Return to the studio // Plans for a mini summer 2025 capsule waredrobe

It has been quite a while since I was able to sew, having to first move to another house, then going to visit my family and lastly moving again to the South Island. Last week I finally cut out my first project in 6 months and it feels good. In fact my partner asked why I am so cheerful that evening. It might have happened on the floor and my back wasn't very happy by the end of it, but with a glass of rose in one hand and the fabric shears in the other, I relaxed for the first time in a while and took the first steps on recharging my sewing motivation. Do I have a nice new studio or a dedicated place for my crafts? No yet, in fact for the next few months I am back were we all start - in a corner of a room. Do I have all my supplies with me? Also no, my bed has been acting as the ironing board for now and yet I couldn't be happier. I hope you can relate.

As a little treat for myself, I bought a new (to me) sewing machine - Singer 201k from 1953. For the first time in my life I own an electric sewing machine! If you don't know since I got back into sewing 6 years, I have been using antique treadle machine from 1918. I must admit, having the reverse stitch and light have been quite a novelty to me and further more the option for a buttonhole maker and a zigzag attachment are all the things that have been missing in my studio. On the other, I am out of practice on sewing with electric sewing machine.

While getting acquainted with my new friend, I have decided to try to make a mini summer capsule wardrobe. A few simpler pieces of clothing that would hopefully go with each other and the rest of my summer wardrobe. I am not the quickest seamstress so it would be interesting to find out how many pieces I can manage to make before I have to organise and repack our things again to get them shipped to Christchurch. 

The plan

Skirts

As a warm up I decided to tackle the skirt. I have been wanting a simple flared skirt in light brown colour for a while. Since that combination is reminiscent of a more vintage adventure look I thought the Antheuil skirt by How to Do Fashion would be the perfect for the job. The flare is just right and the pocket flaps and button is a nice little vintage touch while still keeping the skirt simple.

Tops

To go with the skirt I decided to make a few tops. The first one is The Flared Shirt by The Makers Atelier. I used to have a lovely white linen button down shirt but unfortunately it now has a rather large fountain pen ink stain on it. Since I am not in the mood to deal with the buttonholes or a proper collar stand, The Flared shirt is just what my closet needs without been too fussy to make.

The second top is Volata blouse by Maison Fauve. I am draw to the neckline - simple and elegant and a little bit different than your standard crew or V. I am thinking on using a patterned fabric to mix it up a bit but so far haven't found anything that catches my eye.

I included two more tops to the list, Daiquiri top by Maison Fauve and Sicily Slip Dress (turned into a top) by Patterns by Masin, however apart from that I haven't really thought about them.

Trousers

Unfortunately all my summer trousers have either holes in them or at this point are looking too shabby, so I have added two trousers to the list. 

A few weeks ago I found a lovely light blue linen and wool fabric at the Drapers Fabric and thought that it would make a lovely jeans alternative. It would go with the white shirts and is almost neutral enough to work with quite a few colour and pattern options. I am tossing between three patterns - Legende trousers by Atelier Scammit, Terra Pants by Pattern Fantastique and Clare Trousers by StyleArc.

The second pair will be a more dressier option - the No.32 Porto by How to Do Fashion. A while back I made a 1930s inspired slacks using linen twill fabric from Potter&Co. Sadly while the fabric has the most beautiful drape and texture, the black dye didn't hold very well and the trousers quickly became only fit for the garden. Luckily I have also made a white circle skirt from the same fabric and it has hold up quiet well. So that is what I will be doing - a lovely pair of white linen twill trousers. Growing up I always had a light beige or white linen trousers in the summer and it would be nice to see them in my wardrobe again. 

Dresses

Lastly are the dresses. I have selected three makes, each for its own purpose. One for easy, everyday throw on style, Mersis Dress and Top by Pattern Fantastique, one for a smart casual look, The Sun dress by The Avid Seamstress, and one for more dressier option with a new technique to learn, Livvy dress by Style Arc. 

A few weeks ago while ordering some knitting needles from Miss Maude I came across this cotton double gauze fabric and fell in love with it. I think the Livvy dress will look lovely with it. 

The Sun and Mersis dresses I am very tempted to make from that linen twill again, white and navy respectively. I will keep my eyes open for alternatives but like you might have noticed, I have very hard time staying away from that fabric.  

Goals

I am quite sure that I won't be able to make all of the things on this list. It is rather ambitious but it will also be fun to find out how much I will manage with the limited supplies and time I have. A challenge to not only acquire new skills but also to adapt to ever changing workspace. Wish me luck.