Interesting how everyone’s perspective is different. I LOVE sewing for winter - I love the season, I love things that are cozy and snuggly etc., but summer season, I DREAD - I feel far more awkward in summer clothing and am not a fan of heat. I’m also Canadian though, so there’s that LOL
These are all great ideas. I love them. As for washing your cashmere fabric, I really, really would not put it in a machine. Soak it in a large tub filled with cool to cold water. Put as much water as you can and don't swirl it around, just kind of gently squish it in the water - you DON'T want it to felt. Squeeze it dry but DON'T wring it. Fold it into a manageable length and lay a couple of towels on it, roll them up and squeeze again. Once you have as much water out as possible, lay it flat to air dry. You can have it folded, so long as you open it up and refold it to let the other section(s) dry. Depending on how warm and dry the air is, it may take several days. I'd do the same thing for the finished sweater, but it'll be easier to handle then.
I go by a 3-2-1 guideline for the forseeable future. I also started the beginner sewing courses from sew liberated. For Winter I sew 3 tops (2 finn raglan shirts from seamwork, 1 nocturne top from sew liberated), 2 dresses (Studio tunic and Hinterland dress) and one bottom ( nocturne pants). For spring I want to sew 3 tops (Otto vest seamwork, 2 blackwood cardis from helens closet), 2 bottoms (estuary skirt sew liberated and a frida adjustable skirt) and 1 dress (stasia from sew liberated). I also destash for those projects My Palette is dark green, burgundy, brown, cream(?). The fabrics are mostly pure cottons, some flannels for winter.
I would test your cashmere rib first; cut two 4" square swatches and wash both in the washer. (I'd do cold, delicate if you want to avoid felting-- hot/normal for something you would want to felt) Air dry one swatch and put the other in the dryer. The results, compared to your yardage, will give you a good idea of how it will behave. High end cashmere is usually pretty tough :) although you never know. (Also, if you see shrinkage, be mindful of progressive shrink!)
You are so organized. My house is organized and I love organizing drawers, etc. But my sewing project Ms are not organized. I fly by the seat of my pants. given me a goal for myself… for 2025. I try to set 3-5 new things I want to learn each year. I don’t even know how to make a mood board. lol The color palette you chose is going to be so classy on you.
Hi Sarai! I really like your ideas! The red cashmere is a dream, so gorgeous!!! 😍 If you don't mind, let me warn you about using the leather toggles on the Liliana jacket. I've made an Albion coat for my husband using a dark brown 100% wool fabric, which is dry cleaning only. I've used those purse magnetic buckles and it looks fantastic, he wears it proudly. However, I would never use them on a white garment that needs constant washing because they are not meant for water. And white is inevitably dirty after a few moments of wearing... So be mindful about it. That's it. I really hope it works because your choice of fabrics looks fantastic. Best regards from Southern Brazil. 😊 I'm preparing my summer wardrobe this season.
Planning makes a huge difference to how much use I get out of my makes! I definitely don't stick to them 100% all the time, but it makes me think a lot more about how I'll invest my time.
When prewashing long lengths of fabric i lay them flat on my guest bed to air dry. But for wool i would probably just give it a really good steam with my iron to shrink it.
I want to make some thick, cozy clothes. I have had my sewing space torn up due to a remodel of that room. I also took my fabric and put it on cardboard to make bolts. I have way more fabric than I realized, so now I can find what I need. As you were talking about your wardrobe ideas, I was thinking, what do I have in my stash that would work. Loved this video more than I knew I would. Thanks
Liberty Tana Lawn is just glorious! 😍 Yes, it's expensive, but with patience you can find it more affordably. I keep an eye out for sales, bolt ends and remnant pieces for sale from Liberty stockists rather than directly from the London store. Sometimes you can find multiple remnants of the same print, which together give enough yardage for a dress, particularly if it's a ditsy print and pattern matching isn't an issue. I've found Liberty fabric for as little as £10 a metre in this way! That's enough to brighten even the darkest, chillest winter days 😁
The only way you could improve this video would be to add links to the fantastic products you show. Those toggles, that cashmere, the fabrics. Delicious!
Beautiful projects. I’d be excited to see how you modify the Sage for a scoop neckline. I see a few of those blouses in my future and a neckline variation would be wonderful.
I've just finished sewing the top and I'm iffy on the scoop neck now. It might look a little odd with the princess seams in front. I'll have to give it a think before I decide.
When I am flat drying lengths of fabric, I use my drying rack, draping it between the slats, and I adjust it every hour or so so that no hard creases form.
I love the Sage blouse in that Liberty print! How will you keep your neck warm, though? The neckline is so low, I would be absolutely freezing without a scarf and I'm having trouble picturing a scarf with that blouse. Have you thought about that? If so, what did you come up with?
I made the Novice Slipover from PetiteKnit. I love it! I've made many of their patterns and like them very much. I'm working on a cardigan right now, but thinking about another vest when that's done, maybe with cables.
Some of our local fabric shops in Portland have it. I'm sure many online retailers carry it as well! Mood carries a good selection, and you can also find it on Etsy.
Interesting how everyone’s perspective is different. I LOVE sewing for winter - I love the season, I love things that are cozy and snuggly etc., but summer season, I DREAD - I feel far more awkward in summer clothing and am not a fan of heat. I’m also Canadian though, so there’s that LOL
I grew up in southern California and I guess it shows. 😉
These are all great ideas. I love them. As for washing your cashmere fabric, I really, really would not put it in a machine. Soak it in a large tub filled with cool to cold water. Put as much water as you can and don't swirl it around, just kind of gently squish it in the water - you DON'T want it to felt. Squeeze it dry but DON'T wring it. Fold it into a manageable length and lay a couple of towels on it, roll them up and squeeze again. Once you have as much water out as possible, lay it flat to air dry. You can have it folded, so long as you open it up and refold it to let the other section(s) dry. Depending on how warm and dry the air is, it may take several days. I'd do the same thing for the finished sweater, but it'll be easier to handle then.
Thanks for sharing your tips! I'll definitely be keeping those in mind.
I go by a 3-2-1 guideline for the forseeable future. I also started the beginner sewing courses from sew liberated.
For Winter I sew 3 tops (2 finn raglan shirts from seamwork, 1 nocturne top from sew liberated), 2 dresses (Studio tunic and Hinterland dress) and one bottom ( nocturne pants).
For spring I want to sew 3 tops (Otto vest seamwork, 2 blackwood cardis from helens closet), 2 bottoms (estuary skirt sew liberated and a frida adjustable skirt) and 1 dress (stasia from sew liberated).
I also destash for those projects
My Palette is dark green, burgundy, brown, cream(?).
The fabrics are mostly pure cottons, some flannels for winter.
You are inspiring me. You will be very busy. Looking forward to seeing your creations.
I loved watching this video - so inspiring. I really hope to see all of these makes come to life.
I plan to show what I actually sewed at the end of the season!
I would test your cashmere rib first; cut two 4" square swatches and wash both in the washer. (I'd do cold, delicate if you want to avoid felting-- hot/normal for something you would want to felt) Air dry one swatch and put the other in the dryer. The results, compared to your yardage, will give you a good idea of how it will behave. High end cashmere is usually pretty tough :) although you never know. (Also, if you see shrinkage, be mindful of progressive shrink!)
Can you show your process re making sage blouse into a dress, I've been thinking myself what a beautiful dress that blouse could make!!
I'll try to incorporate that into the video at the end of winter! First I have to figure out how to do it. Ha!
Loved this video! Thanks for sharing ❄️
I'm so glad you liked it! Happy sewing!
You are so organized. My house is organized and I love organizing drawers, etc. But my sewing project Ms are not organized. I fly by the seat of my pants. given me a goal for myself… for 2025. I try to set 3-5 new things I want to learn each year. I don’t even know how to make a mood board. lol
The color palette you chose is going to be so classy on you.
I am the opposite, Lori! I hate organizing physical stuff, but LOVE organizing ideas and information.
Well, you 1:21 are very talented and creative!!❤
Hi Sarai! I really like your ideas! The red cashmere is a dream, so gorgeous!!! 😍
If you don't mind, let me warn you about using the leather toggles on the Liliana jacket.
I've made an Albion coat for my husband using a dark brown 100% wool fabric, which is dry cleaning only. I've used those purse magnetic buckles and it looks fantastic, he wears it proudly. However, I would never use them on a white garment that needs constant washing because they are not meant for water. And white is inevitably dirty after a few moments of wearing... So be mindful about it.
That's it. I really hope it works because your choice of fabrics looks fantastic. Best regards from Southern Brazil. 😊
I'm preparing my summer wardrobe this season.
Oh interesting! I will have to think about this. Thanks for the tip!
Can’t wait to see the project diaries for all of these plans!! 😉 Pressure is on!! 😂 I love how methodical and planned out you are!!
Planning makes a huge difference to how much use I get out of my makes! I definitely don't stick to them 100% all the time, but it makes me think a lot more about how I'll invest my time.
When prewashing long lengths of fabric i lay them flat on my guest bed to air dry.
But for wool i would probably just give it a really good steam with my iron to shrink it.
I think I may end up going that route.
I want to make some thick, cozy clothes. I have had my sewing space torn up due to a remodel of that room. I also took my fabric and put it on cardboard to make bolts. I have way more fabric than I realized, so now I can find what I need. As you were talking about your wardrobe ideas, I was thinking, what do I have in my stash that would work. Loved this video more than I knew I would. Thanks
What a gorgeous design story❤ kind of getting me stoked even though it is so grey and rainy out!
Thanks so much! I hope it inspires you to sew some cozy things!
Can’t wait to see your new projects sewn up!
Thanks! I'll be sure to share!
Liberty Tana Lawn is just glorious! 😍 Yes, it's expensive, but with patience you can find it more affordably. I keep an eye out for sales, bolt ends and remnant pieces for sale from Liberty stockists rather than directly from the London store. Sometimes you can find multiple remnants of the same print, which together give enough yardage for a dress, particularly if it's a ditsy print and pattern matching isn't an issue. I've found Liberty fabric for as little as £10 a metre in this way! That's enough to brighten even the darkest, chillest winter days 😁
I love that! I haven't looked specifically for remnants, but it's a good idea.
The only way you could improve this video would be to add links to the fantastic products you show. Those toggles, that cashmere, the fabrics. Delicious!
I'll do that next time!
Beautiful projects. I’d be excited to see how you modify the Sage for a scoop neckline. I see a few of those blouses in my future and a neckline variation would be wonderful.
I've just finished sewing the top and I'm iffy on the scoop neck now. It might look a little odd with the princess seams in front. I'll have to give it a think before I decide.
I’m looking forward to seeing it. Was it a muslin?
When I am flat drying lengths of fabric, I use my drying rack, draping it between the slats, and I adjust it every hour or so so that no hard creases form.
Interesting idea!
I love the Sage blouse in that Liberty print! How will you keep your neck warm, though? The neckline is so low, I would be absolutely freezing without a scarf and I'm having trouble picturing a scarf with that blouse. Have you thought about that? If so, what did you come up with?
Can I ask what the sweater best you knitted was? That’s on my list for this winter to make and would love ideas!
I made the Novice Slipover from PetiteKnit. I love it! I've made many of their patterns and like them very much. I'm working on a cardigan right now, but thinking about another vest when that's done, maybe with cables.
Hi, would you mind sharing where you found the black silk fabric?
It was in a local fabric shop here in Portland.
Where do you buy the Liberty lawn?
Some of our local fabric shops in Portland have it. I'm sure many online retailers carry it as well! Mood carries a good selection, and you can also find it on Etsy.