Sew some up and share your creations on instagram using #bundleupwomen and if you haven't gotten your bundle yet, head over! The Bundle Up sale ends May 8th!

Happy Sewing!

Happy Halloween: Batman Theme Costumes

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

I am just glad it's done and over with. I love dressing up and seeing the kids dressed up. But, I am ready to move on to other projects without the added stress of complete utter perfection.

And our costume theme from this year, Batman! I briefly mentioned our costumes here with the printable I used to plan the outfits. I think we turned out pretty good!

I will spend the next few days talking about the costumes (something I intended before November), but it'll give me the opportunity to clean-up and play catch up on the mess that is in the craft-room. As that always seems to be the case after this time of year! LOL

Baby Girl: Harley Quinn (See my guest post on Friend's Stitched Together for Crafting Con)

• pattern used: Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop's Aloha Burn Blocker (affiliate link)
• Modifications: extended to pants, changed collar and cuffs, moved zipper to back, color blocked
• self drafted hood

Little Man: Batman (see my post about it at Berry Bunch Batman Costume)

• Pattern Used: Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop's Lullaby Body Suit (affiliate link)
• Modifications: color blocked, applique work on belt and bat symbol, paint for bat symbol
• Pattern Used: Titchy Threads Fancy Pants Leggings
• Hood and Cape: Self drafted
• BAM Sign: cardboard

Hubby: Scarecrow

• Hood: self drafted
• Suit: already owned

Me: Cat Woman

• Patterns Used: Greenstyle Creations Centerfield Raglan
• modifications: raised neckline, 4" zipper at neck
• Pattern Used: BurdaStyle Anita Pants
• modifications: used knit instead of woven, 1 piece waistband, sewn up more like leggings than skinny pants
• Cat ears: Wal-Mart

How do you do your costumes for Halloween? Dress up or no? Do you do themes, or no? 

Connect with me:

      
Happy Sewing!