Laundry List
I am a little late to be deciding on goals for the rest of the year in April, but better late than never. Here is a quick list of projects I want to accomplish before the end of the year (or next year in some cases). The first two are already underway and pretty much complete. I’ll post some pictures soon.
Chinos
Light-weight shirts
A pair of jeans for my wife. This project is long overdue and something I should have completed a while ago. I started the pattern, but need to make some adjustments and a couple more muslin test fit garments.
A few ties. These will most likely be casual cotton ties but I haven’t decided yet.
Canvas bag/back pack. I need a simple bag for work that can double as an overnight or weekend getaway bag. I’m not sure if I want more of a duffel bag shape or a back pack shape.
Jacket. The first version will most likely be an unstructured, unlined, informal jacket. Once I have a decent pattern for this, I can turn it into a more formal sport coat or suit jacket with a lining.
Cold weather jacket, pea coat/toggle coat. Again, I have to decide what I want here. This project could easily get pushed to next year, but is definitely something I want to attempt.
Suit. My work environment is extremely casual (I work from home), and I only need to wear a suit once or twice a year. That being said, I love suits and I would like to have a closet full of suits that fit really well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the suit project got pushed into next year as well.
More jeans. You only need one, maybe two good pairs of jeans. The key word being “good.” I am still adjusting my pattern for that perfect fit, and will probably always have plans to work with denim in some form or another. Quality denim is by far my favorite fabric to work with so far.
I could easily change or add things to this list. I may change my mind about some of these projects, but putting some of these goals in writing will make me accountable. If you have any suggestions for things you think I should consider making, let me know.
Taylor,
I just finished reading your blog start to finish, and I’m inspired as hell. What you’ve been able to accomplish is really, really something. So, I’m writing for a bit of advice. I’m interested in learning some basics—don’t know about full sets of clothes at this point, but at the very least I’d like to know my way around a machine for some fundamental alterations and see where it goes from there. Problem is, I never had a stitch of training as a youngster, and I unfortunately don’t have a talented spouse to get me started.
Any ideas? Should I just get a machine and mess around with it? When you’re stuck on something, where do you go to get answers? Books? Internet? I’d also be interested to find out where you get your fabrics. I took a spin through a local craft store and didn’t see much that inspired any confidence.
Thanks,
Seth
I too just finshed reading your blog from start to finish and just wanted to drop you a quick line saying thanks for the inspiration.
Keep up the sewing (and the blogging)!
Mathias-Emanuel
Mathias,
Thanks for checking out my blog!
Most community colleges have great sewing programs. Also fabric stores, just look for a fabric store that’s heavy on fashion fabrics as opposed to crafting fabrics. As for machines don’t go cheap! Get a high quality , non computerized machine thats made for sewing fashion, not craft sewing. The better the machine, the easier it is to work with, and the easier it is to learn on. and sewing is also a whole lot more fun when you’re not fighting your machine!
I too, have just found your site and am really enjoying it! On your laundry list you want to make a suit. Take a tailoring class… or two! I ‘ve made one suit it took me eight months and a ton of extra fabric to get it right. I tried to use a book on mens tailoring. There’s a reason tailors charge so much money to make a suit! At any rate, It’s an awesome project you’re doing! Good, good luck!
Thanks Loran! I’ve thought about taking a tailoring class, but I’m not sure if there are any in my area. I anticipate the suit taking a really long time. That’s why I will most likely start with an informal jacket to get the initial pattern drafted and learn some of the construction techniques.
I’d love to see how your suit turned out and hear about any other suggestions you might have.
Taylor