PERSONAL // WARDROBE PLANNING NOTES

Hello, dear reader!

I hope you all had a wonderful month of December with your loved ones – filled with rest, peace, and joy! Oh my, it has proven to be quite a hectic month for us. Bits of much needed redecorating have happened here and there, keeping the festive spirit a little lower than usual. But in the end, it all got done just in time for Christmas Eve! And we had several days of much needed rest ever since. Well, although I may have swapped fabrics for paint – I’ve surely been dreaming about my upcoming sewing projects! So I just wanted to share some of my first planning notes with you, although I’m a little scared to put them “out there” (especially as an illustration novice).

Anyway, here they are:

1. JACKET: relaxed fit, lightly quilted, slightly cropped length
(pattern idea: Coco / Schnittchen)

2. BLAZER: straight fit, shawl lapel, fully lined
(pattern idea: Blazer / Cut Magazine)

3. TOP: side panel detailing, saddle shoulders, exposed back zip
(pattern idea: Folk Top / Cut Magazine)

4. SKIRT: semi-fitted, a-line silhouette, above knee length
(pattern idea: Moss Mini/ Grainline)

5. SHIRT 1: loose fit, collar with front button bands, patch pockets at breast
(pattern idea: Rachel Comey V1323/ Vogue Patterns)

6. SHIRT 2: semi-fitted, pointed collar, low curved back hem
(pattern idea: Pussy Bow Blouse / Pattern Runway)

7. T-SHIRT: boxy fit, hip length, two-tone denim star appliqués
(pattern idea: Scout Tee/ Grainline)

8. SWEATER: relaxed fit, low curved back hem, long sleeves
(pattern idea: Briar / Megan Nielsen)

I know that eight projects might be a little too much… and they surely look very basic. We’ll see how many of my ideas will eventually make their way into my closet. But I’ve been working so hard over the last few months at reassessing my wardrobe – figuring what fits my lifestyle/body perfectly. And I think they all do!

Oh, and just last week, the lovely Shivani surprised me with a little blog award! And I just wanted to take it as an opportunity to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart! Thank you so, so much for visiting my little space – I am ever so grateful for each and every one of you! The kindness and encouragement you all have sent through comments is unbelievable (I’m still trying to catch up getting back to you after the long unexpected break – I’m so sorry!). One of my main blog-related goals for the next year is to overcome my shyness a little more – just so I can tell you how much you all inspire me. I’m definitely looking forward to more conversation.

Wishing you all a peaceful New Year!

Love,

Louise

PROJECTS // COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS INSPIRED SCOUT TEE

Hello, dear reader!

I have a weakness for earthy autumnal tones, especially the color palette of leaves – ranging from yellow to brown, passing through red and plum.  It’s probably the reason why I’m so deeply in love with the Liberty print I used for my latest project! Yes, another Scout Tee… but they’re just so unbelievably comfortable! I mostly buy my sewing notions in a department store – that means I always have to pass through the women’s fashion department (among which is the French Comptoir des Cotonniers) first. I’m usually in deep thought, daydreaming about upcoming sewing projects, as I walk through uncountable racks of clothes. A few weeks ago, I spotted this lovely silk blouse with triangle cut-outs on the neckline… of course it immediately inspired me to try something very similar!

PATTERN: Scout Woven Tee by Grainline

FABRICS: Liberty “A Stitch in Time” print tana lawn

MODIFICATIONS: I lengthened the shirt and sleeves and added triangle cut-outs to the neckline and sleeves

THOUGHTS: Personally, I just love the loose and modern fit of the Scout Tee! It pairs so well with the cottony drape and unique softness of Liberty tana lawn. And I’m actually pleased with the look of the triangle cut-outs! They certainly add some visual interest to my otherwise rather monotonous fall outfits. I just need to choose carefully what I wear underneath.

Have a calm weekend!

Love,

Louise

PROJECTS // SILK TOVA BLOUSE

Hello, dear reader!

Oh my, I could go on and on about the joys of simple silk blouses! They’re light, they’re soft and they’re smooth… and they’re so hard to take off! I’m still in desperate need of some simple everyday garments to fill the main gaps of my recently reorganized closet. I believe my new silk Tova blouse fits in just perfectly, because I love the ease of throwing on clothes that can be forgotten about once you’re in them (there is so much else to worry about, isn’t there?). This was my first attempt to sew silk, but it was relatively easy. Of course there is so much more to learn and improve… it’s far from perfect, but certainly a beginning. Because now I’m hopelessly in love with silk…

PATTERN: Tova by Wiksten

FABRICS: Cream crepe de chine silk

MODIFICATIONS: I went up a size and added a few details to make it more silk-appropriate (a hidden button placket, a curved hem, single button cuffs, and round edges on the collar)

THOUGHTS: Considering this is my first attempt to sew silk, I must say I’m pleased with the result! I just love the easy breezy look of the blouse. The only thing I would probably change next time is the collar (I’m thinking of small ties?), because it does look a little floppy… or maybe I should add another button?

Working with silk truly excites me! I’m in love with the different textures and the fine details. It’s definitely the kind of luxury I’d be willing to part with my pennies for…

Okay, it’s time for a warm glögg!

Love,

Louise

PROJECTS // DENIM MOSS MINI SKIRT

Hello, dear reader!

The first finished project I’d like to share with you on here is my new Moss Mini skirt. Truly, I’ve been shopping around for the perfect denim skirt for what seems like ever – something very simple in a moderate length and with a comfortable fit. But I’ve never found the right one (at least within my price range). So I was so delighted when I spotted Grainline’s latest pattern release. It’s just what I’ve been looking for – a great wardrobe staple! And it certainly pairs so well with so many things in my wardrobe.

PATTERN: Moss Mini Skirt by Grainline

FABRICS: Reversible denim (dark blue on one side and burgundy red on the other), Liberty “Darcie” print tana lawn as pocket lining

MODIFICATIONS: I lengthened the skirt by 6cm and added belt loops (for slim leather belts)

THOUGHTS: First of all, the fit of the skirt is amazing! We all know that Grainline’s patterns are incredibly well designed. It sits just perfectly below the waist, neither too low nor too high. Oh, and I can’t keep my hands out of the pockets! This was the first time I inserted a fly, but the step-by-step instructions were very easy to follow. The only thing I had slight troubles with was attaching the waistband to the skirt, but I believe I made a minor mistake while cutting the fabric. All in all, it’s a great pattern!

I already have beautiful burgundy red corduroy set aside for another one. And I’d love to make yet another one in velvet, wool, or even suede… doesn’t that sound dreamy?

Okay, off to the sewing machine!

Love,

Louise