I’ve finally narrowed down my makes for 2017 and today I’m excited to share with you my spring/summer collection. I decided one pattern a month is a good goal to aim for. Did you catch that? I said one pattern a month… not one project a month. Cheating? Maybe. But this year I’d really love to stock up on some everyday separates in my handmade wardrobe, so I thought I’d try to squeeze out some multiples in a few of the months. Will this actually happen? We shall see, but a girl can dream can’t she!? Once I narrow down my pics I like to sketch them all out on a giant piece of paper and post it up in my studio to help me stay on track. If you’d like to see more about my planning process and how I got to this point check out this post. (Spoiler alert: I use my bullet journal!) Without further delay… lets break it down shall we?
January: Chi-Town Chinos
First up is two pairs of Alina Design Co’s Chi Town Chinos. I love a trouser-fit style pant, and I my closet is lacking in the looser-fit area of this style. There are a lot of patterns out there that fit this category but I chose Alina’s for a couple reasons. This pattern has the exact fit I’m looking for (loose but slim fit leg, resting on the hips) and a simple, straightforward design with no fancy pockets or design lines. The pants version of this pattern is actually an expansion off her shorts version (more on this later). Pants are always tricky to fit, so I will be making a wearable muslin in a drape-y grey twill to ensure everything fits nicely. My second pair will be from this AMAZING handwoven linen I picked up on our honeymoon in Thailand last year. (Another good reason to make a muslin first – theres no going back to get more if I mess something up!) Granted, January is almost over and I’m still working on my muslin so we will see how that goes.
February – Tap Shorts
More separates! I love high waisted shorts and don’t have a single pair that I love. I chose Katy & Laney’s Tap Shorts pattern because it comes with three adorable versions so I can mix things up a bit. I’m hoping to make three (yes THREE) of these babies. Two in view A (pictured center) and one in view B (pictured right). View B will be a simple blue chambray, for the two in view A I’m having a little fun with it.
March – Matching Tops
I always love the look of those vintage short sets with matching shorts and crop tops. Hoping to make this happen by whipping up some little self drafted tops in my leftover Tap Short fabrics. I will only be able to do this for the two in View A. These aren’t included in my sketches above, but I already have a pretty good idea of how I want to do them and I’m pretty excited.
April – Alder Shirtdress
What can I say about this dress that hasn’t been said? It’s so perfect, and I can’t wait to finally make it. If you are unfamiliar this is the Alder shirtdress by Grainline Studio. Two adorable versions, endless possibilities. I of course have to make one of each (because I’m crazy).
May – Beverly Twisted Bikini
All last summer I was saying “next year I’m making a swimsuit!” Well it’s next year so its time to make it happen. I love the twist detail on the bottoms of this pattern by Named Clothing. If you noticed in my sketch I’m totally going for an Ariel vibe with my fabric choices and I can’t wait!
June – Chi Town Chinos
I love that I get to use this pattern multiple times. This is the original Chi Town Chinos pattern (pre-expansion pack). I have a few versions in mind for this pattern as well. One short version in a dark stretch denim. Two in a slightly longer fit with cuffed hems in comfy linen. I really hope I have time for all of these because I desperately need new shorts!
And thats it! Yes, I know summer isn’t over after June but I’m breaking up the year in half and in July I’m going to start my fall/winter collection. You’ll notice in my sketches above I have a couple extra tops squeezed in just in case I have the time. I’m most hoping to squeeze in the gingham linden T shirt but I already have quite a lot on my plate so I don’t know if that will happen.
What are you planning to sew in 2017? Have you made any of these patterns? Do you have any tips/warnings/fit suggestions?
I’d love to hear from you. Happy sewing!
PsychicSewerKathleen says
I always love to see what you’re up to Amy 🙂 Your style and plans inspire me – I’ve gotten so much better at as you say, “Intentional Sewing” after 2 years in from a 40 yr hiatus from sewing 🙂 I just went a little crazy with random, redundant and impulsive sewing as I’m sure is not at all unusual! So much on the ‘net to see and get inspired by. I am appalled honestly at how much fabric and patterns I now have -my husband said, “If you live to be 100 you’ll never get through it all!” So hard to resist at first. But I’ve gotten better. I have the Alder in my stash because I do wear a lot of tunics, long sweaters and leggings and no dresses. All my dress patterns get shortened to tunics and my Tee often but not always get lengthened to tunics 🙂 I love those Chinos too! I have the Jalie Eleanor pattern which is similar I believe? waiting for me too. You have inspired me probably more than you can imagine with intentional sewing. You’re the one who got me going on the Bullet Journal!
admin says
Kathleen!
Once again you have brightened my day!! Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes it is amazing what a game changer it is to go from impulse sewing to intentional sewing. I put my self on a fabric buying ban until I use up more of what’s in my stash, and I try to think of my endless sewing pattern pin boards as “options” rather than a to-do list so I don’t get overwhelmed! So much great stuff out there it’s hard not too!! Never enough time to sew.
I’m so glad you’ve taken to bullet journaling! It’s truly changed my life!
Happy sewing!!