my sewing plans

My recent hiccup concerning my health dampened my sewing mojo but, I did used the time to settle on the projects to sew for this year. Since I bought a set of 10 cloth labels, I have to make 10 garments so here it goes:

Tops:

I know Peplum tops was in the trend many moons ago so, why make it now? Exactly. This (1) Cyd Top  has interesting seam lines which is makes it more unique.  Second is the (2) Tuxedo Blouse from Burda Magazine January, 2008 issue. I've been searching high and low for this blouse and I am lucky enough to get a copy of the magazine. Both tops are versatile, both I could wear to work, I could wear the peplum top casually to meet friends, see the movie or if I have to go somewhere that calls for semi-formal attire, I could simply put on the tuxedo blouse, cigarette pants, statement necklace, wear a red lipstick and I'm off!


Dresses:

Left to right: This (3) Vogue 8872 reminds me of Black Halo Dress which definitely has to be in my wardrobe. Summer is coming so I need a pull over knit dress that is comfortable and chic and this (4) Cameron Dress fits the bill. Wedding season is also coming hence I need an (6) evening dress, I am planning to modify this New Look 6013 dress: lengthen the hem, add train, and add bead work at sleeves just like this one. I am also planning to use the same pattern to make a (7) cocktail dress; I'm thinking lace. I made a Burdastyle Princess Sheath Dress earlier; I liked it so much that I have to make another.

Outerwear:

I enjoyed making jacket last year hence I'll make another but this time using (8) Simplicity 2446. My wardrobe is desperately in need of long coat though it hardly gets cold here in Muscat but when it does, I usually wear my ever trusted and reliable long sweater. I hope this year I'll be looking a bit more polished with a (9) coat and I chose Lisette 6244: a fuss-free coat, no lining, no facing.


Bottom:

When I Komaried my wardrobe, I realized I have tons of skirts but no trousers so I decided to make Sew Over it (10) Ultimate Trousers. I've been living all these years without a trouser in my wardrobe but I have to learn something new besides, I need a pair of cigarette pants remember?

This is my plan: 10 labels for 10 garments. What's your sewing strategy for this year?

***Disclaimer: all images seen in this post are copyright to their respective owners***

insta-recap, february 2016

I spent my February taking medication, KonMari-ng (if that's even considered a verb), celebrating and a little reading, here's a recap:

It's crab season here so I cooked "Crab Curry" using the recipe from 50 Great Curries of India. 

 

Its been a while since I made some cupcakes, so I made a batch of Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream:

 Celebrated Chinese New Year with Dumplings:

I treated myself with Matcha (Green Tea) Cake for Valentines' Day. In Chinese Tradition, you gift plum blossoms or sakura flowers to someone unmarried to wish him/her love for the New Year:

I did some sewing but to be honest to this day it's still a working in progress:

Spaghetti with Meatballs:

A got a set of cloth labels for this year:

I got a copy of "Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up"  More tidying up for me in the coming weeks and more trips to the donation shop

Another new in my library: "Sew Many Dress, Sew Little Time: The Ultimate Dressmaking Guide". I do understand the concept of mix and match bodice and skirt pattern. I do this all the time like: strapless bodice with circular skirt, with long bias skirt, with long straight skirt and peplum, or a sweetheart bodice with drape details and long pleated skirt or trims yet, I still bought a copy of this book, solely due to the pattern featured on the cover. What's more exciting, at least for me, the dress  looks like the Christian Siriano gown seen recently on the red carpet.  

Lastly, my family celebrated my dad's birthday. You may have notice that I cook this quite often for one obvious reason: it's my family's favorite!

Till next time!