S.W.A.P - Choosing the patterns

For my Sewing With A Plan challenge, I'm choosing to make 6 tops, 4 bottoms and a Cardigan/Jacket.


From Simplicity 3838 view B and D (2 tops)
From Simplicity 4045 View B (top) and View C (Skirt)

The Sew Liberated School House Tunic, I'll choose this for two of the tops.
From Simplicity 3705 View B top and the View C Pants, one of each.

So far that's 6 tops and 2 bottoms.
I still need to find 2 more bottoms and a cardigan/jacket pattern

I tend to wear more pants than skirts.
I find pants easier to move in and less revealing than skirts. especially when teaching in the junior grades or out on the oval supervising PE classes.
So I'm going to make three pairs of pants and one skirt.

I'm still searching for a nice easy fit, elasticated pant pattern.
Also need a nice wrap or cardigan pattern, I was thinking I may knit this.

It's time:

I'm trying to spruce up my appearance. I really can't do much about the weight right now, with a breast fed baby I'm constantly HUNGRY, I've never lost weight due to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding makes me HUNGRY and it's never for apples! Exercise is also a little difficult in these early days, I feel like Heather and I are constantly feeding. The time when I'm not feeding is taken up with all the other jobs that need doing. I've not even had time for much crafting.

In an effort to spruce up the image I cleared out four large garbage bags of clothes, two thirds of my wardrobe! I was tough, if I hadn't worn it for a while, if I didn't love it, if it didn't fit, if it was stained and if it didn't go with anything else it WENT!

This year is my year for getting rid of the daggy, for finding my style, for wearing clothes that make me feel good. No more putting off improving my wardrobe until I loose the weight. It's time to just acknowledge that I need to do something now and accept my body for the shape and weight it currently is.

I read this great article here:
How To Dress Well When You Are Overweight.
Some great ideas in there and really inspiring.

There's a lot of articles and posts on the net about planning a wardrobe.
A few I've found:

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http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2228.htm

http://www.fashionafter50.com/basic-...-planning.html

http://www.inmywardrobe.co.nz/planning.aspx

http://www.orgtoday.com/Wardrobe%20Planning.pdf

http://www.fashion-era.com/image_planning/index.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Basic-Ward...pes&id=2629791

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/269608...reat_wardrobe/ - video

http://jenniferskinner.blogspot.com/ - a blog about image, wardrobe and style

http://www.articlealley.com/article_74115_34.html

http://curvaliciousandlivinglarge.bl...nize-your.html - big girl planning

http://womens-fashion.lovetoknow.com...drobe_Planning

http://www.womens-business-clothes.c...-Planning.html this one is great

I've taken the first step and cleared out the wardrobe.

Next I need to work out 'my style'.

• I need comfort, easy care, free movement, not too dressy.
• I want to feel feminine.
• I like long flowing lines.
• I like simple. I don't like ruffles and frills.
  
• I don't want clothes that cling to my body.
• I feel more comfortable in modest clothes.
• I like layers.
• I want to get rid of black. I don't like black, I think it's aging on me. Also black is such a depressing colour.
• I like neutrals such as brown, moss green, taupe, cream and egg shell blue.
• I like Asian influenced clothes.
• I like tunics worn over pants.
• I need clothes I can nurse in.
• I need them to look professional enough for me to teach in as I plan on returning to work soon.
• I want my clothes to say I'm an attractive, confident and creative woman.
  

Now that I have cleared out the wardrobe, I need to fill it again. With pieces that reflect the points above.

Becci on Crafty Mama's recently mentioned Sewing With A Plan (SWAP). I'm always amazed when the information comes just when you need it! One of those new age saying is, 'When the student is ready the teacher will come!' Commercial clothing isn't going to suit my style, currently it's all maxi dresses and spaghetti straps. I can't wear things like that as I need to wear a bra and I don't like my straps being on show.

Sewing with a Plan, or S.W.A.P as it is often referred to, is explained here:
Sewing With A Plan

I'm planning on making 11 new garments. 6 tops, 4 bottoms and a cardigan. I'm so excited and can't wait to start. I'm looking through my magazines, searching the fabric stash, trawling the web and having a wonderful time planning my new wardrobe.

Anyone want to join me?