My SWAP (sewing with a plan) is complete.   This year’s rules required us to choose a colour scheme from an inspiration photo; two neutrals with 2-5 accents and/or prints.  Each item needed to make at least 2 outfits.  While I didn’t need a fully cohesive capsule wardrobe, I did want to plug a few gaps in what I already have, and to add much more colour.  My colour scheme is based on a butterfly print fabric that I had.  Lots of colours to choose from.

For my neutrals, I’ve chosen denim blue and olive.  On my to-do list was an olive T and jeans, and a denim shirt.  To make up the extra neutrals, I’ve included blue jeans as my ‘pre-SWAP’ item and made a lingerie set in olive as my wildcards.  I’ve used the maximum number of accents/ print allowed.  Since not everything was required to match, I’ve also used prints in both the tops and bottoms.   For the patterns, I’ve mainly worked from TNT patterns, as well as working on drafting my own bodice sloper.   Both of the shirts are self drafted, as well as the lace T and the white print capris.

Most of these items you have seen before and you can find them with the links below.

• Lace Tee – Self drafted
  Yellow shirt – Self drafted from bodice sloper
  Striped Top – Knipmode #9/#10 May 2013
  Blue shirt – Self drafted from bodice sloper
  Olive T – Lekala (no longer available)
  Butterfly print shorts – Knipmode #3 July 2010
  Olive bra – adapted from Merckwaerdigh Mix4
  Olive undies – Merckwaerdigh SV32
  Blue jeans – adapted from Knipmode #13 Jan 2011
  Black floral pants – StyleArc Lola
  White print capris – Self drafted from pant sloper
  Olive jeans – adapted from Knipmode #13 Jan 2011

What is new is the olive T and the butterfly print shorts.  The first olive T that I made (Style Arc Courtney) was a real flop, but I found a nice slub cotton that I’ve made using a Lekala pattern.  This pattern was a freebie when it was released as a beta pattern a while back, but has since disappeared from the site.  But it is a great pattern.  The neckband is applied before the lower front is sewn on, so it makes the V neck very simple to put together.  I’ve added the pocket flap for something different.

The shorts are  from a Knipmode pattern.  It has a faced waistband and ties/belt that is sewn into the front darts.   While I won’t be wearing them in public, they have been fun to wear around the house over a long hot summer.