Sunday 12 February 2017

Spring Planning

Irrespective of the fact that there's an actual snowflake or two falling outside my window as I type this, as of Monday I am switching over to sewing for Spring 2017. I've got a little list of things in my wardrobe that need replacing before we get into the warmer weather, some altogether new things to add to my wardrobe, and a handful of fancy ideas.

My plan for spring sewing therefore looks something like this:

Burda 01-2007-110 and Burda 08-2016-134
Outerwear: As always I have grand plans for outerwear which, you know, insert hollow laughter here, because I rarely accomplish them! Still, there's no harm in being optimistic I don't suppose. The jacket on the left will be in a camel twill with a leopard lining, and the one on the right is intended to be in a bright blue ponte with a teeny tiny stripe (not one I will have to match, thank goodness) and a bright blue lining.

Tops: I need a couple of fairly plain long sleeved woven shirts. I've tried a couple of patterns so far for woven button front shirts -- one from Ottobre and one from Kwik Sew -- with mixed success overall. I'm going to see if I can find a pattern and start the process towards getting a good fit with a fairly basic pattern. This type of shirt is a real staple for my casual wardrobe and I could really do with a TNT. My last attempt at a button front shirt was a disaster as I made it from a horrible shifty viscose, so this time I am all about the nice stable cotton fabrics!

I also want three more tunic length tops. This is something I started making in the autumn with a black tunic that I actually like a lot and have worn fairly often. So far I have some fabrics picked out, but I am dithering about patterns (as usual).

Trousers: I am going to make version 2 of the stretch Jalie 2908s I made last year, which were by far my most successful trouser attempt of 2016. I love my electric blue pair but this time I think I'll go for something a little more bland and use black stretch twill. My big sewing concern is to a much better job with the fly, because I made a total mess of it with the last pair!

Burda 10-2014-113 and Lichen by Yumiko Alexander (image from Ravelry)

Cardigan & Jumper:  On the left, a hugenormous cardigan from Burda 10-2014, for which I have earmarked a very lightweight grey/silver knit. On the right, my over-ambitious knitting project for spring/summer, a DK weight lace pattern jumper. I'm starting now, even though it's actually intended to be worn in the summer, because it takes me so long to knit anything. The pattern is Lichen, by Yumiko Alexander. I feel certain I will be extremely sorry I had this idea in due course.

Other: I need a couple of pairs of PJs and that is where I am going to start my spring sewing next week. I'll also be sewing my February and March Wishlist garments (February is fun so far! And I know what I am making in March as well.) and my February and March magazine challenge garments (I have picked February but not even traced it yet, and I have not made any decisions for March at all yet). I also have plans for two bags I want to make over the next couple of months, and I'm still working on my cross-stitch kit as well.

I am all excited about my sewing plans for the next few weeks now! I love a good seasonal plan, and I feel like there is a good mix here of repeats, easy things, long-term projects, things that need fitting work and more challenging sews.  Now all (!) I have to do is stay moderately well and also not get distracted by either (a) something shiny or (b) something other than sewing. :D

9 comments:

  1. My favorite woven blouses have princess seams. They are much easier to fit and look nice whether or not they are tucked in. There are lots of them out there, indy and big 4.

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    1. Yes, I'm wondering if the side dart shirt type is a mistake. I will have to investigate my stash!

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  2. That lace jumper will be beautiful. I finish one sweater every 2 or 3 years. So getting it done by summer is very impressive!

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    1. I am not the speediest sweater knitter either! I will see how I get on I suppose!

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  3. "I feel certain I will be extremely sorry I had this idea in due course." I feel your pain, but thank you for the chuckle. It's good to have high aspirations! Lovely plan, as always, and very inspiring to this one who also likes to think ahead but sews very slowly. But I've made my peace with it. I always figure, if I don't finish it for this coming summer, there's a decent chance I'll finish it for the one after that. ;-)

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    1. Exactly! I never worry that much over how far I stray from my plans because (a) I generally like what I end up with anyway; (b) I enjoy the planning process; and (c), as you say, even if I don't get to it now, maybe I will get to it in the future, and there I have it, a ready made idea already in place. :D

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  4. Yay for these great plans! I am attempting my first coat shortly and also feel like I may regret it...ha! I've also decided to try and follow suit with one-season-ahead sewing, since when I sew for the season I'm in I only get maybe a month or two of wear at best.

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    1. The problem with sewing a season ahead is then it hangs about and you can't wear it for weeks on end, which is annoying when it's something you've made and love! Still, like you, I find if I sew in the season I'm in I don't get to wear it much at all, so it's swings and roundabouts.

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  5. That sweater will be gorgeous!

    You know how much I love sewing plans so I'm all for it. You'll tackle your outerwear soon enough. And yay on the pants! I do remember you being so excited about them. Glad you'll get a couple more done!

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