Travel Wardrobe

Travelling in comfort

My blogging has been very slow over the last month.  A lot has been going on in my family and it doesn't include sewing or blogging.  I am in the process of applying to do a postgraduate course in special education starting next year.  As I have been teaching in special education for the past eight years it probably would make sense to get extra qualifications.  I absolutely enjoy this field of education, but would benefit from more networking with others throughout the country who specialize.  It would mean only teaching for half the week and studying for the rest.  The majority of costs would be covered by a study grant.

How does this fit in with sewing?  

Well, probably extremely well.  As I'll be travelling for some of the time and attending university in two different cities for block courses I know I'll need a travelling wardrobe.  I would enjoy the travel and have come across some great blogs displaying practical travelling wardrobes.  Can anybody suggest any patterns that may be suitable?  

StyleArc have a nice selection of innovative graphics and ideas.  This may be captioned as casual, but I would make the trousers more tailored with a dressy fabric.  It's still cold here at the moment, but a summer/autumn wardrobe would be what I'd be starting with.  

Also, I know how relaxing sewing can be.  Or, just a great way to procrastinate when I'm supposed to be studying!!  I'll keep you posted.  This is very exciting, so I'd better make my application more than just a bit presentable. 

Cardigan & Jacket Looks

I have a number of projects on the go at the moment and time is short.  As it is the school holidays at the moment I had a very ambitious list of projects, one of which is a jacket to be worn layered. All my current projects are using knit fabric, which I find easy and versatile.  StyleArc have great inspirational looks and versatile patterns, definitely a must have for me.  I haven't tried any of the StyleArc patterns, but have a number of other patterns that can be adapted without too much trouble.

This pattern was one of about 10 that I picked up for 20 cents each.  The charity shop has proved to be an absolute minefield of discoveries.  I will post some of my other finds over the next few weeks.

This jacket has a very 1980's look to it, but is functional and exactly what I need for work.  Purple is one of my favourite colours and after visiting a number of cafes and restaurants in the last few days I have observed the amount of very black and grey ensembles being worn. Without the colourful scarves the looks would be somewhat dreary.  I enjoy people watching when I'm out and about to gauge what's out there in the fashion world.

Jacket styles are just so easy to alter and adapt for winter or summer looks.  Add a beautiful scarf and you're good to go.

  

Scarf Selection

After taking stock of my wardrobe gaps I realized I needed to add more accessories.  Scarves made from my stash fabrics, or recycled from whatever is at hand.  These examples of seasonal scarves on Etsy are so dainty and elegant.  I've seen very similar scarves available during summer on a recent trip and I'm going to see if I can make my own version.











Here are some wonderful examples on Grosgrain, which I was able to link with some excellent tutorials.

I regularly look for tutorials, so I was pleasantly surprised to find so many in one place.  Many of these scarves use recycled fabrics and wool.  The vintage doily scarf ( 3) is my favourite, unfortunately that link was unavailable; it was probably made by a very talented crafter.
I just realized that I hadn't labeled my last post Scarf Wrap-ups, so here is the link to Coldwater Creek once more.  Happy wrap-ups, whether it's summer or winter at your place.

Scarf Wrap-ups

I found these wonderful wrapping styles on Coldwater Creek.  We're in the throes of winter here, so wrapping up for fabulous style means warm and warmer.  Style 1 and 4 are my favourites.
Which style do you prefer?

Wardrobe Review

It has taken me sometime to get back to posting, for lots of different reasons, but it has made me very aware of the need to be realistic with my sewing, blogging and work commitments.  Many of the photos I had taken were not up to scratch, so I have decided to invest in a new camera.  I would welcome any suggestions from other bloggers.

My Me-Made-June challenge came to an abrupt end with a bad dose of the flu and MMJ became more of a personal challenge to showcase all of my handmade items of clothing than to show daily outfits on pininterest, or a similar site.  The months of May and the beginning of June were very warm for winter, so my wardrobe choices were more like an autumn wardrobe rather than winter.  Now we are experiencing full winter temperatures, with all the woollies I can find to layer one on top of the other.

My latest project includes a long sleeved version of this cowl neck top.  I will post photos when I purchase a new camera, but until now here is the pattern and images using Vogue V1197 by Sandra Betzina.

Me-Made-June Day 9, 10 & 11:

MMJ Day 9:



McCalls M5890



This is the shawl collar pattern that I have made twice now, which I could probably call fail safe, or fool safe.  I usually wear a 'uniform' to work daily and my wardrobe needs to be a mix and match of essential 

pieces that are practical and smart for school. 

Teaching young adolescents can be challenging and puts you in the limelight for sometimes unusual scrutiny.  As a role model for young people it is important to portray professionalism and to never under-estimate the influence an adult can have on the young people we teach.  I try to reflect this in my wardrobe; not too much black and grey in one outfit.  Also, I feel more confident wearing colour, with a dash of individual creativity. 

MMJ Day 10: 

This pattern is a basic that I have adapted many times to suit the variety of tunics and vests that I make.  It seems to suit me well, in all the short and long versions that I have made.  Since I first bought this I must have acquired various other patterns that are similar, but this is one of my favourites as it is already tried and true when it comes to fit.  

MMJ Day 11:

Me-Made-June Day 8:

MMJ Day 8:

This was my inspiration for a circular scarf, which came from the TS 14 Plus website.  I am a fan of most of the styles on this plus-sized site, which I often use for inspiration when I make tunics and vests.

I wanted to have some accessories for the MMJ challenge, so used a remnant to make this easy scarf.  The fabric was called a 'vintage' cotton; unfortunately I wouldn't want to use this fabric for a full garment.  It frays for too easily and slips, so it wouldn't be my first choice.  The grey/navy colourway is an ideal match with my thrifted silver grey velvet tunic, which I wore out to the movies. 

I bought this remnant particularly for this purpose, but I'm sure I have got plenty of other remnants in my stash that would serve the purpose just as well.