A Canberra Capsule Wardrobe #CBRFrocktails

I recently flew up to Canberra for the inaugural #CBRFrocktails and after a few false starts landing through the fog, was warmly greeted by the local sewing spoolettes, coffee and a sunny sky. 

Seven items proudly made by me ;)

Most importantly, what did I wear! Well, I took great delight in packing a small case with a co-ordinated selection of favourite RTW and new and favourite me-made items. Basing my daytime outfit around a pair of dark denim mid-waisted boot cuts (I found my 'perfect' RTW jean at the 11th hour before sewing a pair), I simply required a top each day to go under my Named Patterns' Saunio +/- layered with my teal Swoon cardigan. Two perfect workhorses that, conveniently layer beautifully together.

Japan Sew Along: Muslins and DD2#4 the fourth

I do love Japanese Pattern Books and Magazines, and I have quite the collection...
So, joining the Second Japan Sew Along over at Tanoshii seems a natural fit ;)
This post covers the first 3 weeks. I've been following along and chatting on Instagram, being inspired by the community's discussions and progress to date.

Basic Black semifitted shirt bodice as a top

Japan Sew Along, schedule (january 26 – march 9, 2015)

The weekly meetings of the sew along will take place on Monday when I will publish my article here on „Tanoshii“. 

Montag, january 26, 2015 Do you already have experiences with japanese sewing patterns, or is it the first time you are stepping into this field? Do you already have concrete plans, or are you still looking for inspiration? --- For all those who live in the northern hemisphere: What are your ideas for styling the light blouses and tunics to make them wearable in winter?

#2015jsa So, I like tracing....

A photo posted by Nic (@maci_nic) on Feb 1, 2015 at 4:52pm PST

Montag, february 2, 2015 Which pattern did you chose? Do you already know which fabric to use for it?
I have many Japanese pattern books/magazines, mainly as I adore browsing through them for inspiration. I'm definitely most inspired by the more unusual designs, I adore the Drape Drape series by Hikato Sato and Shape Shape by Natsuno Hiraiwa. 
I'm quite happy that I fit into the L/XL sizing of many of them. I did make my 2nd DD2#4 with the stretch running lengthwise and it required an additional 4cm of ease over my hips, so I'd say it's really  drafted for hips of 38". 

Montag, february 9, 2015  The pattern is prepared. Are you planning alterations? Do you already have the fabrics? Will it be necessary to make a muslin, or are you brave and cut “good” fabric?

To 'cleanse my palate' and remind myself why I adore Japanese sewing patterns, I made a quick DD2#4, my fourth version of this pattern, and it was as delightful as my previous versions.
The grey striped fabric is so wonderfully soft, although those stripes have no relationship to the grain of the fabric in any way.

It's the simple things in life DD2#4 #3

It's the simple things in life that make me happy - like daisies from the garden picked by a preschooler, a perfectly extracted cup of coffee, dachshund snuggles without shedded fur

... and chevrons on my shoulders.

The fabric is Jaywalk from Tessuti, the pattern is possibly my first TNT,  the asymmetrical (scooped) neck top #4 from Drape Drape 2 by Hikato Sato.

MMMay14: The conclusion

I have really enjoyed participating in Me Made May 14 and have met so many other sewing bloggers/flickrites who style their outfits in really lovely ways - It's been so perfectly inspiring!

SDTank&TealSS, DD2#4Blue, YSREva&BurdaPJ, CDSS&DD2#4Red, SDTank&KoiMoss, MumsVest&MossGreen, TiramisuGrey

YourStyleRocks Eva & Burda Pants