Showing posts with label self-care sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-care sewing. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

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?

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

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?

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Amuse Top: Winter Wear Designs: One Thimble Tour Issue 14

One Thimble 14 tour has begun and welcome to my stop! I love One Thimble and the awesome patterns that goes with it! This edition does not disappoint! 


I've sewn up Winter Wear Design's Amuse Boho Dress and Tunic and I am in love with it! From the flow of the design and the length (I went with the tunic length). It is so comfy! Plus the panel in the front is great for scrap usage! I may have fussy cut mine though. ;)


I've jumped on the legging bandwagon a little late and am in need of long enough tops to coordinate into my wardrobe. For me, the tunic length is perfect!


There are gathers in the front and the option for gathers in the back. I opted out of the back gathers to conserve on fabric. The blue fabric I used was gifted and I barely had enough!


I've always been a fan of the raglan style sleeves... 


This was my first time doing a side vent. I'm so excited by the look of it, and the feel of it that I my just start hemming more of the clothes with it! and the shirt tail hem! *heart eyes emoji* 


It's really hard to take a picture of that by yourself!



I think it's super cute! The first thing I have sewn for me since having the baby (that is not costume related), and I love the fit. 


This is the first woven top I have ever made for myself. and I am pretty excited with how it turned out! 



Check out the other awesome makes!

2/9/2017

2/10/2017

2/11/2017

2/12/2017

2/13/2017

2/14/2017

2/15/2017

Friday, August 12, 2016

Brook Blossom Skirt: One Thimble: Issue 12 {Blog Tour}

Welcome to my stop on the One Thimble 12 Blog Tour! Such amazing items sewn up! 


I have a Brook Blossom Skirt from Orange Blossom sewn up to show you today, and I am super stoked at how it turned out! After running rampant with kindergarten having started and our schedules are so out of whack, I needed some self-care sewing! This pattern is available in kids sizes too!


I used the high-low hem view with the knee length hem view and I am loving this overlay skirt! I had inspiration from a skirt in the clothing section at our local Fry's (seriously, that store has everything) and thought this pattern lent itself perfectly for it.  


The high low hem is sewn up using a sheer chiffon as an overlay and is super light. Perfect for our Arizona heat and still looking cute! And even though the outer fabric is a chiffon (I bought the fabric at walmart a  while ago) The skirt was still cheaper than the sale on the skirt at fry's! So, my budget is happy!


The underskirt is a white something. I honestly don't know as I just pulled it out of my stash. Score for a double stash use!


The directions are easy to follow and lend itself to a well constructed skirt.


Something about skirts like this that make you want to twirl.  It's so swishy, I love it! (don't mind my little photo bomber. my little man was taking pictures and I wasn't to focused on the little girl!)


Honestly, I did not understand the point to high low hem skirts. But it is too fun to wear. I cannot wait to wear it out! I feel so nice! 


Check out these other awesome creations coming soon over the next week! 

8/12

8/13

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

8/18

8/19

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

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!


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.


Tuesday, February 2, 2016

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 (girlsboys)
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 MaternityCapsule 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?

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

Welcome to my stop on the Jocole Fall Blog tour! I am loving all the creations that have been made with these patterns. Have you tried out these patterns! I sewn a few and I blogged about the pencil skirt and Peplum top back in May. Check out that post here. Of course that was before I discovered that we were going to be having another baby, and now, the outfit doesn't fit! Perfect time to sew up some maternity wear, and with this awesome fall blog tour, it's the perfect way to get myself into gear (And take a break from Halloween sewing)! 
*stay tuned for discount during the tour and raffle at the end of this post!*

The patterns I used were to focused on layering. Not that I get horribly cold during our mild Arizona desert autumns & winters, especially while pregnant. But, it is still chilly enough to need some type of cover up.


The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

I used the Quick Dress & Top as a cardigan. I included the in-seam pockets, and this is the most comfy thing! Size Large is perfect to go around the belly and instead of adding buttons, I am contemplating doing a tie for above the belly. But for now, I am leaving it as it is. I never button or tie the things any way!


The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

Modifications: Originally done by Becca of Free Notion, I used her mod to make this a great cardigan. 
Seriously, in love with this cardi! I have been wearing it every morning around the house and took it with me to the theaters last night! Perfect!

The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

I used the Classy Cowlneck Bodice of the mix and match series as a cute simple top. I love the capped sleeves! I used a thin gauze-like (I say like because it was gifted fabric and super light weight, perfect for layering over a cami!)


The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

Modifications: Graded up from the waist down to accommodate the growing belly. Extended the length.
 I am super stoked at how nicely it covered my 25 week bump! With some room to spare! Yay!

The Berry Bunch: Jocole Fall Blog Tour: Sewing up some Maternity Style Clothes! {Discount + Giveaway!}

I finally found the cutest green stretch denim for the skinny jeans! Ah, that is next on my list for a pair of maternity pants that actually look good on! ;)

The awesome team over at Jocole has provided our readers with a discount on purchases at their shop! You can save up to 25% applied to the entire cart, no restrictions! Use the code "FallBlogTour" between October 15th 12:01am and October 26th 11:59pm PST to recieve your discount!

Also, the wonderful team at Jocole has shared the opportunity for you to win your choice of one of her sewing patterns! Giveaway for this post runs from October 21st 12:00am to October 23rd 12:00am EST!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway