wardrobe essentials 2017 - a 'complete' summer wardrobe



Three days ago I finished what can only be called a sewing marathon. I feel a bit dazed actually, the sun was shining and then it was winter again and I hadn't even noticed. During the past few weeks I spent every free minute working on my sewing projects. I am not even exaggerating when I say every free minute. I was sewing late into the night, which is maybe not a good idea. I noticed one morning that I had sewn in the zip of my dress outside in. The immersion into what is to be my summer wardrobe was not without consequences. Apart from the tell tale signs of sleep deprivation, there was is a mountain of laundry the height of Ben Nevis. The bathrooms were not safe for visitors and the dust bunnies in the corners of the house showed signs of life. The children had to remind me of their names and I wondered briefly who that good looking man in my living room was. Relative order has been restored now.

I am done with what I had planned to make before our Cornwall holiday and I am going cold turkey. I don't dare asking if I could take my sewing machine to Cornwall. I was determined to complement last years makes to create a summer wardrobe minus the trousers/jeans. I made three more Concord t-shirts, and finished two long term sewing projects: a summer dress, and a beach kaftan. Finally, I made another Sorbetto top, this time in navy blue bamboo fabric. I already 'ruined' one of my new t-shirts, the buttercup yellow one. It shared the washing machine with something red and is now pastel apricot coloured. I am really cross with myself because buttercup yellow is easily in my list of top five favourite colours but pastel apricot isn't, not by a long way.

I am particularly pleased with the t-shirts. They are so quick to make with the overlocker, it is a joy. T-shirt before dinner? Sure, no problem (I am of course exaggerating). The Upton Dress (I made version B) was more difficult and took a while (I started in April), particularly because I had to unpick the zip. I'll probably write about this sometime soon, if I can face modelling it for some photos. The fabric is a dark beige with delicate birds printed on. The kaftan is a longer version of the Mojave top I made last year, it is another simple pattern. I used a Kaffe Fassett fabric I've had for years, light blue with enormous flowers. It will be great to walk to the beach.

I also did some mending. I asked Richard to remove all the faulty poppers from my favourite Boden jeans skirt because these were a cause for continuous embarrassment. Imagine standing up from a chair, leaving your skirt behind. I replaced the poppers with sturdy buttons and button holes. There were little holes from the poppers and some darning was needed, all is not very neat but but you'd have to be fairly close to notice. As I will actually walk away with my skirt on, nobody will be able to closely inspect it.

I spent far too much money on fabric, so much so that I ran out of pocket money by the 10th of June. There is always some fabric left no matter how rational I am with the calculations for amounts needed. Luckily, I have two little boys that love having t-shirts made for them. Anything that is too girly for their tastes can be used for quilting. I have a quilt vision slowly taking shape in my head.

After the holidays, I'll take it more slowly, time and resources are limited but I do hope to make this poncho as we move towards autumn.

Time to pack now, we'll be leaving tonight! If only Cornwall wasn't so far away, I am not looking forward to the drive. I have a couple of scheduled posts for you, in case you miss me. Have a great two weeks! x

Comments

  1. You have been busy, I too have sewn a zipper in backwards! I think your bird fabric may be the prettiest fabric I've ever seen, can't wait to see the whole garment. Have fun in Cornwall.

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  2. wow, great sewing projects, hope you have a fab time in Cornwall.

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  3. I'm so impressed with all your hard work. Isn't it great to lose yourself in a project occasionally. By the way I have a whole colony of dust bunnies in this house. They line up for food at dinner time. Have a wonderful time in Cornwall and good luck on your very long journey. Take care . B x

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  4. OMG you are driving to Cornwall from Glasgow!!!!! Love all your makes there Christina and I especially want to see you looking smiley and gorgeous in the dress, what beautiful fabric. I have gone 6 months now without buying fabric and it feels mighty fine. Getting to the harder bits to use up now on the shelf but I like the challenge. Happy holidays - once you get there! Jo x

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  5. I love your dress fabric – I'll bet that it looks great on you. Sounds as though you need a break to wear all your fab new clothes and to spend time with your family :-) Have a brilliant two weeks and I hope the long drive goes smoothly. Sam xx

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  6. I am so impressed with your summer wardrobe and hope you have some lovely sunny days in Cornwall and a safe drive down. Don't worry about Sam, in my experience children always step up when entrusted.

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  7. Love the bird fabric. Hope you have a wonderful holiday, Cornwall is a beautiful place to go. Of course I am not laughing about losing your skirt...

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  8. That bird fabric is so beautiful. I'm very impressed with your sewing prowess, you've really become a skilled seamstress and to have a wardrobe made up of so many things you sewed yourself is just amazing to me. You rock. :)

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  9. Wow.. how nice for you to have your own handmade wardrobe for your vacation! I look forward to seeing photos from your seaside visit and maybe you modeling some of your creations! Have fun and enjoy your time there. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  10. Oh well done you, more pictures please! I'm very impressed with your sewing marathon, and it must be lovely to have a new wardrobe. My clothes are slowly being shredded by the puppy. Holes in everything! Good job I am a happily shabby person by nature. I hope you have a wonderful time in Cornwall, it's one of my very favourite places to be. I shall look forward to seeing your photos and seeing if you go anywhere I'm familiar with. CJ xx

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  11. Enjoy Cornwall and awesome sewing and fabric choices!

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  12. You have made me laugh this morning... but well done on getting it all finished. Have a wonderful holiday and hope the journey wasn't too stressful. Cornwall is a long way from here never mind Scotland!

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  13. Bravo for sewing your new wardrobe, Christina! So sorry for your mishaps, but I appreciate your wit in telling of them :) I shall be imagining you having a lovely time at Cornwall. xx

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  14. I ordered that Boden skirt with dodgy poppers and sent it back as was worried about inadvertent knicker exposures! Impressed as always by your sewing skills Christina. Love the fabric for your dress. Have a lovely holiday - weather looks like it's improving again now. Xx

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  15. Great sewing! Hope you have a great time in Cornwall

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  16. My goodness woman, you have been sewing like a demon! You made me laugh though, the way you described the chaos around you. I've had the odd crafty project like that, with a serious deadline, and it's kind of liberating just letting everything around you drop so that you can focus on one thing. I hope you're now have a wonderful time down in Cornwall and that the sun shines for you. xx

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  17. Hmmmmm. You are a sewing Goddess indeed. Moi, I would have just treated myself to some new knickers at M & S and perfected my "Ta-ra" swirl for those occasions when I lost my skirt on account of faulty poppers!!! Are you sure you haven't just ruined summer by removing all chances of having a laugh at Mum?? Running now before you throw a sandcastle at me, hope you are enjoying your holiday!
    Wren x

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  18. Oh, you make me giggle. Love this entertaining post re the travails of a little wardrobe sewing! Love those fabrics. What a glamorous sight you will be meandering around Cornwall.

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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