Hello friends! Bear with me on today’s rambling post, would you? I promise I do (kind of) have a point in here somewhere.
I’m a big list maker and organizer. Especially when it comes to my wardrobe, and sewing and knitting projects. I start off with a big list each season with sections like “sew”, “knit”, “buy” with ideas, pattern names, types of fabric I might like, things I’ve seen that are inspiring me, things I want to buy, color palettes… this goes on for a week or two until the list is massive, I’m totally overwhelmed at the possibility of fitting all that into one season, and I never look at it again. Like I’ve organized myself into a stupor!
This autumn was no exception. Two weeks ago, I started a list that grew and grew. The problem is even worse this year, though: over the summer I did a big wardrobe clean out, during which I discovered nearly all of my winter skirts are too big. At the time I thought, “I’ll have to do something about that in the future” and then promptly forgot until now. It’s the future, I have almost no wool clothing, and I’m now on the cusp of either being cold this winter or wearing the same few things until I’m completely nauseated by them.
A couple of things I’ve said recently in person or online have opened my eyes to this. I said to Mel last week I rarely focus on colder weather sewing, I think in part because I find summer sewing so much fun. It was said not in an “I should fix that” way but more like a “that’s just the way it is” way. On Emily’s blog, she was recently talking about “sewing or freezing” and winter wear, and I chimed in about usually being well prepared for winter because it gets cold as hell where I live, plus I’ve been wearing vintage styles long enough that I have a lot of bases covered. Okay, very true in some respects, but when I made my comment, I’d completely forgotten about the closet clean out that’s left me with the option to basically wear cotton skirts with lots of layers or the same few pair of cigarette pants all winter. Whoooops.
And so I’ve hatched a plan that’s slightly outlandish.
For a year, I’m going to focus the majority of my wardrobe building on cool-to-cold weather projects. Things for winter, fall, and spring. Not summer.
When I think about it, I spend most of my wardrobe planning for the shortest season. Sun dresses, shorts, sleeveless tops, thin fabrics. Especially sewing. That just seems kind of preposterous, honestly.
I mean, I live in Chicago. I’m don’t live somewhere beachy and warm 300 days of the year, nor do our vacations typically take us any place warm out of season, either. And I bet I’m not the only one who finds they’ve focused a disproportionate amount of time on their warm weather wardrobe! That’s a lot easier for people who live where winter is cool and dreary or just occasionally really cold, and warm months stretch out a lot longer, but ladies in Montreal, Scandinavia, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Berlin… I know you feel my pain.
I do layer a lot, and like a transitional wardrobe where many pieces can get integrated into other seasons. But if I’m honest with myself (and you), I think I’ve lately used the term “transitional wardrobe” as an excuse to mostly mean “I really like summer clothes and I want to wear them throughout the year as much as I can.” I mean I love to wear some summer dresses with a cardigan and tights in the spring or fall, and because I typically hate the feeling of long sleeved shirts under sweaters, I layer long underwear under short sleeves and sleeveless shirts with a cardigan even in winter. But it also means I focus way more of my energy sewing and buying warm weather clothes. I think I’ve sewn two wool skirts in the last handful of years, only one of which I can still wear (the other was purged). And with the rest of the cold weather items that no longer fit or I long ago fell out of love with, that leaves a problem.
And on the other side of the coin is the fact that summery clothes are the easiest for me to find vintage or retro. There’s no shortage of things I could purchase or sew to make my closet sing a happy summer tune! Summer, I can get you covered easily! Winter… you’re another story. But I’m coming for you.
So that’s the background of my story. For about a year, I plan to focus almost entirely on building a cool and cold weather wardrobe that I love. Clothes for the other 8 months of the year!
Sewing and knitting what I can, finding vintage and secondhand, purchasing retro and repro. I’ll give myself some leeway in warmer months because I’m sure I’ll absolutely have to sew a few cute and summery things once it starts getting warm. But I typically don’t let summer stop me from knitting for cooler weather, so for a year, I’m not going to let it stop me from sewing for it, either. (Besides, if I added not one more iota of summer clothing to my wardrobe, I’d still get through next summer peachy keen!)
I’m going to call it my 3 Season Wardrobe Challenge basically so that I have something to hashtag my posts on social media and to keep myself on track. So #3seasonwardrobechallenge it is. No hard and fast rules or anything, and I’m not giving myself a set deadline, just saying roundabout an entire year. My goal is that this time next year, I’ll have several well thought out additions to my wardrobe that will make me feel really good about plunging into the cool and cold months ahead. (Um, as “really good” as one can get thinking about prospects of another Polar Vortex, say.)
So expect to see some inspiration posts and ideas, as I start to think this project through. Silhouettes, mix-and-match ideas, all that good stuff that I want to focus on. And by all means, feel free to join in! If this post speaks to you, jump on in, too. The more the merrier, so feel free to borrow the hashtag too! Or um, point me in the direction of great fabrics to sew with for winter (cheerful wool plaids, where are youuuu). Wools, flannels, corduroy, especially if it can be sourced online and is good qualityโif you have a tip, speak up!
And I can say this: I’m already feeling less stressed out about cooler weather sewing projects in particular, knowing that I’m not sitting here like “OMG it all must be done in the next few months I need to start yesterday and I’ll never finish it all!!!” I can really take my time thinking about style and wardrobe planning, coming up with ideas for projects, and planning and executing all of that. And maybe by this time next year, I’ll feel a lot more prepared for the cooler months to come.
Since that idea sounds really appealing and exciting, I must be off to a good start! ๐
Samantha says
I think it sounds like a great idea! I live in the south and a lot of my summer gets transitioned into fall, winter, and spring. So for me, when it gets really cold, I’ll wear jeans, but I do have this awesome blue wool cardigan that I found at a thrift store that I wear all year long (except for the summer season, too hot!). Good luck and happy sewing!!!!! ๐
Tasha says
Thanks Samantha! The cardigan sounds great. While I have a blue cardigan in progress (well sort of in a holding pattern while I work on a different one first), it’s a lighter weight one, so I’d really like to knit a blue cabled cardigan to see me through several months. ๐
Irene says
Susan Crawford”s stitch in time books have wonderful caridgan and jumper patterns for
Winter. I keep coming back to them.. The netherlands don’t have much summer either..hhaha..sewing circle skirts in plaid and shirtdresses with long sleeves..in plaid…
Gia says
I’m in the South too, and I sometimes question why I love knitting sweaters so much, when it’s “summer” here for 8 months. But then things get cold and I’m so glad I made all those sweaters!
This year, we’re expecting a “hard” winter, by Southern standards. So I’m trying to prepare but having a heck of a time finding any decent fabric. I mean, local shops do not, do NOT, stock wool of any kind, so I’m often ordering fabric online and just crossing my fingers that it looks and drapes like I want . . . . If you find any juicy sources of great fabric, please pass the info along. ๐
I’m excited to see what you develop for your own wardrobe because you inspire me!
Landgirl says
Last week I found a lovely vintage dress made from some warm jacquard which I just know I am going to wear to death this winter. It’s a shirt dress so very comfortable and I would dearly love to make some similar ones. Last year I lived in a tartan circle skirt, which I found in a second hand shop and because it needed shortening, I used the off cut material as a collar for a plain jacket and had an instant suit. It was such a useful find, I want to make some more or those as well. If I had patience I would knit more too! Good luck and I look forward to seeing your outfits.
Tasha says
What a great idea about the circle skirt, I’ll have to remember that in the future as I’m short so most skirts I purchase are far too long! I’d love to sew a few circle skirts but I’m always put off by how annoying they are to lay out on fabric vs. projects that take narrower pieces… terrible excuse, I know!
Cate says
This is a fab post! So many of us vintage girls shudder at the thought of making vintage work for us during the winter months, me included, so it’s always good to plan ahead. I’m guilty of reacting just as the weather starts to turn and making a list of things I want to make and then not getting it all done in time.
This year I’ve got a number of things planned for autumn/winter that I want to make but I’m not going to get mad at myself if I don’t get them all done to wear this year, I will just carry on making them as the weather warms up so I can wear them next winter. At least I’ll have something to look forward to then and not have a mad panic as always.
Tasha says
Sounds like a good plan! That’s basically what I intend to do, too. Just keep on my list and not stress out if I don’t get it all done. My autumn is probably going to be really full (a big trip and some house projects), so I suspect it’s going to be December and I’ll be feeling like I’ve gotten hardly anything accomplished. This way I can take my time and really think things through… and also making sure I make good long-term style choices in the process!
Helen says
That’s a great idea. And yes I know what you mean – the few refashions/makes I’ve done all seem to be summer appropriate (apart from the scarves and mittens I’ve knitted).
Good luck with your challenge – looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
PS LOVE those boots and the tartan skirt ๐
Tasha says
Thanks Helen! The skirt is part of a Bobbie Brooks suit I got over Labor Day weekend, a very lucky find!! Especially in light of my comments about not having hardly any wool skirts that fit– this one is great!
sew little time says
i can really recommend the fall essentials sewalong which sarah from rhinestones and telephones runs. having categories really seems to work for me, and a 2 month timeframe is enough to get plenty done while still having to be realistic!
Tasha says
I do love her sewalong plan! But there’s no way that can work for me since we’re going on a 10 day holiday within that time frame, and at some point my dad will be staying with us for at least a couple of weeks to work on a fence and deck, so 2 months becomes nowhere near enough time really quickly, unfortunately! ๐
Nina says
It doesn’t hit polar vortex levels of chilliness here in London (I was in Chicago in Dec ’13 and it was the coldest I have ever been in my entire life), but I can totally get on board with this! Liberty needlecord is a gorgeous winter fabric option, although oddly doesn’t seem to be sold by Liberty itself… I’m hoping to make a quilted gilet out of some!
Tasha says
Oh yes, I’ve seen a couple of people sew with the Liberty cord, looks great! I think it might be much more difficult to get here in the US but I’ll definitely need to keep my eyes out. I don’t typically go for corduroy tops but I bet it would make a lovely button down shirt!
allie J. says
It is SO much easier–and more fun–to sew for spring and summer, and my handmade wardrobe certainly tends towards those seasons. For me, it is at least in part because it’s nice to sew for summer during the late winter/spring, looking ahead to wearing flippy sundresses, but the last thing you want to do in August is sew hot, itchy wool, and forget about trying it on for size!
Tasha says
I agree, it’s nice to start thinking about warmer sewing once you can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel when winter is ending! That’s why I expect I’ll have to deviate from my plans a bit, so I don’t go winter stir crazy! The one good thing for me about sewing for winter off season is my sewing area is in the basement so it’s always relatively cold down there, regardless of the month. So trying on wool mid-August isn’t so bad. ;D
Mia says
In reference to fun, and suitable sewing projects for fall and winter, I have found wonderful retro , 40s, and 50s sewing patterns for coats, jackets, and blazers. I have found that I love sewing coats; they are very satisfying projects, and the silhouettes of the 40s and 50s still can’t be beat. that’s what I recommend a foray into.
Tasha says
I have several vintage blazer and coat patterns and sewed a vintage 40s jacket pattern a few years ago, with the pattern and fabric all set to go for a 50s swing coat that I never got to last year. Hopefully this year I will, I’m excited about that project!
Alexia says
Love the boots, tights, and tartan! I assume you made the skirt, but can you please tell me who manufactured the tights and boots?
Tasha says
My mother manufactured the tights– they’re knee high knit socks actually. LOL! And the skirt is part of a vintage Bobbie Brooks suit I actually picked up recently on a trip. The boots are current Miss L Fire, the style is called Millicent I believe. ๐
Elisa says
Corduroy and wool skirts FTW. I need to get over my fear of sewing 3-D objects and just find a good simple a-line skirt pattern.
Tasha says
A-line is almost flat, and there’s what, only a couple of round things going on (a hem and waistband)? You can tooootally do that. ๐
And thank you for the reminder… when I did the closet purge I set aside a small stack of “I’m not sure” items, including a gray corduroy skirt I never really loved. But since I don’t have as many options, I think it’s getting pulled from the stack and going back into the closet!
Anne-Rose says
Such a great idea! Although I love autumn/winter fabrics, I prefer sewing for the summer season. I live in Holland which doesn’t get really cold, but it does rain a fair bit. I bike to and from public transport, so warmer clothing for the colder months is a must.
I did a big clear out of clothes over the summer as well and need to focus on adding some items for the colder months ahead. I’m starting on some knit dresses, but will need to add some wool skirts as well. I do have a holiday to Thailand coming up in November and I am really tempted to sew for that instead!
Tasha says
I can see the temptation to sew for your holiday to Thailand!! But hey, you’ll have plenty of wintery weather after that to sew, right? ๐
Anna says
I live in the north east of England, which has a strong sea breeze even on the hottest day and that mixes with damp in the autumn and winter! Being fairly new to dressmaking I have lots of pretty cotton summer dresses but struggled to find vintage/repro dresses with sleeves (I feel the cold!) I have a couple of patterns with variations and I’m hoping that I can add to my meagre winter wardrobe with these and some needlecord and wool skirts.
Tasha says
Yes, I could see dresses with longer sleeves being an issue! I’m weirdly not a fan of dresses with long sleeves (I think it’s the same reason I don’t like too many long-sleeved button down shirts, because they bunch under sweaters), so it’s not too much of a problem for me. But I’ve definitely seen some vintage dress pattern with long sleeves! ๐
Pat says
I live in the Northeast so I feel your pain. I have oodles of cute summer clothes, but winter tends to be thermals, jeans and flannel shirts. I made a decision three years ago to never purchase another piece of clothing from a retail store and I have never looked back. But it did force me to learn to make bras, underwear, socks, etc. Good goal on your part, and my winter wardrobe could use some revamping, so I’m in on the challenge.
Tasha says
One cold-weather base I can never seem to find is a silk slip. I generally prefer slips over lined garments (or sometimes both!), but I can only ever seem to find nylon ones. I always feel like making a slip would be a big yawn, but I may have to do that sometime in the next year of this project!
Rebecca says
I made a couple silk slips from a vintage pattern. They weren’t boring to sew, and boy, are they nice! Find yourself a good pattern and some silk and you will never look back. ๐
Tina Roneklint says
Hear Hear. Iยดm allergic to wool and live in the cold northern Europe…
Trying very hard to find something and always end up living in thermal underwear from the skiing shop.. Not very elegant or classy looking…
Tasha says
Ooh, that’s tough if you’re allergic to wool! What about silk long underwear, or one of man made materials? I find those are always warmer than cotton thermal to go under things, and thinner so much less noticeable! I’m pretty much wearing long underwear from November to March!
Juanita says
I’m really looking forward to see how you’ll build your new winter wardrobe, Tasha! Living in Norway I can really relate to wanting more woolen skirts and dresses (absolutely necessary during snow storms). Although I love my vintage summer dresses I always look forward to unpacking my winter wardrobe and planning my new knitting projects for fall and winter. I’m sure I’ll pick up several tips from you, you have such a wonderful way of combining vintage and knitting!
Tasha says
Thanks, Juanita! I definitely also need to do a bit of closet rotating and see where I’m at! The one wonderful thing I discovered is I apparently didn’t get rid of any of the wool skirts *I liked still* but didn’t fit (not a huge amount but a good few basics), so I can get them altered in time, and add to that.
Ronja says
I just picked up some adorable flannels and was thinking of using them to line another piece. I really kinda want to make a Hollyburn in corderoy, but I’m not sure if it looks good on me.
Tasha says
I’ve seen lots of Hollyburns and they all look great on people, it seems like a good basic shape. I’m sure it would be lovely on you! ๐
Meg White says
I was wasting time on ebay and saw this that I thought you might like: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1-2-yds-VINTAGE-YARN-DYED-PLAID-WOOL-COTTON-SUITING-FABRIC-58-2-X-5-CORNER-/381418112279?hash=item58ce4a8517. Oh, haha, and there are lots more… http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wool-blend-plaid-fabric-pink-purple-slight-green-4-yrds-58w-/181882935637?hash=item2a59115955.
Tasha says
Thanks for those! I definitely need to be looking at vintage yardage. It seems to be pretty much impossible to find wool plaids that aren’t boring suiting colors. This has always been a conundrum for me!
Tammy says
In the 80’s. I made a shirt dress out of navy blue featherweight corduroy. It was a winter dress. I’ve been wondering when I quit making making “winter” dresses. I am considering making another corduroy shirt dress.
Tasha says
Sounds like a lovely and warm idea! I have some cotton velveteen which is basically just corduroy with no wales, and I’m going to make a pencil skirt!
Iris says
What a great idea. I can’t wait to see what you make! I am a beginner and am just getting to the place where I can actually plan to sew things I really want. I also live in Oakland, Ca, where it is 63 degrees most of the time. I have a capsul wardrobe plan full of long sleeve fitted tees, maxi skirts, knit mod dresses and tunics for layering. Yayy! Sew fall and winter.
Tasha says
Thanks! And those all sound like good items for your climate!
Victoria says
This is a great plan! I always get stuck in a jeans and hoodie rut in the fall/winter/cooler months and would love some inspiration!
Tasha says
I easily get stuck in jeans or the same couple of sweaters or outfits all winter. Hoping to change that over time!
Jessica says
I think summer is so fun because color! And skirts with movement! And no sleeves! Weeeee!!!!!!! But winter tends to be more tailored and the clothes need those little finishing touches that take more time and more thought. They are less about instant gratification. Love your idea of slowing down and putting more purpose behind your sewing!
Tasha says
Yes those are very real contrasts in terms of winter and summer sewing. I’ll probably have a mad dash to sew a few things this fall so I have at least a few good options this winter, but then I’ll be able to really think through and take my time with everything else the rest of the next year!
Erika says
I totally understand your problem! Personally, I’m lucky I’m such a huge fan of winter and wool, as I live in northern Scandinavia ๐ I’ve found winter to be easy to sew for! A couple of Wool skirts and you’re good to go. Cardigans you have, jersey tops can be made for year-around wear, and then just add cotton tights. For outerwear, a good coat and some crazy warm legwarmers and that’s it!
I’m sure you’ll have a great winter wardrobe this time next year!
Love, Erika
Tasha says
I know, I feel the same way about winter and wool (well, sometimes not so much about winter as we’ve had some ridiculous cold snaps in the past few years that are beyond brutal, lol). I’m definitely considering some more long-sleeved jersey tops to wear under cardigans and pullovers. Coats I have really NO business buying or making since I LOVE coats and have far too many… although I have at least 2 coat projects on my list anyway. ๐ But I would definitely like to knit some legwarmers! I false started on a pair a couple of years ago, so it’s still on my list.
Kate-Em says
I love this idea and am looking forward to reading more about your plans and seeing what you make. For the first time ever I am trying to plan my autumn/winter wardrobe so this will help me too. I just bought the yarn for two knitting projects and am deciding on fabric and patterns for a wool skirt or two.
Tasha says
Sounds like you’re off to a good start! I’m pleased with this project idea since I can slow down and think things through. I still feel stressed out the lack of variety I have right now, so I have a couple of projects I’d like to work on soon, but then I’m going to really be able to take my time over the next many months. It might just be hard to keep myself back on track when it warms up, so I’ll have to work on that! ๐
Isaboe says
What a wonderfully ironic post for me! I’ve the same temperament as you – a list maker who never gets through the list – and have the same but opposite problem; I live in Houston and adore sewing winter clothing. Three slacks patterns in the works to make up in wools, not to mention two skirts in sueded silk and cashmere; and what’s in my stash? Cashmere, wool and silk jerseys and sweater knits; cashmere blend tartans for skirts, and nice wool / silk blends… but I have a 3 season summer to live in. Maybe because we don’t really have a winter in our area? But winter is my favorite season.
I’m glad you wrote this so I can confront my own situation, and maybe I’ll come to accept that I need more summer dresses and fewer wool skirts… or maybe you and I should trade measurements and sew for each other, so we can sew what we enjoy instead!
I enjoy your posts and look forward to your progress!
Tasha says
Boy, we have the opposite plans and stashes, we need to trade, ha ha! It does sound like you have the opposite issue. Maybe you can spend more time focusing on the warmer months… just avert your eyes if I do any inspiration posts! ๐
Jay says
It is funny that you say you find more vintage summer stuff than winter – I find that there are way more quality wool items in the thrift and vintage shops here in Montreal than cotton. I always figured it was because cotton wears out while wool has staying power! For that reason, I almost never sew winter skirts and dresses, other than to repair or line items I have bought secondhand, and I even have a backlog of stuff that I have purchased that would leave me with an overstuffed winter wardrobe if it were to be all pulled out at once. Then again, I have embraced 1980s and 1990s vintage that has a well-made 60s or 70s vibe, so maybe that leaves me with more options.
Tasha says
I do a lot of shopping online these days as I have less time to thrift but I agree, there were a couple of years where I could just seem to find good wool skirt after good wool skirt.
The main issue I remember finding with sewing for winter is the past is the fabric– I just can hardly find fabrics that I deem nearly as pretty as the ones in my vintage woolen items. I pulled the skirts out that I thankfully didn’t get rid of but need to have altered, and the fabrics are so pretty! Even the newer ones like you said, probably from the 90s but classic in style (I mean does it really matter when a pencil skirt is from? slight changes aside they’re timeless). So I get frustrated that I can’t find similar fabrics, or beautiful plaids like in my 49er style jackets, etc. I suspect I may still end up doing more picking up secondhand of skirts, and sewing more tops to match and cigarette pants.
Rochelle New says
This exact notion is something I also realized this summer, and figured I’d get to the cold weather sewing later, but now that the cold weather is creeping in I’m feeling really unprepared! A three season wardrobe is a pretty big must-have in NY, too, and I’m kind of kicking myself for not sewing any true wardrobe staples like leggings and sweater coats yet! I’m always distracted by “Ooo shiny!” sewing projects lol. I need to stop sewing like a squirrel…
Tasha says
Yeah, of course I didn’t think of this in July when it would have been more useful! But since I’m giving myself so long I can feel less stressed, especially if I get off my butt and take the wool skirts that I saved but don’t fit me to get altered (otherwise if I leave it to me, they’ll be unaltered like 2 years from now, lol). Even squirrels need to stay warm, by the way… ๐
Abbi says
Don’t laugh, but I never even thought about “winter” sewing! You’re right, I also tend to sew things in light cottons and short sleeves. But I live in Oregon near the Columbia Gorge, and in the winter we get an East wind that makes you want to stab knives in your face (because it would hurt less). It’s also hard playing the layering game, because I’m a school sub, and I’m never sure what to expect from building to building. But it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared with some warmer items!
Tasha says
Nothing to laugh at– summer is much more enticing in many ways! Layering is a great idea. Since you don’t need super heavy items where you live, I bet some corduroy or wool skirts and layering tees and lightweight cardigans and such would work nicely for you! Easy to add on or shed a layer if you need to at work or before/after.
Sarah says
I read this last night on my phone (too teeny tiny to attempt to comment) and was so inspired that I made a \Pinterest board right away and started pinning! I’m in Southern Ontario which has weather quite similar to Chicago. It makes sense to spend the bulk of my time planning fall/winter/spring items than summer! I’m in!!
Tasha says
Ooh yes, then we’re pretty much weather twins there! Well you’re already off to a good start with your fall sew-along, so if you keep going imagine how well prepared you’ll be next year. Let’s try and not freeze our buns off together, shall we? ๐
Nathalie says
That is a great idea! I do to sew for and during summer a lot more then in winter. It has a lot to do with the fact that I have a lot more time during the summer months. Summer break at university…
But this year I already made a winterdress, black wool and cotton blend.
Tasha says
Yes, that makes a lot of sense if you have more time to sew in the summer. Interesting that we all tend to focus on sewing for the season we’re currently in, but if you knit, that’s not always the case (I was working on a fair isle cardigan in early summer… which I need to get back to!). I’m trying to take a queue from knitting and apply that to sewing. Perhaps easier since my sewing area is a basement and thus cool year-round, so I shouldn’t want to murder someone if I’m sewing with corduroy or wool next June. lol
Evie says
I love this! I mostly sew for warmer weather, too, which is a necessity in KY where despite not having excessively long summers they are SWELTERING. The last couple of years I’ve really been trying to beef up my winter wardrobe as well. I’ve made a few wool pencil skirts, and I’ve got another cut out, plus making myself a mid-weight jacket, and I’ve got two major coat projects in the works as well. Those are going to take me some time to finish since sewing time is very scarce with two small boys to take care of. I’ve also been working hard on knitting some new warm sweaters and socks. I made myself a new cardigan this summer and am getting close to finished with a 1940s pullover that’ll be a great layer when it’s 15ยบ again this winter. Looking forward to seeing what sorts of things you come up with this year!
Tasha says
Probably the good news for you is that you don’t need nearly as many items in KY, but it sounds like you have lots of great winter sewing and knitting plans! ๐
Dawn says
Great idea! My wardrobe is sorely lacking in outerwear and cold-weather bottoms (hello, same pair of jeans every day all winter… ) and part of that is that I have such a hard time finding good winter fabrics. Where are all the good wool plaids hiding?!?! Really looking forward to seeing your progress and especially fabric finds and recommendations! ๐
Tasha says
Your “hello, same pair of jeans every day all winterโฆ” comment sounds very familiar! ๐ I agree about all the good wool plaids though, UGH! I don’t know if we’ll ever solve that one. I have far too many plaid vintage jackets and coats made with amazing wools, and I’ve seen nothing that could hold a candle to them in terms of modern fabric. :/ I’m still on the hunt but if I find anything I’ll certainly be blogging about it!
Jann says
I just moved to Minnesota from California and have discovered I have four things to wear! Any chance you are selling your too-big skirts ๐
Tasha says
Egads, that’s definitely a climate change! Sorry, I’ve hung onto the wool skirts that I like and are too big and are going to have them taken in so that they’ll fit again (since I only dropped about a size so it’s minor fixes but necessary). That will give my closet a boost again that it hasn’t had in a couple of years. ๐
Michelle says
I am a list maker also. I often get very carried away planning projects. The other night, I pulled fabrics off the shelves destined for fall/winter (flannel, corduroy, wool) and picked patterns to pair them with. I feel like I am getting better at projecting how much I can handle. But, when I looked at those piles, I questioned whether or not my plans were as realistic as I initially thought. ๐
Tasha says
Lots of piles then huh? ๐ But you’re off to a good start!! I have very little appropriate stash, so I pulled out the few things I have but haven’t married them to a project yet, although I suspect my fall sewing may be kind of like your uniform Archer and vintage skirt sewing– pencil skirts ad nauseum (just did a good muslin for the Sew Over It Ultimate Pencil Skirt, woo!), and if I can nail down a blouse or two that I love to make and wear under cardigans, that too!
Meg the Grand says
This is genius! I just konmari’d my closet, and have two pairs of pants that are not jeans and 1 flannel skirt. What am I doing here?! How did I survive the polar vortex at all?! The mind reels. I’m definitely gearing up to sew for Fall, and the pressure was mounting. Stretching those projects through the next year means I might actually get all of them done ๐ I can’t wait to see what you make!!
Tasha says
I know, I wondered the exact same thing about myself last winter! Thank goodness for long underwear is all I can say! lol Take your time with meee… goodness knows we’ll have enough cold months here we’ll need it! ๐
Jessica Cangiano says
What a seriously cool – winter pun not really intended – idea. As a Canadian for whom winter is rarely shorter than six solid months long, I can get behind this plan 100% and can super jazzed to see more of what you’ll be creating and acquiring to grow you own cold weather wardrobe.
โฅ Jessica
Tasha says
Thanks, Jessica! Even when I had lots of cold weather clothes I never felt I had a cold weather cohesive wardrobe as my style was shifting during those years, so I’m actually quite excited as the prospect of slowly rebuilding this– with a few keys I’ve always liked, but also new ideas and silhouettes, too.
Rebecca says
Going from California to Bavaria Germany I learned winter real quick! I too am allergic to wool so I suggest silk/silk blends for undergarments and linings. For skirts try quilting (per Gertie) or felted wool. Also wool crepe, gaberdine are yummy. I have a rtw felted wool coat that has variations of blue plaid that wears really well with most pieces. Black wool felt “jeans” i wear with silk long underwear all the time lol. Denim will not keep you warm because cotton by it’s very nature is meant to breathe so I layer or wear silk long johns underneath. I have rtw wool melton I like but have never sewn with it. As for online suppliers I consider bblackandsons.com to be the best also, Mood & Gorgeous Fabrics. Hope this helps, can’t wait to see what you make!
matkailijakirppu says
Good plan! I know the issue as well, living in a mostly cold climate, but loving summer dresses… Good luck with you project! ๐
Kolbie says
I have to ask: Where did you get those spectacular black boots you’re wearing in the picture at the top? I love them, exactly what I’m looking for.
Tasha says
Those are from Miss L Fire, the style is Millicent from their current Autumn/Winter collection. ๐
Kolbie says
WONDERFUL! Thank you!
Ali Maddison says
Tasha, I have just about the polar opposite of problems, so I understand the desperation you feel: I am currently trying to live through an Australian summer without sleeveless tops and it is just so frustrating, but very self-inflicted. I am drawn to sewing so many pretty skirts and dresses but why do I always neglect to sew things that are functional to wear on a daily basis?? Very enjoyable blog post read and one that i can relate to, thank you darling ๐