It’s October and it’s finally cooling down a tiny bit here in Florida. That means it’s time to start planning my fall wardrobe sewing and put away my most summery pieces. Fall (and Winter) in Florida rarely drops below the 50’s so dressing for fall can be a bit tricky. I can’t do layers or heavy fall looks, I don’t even own a real coat. Cold days are few and far between, most days are balmy. So planning my season is all about incorporating fall colors and silhouettes into my looks.

This year I’m on a bit of a budget so I’m planning to sew from my stash first. After the holidays I’ll add in some more fun prints. I tend to get a lot of holiday gift cards to fabric stores. I have a summer weight wool that will make a great jacket using the Vintage Vogue Galatzine Pattern and an ikea curtain that will make a great pair of twill slacks. Other than that I’m going to go with the flow and see what strikes my fancy.

Fabric Stash

Pattern Stash

Some new and Vintage patterns I’m excited to try this season. I’ll most likely draft anything else myself. I just finished a full set of new slopers – pants, skirt, bodice and sleeve- so I’m all ready to go. I’ll share a post on those soon!

For that reason I’ve kept my sketches a bit more fluid this season. I’m focusing on silhouettes and style and less on the actual fabric and prints. My goal is a mix and match wardrobe that will add some flare to a slightly boring closet. Last year I added a lot of basics to my closet but it’s a bit dull looking right now. For once I really do need some more fun prints.

Fall Sketches

I actually have a few of these completed already! Last weekend I made the denim culottes and they are freaking awesome! I just love them. I used Kenneth King’s Jenius for most of the sewing techniques after drafting my own pattern off my sloper using Suzy Furrer’s Designing Pants Blueprint classes.

I also made the workout gear-just need better pics. I can’t seem to get quality shots indoors and it always feels weird to pose outside in revealing makes. But I’ve been wearing them a ton. Two of the Jacket’s (the Claire Shaeffer Vogue Patterns) are partly done. The first one I made years ago but never finished as it was a bit small. I’ve lost some weight though so I’m going to see if it can be fixed. The other is a Chanel style Aqua Tweed that I stopped working on in the summer when it got so warm. Hand sewing and heat do not mix!

Right now I’m focused on Halloween! It’s my favorite holiday- I’ll take any excuse to dress up! This year I’m excited because Amelie wanted to do an Addam’s Family Theme since the new animated movie is coming out. She’s going as Wednesday and Vic and I will be Morticia and Gomez.

I’m hoping to have time to make Vic a Burgundy Smoking Jacket-very lux and I’ve already cut out my dress. I found the perfect pattern, McCall’s 7927, a David Tutera Gown. I’m making it in black silky poly-because Halloween- with a palm leaf print lace overlay in Black. I’m almost done with Ami’s dress which is made with the remnants of my fabric and the cuffs and collar of an old white dress shirt. Not sure yet on what my son will dress up as (he’s not into our theme). I’m hoping after we see the movie he’ll change his mind.

Back to making! Happy Sewing!