I have to return to work after maternity leave in about a month. Since I was last at work in person, mid-pandemic, so much has changed and my wardrobe needs to catch up! On the whole, this is a great opportunity to show my process for sewing a capsule wardrobe. Luckily, I have some secrets for quick sewing and I want to share them with you!
a realistic plan For Quick SewinG A wardrobe
If you are trying to do a lot of sewing for a specific purpose, there are some principles that can help you. Many of them rely on your previous experience and knowledge. These principles are in no specific order.
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- What is your personal style right now and what are your needs realistically? Find 3 words that describe the capsule wardrobe you want to make. This will help you focus with all the pattern and fabric choices available out there.
- Shop your closet first. Do you have some basic t-shirts that fit, are in good condition and coordinate with the colours you want to use in your wardrobe? Maybe you have a cardigan or jacket you can incorporate from your current wardrobe? This means less to sew!
- Focus on a wardrobe “core”. Pieces that you can mix and match. Choose things you know you will wear and that are well adapted to your needs.
- Choose patterns that you know well and fit you well. Do you have a favourite pattern company, some patterns that you’ve made a million times and always come out a winner?
- Choose simplicity. If you need to sew a lot and quickly, choose simple patterns. Omit details like pockets.
- Choose fabrics you can sew quickly and like to wear. Knits for me! I might add some woven pieces later for texture and interest after I have completed my wardrobe core.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat. Limit your pattern and fabric choices. You will have less patterns to prepare, fit and get out of storage. Using similar colours will allow you to batch sew. Repeating colours also allows you to mix and match. If it gets too boring, disregard tip number 3 and add some details for interest.
- Counterintuitive, but don’t cut everything at once. You might change your mind and regret it and lose momentum. Staying motivated to sew is a balance between planning and allowing room for inspiration and creativity.
- It’s okay to mix in ready-to-wear pieces or have an entirely ready-to-wear wardrobe. Although the idea of an entirely me-made wardrobe can be very seductive, it doesn’t always mean it’s right for you, right now. One me-made piece among all your other pieces is a great place to start sewing for yourself! There are no rules!
- Remember, life happens. If you don’t meet your wardrobe sewing goals, it’s okay! Sometimes your mind or circumstances change. Rough patches happen. Listen to yourself and your body. Nothing is more of a sewing buzzkill for me than feeling like you “have” to sew. When I don’t “have” to, I want to!
Keeping all these considerations in mind when planning to sew your wardrobe can help you build a lot more sewing momentum and help you feel motivated to sew.
How I implement my Secrets for Quick Sewing
Here is how I put these principals into practice for this wardrobe so far.
Colours
The first step was choosing a loose colour scheme. It is difficult to totally commit to a targeted colour scheme because I love all the colours! But, for ease of sewing and dressing, it’s great to choose a few core colours and then expand from there.
This makes batch sewing easier. And if I fall behind on my sewing queue, it means I have at least a few pieces that go together. After perusing some of what was available and having a rough idea of what types of garments I wanted in my wardrobe, I chose navy, grey, purples and pinks as my core colours.
What are my needs?
I am an itinerant art, music, drama and dance teacher for kindergarten and primary grades. But, I am required to follow a somewhat business casual dress code most days, with room for some athleisure. Furthermore, jeans aren’t allowed, except on Fridays. I also have to respect certain modesty rules at work.
What is my style?
Knit fabrics really help me out with their range for movement and breathability (in many cases). My personal style is a little bit feminine but practical. The 3 words that will focus and define my wardrobe are Professional, Feminine, Comfortable.
Fabric choice
An initial cruise of what fabrics are available online helped me choose the patterns that I will be using. I stuck to patterns that I already have sewn at least once to cut down on time making muslins.
I saw some great nylon ponte fabrics in many colours that I find comfortable, sturdy, dressy and easy to care for. I found them at G.K Fashion Fabrics. Many of my pieces will be made in this fabric and I chose coordinating fabrics for the other pieces.
The pieces
Pants
Seeing all that ponte led me to think of the Cozy Pants by Patterns for Pirates. I love the simplicity of this pattern and its versatility. Not to mention, wide legs are on trend. I will be leaving the pockets off so they look dressier.
If I end up making 2 pairs, I’d love to include pockets for a more casual pair. As much as I love pockets, it’s faster to sew without them, too! Bonus: this pattern has no-trim pages, but mine is already prepared!
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Skirts
I will also be using the ponte to make a Pattern Emporium Sporty Lounge Skirt and/or Styla Patterns Laconia Skirt. My love affair with skirts just had to carry into spring.
Leggings
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This navy blue heavyweight athletic double-brushed poly from Water Tower Textiles will become some skirted leggings made with either the Shenanigans or the Adventure Skort from 5oo4 Patterns. This company also has no-trim pages!
Tops
Another trend that this wardrobe will incorporate is the matching set. The navy ponte will be used to become a boxy Core T-shirt from Closet Core that will coordinate with the Cozy Pants. The darts will look great in ponte!
Fabric for the other tops include the purple ponte from above, as well as white cotton lycra and hot pink cotton lycra from G.K Fashion Fabrics. They will become more Core T-shirts or Styla Patterns Sausalito tops. I also have some grey modal rib knit from Water Tower Textiles that might become a Made for Mermaids Pepper Top.
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One pieces
First, I will use this beautiful floral from Water Tower Textiles to make a dress for work and Easter celebrations and a matching one for my daughter! I love a sweet mommy-and-me moment. I am thinking of making a Cashmerette Turner Dress with the nursing expansion but I may change my mind.
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Second, the jumpsuit will be the Brooklyn by Styla Patterns out of purple bamboo spandex from Water Tower Textiles. The gathers will fall so beautifully in this fabric. To achieve this, lots of clear elastic and fusible knit interfacing will make sure it doesn’t stretch out too much in the heavier and drapier fabric. A cardigan can make it work appropriate.
Time to sew!
Now that I have my fabric, patterns and a plan, it is time for me to get sewing. As much as I would love to accomplish everything that I have planned, it might not happen.
Without a doubt, I will be changing my mind about which fabric becomes which garment along the way. Above all, I look forward to the process, documenting it here and sharing it with you! I hope it can be a way we can learn from each other.