Hello, friends!
Yes, it’s still summer here in California. It’s hot and dry and my calendar says it’s August, so I know it’s summer. On the other hand, my husband (a middle school teacher) has gone back to teach for the new school year and it seems like summer is over. It will likely be warm here until November, so I won’t be putting my warm weather frocks away any time soon. Although I have a plethora of spring/summer wear at my fingertips, the cold weather items in my wardrobe are lacking. I’ve attempted to fix this over the last few years, but I still don’t have much. I seem to live in leggings and knit dresses (Colette Monetas and Cashmerette Appletons) in the cold months and I do a lot of layering. Cardigans are definitely my best friends.
As we remain in a historic drought, it’s difficult to think of bundling up when it doesn’t get below 40 degrees (F) very often. Last winter was a much better one than the previous three, but still not normal. It used to rain from September to May and snow from December to February. It’s never been “below zero” cold here, but there was ice and frost to contend with. I really miss those days, but as it’s been a rather warm climate here as of late, this explains my lack of cold weather clothing.
I have kept lists of what I need in my wardrobe and what I plan to sew for a few years now. I also sew things with an intention of where I will be wearing it. In other words, I always sew with a plan. However, I am very tempted by light summery fabrics and sewing all the dresses. I look at the piles of wool in my stash and dread sewing them. And yet, I do dream about wearing them and have patterns paired with them, but another year passes and I don’t do it. Mostly, it is due to the reasons that I’ve outlined in the paragraph above, but another is apathy. And although I look forward to cold weather and enjoy it (I remain acclimated to cold weather after living in it for most of my college years), I just don’t sew for it. That’s going to change this year. I’m going to make it so.
This means that I’m going to be prepared this year and I’m going to sew the cold weather things before it’s even cold, which is really unheard of in my world.
#1. A Winter Coat.
This has been on my to-do list for years now and yet I still have not done it. I do have two wool coats and a down coat, so it’s not like I will freeze if a blizzard rolls through here. However, I want something new. I want to sew a coat. I got as far as rolling out my beautiful Marc Jacobs wool and placing all of the Grainline Cascade duffle coat pieces on it, but I didn’t cut it out and I lost interest when it warmed up (I think this was in Feb/March).
I may still sew that duffle coat, but I have another coat on my mind — the Decades of Style 1940’s Claremont Coat. Ever since I watched “Home Fires”, I’ve been wanting a 1940’s coat. The Claremont is the perfect pattern and I picture a green wool version. It will pair so perfectly with my retro dresses and is definitely something I need in my closet. ASAP!
#2. A Navy Blazer.
A navy blazer is so versatile and classic and yet I don’t have one in my wardrobe, so it’s something that I definitely need to make. It has been nearly a year since I purchased wool suiting from Britex to make one and yet, I haven’t even got close to cutting it out….. This is definitely on my short list.
#3. Jeans.
I go back on forth on this one. One one hand, I don’t wear jeans/pants very often. But on the other hand, it’s: a) nice to have them when you want to wear them and b) I might wear them more if I had some outstanding jeans that I really love. I do have RTW Lucky jeans that I like quite a bit and wear them occasionally, so I’m not lacking on the jean front. But I have been so inspired ever since the Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans came out, that I want to sew them. I also really want to sew with selvedge denim and look forward to trying out the Morgan jeans as well. In addition to those, I also would like to test out the Burda 6951 jeans pattern. Three pairs of jeans? Why not?!
#4. Knit Tees.
Yep, some basics are on my list. I’m going to bust out my Cashmerette Concord tee pattern and sew some more up. Yes, to pair with my jeans. They may all be breton striped, but I will throw in some versatile solids. Having some classic shirts to go with skirts is definitely needed. I often wear my geeky nerd tees (I’m a Whovian after all), but I want something a little warmer.
#5. A Hooded Raincoat.
Yes, I am anticipating rain. So much rain. So much mud. Ponds full and streams running. If I build it, it will come, right?
I have made a Sewaholic Robson trenchcoat and I actually did sew a hooded raincoat a few years ago (unblogged), but I need something more like the above photo for blustery weather where an umbrella won’t do. The hooded raincoat that I made (an OOP McCall’s pattern) was a good idea and I do wear it, but it’s more slim-fitting in the arms than I’d like and I added a turquoise lining plus turquoise top-stitching which really doesn’t go with everything…. Plus, I never got around to adding buttons, so it ties shut and therefore, I don’t wear it often. I’d like to have a neutral raincoat with a useful hood that buttons or zips and keeps me dry. I don’t have a pattern picked out yet, but that’s on my list to do, as well. I also need some new wellies, but that has nothing to do with sewing….
Are you going to hold me to this?
I actually will welcome some nagging if January comes and I have not sewn all or any of the above. I’m going to try really hard to sew all of these and do it in the next few months. I do have a 1920’s dress that I’m working on right now for an event next month, plus a pattern hack for Sew Your Hart Out September that are first on the list. After that, it’s time to winterize me. I will be sewing dresses as well as I do not have many cold weather ones. I have a plan visualized in my head that revolves around a navy, green and red wardrobe and I so want to see it come to reality.
Fall and winter sewing! It’s on!!!
Brilliant sewing plans and I love that you are thinking about a coat. I love the thought of a navy blazer too. Really versatile and smart and you will look great in that colour. Navy goes with so many different colours and is so much softer than black. I love both your blazer pattern ideas. The Amazing Fit patterns are fab. I have noticed that the weather is a lot different here too. No more proper summers, just muggy, rainy and a bit cold on some days. No proper winters either although I am sure that we have had 40F days this summer. I miss the proper snow. Keep that in mind when I am snowed in this winter. 🙂 Xx
I love your sewing plans. I have similar goals as well, especially the winter coat, T-shirts, and a blazer. What pattern are you thinking? I haven’t started my hunt for one yet.
I am thinking either Vogue 8333 or Simplicity 2446 for the blazer. I have both patterns, but the Vogue pattern intimidates me a little for a first blazer.
That Vogue pattern is breath taking. I really love the pleats in the shaping. I have added that one to my list of wanna be patterns, even though it looks intimidating. The simplicity one is also nice– and maybe its the same of the pattern company, but it “feels” simpler.
I was planning a raincoat last year and then I was in Target this spring and bought a windbreaker type. It’s perfect for a misty drizzly day with periods of rain, but doesn’t keep me dry in a torrential downpour or a driving rain. I think I actually have that OOP McCall’s pattern how did it come together? I also have a good looking McCall’s M6531 anorak pattern that I’ve been meaning to sew up.
My sewing list is pretty simple. I want to sew up that baby-wearing jacket, B6301, before the baby gets here in Nov. Some tops that will work for the end of pregnancy and nursing, so I’m looking for front opening blouses, peasant blouses, and surplice necklines/wrap tops. I’m also debating a Cashmerette wrap dress, I have a neat cotton jersey printed with turquoise leaves on a white background that would be good for Yom Kippur.
I also need to finish knitting the baby’s yellow sweater, my green sweater, and T’s red sweater. People always look at me crazy when I’m knitting away at the park, but if I started knitting when it got cold, I’d be finished just in time for it to get warm. On the knitting list: mittens for T, mittens for me, a hat for T, a cowl for hubby, a hat for T, and a lacy shawl/scarf for me.
It sounds like you’re going to very bust, Sara! The McCall’s raincoat went together well. I hadn’t had much experience sewing jackets/coats when I made that and it was easy. I like the Papercut Waver raincoat as it has raglan sleeves, but as Papercut patterns are expensive and I already have the McCall’s, I may just make that.
I think thats the same burda jeans pattern that I have, so I will selfishly suggest you sew that first to inspire me to do so as well 😉 I bought some Melissa McCarthy skinny jeans that actually have an awesome fit and I have been wearing them more than expected, but I would really like so with a bit more of a straight leg fit too, which those seem to have.
I am excited to see a raincoat too, though I’m not so sure about your if you build it it will come philosophy. I have always been of the opinion that if I bring a raincoat on a trip it WON’T rain. In fact, i didn’t bring one to that wedding I went to a few weeks ago and of course it rained like crazy (except for the ceremony, thankfully). So i say make it but then hide it in the back of the closet from the rain gods. Who, me, superstitious? Never! hahaha 😉
Michelle made that Burda jeans pattern and recommended for me, so I picked it up. I’m still looking for nice stretch denim for jeans. I’m pretty picky about denim! lol 🙂
I do hope I will sew and be prepared and the weather gods will grant us tumultuous storms!
I like that you’ve kept the list short. I find that I get overwhelmed when I have too many things on my “to sew” list. I am hoping to squeeze a Cascade Duffel out but mine is much more out of necessity (my other two winter jackets are basically rags at this point). That sucks about the drought though. I’ve been covering it in my science classes and each year as the drought continues, it worries me (and the kids) more and more, so at least know we are thinking of you all down there!
Regardless, I can’t wait to see which one you sew up first. Your finished makes are always so inspiring and well put together Tanya! 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing your duffle coat! I tried to keep my list down to “necessities”. Hopefully I get my butt in gear to accomplish it!
Yes, the drought is terrible. Thankfully we had a much better winter last year. The pastures don’t look so derelict.
I am very interested to see which pattern you will use for your raincoat? I might need to make one for myself within the next few months.
It’s between the OOP Mccalls 6517 or the Papercut Waver.
This is a great post – if this doesnt keep you on track with makes, nothing will! I will have to have a think about what I want to make coming up to winter, I know a coat is in there for sure!
I have a habit of not sewing some of these things, so hopefully it will keep me on track! I did set some deadlines in my calendar, so that should help.
Great fall/winter goals!
Thanks! Now to work on them!
If you dont sew anything else, you must definitly sew the Decades of Style coat, lol. I browsed their store after your last post on the adorable skirt, and saw that coat. It is fabulous. And of course the navy blazer and a pair of jeans. Jeans with a blazer … Happy sigh. Crank the airconditioner past high so it feels like fall and have fun!
The coat will be the first make. I think it’s going to be an easy and fun one. Just need to get the sizing right as its meant to be slim fitting and I want it looser. Jeans and blazers are such a classic combo!
Great plans! I can’t wait to see you in your green wool 1940’s Claremont coat. It would be perfect to go with your beautiful dresses. Jeans and white shirts are in. I like the Burda jeans pattern. I’m planning on sewing the McCall’s lace up shirt in white. I’d be interested in sewing a blazer along with you and the jeans too. Would you consider a sewalong?
That green coat will be mine!!!
A blazer sewalong is a possibility. I don’t know about sewing jeans…. I’ll have to think on that!
Haha, I have the same Problem with Winter clothes. I have the plans, I have the supplies, I have some motivation when it starts getting cooler, I even live in a place with real winter (Snow from November to April)… but somehow I only sew from May to August. Maybe because a lined coat is a different beast to a sundress?
And sundresses are so fun!! 🙂 I actually think I might sew more in the winter. It just feels cozier in my sewing room.
You should schedule yourself posts on these garments on the CSC, and then you’ll have deadlines to hit! (And move around if you need to, of course! 😉 I love all your plans!
That’s a good idea! I was planning on doing the wool coat for a Cali post, so at least I would be held to that. I usually sew for the weather, not thinking about weather to come…. if that makes sense!
I”m that same! I spent $120 on coat materials last winter to make a Clare coat, but as soon as it got warm, I can’t be bothered. (And a wool peatcoat isn’t warm enough for an everyday coat in real winter here, so it’s really a transitional coat and I’m sure to miss that season again this year! :P)
I’d like to see you make that!!! 🙂