I’ve finished my post-coat winter sewing plans apart from the La Mia Boutique draped skirt which I’m feeling now is better suited for spring or summer, so I thought I’d dip my toes into the Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe contest that’s running throughout the month of March.
This is a pared-down version of their usual, sprawling wardrobe/SWAP contest, so this time around you need to create a five piece wardrobe in four weeks, using one item you already own (sewn or RTW) and be able to create at least six different outfits from this. I’m actually going one better and aiming to sew five pieces rather than four, but that may fall by the wayside depending on how the month goes.
Here’s what I’ve got in mind:
- MyImage SS11 M1107 seamed, cropped jacket in navy uncut corduroy
- Manequim Feb 2011 #158 blouse in silk charmeuse bought in Paris
- ASOS draped top in blue viscose (RTW – needed for PR contest rules). I actually had this picked out well before you all went crazy for it in my first Jalie jeans photoshoot, but not so much love for the red version?
- Burda magazine Aug 2010 #128 skirt in grey leather
- KnipMode Oct 2010 #8 seamed trousers in silver stretch twill
- Jalie 2908 jeans (with a new waistband!) in stretch denim from Mood in NYC
Plus a birthday dress in silk jersey? (I’ve got my eye on Manequim June 2010 #250) I’ll see how I get on with the rest, but one of the above might turn into my birthday garment this year! I’ve been tracing out all the various patterns this week in order to maximise my sewing time in March itself, since the rules allow pattern prep and muslins to be made in advance, though the fabric cannot be cut until 1 March.
And speaking of March, or to refer to its full name, Me-Made March – I’m planning on playing along at home, but taking photos of what I wear every day is just completely infeasible for me, so I shall just keep a record of what I’ve worn and share it with you at the end of the month. I did this a few years ago and it was really helpful in observing what I tended to wear throughout the week and which items I turned to most often. I can’t actually remember the last time I wore an outfit that didn’t contain at least one “me-made” item (not counting weekends, where I live in grotty, boat-DIY clothes), so this challenge isn’t really that challenging for me! It’s what I tend to wear anyway!
Update: See the finished wardrobe here!!