What is my idea of a collection:
Wow, it is already time to plan for Spring and Summer. I am way behind already. As I move along in my sewing projects, I realize I need to think earlier than I have been when planning for a themed collection.
I realize “collection” seems to put to mind a fashion collection, it is somewhat like that, but in my case, they are a group of ideas I want to tackle. It contains a mix of focused ideas that inspire me to sew. Most times I make collages of ideas that inspire me. This is something I have done for a very long time. However, now with Pinterest around, I will sometimes pin to boards instead.
I don’t always sew this way, especially when the time comes when I am busy making costumes for other people. But I find fun in planning a mini collection for myself. This helps me with some direction and in the end, I get more done.
Where the inspiration starts:
I realize fashion trends are listed out there on reputable websites already. I am not here as a fashion expert or writer for that matter. That is not my goal for this blog. I read the articles available on many different websites and then I view many fashion shows on Vogue Runway. This is where I pin ideas, to Pinterest, that inspire me to start creating. It sometimes can lead to me creating my own ideas and custom styles.
Another form of inspiration comes from Burda Style Magazine, which I receive every month. They have great ideas and styles with corresponding patterns. I also view the big pattern manufacturers or websites for many small independent pattern companies or simply look at social media. Sometimes I get ideas just from things I see around me. There is so much beauty around us we sometimes fail to stop and look.
Of course, let’s not forget the Fashion magazines, but I find myself not looking at them like I used to. I seem to gravitate to the internet nowadays. There is one magazine, Runway that Marie Claire publishes, that I will buy when I see it at the book store.
Takeaways that I like:
My takeaways from multiple websites that personally interest me this season:
- Cutouts
- Fringe
- Mini skirts
- Metallic
- Halter necks
- Bold colors
- Pleats
- Color Blocking – ooo I made many color blocking items in the early ’90s
I do not like to pick too many trends that will be out of style by next season, but trends and styles that say they can be timeless or hang around for a while.
In the coming weeks, I will start to post my collection of ideas to tackle. I want to see if I can get four themed collections in before it is time to start thinking about fall. It is a little ambitious, but I am determined to get things done. Not to mention I barely have clothes for summer since hot weather has not been a favorite of mine for a long time. That is another story for another time.
I might choose some of the younger trends as I am teaching my son’s girlfriend to sew. These are things that I would not wear anymore due to my ideas changing as I get older. But I still find them fun to sew. In addition, I will be posting the garments that she has accomplished to show how even for a beginner sewer, it can be done.
So step outside and look around, it is time to start sewing for Spring!