Pattern Plans // Capsule Wardrobe

Hello again! I do hope, whatever you've been up to over the Christmas break, that you're refreshed and in good spirits. I've a little more capsule planning to share today including both maternity sewing patterns and potential pattern hack options.

My last post covered my colour palette ponderings and some fabric options. Today though I've taken a look at my lifestyle requirements and the type of garments feel comfortable in (meaning ideally no more handmades languishing in the dark depths of the cupboard!). I started gathering some images on Pinterest, a capsule mood board if you will but my plans have been adapted since finding out we're expecting. Aesthetically I think it's got some great content which feels very 'Me' but I'll have to look again for more concrete garment inspo as my requirements have become more complex!

I work from home so have no need for formal office attire, though 3 days of 7 I need semi-formal options for piano teaching. These must be modest garments appropriate for teaching children (eg reasonable coverage and not too tight) avoiding uber casual fabric choices like denim. The rest of the week is a casual free-for-all where pretty much anything goes.

Based on this my goal for now is likely 5 mix and match outfits, 2 of which being teaching appropriate. My existing garments to be incorporated are as follows:

• Indigo maternity jeans (RTW)
• Navy skinny stretch jeans (RTW)
• Oversized charcoal cardigan (RTW)
• Light grey marl Cocoon Cardigan (Jalie Patterns)
• Chambray Archer shirt (Grainline Studio)

I tend to gravitate towards separates, but in my current state I'm now tempted by a few dress additions to lessen the number of pieces required and offer some smarter options at the same time.

So on to patterns. I have two maternity options giving me a good foundation in both knits & wovens respectively:

Maternity Givre by Deer & Doe   //   Maternity Bettine by Tilly & the Buttons

I've used the Givre already to make a velvet ocassion dress for Christmas. I'm thinking a basic layering staple will be just the ticket and a tee or two will also come in handy. Bettine has a handy button front option for nursing, potentially increasing the garment's longevity so I may dig in to my beautiful Atelier Brunette 'Blossom' viscose for this one.

I'm also plotting an Alder shirtdress with a raised waist seam. I'll remove the flat front panels and add a fully gathered skirt for more belly room. I figure the easy fitting nature of this dress may enable me to wear it long term and being button front, it's another winner for nursing.

Hemlock Tee & Alder Shirtdress. Both Grainline Studio

Another on the list by Grainline Studio is the Hemlock tee. This is a free pattern I received when signing up to the mailing list and the boxy loose fitting style will accommodate the bump pretty well, particularly in the super drapey navy/ivory viscose rib knit I purchased at the GBSB live show.

Lastly is a 'Washi' blouse by Made by Rae. It has a pleated front and shirred back so fingers crossed there'll be no hacking required on this one. Rae has some great maternity / baby sewing content on her blog, including some tips for nursing friendly hacks. I have some charcoal double gauze in mind for this one.

That about wraps it up for now though I'm quite certain these plans will evolve as things progress. I hope to delve in during the next few days so with a bit of luck you'll see one or two of these garments popping up on here quite soon! I'll keep you posted.

x Happy Sewing! (...and a wonderful start to 2018!)