



Like all good plans, they're bound to get abandoned as I get distracted by other ideas, but these are some projects that have been playing on my mind and which I'd love to sew up this Summer. At first glance these garments don't seem to go together at all. But as I looked a little closer I realised two things. Firstly, the patterns are all from totally different sources (vintage, independent, self-drafted, commercial) but they all have a similar kinda relaxed chic vibe going on and more than a smattering of 1970s influence. Secondly, I just can't help myself as far as brown polka dots, bright red and soft bright blue cottons are concerned. Seriously, if you looked in my fabric stash you'd laugh at the repetition there. I know what I like!
What are your Summer sewing plans? Do you tend to stick to your sewing plans or abandon them as other ideas emerge?
PS. Have you seen the design competition that The Sewing Directory is running this month? The prizes are really great - snazzy sewing machine and fabric vouchers!
[Soundtrack: 'Heatwave' by Martha and the Vandellas]

I just love the Cynthia dress and your choice of fabric is great!
ReplyDeleteI love spots and polka dots. I am sure they'll look great :-)
ReplyDeleteThey all look so gorgeous - we are heading into winter here so it's lovely to see your whimsical choices x
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely plans with a very definite 1970s vibe, which I think you will pull off effortlessly Tilly! I personally like a good plan, but sticking to it is so hard! Back in April I had a sewing meltdown and felt my lack of focus was holding me back. So I made a plan of 5 garments to make in April - June. I made two, failed at another and haven't even touched the other two. I'm so fickle and my mind keep changes...this is certainly not productive, but I don't know how to get a handle on it all :o(
ReplyDeleteAw Marie, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself. I've come to terms with the fact that I can only make one garment per month, perhaps two if I'm being super productive, and that's fine. Also, it's a fun, creative process, so there's nothing wrong with changing your mind and making what you feel like making! xx
DeleteYou're so wise Tilly. I'd definitely like to start thinking about quality over quantity and to slow down and take time to enjoy the process a lot more!
DeleteSewing a red wool jacket and sweater dresses (it's winter here in Australia). XD
ReplyDeleteI hope you make that wrap dress first. That pattern is awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish I could stick to my Summer sewing plans. I was off to a good start; I sewed a 1940s pinafore right away, got distracted by a ball gown for a costuming event that got canceled and now am working on a 60s wiggle dress that wasn't even on my list but a fabulous fabric is the culprit there! I'll keep trying; I need separates that are vintage inspired and also dresses to wear to work.
ReplyDeleteI love your plans. I can't wait to see the finished products!
The Darling Ranges dress is brilliant (might have to get a copy of that pattern for myself) as is the fabric you've chosen for it.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been trying to act on my sewing urges very quickly, before I get distracted and start something else.
Yeah it looks like such a great staple dress pattern to have in one's collection!
Deletegreat plans! I love your idea of using ikat (which I've recently developed a liking to) for the darling ranges dress, I think that will look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love the casual-feminine-chic vibe that all these pieces have! :) Can't wait to see that Cynthia Rowley dress made up especially!
ReplyDeleteI plotted out some sewing goals for this summer recently--I just hope I can stay on target. :) So far I've been sticking to it, but one never knows! lol. I get seduced by other sewing projects so easily... ;)
Ooh, a lovely line up Tilly, I think you can really pull off that relaxed 1970's chic look. And as for repetition of fabric colours and patterns. Ha!! You should see my fabric stash, it's so predictable it's ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI'm keen to make more dresses this summer - I've just finished one and have plans for two more I've got to be realistic with kids at home so any other garments will be an added bonus. Enjoy the long weekend. xx
Duck egg blue polka dots, red and gingham, perchance?! x
DeleteGah, busted!
DeleteThat brown polka dot top is gorgeous. Oddly enough, it looks a bit like something I'm planning in mint green!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the Cynthia rowley dress, I don't have that pattern but have been thinking about buying it.
ReplyDeleteThese choices are great. Cant wait to see them finished. I have the issues were I buy the fabric as I see it then sit there for months and think what the hell will can I make with that! I made a decision back in April after an unsuccessful fabric splurge not to buy any fabric unless I have a specific pattern in mind :)
ReplyDeleteI adore your line up Tilly and can't wait to see some of them made up! Your post made me realise something too - if you look in my wardrobe I clearly have a complete obsession with polka dots and breton stripes :-) Also, your comment to Marie reassured me - thought I was a failure for not producing a new garment every week! Good luck with your summer sewing plan and please keep us posted :-) Jill
ReplyDeleteAh a woman of my own heart! I could wear polka dots and Breton stripes every day. It's Breton stripes today, in case you were wondering :)
DeleteRed & white polka dots (as opposed to black or blue) lol :-)
DeleteThere must be something in the air as I have a thing for polka dots right now too! The cynthia rowdy pattern looks fab I hope you make it!
ReplyDeleteMy plans tend to unravel pretty quickly and end up taking a seat on the back burner, sometimes I get round to doing them but mostly not as other ideas creep in.
lovely choices - looking forward to seeing results.
ReplyDeletei managed to get a hold of the cynthia rowley pattern, i made up one and i'm half way through the second - i love it.
i've got a photo albeit a crappy one here - http://lifeafteralfie.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/148-icecream-sundays.html it does look better in real life, no quite so thick waisted!
hurrah for frocks!
The dress looks great - can't wait to make it!
DeleteI love the fabric, thanks big compliment coming from you, your so accomplished, I'm more of a slap dash kinda girl. X
DeleteI love the brown polka dot for the blouse pattern. And lately, every pattern by Cynthia Rowley seems to call out to me. Great fabric choices.
ReplyDeleteI tend to sway between closely following my plans, and creating completely spontaneous projects. For example, right now I have the fabric for a pair of pajama pants for my boyfriend. I know they'll get done this month; it's a plan, and he's waiting patiently for them.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I also just finished crocheting a huge granny square blanket-- and if you'd asked me two months ago wether I was going to make a blanket or not, I'd have said no way! I think it's good to have an outline of what you wanna do, but leave enough room for change or improvisation.
Definitely. I find that if I try to stick to a plan too rigidly, part of me wants to rebel because it seems like a "chore". So I've got to plan in a kinda loose way :)
DeleteI love the Darling Ranges pattern and I think the fabric choice is marvelous. Can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteAll of your ideas are definitely stylish.
ReplyDeleteOoooh I LOVE the ikat fabric - where did you find it?! Your fabric choices and patterns are great for summer.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested in hearing how you get on with the Darling Ranges dress as I quite fancy that one myself but from what I've read from other sewists reviews online the pattern has a couple of errors that make it a bit tricksy. Sure you can handle it though! Good luck!
Your plans look great! I'm going to be sewing some more dresses – so perfect for summer!
ReplyDeleteI love the 1st pattern.. really would love a maxi like that ! The sleeves look a lot like the taffy.
ReplyDeleteI love that ikat fabric you have paired with the darling ranges pattern. It's gonna look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love that Cynthia Rowley pattern - I've been eyeing it up for weeks but my 'to sew' list is so long already!! I'm looking forward to seeing the final results!!
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