Winter Capsule Wardrobe Wrap-Up

I've been working on my First Frost Winter Wardrobe capsule for 3 months, and I can happily say that it is done! 
- 4 woven tops (here and here)
- 2 sleeveless tunics (here)
- 3 turtlenecks
- 2 cowl necks (Bellavista Tops) (here)
- 2 long vests (here)
- 1 dress (here)
- 1 coat (here)

 = 15 pieces

Whew!  That works out to be a little over 1 item a week.  I honestly feel like I've just ran a marathon.  Someone needs to design a bumper sticker for people who can make it to the finish line of homemade wardrobe capsules!  Of course, this random number of items was my own doing- you can make capsule wardrobes with many less pieces.  Since I started this back in November, some pieces have already been worn quite a bit.  And I anticipate that I'll continue to wear them all through February, and possibly some chilly days in March. But from what I've done so far, here are the winners and losers:

Most Worn- Dusty Lavender Duffle Coat (of course, I can wear it with everything!)  I get lots of compliments on the color too.

Least Worn- Teal Silk Blouse- I just wore it to a couple of holiday functions.  But, I kind of expected that.  The blouse is just fine, I just need a fancier life.

Least Loved- The Solid Sueded Polyester Blouses.  Love the colors, hate the fabric.  Even though this fabric is all polyester, it still wrinkles like the devil.  And, because they are solid, they show every stain! I can't drop a crumb on them without a spot showing up.  Grrr.  I really wish that I had used a nice cotton flannel.  I keep falling for these synthetic fabrics.  Overall, they are way better than they used to be, but not this one. 

Most Loved-  I would have to say the Pink Boiled Wool Sleeveless Tunic.  I love the way the dye is kind of mottled, and the boiled wool is just awesome.  My first time working with boiled wool, and it won't be the last.

Miss Congeniality- Grey Wool Waterfall Vest.  It really gets along well with everything.   The fabric is warm without being bulky.

Best All Around Pattern- Okay, we have to have a tie for this category because I can't choose.

Butterick 6389- I made the turtleneck tops and the waterfall vest from it.  I am definitely making this one again...and again... and again.
AND
Itch to Stitch's Bellavista Top.  Love this style, love that I didn't have to do any other alterations other than lengthening it, and love Itch to Stitch's instructions.   Win, win, win!


You'll notice that I didn't include any pants/skirts this time.  That's because I really didn't need any.   And, I have found out that JCPenney tall pants fit me like a dream, so I'll let them do the work.  I truly can't make them any cheaper or better.  During the winter, I don't tend to wear skirts, so I focused on LAYERS.   We've had temps from -10 degrees all the way up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit- and sometimes in the same week!  It's really quite impossible to be a minimalist in this type of weather.  (Not that I'm a minimalist in any type of weather, LOL!)
I won't show you every possible layer combination, because there are a lot!  But here's a few:

1 Woven Top + 1 Woven Vest + 1 Coat

1 Turtleneck + 1 Dress + 1 Coat

1 Turtleneck + 1 Sleeveless Tunic + 1 Coat

Overall, I'm really happy with the way this capsule turned out.  Not to say that there weren't any fitting or construction issues- there were plenty.  But, I try to look at them as lessons learned.  And it's not just these pieces that work together- I've got several other pieces in the closet that can fit right in, no problem!  I like this method of planning my sewing projects because:

- it uses up pieces in my stash that might otherwise go unsewn (like all the solid gray fabrics!)
- makes me really think creatively about possible combinations (including what can I dye)
- and I end up with really wearable clothes (not just fancy dresses that I have nowhere to wear). 

But, I think it's time to start thinking about Spring, don't you?  It will be here before we know it.

What are you planning on sewing for Spring?

Happy Sewing!
Ann