Handmade Wardrode

I have many hobbies, but sewing is one of my favorites. I love creating something from scratch and being able to wear it and show it off with pride. Years ago I thought about making my wardrobe completely self-made. Needless to say I became completely overwhelmed. At that time I was this full-time college student (with a lot of business classes), part time job and absolutely no sewing background.

This time around I have a plan!! One thing all those business classes taught me was to break down my goal into smaller goals and find ways to tackle those small goals and before you know it you've achieved success!!!

Join me as I start my journey to a MOSTLY handmade wardrobe (eventually I do want it to be all handmade but tackling one small goal at a time remember!)

I live in NYC which has four complete seasons. Ideally I would like to start sewing for the season right now (fall) but realistically that won't happen so I decided to work two seasons ahead, in this case I will be working towards spring. Then in December I will be working towards summer and so on... For me this is the best approach because by the time spring comes I will pretty much have all of my main pieces finished and I don't have to worry about not having enough things to wear.

The first goal to tackle is to clean out the closet! Let's be honest we've all kept things thinking "oh eventually I can wear this at some point" but never do, get rid of it! The lightly worn things can be donated and the stuff that is too old and worn out just throw out, start with a fresh slate only keeping the things you actually wear more than once a year.

Next take inventory of what you have left and what you need. Determine your style and look for garments and patterns that complement each other. I tried to keep a balance of basic things in neutral colors with a sprinkle of pop items that act as accents.

Here's how I have broken it down; everything by groups of threes with a total of 18 items:

• Three blouses (dark, light, and colorful)

• Three casual tops with mixed sleeve lengths; short, 3/4 and long (dark, light, and colorful)

• Three skirts (A pencil skirt, an "A" line and one gathered or circle or both)

• Three pairs of dress pants (caprices, fitted bottoms and ones with the bottoms a bit flared out)

• Three dresses (a simple wrap dress, a short sleeved and one with 3/4 sleeves)

• Three vests (Solid neutral, colorful, and a patterned)

Of course if I want an extra dress or shirt I can always make it, this is just a template that covers the basics (at least my basics). You might be thinking that a vest isn't necessary, oh but it is!! Adding a vest to any outfit gives it a completely different look, think about it!

Here is a list of some patterns that I will be using to help me get started:

• New Look 6110

• Simplicity 2188

• Simplicity 2451

• Simplicity 1373

• Kwik Sew 3489

• McCalls m6754

• McCalls m6747

• Simplicity 8054

**Remember to pay attention to which fabrics the patterns suggest, it is essential to keep in mind that every fabric has a different texture and therefore provides a specific drape and look.

Next pick some colors!!! You can go with just about whatever fabric you like at the time you're about to start the garment, but I prefer to have a palette picked out so that everything blends together nicely and can be interchangeable.

The colors I've picked out are:

• Navy

• Eggplant

• Mauve

• Blush

• Terracotta

• Pale yellow

• Pale Mint

• Teal

• Sage

• Olive

• Gray

• Lavender

Now the fun part begins! Choose which item you want to do first; get your fabric and start sewing! Make sure to take your time so that everything comes out looking amazing, after all you will be wearing it!

If you're like me and picked up sewing as a hobby and are self-taught then picking up some books might be beneficial. To get me started and teach me some techniques I've picked up the following books:

-The Colette Sewing Handbook: Inspired Styles and Classic Techniques for the New Seamstress- By Sarai Mitnick

-Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking- By Tilly Walnes

-Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing: A Modern Guide to Couture-Style Sewing Using Basic Vintage Techniques- By Gretchen Hirsch

I am soooo excited to start this! I will make a post every time I finish a piece.

If anyone else is interested in taking up this challenge, or is already doing the same please let me know, I would love to read about other people's journeys.

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