I think I love planning out my looks just as much as the actual sewing and dyeing. Read on for my sewing plans for the rest of winter to Spring!

For the past few month’s I’ve been working my way slowly through Into Mind’s Workbook, love her site! Below is my color palette for the year. I’m not bothering to make as much seasonally anymore. During SW Florida winters the coldest it gets is in the high 40’sF(8C) in the a.m., so it’s just a matter of layering. I’ve worn a sport jacket maybe 3 days out of the year so far. Plus the cold weather is so infrequent, a week of cold and then it’s back in the 80’sF(27C). The only time my wardrobe really changes is in summer, when I just wear less altogether and am at the beach more often than not. So from now on I’ll be sewing just 2 seasons, Spring/Summer + Fall. You can see my earlier Into Mind, Wardrobe Revamp Pinterest board here.
My Color Palette
(made using Into Mind’s Workbook!)
View my ideas on fabric choices, color palette, silhouette’s, techniques and sewing patterns I’m planning on incorporating into my wardrobe this year:
I was originally thinking of entering this year’s SWAP, but I’m not sure now if I will. I really don’t want to deal with sewing contests and imposed deadlines this year. But I loved the silhouette planning this led me to focus on. One of my goals for the New Year is to make full head to toe looks that all coordinate. I hate having lovely makes in my closet that I have only one or no options to wear with.
On that note, I’m joining up again with Wardrobe Architect again this year to plan out my Sewing. January is for finding your style and picking out your preferred silhouette’s, which I’ve already done and have been tweaking as I go, but you can see my WA boards on Pinterest here, and here.
I used my handy dandy The Fashion Sketchpad to sketch these out quickly. Right now I’m working on finishing my first main look, the jacket and jeans, before it gets too hot to wear them. The jacket, V8621 Claire Schaeffer, was started last year around this time and quickly became a UFO. Mainly because it’s almost all hand sewn using couture techniques which is so time-consuming. Plus I had gained a little weight which I’m slowly losing now with my daily 4+ mile walks back and forth to Nigel’s school.
I just started on the jeans using my altered pattern from my last pair of Vogue Jeans, V8874. I found a lovely organic denim with a bit of stretch on Etsy at Werkundstoff. The back of the jeans are sewn, my coral topstitching looks great and the hand embroidered pockets look fab! I just can’t resist putting embroidery on pockets! I was inspired by William Morris and his pomegranate designs. My blog is named after Pomona, the goddess of fruitful abundance, so I though it was fitting to make my embroidery compliment that. I used the same imagery to design my logo(check it out at the top of my page!) The embroidery was a perfect project for the past week with both kids home. I can easily bring it with me to the park and outings and could do a bit while watching tv in the evenings.

My Preliminary Silhouette Sketches:
The first two tops in the image below are done too. I’ll be posting them next week. The Francoise Top/Sweater Knit and the Bronte Long Sleeve in Grey.
These (below) are my two workout/walking looks and the Holly jumpsuit that I have been wanting to make for ages! I’m envisioning it in a crisp white linen for Spring.
One of my goals this year is to work with patterns I already own/or have made before. Only one new sewing pattern in this lineup. Also I’m really going to try to stick to using up my refashion stash (all my old RTW clothes + some stuff from my mom) and then try to use recycled textiles and only buy organic and sustainable fabrics. I don’t actually have a fabric stash, I usually buy as I go.
I also want to start drafting my own patterns more this year as I plan for starting my business next year. I’m working with the book Patternmaking: Portfolio Skills by Dennic Chunman Lo as well as a Craftsy Course, Patternmaking Basics: The Bodice Sloper with Suzy Furrer.
I’ve just signed up again for another fast from purchasing clothing with Goodbye Valentino’s RTW Fast! I loved participating last year as it really helped me focus on my sewing. If I wanted something to wear I needed to make it. Great Motivation! And this month I’ll be following along with Cloth Habit’s Watson Bra Sew-along. I bought all my notions before Christmas and am psyched to make some more lingerie.
I’m also hoping to participate in this is moonlight’s One Year, One Outfit challenge to sew a complete sustainable outfit. Here are Nicki’s ground rules: all fibers farmed and processed locally (she’s using a 300 mile radius, I may need to go farther?), all fibers must be natural, use natural non toxic dyes, & all fabric and clothing made must be of quality construction. Unfortunately I’m not located near any Fibershed’s :( , and the nearest organic fabric I’ve sourced in the past was from North Carolina and Texas. More research needed! The dyeing part will be much easier as I’ve had great success in the past with vegetable and local plant dyes.
Update(08/15):
Here are links to all the completed looks from this season:
Happy Sewing!
19 responses to “Spring Sewing Plans 2015”
I love your pinterest boards! I did briefly consider trying This is Moonlight’s challenge. I live in MT. There is no fibershed thing near me.The processing and manufacturing is the stickler I think. I think I will just be content to try to source more stuff that comes from the US. I have done something similar in regards to figuring out what I actually wear only not in such a well documented and lovely way. It is all in my head instead. I do find looking at my fashion inspiration pinterest boards very useful though. If it isn’t a silhouette on that board, I probably won’t wear it. Like when I consider yet another A line shape dress or skirt. No matter how much I like the fabric, I will not wear it. It’s interesting that we do seem to gravitate towards a certain look/style, no matter what. Or at least that is my experience.
Thanks so much! I do love using Pinterest for inspiration, I’m a little addicted :) You’re so right about the silhouettes that work over and over. I’m really excited for Nicki’s challenge but need to do a lot more research on sourcing and see if I have the time to commit.
Oh my, the embroidered pockets are incredible!! You’ve done some great planning here, I’m looking forward to seeing it come to fruition!
Thanks Kelly! I wasn’t sure how they were going to look starting out but I LOVE them! I figure if I’m going to spend the time making custom pants I mine as well go all out. :)
My goodness, the art on your pockets is stunning! I’m considering the One Year, One Outfit challenge but am not sure where to start!
Thanks Morgan! I’m so happy with these pockets! The One Year One Outfit is going to be a definite challenge. I really want to learn to weave, so I may go that route. Not sure yet. Just not sure how local I’ll be able to go and stay organic.
I love your drawings , my purpose this years, ( Among other things) is learn to draw fashion sketches. This year I want to build my wardrobe and the golden advices from ” architect Wardrobe ” are super useful for me.
Love
Sandra
Thanks Sandra! These ones were all made the Fashion Sketchpad, I’ll put the link in the post. When I’m doing more than one sketch it makes it so much quicker. Just wish the croquis figures were more realistically proportioned.
You are so talented, Rebecca! Love the fashion drawings. Even more than that, I love the eco element throughout your blog. I’m embracing minimalism in 2015 (and part of that means doing the RTW fast!) and I think it’s wonderful that you are drawing attention to organic and natural options for home-sewers.
Thanks so much! Glad to see someone else taking part in the RTW Fast too! Sustainability and eco-consciousness is so important to me, especially since becoming a mom. :)
Good luck with your sewing plans! I love your sketches – think the white jumpsuit will be amazing. Also love that one of your colours is based on a Matisse cutout :)
Thanks! I’m so excited to make up that jumpsuit- I’m on the lookout for the perfect fabric! That Matisse has always been one of my favs! My mom had a print hanging in her room when we were growing up and I have such wonderful memories of visiting the Musee Matisse in Nice when I was backpacking through Europe! :)
I think your color palette is very lovely. The RTW fast pushed me to learn new techniques so this year I am excited to try more! I agree that sewing contest while fun sorta take the fun out of creating at your own pace. :)
Thanks Annie! Isn’t the RTW fast fabulous-can’t wait to see what you make next! I’ve got enough here to keep me plenty busy :)
[…] these tops work into my sewing silhouettes. Can’t wait to make up a few more pieces to show off the full looks! I just finished my […]
Love your plans. And your sketches are gorgeous!
Thanks so much!
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