Ugh, guys, I miss sewing so so much. And by “sewing,” I mean, “making stuff that I want to make that is going to be worn by me.” Boo! I’m still slogging through THAT pile of stuff, but in the meantime, I thought I’d get my fall/winter planning a little under control. Plus, I really like making these little collages. Don’t stare too hard at my ‘shooping, though – it’s pretty bad. I’m sure all my web design friends are cringing right now lol.
Anyway, I made myself a big ol’ shopping list to take to the fabric store(s); most of this is procured from my stash, although there are a couple pieces that I’m currently on the hunt for. Won’t you take a walk with me?
Here is one of the fabrics I don’t actually have yet – I’m hoping to score big and find something EXACTLY like that delicious tweedy brown wool, though. I want old man pants and I want to wear them all winter. I had a really wonderful pair when I was 16-20, but unfortunately for me they were a size 10 in little boy’s & I grew an ass so they definitely don’t fit anymore. Good thing I can sew!
In addition to trousers, I’d love to make some winter-appropriate shorts. I know that sounds like a total oxymoron, but I have a vision & it involves velvet & tights. It’ll be totally ace, promise.
Who else has Gertie’s new book? Who else wants to make EVERYTHING in it?? Me me me! I actually picked this fabric up at the flea before I got the book – and I think this pattern is perfect match. Fingers crossed that I have enough!
Also courtesy of Gertie – a circle skirt with a scalloped waist. Yes, please!
A sexah classic – the red wool pencil skirt.
A sweet little collared dress, made up in grey wool with white accents. This will likely end up with long sleeves.
Another grey/white (I know, the color is really off in this picture) dress, this time with a scarf neck. This fabric is totally luscious, btw – it’s a linen & silk blend that I’ve been hoarding for like 2 years now.
Some fun tshirts in some wacky prints!
As much as I love my original Minoru, I really want to make an improved version with the hood. This is also fabric I’m currently trying to hunt down, I think the mustard will be visible enough at night without washing me out like most yellows tend to do. Plus, dots!
And, finally, what’s a winter sewing plan without a coat? I know, this is not the coat I was originally planning… but then this fabric came to me, and I could not say no. I love the idea of taking a beautiful feminine pattern like the Lady Grey & toughing it up with some fugly plaid. What color lining should I seek out? Mustard? Brown? Black? SOMETHING RANDUMB?
There are so many other patterns I want to make, and so much more fabric that hasn’t found it’s pattern-match yet. I want to make a set of classic flannel pajamas. I also want to make hats and gloves because, well, why not?
A few things worth mentioning:
– Colette Patterns is releasing two new fall patterns TODAY at noon (!!!). I’ve already had the sneakiest sneak peek that ever was at the both of them, and believe me when I say they are AMAZING. You will want to drop by and check them out. Trust me like you’ve never trusted me before.
– Need some new patterns to up your fall wardrobe? Sunni just took 30% off all patterns in her shop – so start stocking up!
– Andi just released a new sweater pattern and it is AMAZING. And perfect timing, too – since I’m ready to invest in some more yarn. I can’t wait to knit this one up!
All right then, I’m off to Chicago! We are having a small meet-up on Saturday morning – if you missed the first post about this, it’s not too late to come out! Send me an email (lladybirdlauren at gmail dot com) and I’ll pass on the deets š
Have a good weekend, everyone!
LLADYBIRD 
As I was scrolling down, i read Collard Dress instead of Collared Dress. Hilarious mental picture, and I need to re-learn reading.
It’s probably a subliminal message I made without even realizing it – I was eating collard greens last night, unf so good, wish I had more.
I vote fuchsia lining for the Lady Grey!
that’s exactly what I was about to suggest! Hot Pink!
I miss sewing too! š¦ I’ve been out almost every night b/c of fashion week here š¦
Have a fantastic time in Chicago! Loved my exposure to it through the Pattern Review Weekend last year.
I think you’ve got it right…when you can’t sew, think about sewing and do everything as close to sewing as poss, making plans almost takes the pain away. I’m a bit like you…missing the time on my machine in my sewing room. Sometimes just sitting up there for 5 mins makes me feel a bit happier ! Your plans are gorgeous as always…I’ve a scarf neck dress pattern too, and it is lush and it is in my sewing thoughts…its scarf is drawn as a contrasting fabric with polka dots on. Yum. I may have to replicate.
Only if you can do this all while still teaching me how to make a circle skirt/peter pan collar. I’m so lost in the sewing world!
Of course! We have many sewing dates to be had š
Love all your plans – especially the vintage dress with the collar – can’t wait to see your version. Oh I can’t WAIT for new colette patterns – it’s just like christmas!
Love the trousers and that collared dress particularly, and the red pencil skirt with cute pocket tab. Nice plans!
Oh I can’t wait to see those velvet shorts!!
I can see you rocking the Thurlow winter shorts. It’s not a look I would choose for myself, but you can make it work. Really, how different are shorts in winter than a skirt?
I am voting for hot pink lining for the lady grey coat. What an awesome contrast with the yellow plaid.
I’m especially excited for the velvet shorts, the grey wool dress, and another Lady Grey!
I loveeee those fabrics you chose for Gertie’s patterns, so cute! And I’m dying to post about the new Colette patterns too. Hard to keep my mouth shut! š
Looks like a fun plan, and I vote for turqoise as the lining for the Lady Grey. There’s something about certain shades of turquoise with certain shades of mustard that is very nice. š
Love all your choices for patterns and especially fabric. I’m seriously in love with the fabric for the brocade dress. I have some fugly blue plaid knit I got at Salvation Army that I want to make a vintage top with a neck scarf detail. I have Gertie’s book too. It’s wonderful. There’s a sewing expo here in the Detroit area in a couple weeks and Gertie is teaching a retro dress class that I’m taking. Can’t wait and I’m hoping she’ll autograph the book.
I love reading about you getting so excited over various patterns and fabrics. It makes me inspired to want to go sew, but I don’t really have a stash to go play with. Still, you are an inspiration.
How do you know how much fabric you need if you are making facings and such from different fabric? I have some waterproof breathable PUL fabric that I want to make a cape from (McCall’s M6446 for rain, plus- a cape!! I’ve always wanted one), but I don’t know if I have nearly enough. I suppose I can always duplicate pattern pieces and lay them all out?
Anyway, looking forward to seeing your projects, always!
Honestly, I lay my pattern pieces out on fabric to see how much I need. I started doing this once I realized that the indie pattern companies tend to overcompensate on fabric requirements – sometimes by over a yard. And I don’t buy cheap fabric!
I love, love, love the velvet Thurlow shorts! (or soon-to-be shorts, that is) I have that pattern sitting on my desk in my “to-make-soon” bin, but I couldn’t find a fabric I loved for them yet. Also, here in Austin, TX winter shorts are completely reasonable. š
Fyi, fabric mart is having a wool and silk sale!
I’m planning to stock up in Chicago, but this is definitely good to know!!
Then you probably know that Vogue Fabrics is having a big sale right now! Wish I could make it there…their Evanston store is so giant and deliciously chocked full of fabric…
Eeek, love all your ideas. I, too, am peeing myself in joy over Gertie’s book. If only I didn’t have a job! I was thinking screaming hot pink as a lining in your coat and noticed that bunch of other people already said pink or fuschia! I think that would be tops! That, or an electric blue…Thanks for the inspiration!
I enjoy your collages too! Looks like a great wardrobe!
That’s an impressive sewing plan!!!!!
You go girl! Look forward to seeing them made
xo
the scallop waist skirt sounds delish!
Winter shorts are such a fab look. I must admit to have played around with wool
shorts in electric blue and fuchsia this year… Velvet is like the next step to luxe awesomeness!
I love your fall sewing plans! The fabrics you have picked out (as usual š are awesome. š I really can’t wait to see those velvet shorts! And the things from Gertie’s book as well. I finally got myself a copy and have been drooling over so much of it! I really want to make that 40s zip front dress… I have an awesome rayon novelty print that would be perfect. š
That 40s zip front dress has your name written all over it!! You definitely need to make it!
This semester I am taking a pants class and I am making a pair of Thurlows Trousers myself. Don’t know what kind of fabric I will be using, but I love your pick. I love the idea of your Thurlows shorts, however mustard corduroy would be more up my alley. I love corduroy.
Omg, love the pockets on the red pencil skirt. Too cute
I think you should do a mustard lining for your Lady Grey with black or brown piping in the seam between the facing and lining.
I am jealous that you are going to Chicago, I have great trip.
I wanted mustard lining, but the only yellow they had was too bright š¦ I do love the piping idea, though – I am going to try to incorporate that.
Love your sewing plans! I want to make sooooooo many things from Gertie’s book! I can’t even take it! I’m also debating making the Anise jacket– I was planning on making a Minoru, but now I really want an Anise, although it’s a bit precious and feminine for lil ol’ tomboy me… what to do, what to do…
Make both, obviously š
Don’t tempt me, girl! š
Wow!! I luuurrrvveee your sewing plans! I have yet to get Gertie’s book (sewing budget seriously reduced = sad face) but everything I’m seeing has me believing that its bound to be completely amazing. I also love the lady grey + fugly plaid combo AND the minoru cycling jacket. I might need to make myself a minoru cycling jacket since I am also a bike commuter…hmm….you’re giving me ideas…
OH!! I didn’t know about Andi’s new sweater pattern until you mentioned it, but now I can’t stop thinking about it. You’re a bad influence! And I mean that as a compliment, of course. š
Great plans, so jealous! I would vote for pumpkin orange lining, or else fern green in your Lady Grey. btw, does the Lady Grey overestimate on fabric? The amount listed seems like a lot to me. thanks!!
It does overestimate! I don’t remember the exact yardage, but it was at least a full yard less than the pattern said (maybe even closer to a yard and a half). I would highly recommend cutting out the tissue & measuring it on some spare fabric to figure out the exact yardage, especially if you plan on buying something pricey.
Wow, love every one of your sewing ideas! Can I ask what the fabric is for your Thurlow shorts? I recognise the velvet print but can’t remember where. I just bought that pattern in the sale and velvet shorts would be perfect! (despite the fact that where I am it is Spring, not Autumn!). Can’t wait to see your creations!
Ah, it’s actually an oddly-shaped remnant that I found at the thrift store. I have no idea where it originated from, sorry š¦
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Oh, I just love the scalloped waist circle skirt ~ what a lovely inspiration idea! š
xox,
bonita of Depict This!
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totally hear you on the velvet shorts…
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shorts-rompers/just-like-jess-shorts?utm_medium=CJaffiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ
I just found you! I am so excited. Your blog is super inspiring. š I am trying to be better about finishing things well and I feel like you are a very good example in this. Thanks for a great read! š
I love the way you plan – it’s such a visual way to put it in your mind! I love your warm yellows and browns, and the fact that you want to do TWO jackets!! Your plans are much more organized than mine at the moment; I find my plans changing almost daily! LOL I definitely know I want to make a LOT of things from Gertie’s book – that brocade dress is awesome, right? I was thinking of doing the wiggle dress in ponte – do you think that would work? š
Fabulous plans and I can’t wait to see them all come to life. Hot pink and electric blue are my favourite colours, so itās great to see how many people have suggested them as linings for your coat, but a really amazing emerald green would work really well with it too. Thanks for sharing Chuck too, I’m especially in love with it, so something to add to my knit-list!