Sewing, sewing…Dawn!

I’ve signed up for the Great Coat Sew-Along in July. Isn’t that just like me to go and overextend myself yet again? Anyway, I am trying to decide on a design. Notice I said “design” and not “pattern”. I have a feeling that I will be going all Mrs. Stylebook on this one, either drafting the coat from a sloper from scratch, or heavily modifying an existing pattern.  (Because why do anything the easy way, right?)

Here are some of the styles I’m considering:

This coat from Verrier:

but below the knee length. Very classic, sort of Little Red Riding Hood, simple lines and the hood gets me out of constructing a collar (but then again, I have to sew an actual, you know, hood).

This coat from Eley Kishimoto:

No, wait – you have to picture it in different fabrics. I’m thinking not quite so contrasting in color, perhaps a tweed for the body and a subtle plaid or check for the yoke. (Work with me here, folks!)

Then there’s this one from Oscar de la Renta:

with a velveteen collar and using the basketweave boucle or wool herringbone from Gorgeous Fabrics (I think this is in the lead at the moment). Not sure if I’d go with fur (fake, of course) at the hem or just leave it plain.

My “classic” fallback coat would be this one from Burberry (hey, they do know how to do coats!):

pretty much in an identical taupe color.

I also like McCalls 5594, but made into longer coat. I would probably have to reduce the amount of gathers, or convert them to tucks/pleats. Also, I would want to lengthen the sleeves.

So, what do you all think? (Go ahead, I won’t take any criticism personally – my taste is all over the map, I know.)

I was at Jo-Ann Fabrics to get thread for my dress on Monday – they were having a 50% off sale on all thread, so I scooped up several spools to go with all the fabric I bought recently. These are the colors of my spring-wardrobe-to-be:

Basically, it’s shades of brown/tan/cream with orange, lime green and turquoise accents. Oh, yeah – and a pale pink sundress.

Woo-hoo!

…drum roll please…

McCall’s 5471

I’m making this one because I desperately need a white shirt that fits well. I’m going to make View B, with the bubble sleeves, in a white stretch cotton shirting from Fashion Fabric Club. But first, I’m going to get some cheap cotton/poly blend to MAKE A MUSLIN. (I do realize that the crappier my muslin fabric, the more likely I am to get a perfect fitting shirt right from the get-go. Isn’t that the way it always happens?)

Remember that line? When I was growing up I was a huge fan of Lost in Space, and Dr. Zachary Smith in particular. It pretty much sums up my experience this afternoon, when I went through my entire bedroom closet, and most of my drawers (although I’m skipping the undies drawer for the moment) while my DD napped this afternoon. I TRIED ON EVERYTHING* in front of a full-length mirror, and used the following criteria to evaluate each item:

• Fit – Does it fit well? I’m not talking about just fitting into it, but is the fit flattering?
• Appeal – Do you love how the item looks? More importantly, do you love how it looks on you? Does it flatter your figure and coloring?
• Comfort – Can you move comfortably? Does the fabric scratch or make you itch?
• Versatility – Does it work with other items? Or is it an “orphan”? The more things that it can be combined with, the better.
• Repair/Alterations – Are there items that meet the above criteria but that could use a little tweaking? Any holes, tears, stains, loose buttons, etc.? Are there items that could use a more extensive makeover, such as taking in/letting out, or restyling in some way?

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This week, my goal is to go through every item in my closets, drawers and storage boxes and evaluate everything that I have on hand. I did this a little haphazardly a few weeks ago, but this time I’m gonna be absolutely ruthless.

Wish me luck.