Style Arc Josie Hoody (sort of) in Charcoal and polka dots

 

This is part of my 'Ready for Anything' capsule, a charcoal grey hoody, supposedly for Pilates but has already been in general wear.

It is based on the Style Arc Josie Hoody, but without the turtleneck section at the front of the hood as I thought this would choke me.

I folded back the hood edge and included a drawstring, but just hemmed the lower edge on the coverhem.

Lined wool trousers

 Lined wool trousers

As I was cutting out the lined wool jacket, I managed to layout the pieces such that I could squeeze in the front and back of my altered New Look 6216 trousers, I cut the back a little wider, shaped the waist and used the plain charcoal fabric again for the pockets and inside of the waistband. I cut the pockets more jeans style so not much of the charcoal fabric shows.

The waistband is a little taller so I could use 2" elastic. As the wool is scratchy I also added a full lining to the trousers. As always I leave off the mock tie.

Lined wool jacket - McCall's 4394

 

This is the lined wool jacket made from McCall's 4394. It is the length of the jacket on the pattern envelope. I also shortened the sleeves a little.

The lining is a lovely floral print satin in shades of pink and green which picks out the threads in the wool. I've shown it by turning back one of the sleeves a little.

It has inseam pockets cut from a plain charcoal fabric.

The fabric has a black and dark grey weave as the base, shot with contrast threads in red, pink, coral, ivory, pale aqua and small amounts of others. 

I find this type of fabric works works in harmony with me now I'm greying. My hair is still fairly dark overall but with light hairs as well now.

Lottie Blouse in Ivory Viscose Fabric

 

Here's my version of the Lottie blouse. I lengthened the sleeves by 7 inches and added a cuff.

I got it as a free download from Free Lottie Sewing Pattern Download

I did not follow the instructions exactly, rather I did a different construction technique on the neckline both for the bias binding and the attachment of the collar.

The fabric is an ivory viscose (rayon) with subtle floral jacquard weave left over from a previous blouse project.

'Ready for Anything' Capsule - side stripe sports tee (refashion)

To go with my Pilates trousers I refashioned a slightly snug RTW sports tee by adding red stripes.

Here it is with the red stripes. They are up the side seam, up the centre of the sleeve and around the armhole. The straight stripes are a 2 inch wide strip, and the armhole section is a shaped piece drafted to fit. Its a lot of fun!

Here's the tee shirt before - plain black and a bit snug.

'Ready for Anything' Capsule - side stripe yoga pants

 From the plan I posted I decided to start with the side stripe leggings, though they are more yoga pants.

My original drawing from the Plan

The trousers from the side

the trousers from the front

Style Arc Barb Pants

Pattern: I used the Style Arc Barb pants, with style and fit alterations. Style changes - I added a side stripe in a contrast pinky red stretch fabric. Fit alterations - shortened the leg, added 1/4 to the top, scooped the back crotch, angled in the back waist, cut the front waistband slightly longer, and the back waistband slightly shorter.

Fabric: A very stretchy (in all directions) matt black fabric bought from the local B&M roll end shop. It is slightly spongy and seems dense with no see through. The contrast side stripe is from a pinky red fabric with similar stretch properties but a much lighter weight.

I'll have to see how these hold up in the next Pilates class.

Plans for my 2021 "Ready for Anything" Capsule wardrobe

I've been thinking about what I'd like to sew a capsule wardrobe that helps me to be ready for anything that may come in 2021.

3 Plain dark bottoms - leggings, casual trousers, smart trousers

1 Simple dark coloured dress

4 tops - smart blouse, workout top, 2 long sleeved tees

3 layers - sweatshirt or hoody,  cardigan and jacket

My current colour theme is charcoal and warm pink with some black.

I had a look through my fabric stash and came up with some options

The key fabric for the scheme is some charcoal woven fabric with what seems like coral pink and off white variegated threads through it, I think this will be some sort of jacket.

Next I have a charcoal pinstripe that will be trousers.

Black ponte for a dress, black stretch woven for outdoor trousers and black super stretchy fabric for leggings. (I think the leggings could have a pink stripe down the leg)

Blush pink sweater knit for a cardigan.

Grey and pink jersey for knit tops.

Coral pink and off white fabric for floaty blouses.

Grey fleece for a sweatshirt, or perhaps a simple rain jacket from flamingo print fabric (I couldn't resist!).

One garment can be sewn up before the start date, perhaps the leggings with the pink stripe?

Here's what that might look like