Paisley Mini-Wardrobe

If you are already a member on Pattern Review and you'd like to vote for my capsule wardrobe entry in their contest, here's the link

https://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/ContestGallery.pl?ContestID=442
There are 23 entries and you get 5 votes.

Here's my Composite Review on PR

Contest 2024 Mini-Wardrobe Contest 2024 Mini-WardrobeContest pattern review by RuthieSews

2024 Mini-Wardrobe Contest Composite Review

This is my composite review for the 2024 Mini-Wardrobe Contest. It is based around wanting to use this gorgeous (but large scale print) which was used in the Vera Bradley Java Blue range. I bought the fabric more than 15 years ago from a roll end shop in Warrington, Cheshire, England. I've loved it all that time, but finally got brave enough to sew it up.

The blouse and skirt can be worn together to give the appearance of a shirtdress. The blouse and skirt can also be worn separately with other pieces. I've used the colours in the print as inspiration for the palette.
The knit top is slightly shorter than the woven blouse, which is slightly shorter than the jacket, so they can be layered in a visually pleasing way.
For each item in this capsule I've tried to add something extra either in technique or embellishment.

Paisley Blouse
Link to review for Paisley blouse
TnT shirt but with pattern matched front and front pockets.

Paisley Skirt
Link to Paisley Skirt
New pattern but with added pockets and comfort waist.

Brown Jeans
Link to review for Brown Stretch Jeans
TnT jeans pattern with embroidered back pockets which echo the print.

Turquoise Turtleneck
Link to the review for the Turquoise Turtleneck
TnT top pattern with self drafted neckline and embellished detail inspired by the print.

Teal Cord Jacket
Link to review for Teal jacket
New pattern with my first welt pockets and changing their half lining to a full lining.

I've been planning this capsule in my head for several years so its so exciting to finally get the pieces sewn up.

Once all the pieces were complete I had a go at showing all the different combinations I could think of and came up with

1. Jeans + Top
2. Jeans + Top + Jacket

3. Jeans + Blouse
4. Jeans + Blouse + Jacket
5. Jeans + Top + Blouse
6. Jeans + Top + Blouse + Jacket

7. Skirt + Top
8. Skirt + Top + Jacket

9. Skirt worn as strapless dress with Jacket

10. Skirt + Blouse
11. Skirt + Blouse + Jacket
12. Skirt + Top + Blouse

not shown
13. Skirt + Top + Blouse + Jacket

Turquoise embellished top

 

This is my TNT turtleneck top pattern which I've made any times. I thought it would be ideal for the Mini Wardrobe, but wanted to add a twist to the version I normally make. Instead of the usual scoop front neckline I altered it to a V neckline and redrafted the collar to cross over.

I also applied interfacing in a V shape and did some freeform tonal hand embellishment with yarn, thread, ribbon, beads and buttons.

I really enjoyed the freedom of the thread and bead work as a contrast to the precision needed for pattern matching and welt pockets 

Burda 6898 Teal Corduroy Jacket

 

This is my latest project, a lined corduroy jacket with welt pockets and sleeve vents. Its been a lot of work.

I made View B, shortened to the length of View A. The pattern only has a half lining which I changed to be a full lining. I also made the sleeves wider in the bicep to accommodate my chunky arms.

The instructions for View B were not particularly good, and as I had made a full lining that changed the construction too.

Unlike Burda magazine, in this pattern the seam and hem allowances are included 1.5 cm (5/8") and 4cm (1 1/2")

Brown jeans

 

My latest version of the Itch to Stitch Mountain View pull on jeans in a dark brown stretch twill.

I omitted the back leg seam and added a bit more room through the thighs. I've also altered the crotch curve and extended the back yoke.

I added an embroidery to the back pockets and lined all the pockets with the paisley print fabric

The fabric is quite thick and warm so great for the autumn winter season.

Paisley Shirt & Skirt

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I have been working on the Paisley pieces. Its been quite a journey, but I'm finally happy with them both. This is quite a long post but I've moved the details of the issues and solutions to the bottom if you don't want to read them!

Paisley Shirt

This is the usual TNT pattern I use for my shirts. For this version I have pattern matched across the front and the two patch pockets. For the rest of the shirt I have kept the print the same way up, but not attempted to specifically pattern match. I felt this was a reasonable compromise between looking good and using the fabric carefully.

I used small brown variegated shirt buttons which I had in the stash.

Paisley Skirt

I carefully cut the skirt panels with the print the same way up as the on the shirt.

I drafted some inseam pockets which are attached to the waistband and side seams but hang freely below the 1st tier. I used a plain cotton fabric so as not to cut into my precious print scraps.

For the skirt I used OOP Simplicity 4499. I changed to an elastic waist and added pockets.

Some of the issues I encountered

I cut the shirt out first and did a few steps on it. Then went back and cut out the skirt, made that up. The bottom tier stuck out too much.  Removed the bottom tier and measured it, cut a bit off, re-added it. 

Made the shirt up. Decided to add pockets. Pockets were not level. Went through scraps, no repeat of that section of the print, so could not cut new pockets.

Wore the skirt out. Decided it wasn't quite working so removed the waistband, pockets and yokes, trimmed them down, trimmed down the first tier, sewed it all back together. 

Unpicked both pockets from the shirt. Trimmed the top off one and the bottom off the other. Remade the pockets and reattached them. Finally did the hem.

Plans for Mini-Wardobe

It's finally time to fully use this lovely paisley fabric I've been hanging onto for ages. I've cut a waistband facing off one end but still have 3.4 metres of 150cm wide fabric.

I think I'm going to make a shirt style blouse, and skirt (possibly with tiers). They can then be worn as a dress look or separately

Then I want some Itch to Stitch Mountain View pull on jeans in this lovely dark brown stretch denim

A turtleneck top in this lovely shade of teal

And a jacket in this lovely petrol fleece

I'm hoping to enter the capsule into the Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe Contest.

Cyclamen Pink Top

 

Another turtleneck this time in a cyclamen pink double knit from the remnant basket.

I'm not quite sure how well this colour suits me so I'll make sure I add a tag in case I need to donate it later.

I do seem to be having a Pink phase recently

Pink stripe top

 

Another turtleneck from OOP New Look 6008. I've altered the sleeve for a full bicep and the back piece for a high round back.

Pale Pink Top

I used the long sleeved collared top from OOP New Look 6008. I've altered the sleeve for a full bicep and the back piece for a high round back.

I have made lots of tops from tis pattern now, but not all of the colours looked great up by my face, so some have gone on to other homes. 

Sapphire Blocks

 I've finally completed the Sapphire Blocks for the Sparkling Stars Quilt.

The next thing will be to decide on the layout. Due to fabric resources I made 4 of the purple (amethyst) but 5 of all the others.....

Woodrose Pink Trousers

 

Trousers to match the jacket, using a pattern from Burda March 2011.

Here are the trousers with the jacket.

There's a waistcoat in progress too

Woodrose Pink Jacket

 

This is my wood rose (dusty pink) jacket in faux silk dupioni fabric (possibly intended for home dec) made from Butterick B4610 View B. I added a little bit of extra width in the sleeves 

For a pattern rated as 'Easy' I didn't find that it was really, though a lot of my issues were to do with the very stiff and fraying fabric I used. I love the colour and slubbed texture so persevered.

I found a suitable button in my button drawers. Hopefully this will work over the purple skirt and top.

Here's the pink jacket over the purple two piece.

I'm planning on making some other Woodrose pieces as I have lots of the fabric. Next up some wide leg trousers, then maybe a waistcoat and skirt or dress.....

A Pink Pipa Pouch

 

Here's my latest Pipa Pouch in the larger size.

Free PDF Bag Sewing Pattern, Pouch PDF Sewing Pattern, Bag Sewing Pattern, DIY Purse Sewing Pattern — Sewing Patterns by Masin

I cut this one out in December but didn't manage to sew it up then.

I lined it with a bright poly cotton print which I also used for the tabs. The outer is hot pink baby cord.

Used an old (rather battered) pink metal dress zip and added a bit of ribbon to make the pull easier.

I hand wound at the point I was sewing over the metal teeth and had no issues :-)