Color Trends

I discovered a new site today that I think will really help those of us who sew plan ahead. It is Fashion Trendsetter.

Every season I go to the mall and try to determine what colors and styles are the must haves for that season. This site shows the popular colors months in advance. Having this information in advance will really help me plan for the coming season, as I usually start my sewing several months before clothes appear in the stores. They list the Pantone colors so I won't have to try to figure out the colors that are not always accurately reflected on my computer screen. I was really surprised that the colors for fall are very soft.

In their review of upcoming styles for Fall 2009 they say clothes are going to be oversized with leggings and big shoulders. Maybe I shouldn't get rid of those 1980's patterns!

Change of Plans

I have had a terrible time getting motivated with the mini wardrobe sew along. After looking at the fabric again last night, I realized that I don't like the fabrics, or even the skirt that was the center of the wardrobe. The dressy fabrics also do not fit my current lifestyle. Even though they were just meant to be muslins, they did not inspire me to sew. I decided to dump the entire plan and start over.

I found out that the Stitcher's Guild was having a wardrobe sew along, so I am going to try to complete a mini wardrobe by their guidelines. It involves making an accessory, an area where I have a huge gap in my wardrobe, so if I complete it, I will have all that I need to look put together.

I checked out my closet and found in the dark corner a denim jacket I love, but have rarely worn, because I have nothing the wear with it, and the way I am loosing weight, I will never get to wear it if I don't make something right away.

I went through my stash and found these fabrics that will set it off.

I haven't decided exactly what I am going to do with it, but I am looking forward to sewing this wardrobe, and I think it will get a lot of use. The three fabrics on the left are knits that will be made into shirts. The fabrics on the right are a tan twill and a plaid seersucker. They will probably be skirts, as I wear mostly skirts during the summer.

Birthday Dress

I went to Hancock Fabrics today to get some patterns as McCall's patterns are on sale for 88 cents this weekend. Apparently many other people had the same idea, as every pattern that I wanted was sold out in the size that I needed. I wanted to get a dress pattern for a friend that is turning 5 years old next week. I had already purchased some teal silk dupioni to make a dress for her, but when I went through my patterns I found that I no longer had any children's patterns. I had planned to make a "princess" dress, but her mother reminded me that she does not like to be the center of attention, so the plan has been changed to make this dress.


I will be lengthening the dress, underlining the entire garment to give it body, adding a wider hem, and hopefully add a little sparkle if time allows. I did pre-wash the silk in the washing machine to make it a little softer and reduce the shine of the fabric. Hopefully, I will get started on this tomorrow afternoon.

Lingerie Elastic

I ordered 85 yards of lingerie elastic for $17.00 through an ebay store DIY Lace and Trims. I highly recommend this store. The quality of the elastic is great and the shipping was fast. It looks like my granny panties are going to be replaced with fancy pants.

Mini Wardrobe

Pattern review is having a mini wardrobe contest this month. There is a sew along for those of us who do not wish to participate in the contest, but need to sew a coordinated wardrobe. It is supposed to consist of 4 pieces that can be worn together and one item from our closet. I still haven't decided on all the pieces, but I have selected patterns and fabrics. I do not want to buy any fabric, so all the fabric is from my stash. I am hoping to make some wearable muslins from the fabric. Since I haven't sewn for myself in over 5 years, and my body has changed in those years, I will need to do a lot of experimenting. I chose a 6 gore turquoise skirt with a navy blue stripe from my closet. I will be making navy linen pants and jacket.

The available fabrics from my stash in addition to the navy linen are a hot pink polyester bengaline, a polyester silky print with navy, turquoise, hot pink and lime green, and a cotton sateen with a floral print with navy, pink, turquoise and about every other color in the rainbow. I have five yards of the bengaline and sateen, and three of the poly print. I could really use some help deciding what to do with the fabric. What do you think? Click on the photo for a larger image.

Pattern Drafting Tools

Three years ago, when my aussie, George, was a puppy, my plastic pattern drafting tools were a tasty snack. I hesitated to replace them, as they are quite expensive. Over the weekend I found the large set of Fairgate rulers on sale at Sew True. They arrived today, only 4 business days after ordering. Finally, a puppy-proof set of drafting tools. I can't wait to get to work!

Free Patterns for Chemo Hats and Scarves

If you are interested in sewing for others in need, I urge you to join Carewear or Headhuggers. They have many ideas for sewing for those in need. My sewing project for this year is to make chemo hats. I did not want to spend money on patterns, so I looked online for downloadable patterns. Here is a list of what I found:

Reversible Fleece Cap

Fast and Easy Chemo Cap

Polar Fleece Beanie

Snood

Bandanna with Tails

Reversible Chemo Hat

Creative Kindness Easy Hat

Creative Kindness Easy Hat Variations

Creative Kindness Beret

Quick and Easy Beanie

Adult Chemo Hat