I know some folks have said there are too many social media sewing challenges happening these days. It’s too much pressure. For me, sewing challenges help me actually start projects. Sometimes I can get so overwhelmed with all the possibilities out there and in my stash that I get stuck in the planning process and don’t actually start anything. This month I’m focusing on the two that will give me the push to care for my wardrobe – Sewcialist’s Over and Under and Alter It August. But before I get to sewing underwear and attending to my mending pile, I’m focusing on finishing my 70’s inspired wrap dress that I started last month and my project for Minerva Crafts.

1970’s Inspired Wrap Dress

I had hoped to make this dress in June and when that didn’t happen, I pushed it to July, but then July came and went. While I love this pattern and fabric combination, I feel like I’ve lost my momentum for this project. It’s the last for my vintage inspired wrap series. I’m determined to finish it this month, so I can move on to my next group of wrap dress patterns which will focus on extra special details.

Minerva Makers: Beachy Linen Matching Set

I’ve been obsessed with matching sets for a while now. I love dresses so much, but in the last year or so I’ve rediscovered how much I really enjoy wearing separates. Sewing matching separates falls within my goal to create a more cohesive capsule-like wardrobe. I’ve been waiting for the perfect pattern and fabric combination to come along, and I’ve found it! I am in love with this nautical-esq blue striped linen that Minerva Crafts provided for me this month. It’s gonna be so perfect as a Pattern Scout Hana cropped tie front tank and the free and newly updated Ready to Sew Justine skirt.

Sunny Undies

If there’s one type of garment that I really need in my closet, it’s underwear. The last time I got new underwear was 2 summers ago and all 8 pairs are in bad, bad shape. I really need to order some jersey and make a day of batch cutting and sewing underwear. But of course I want to check that the pattern works for me, so I’m using some leftover yellow jersey from Stoffstil to try the free Megan Nielsen Acacia Undies. If they work out, I’ll snatch up some black and nude jersey to make a bunch more. If they’re not right for me, I’ll try the Paper Theory Stevie Knickers, which is also a free pattern. I’m grateful for the Sewcialist’s Over and Under challenge for pushing me to actually get to it!

Alter It August

My favorite parts of sewing is matching fabric to patterns and then wearing the final garment. Do I love mending? No, I do not. My mend/alter/refashion pile has grown quite a bit. Alter It August is just the push I needed to get those items back into my wardrobe rotation. All but one of the items in my pile are handmade. I’ll be addressing issues ranging from fixing a button, to darning jeans to refashioning a dress.

…

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back soon to show off my makes and mends!