//THE WARDROBE PROJECT//

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Is anybody still here? If so, hello guys! It's been over a year since I posted anything in this space, but lately I started missing blogging! To be honest with you, 2018 was a really strange year, filled with lots of ups and downs, but mostly downs, too many hours of work and overall a quite exhausting year. It was also a year that went by really quickly, as if I was not really paying attention to the days and just letting them slip away with the blink of an eye. So I decided that 2019 was not going to have the same fate with the past year. This year I want to be more mindful and to try living in the present moment more.

January for me was a month of self care and awareness. I took time to make a routine for myself, which I try to follow most days, I really paid attention to my fitness and eating habits and I tried to live with more awareness in my everyday life. I'm a type of person who likes organizing and taking the time this month to do all these things, I think will really help to set the tone for the rest of the year. But only if I'm mindful about them(little note to my future self).

Up until now, you will be wondering all of that is great, but we are not here for your personal diary, we are mostly here for the makes. The previous year really fatigued me to a point that I lost any desire for anything remotely creative. But lately I'm itching to get back at it. My list of to-sew is growing bigger everyday and thanks to the amazingness that is the Instagram sewing community I'm not seeing it getting any smaller soon.

So, consider this post my welcome back to the blogsphere and I hope we see each other here soon.

I'm wondering, do you still enjoy reading blogs, or are they slowly being replaced by Instagram/YouTube and other social media platforms? 

Hello, hello, hello!! Happy New Year everybody! I hope you had a wonderful time over the holidays and you are ready to conquer 2018 with lots of creativity. This year I struggled a lot with keeping up with my blog, to the point that I thought that maybe I won't continue with blogging this year. For me the hardest part is taking photos of my finished garments. And I mostly blame Instagram for that. Don't get me wrong, I love the direct communication Instagram offers and how stress free posting about a project is, but I think that's the reason I often forgot or I am too lazy to photograph a project for my blog. But I decided to give it another try this year and see how it goes.

 Today I want to share some of my 2018 plans and projects:

1. I decided to participate in the 365project over on Instagram. To be honest I'm afraid I won't follow through in the end, but I would love if by the end of the year I could have a full year in photos.

2. MakeNine2018. I'm still not set in a list yet, but a post will follow about my list when I do. I won't bother with a 2017 recap, because let's just say 2 out of the 8 is not a satisfying percentage!

3.Bullet Journalling. This will be my second year using a Bullet Journal and I couldn't recommend it enough! I use it to organise everything from my daily life to my sewing.


4. I'm thinking about participating in the #shirtmonth challenge over on IndieSew. It's been a long time since I last sewed a shirt and I'm really loving taking my time with projects that need more attention to details.

5. This year I'm also determined to read more books, so any good book recommendations are more than welcome!

6. I'm looking forward to the Design Your Wardrobe project that Seamwork magazine is planning for February.

This year I won't make any sewing resolutions, since I found I only think about them until the end of January and I'll just go with the flow and whatever strikes my creativity!

So, how about you? Did you make any sewing resolutions this year? Will you be participating in any projects this year? 

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Hello everyone! Today I'm here to share some thoughts on the Slow Fashion October. If you don't have any idea what that is, you can read more about it over on Karen's blog. She started the whole initiative 3 years ago and in my opinion it's one of the most interesting issues that the sewing community has ever raised.

Slotober for me can be expressed in so many views. Over the years I enjoyed reading many different opinions about the subject from other makers, and it has always been a thought on the back of my head, but I decided that this year I'd like to think more about what it means to me and how it affects my journey as a maker.

A little bit about my personal history on the matter

I never been one to be really obsessed with trends or shopping for that matter. I used to enjoy shopping, but now I find the process really tiring and meaningless. I much more prefer shopping for patterns, fabrics, notions and yarn these days. In my early years of college I was the same as pretty much the majority of people on that age. I wanted to have clothes, the more the merrier, quantity over quality and so it goes. I was never really happy with my wardrobe, I constantly had that I-have-nothing-to-wear feeling when I was in front of my wardrobe and I was really struggling to have my own personal style.

Then I discovered sewing.But for me at the beginning was more or less the same. Lots of cheap fabric(the only kind of fabric my college budget was allowing me), resulting to makes that I didn't love as much and didn't make it in the passage of time.

Two years ago, I read the genius book called "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. I threw out my ufos and badly-made garments, donated the majority of my clothes to friends and charities and never looked back. I stopped shopping for clothes except on the rare occasion that something I really like catches my eye and I started being more conscious about my wardrobe. That's when a-very early-stages-form of what my personal style is like started forming. I completely changed the way I sewed. I took some pattern-drafting lessons, that teached me a lot about patterns, what I like and what is worth of my time. I started buying good quality fabrics and giving more attention to details on my sewing.

But I find that I am still a bit confused with my sewing and with what my personal style exactly is. So I will use this Slotober to try and figure out my style and wardrobe. I find that sometimes with my sewing I get so overwhelmed(I blame Instagram on this!) to make all the things, that I don't pay as much attention as I should to my makes.
As for the ethical aspect of this issue. I am constantly try to educate myself and be more conscious about what I buy. I wish I could be more selective, but being a 26-years-old hard working to be able to afford my own place, pay my bills and live my life doesn't always gives me the opportunity. I'm fortunate to be able to still buy fabric that has been made locally in Greece, so as fabric goes, this is as close t ethical made as I can go right now. I would like to think that one day I will be able to be the proud owner of a wardrobe of which I would know every origin of every single piece in it.

For me it is not about being perfect in every little aspect of your life. After all we are all humans living in a very s**t world right now. From animals being treated bad to fast fashion and so many more issues. In my own opinion if everyone, tries to be more conscious even about half of the things  we should be in our everyday life, it will result to such a big impact on our world. No one is perfect, but we can try and be as close to that as we can.

If you made it until the end of this really lengthy post, thank you so much for reading my thoughts on this issue and I would love to hear your opinion about the subject. What is Slow Fashion October for you?

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Hello and happy new month lovely people out there! Autumn is officially here and I couldn't be happier! Dressing in layers, wearing my handmade knitted garments, hot coffees and watching a movie under the blanket are only some of the things I love about autumn. It's funny how much we change growing up, I remember I used to hate autumn when I was younger!

So, I'm here yet again to share with you what happened on the previous month and what I'm planning for the new one!

THINGS I'M EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS MONTH:

-Dressing in layers
-Lots of knitting
-Family birthdays
-Winter fabrics

ON THE SEWING TABLE:

-I also was a pattern tester for Kommatia patterns J006 Parka pattern! Another pattern I really loved making!

For this month I don't have anything planned yet. To be honest I'm not really happy with my wardrobe at the moment and I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out how I can organise my makes better for a more cohesive wardrobe. I'll maybe share more about this in a coming post.

ON MY NEEDLES:

I believe that this is the month I will finally finish my Find Your Fade shawl by Andrea Mowry! This one has been on my needles, since June!

I also working on a birthday present for a friend and I casted on the front piece of my Ondawa sweater.

I thinking about making a Penguono by Stephen West, after seeing Molly's (A Homespun House) version. Has anyone made one? Any thoughts about it?

 READING:

I'm currently reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. So far I like it!
If you do have any good book suggestions, please let me know in the comments!

OTHER THINGS:

Last night I finished watching the third season of "Broadchurch". This series is sooo good. I totally recommend it if you like mystery and are looking for a new series!

So, I totally failed on #sewphotohop this month! I did participate until the middle of the month, and then I fell off the wagon. But I really loved seeing everyone's posts and I did discovered lots of new accounts!

I'm really excited for Slow Fashion October this month! If you don't know what that is, you can read more about it on Karen's blog.

I hope you had a lovely September and are excited for the new month. Do you have any sewing/knitting plan for October?

Do you have any outerwear sewing plans for the coming months? I would love to hear about them! 

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Hello and happy new month everyone! I always loved September! There is something about the new beginnings feeling that comes with the month, the motivation to re-start things, the firsts chills that make their appeareance.

The blog got a little makeover recently and I decided to try something different. Lately I really neglected this little space and I really miss it. So I'm here to share my September plans and thoughts with you!

THINGS I'M EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS MONTH:


ON THE SEWING TABLE:

I'm currently working on a very exciting secret project. I promise, you'll love this one!
Other than that, I don't have anything planned for this month. Being the first month back to work and everything I thought, I'll just go with the flow and if inspiration hits, I'm here, willing to obey.

ON MY NEEDLES:
I'm currently working on my Xanthe shawl from Ambah O'Brien, as well as my Find your Fade shawl from Andrea Mowry.
And I'm thinking about possibly casting on a Puntilla sweater from Joji Locatelli



READING

I'm finishing Irvin Yalom's "When Nitze Swept". Such an amazing, well written book.
I think I will be starting "Wild:from Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed next.

OTHER THINGS

I've been thinking a lot about personal style lately. I'm not such a big fun of my wardrobe at the moment, so I'm trying to figure out what needs to change, in what clothes I feel most comfortable in and what is my personal style leaning towards at the moment. Maybe a blog post will follow.

Will you be participating in #sewphotohop this year? I'm excited to connect with all the amazing makers out there again! It's an amazing opportunity to discover more amazing people!



I hope you liked this little segment. And I would love to know what are you most excited about the new month? What are your sewing/knitting plans for the coming season? 

Hello sewists around the world!

Today’s my turn to share my project for Schnittchen Patterns’ Sewing Around the World series: a blog tour of 12 sewists in 12 cities making 12 Schnittchen patterns. You can see the makes of the other amazing bloggers taking part in this series on the Schnittchen blog.

I picked the Carla Jumper, one of the new Summer 2017 patterns, a loose jumpsuit with wide cropped legs, a V-neck on the front and back and an elasticated waist casing.


We were given a voucher to a fabric store of our choice, and I picked the Fabric-Hemmers fabric store. I new I wanted something drapey for this project, so I went with a Viscose Voile fabric in a mini flower black & white print.  This turned out to be the perfect choice of fabric for this project!

I love everything about this pattern! The V front and back neckline, the pockets and the hem height are all on spot and they make for the perfect summer garment! The Carla Jumper has been on rotation in my wardrobe ever since I made it!

Hello everyone! I'm reporting from Germany's heatwave. I'm currently here spending some time with my family and the heat has hit us hard and sudden. Next week I'm returning to Greece, where I'm sure nothing-in terms of temperatures-will be different!

So, it's time for the summer wardrobe to make it's appearance! So, on the first line of the battle against the high temperatures we have the newest By Hand London's pattern, the Orsola dress & skirt.

Orsola features two dresses and one skirt version. Both dress variations feature a fully lined sleeveless bodice with a delicate bateau neckline, a deliciously elegant wrap back with a curved back neckline and a back hem, and the option of a tulip scallop or a straight and simple front hem. All variations have a faced hem for a beautiful finish.

A beautiful pattern that can take you seamlessly from day to night, and from everyday wear to cocktail parties and summer weddings! Best feature of the pattern, of course it has to be the closure. No fiddly zippers or fastenings!




What else can I say about this pattern?? Another amazing pattern from the amazing By Hand London ladies!

Hello everyone, from sunny, spring-y Greece. I'm here to share with you my SW603 Cocoon Cardigan from Kommatia patterns. I've been following Kommatia patterns for quite a while on social media, always admiring their work. I've never got around to make one of their patterns, so when I saw there well looking for pattern testers, I grabbed the opportunity.

As it was expected their work is excellent. Beautiful drafted patterns and really interesting designs!


I sewed the whole cardigan with my serger and the whole process from printing to finishing took about 3 hours! I love the final outcome and I can't wait to try more Kommatia patterns!


*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from Kommatia patterns for free to test, but all opinions are my own. I sent feedback on the draft to Jessica, which were included in the final pattern. I was not paid to test this pattern, and was given a free copy of the final pattern as compensation.*

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Hello guys! Here is some spring inspiration to brighten your Tuesday morning! I've been thinking a lot about capsule wardrobes, organising and refining. I have too many sewing ideas, but it seems that nothing gets done lately. Have you noticed a theme going around? Not so many bloggers, are so active as they used to be around the blogosphere. On the other hand, vlogs and YouTube channels seem to be the place to be right now. What are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer reading blogs or watching vlogs? And are you a blogger or a vlogger? 

Hello everyone! A couple of months ago I was asked if I would like to be a pattern tester for Megan Nielsen's new pattern Rowan and of course I said YES! Megan's patterns are always so perfectly drafted and her designs are modern and easy to wear.

"Rowan is the ultimate wardrobe builder fitted tee and bodysuit. The pattern features figure hugging close fit, three neckline options, three sleeve lengths and tee or bodysuit versions."

I went with version 5, the V neck bodysuit with 3/4 sleeves. The first thing I loved about this pattern is that the instructions include which pages you need to print for each version, so you don't end up printing and sticking together all 36 pages just to make one version of the pattern.


I used a classic black jersey for my version, because I wanted this to be a basic mix&match piece in my wardrobe. I went with a size M, which was the perfect fit for me. I love how the pattern includes both Imperial & Metric charts, saving all the conversion troubles. What I specially love about this pattern is the fit around the bum area. It covers enough, without causing ugly lines and it is really flattering.

As always, the instructions were really clear and beautifully illustrated. I would totally recommend this pattern to everyone, despite their sewing level. Rowan is a true wardrobe staple and the customizing possibilities are endless.

*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from Megan Nielsen patterns for free to test, but all opinions are my own. I sent feedback on the draft to Megan, which were included in the final pattern. I was not paid to test this pattern, and was given a free copy of the final pattern as compensation.*

Hello??...is anybody here? If there is still someone out there, hello and happy new year(yes, I know that January is almost over!), but you know, work and life get in the way and things don't always go as planned. When the new year came around I thought a lot about resolutions and lists. I didn't want to make a list of resolutions, just for the sake of it, that I already knew I wouldn't stick to past the first month. I wanted to think a lot about what I wanted this new year to be about. So I dedicated this month to thinking what I'd like to achieve the coming 11 months. And since this is the space to share my creative and sewing thoughts, I'm here to share my #makenine2017 list with you.

I'm sure that a lot will change throughout the year, but these are some of the things I would like to make in 2017.


For me, 2017 is all about comfort and effortless casual chic. One of my goals for this year is to start sewing my own lingerie. The Boylston Bra by Orange Lingerie has been in my list forever and I think it is time to tackle it. A little while ago, I discovered Evie la Luve's shop and I fell in love with her lingerie designs, I bought the Esme panties over the Thanksgiving sales and I can't wait to make it! As well as undergarments, I'd love to up my loungewear game. I believe the Ultimate Pyjamas pattern by Sew Over It would be a perfect starting point.

I don't think I have to say a lot about the Toaster Sweater by Sew House Seven. I believe it is in everyone's to-sew list by now and of course it couldn't miss from mine. Another beautiful pattern that caught my eye is the Blaire shirt & dress by Style Arc. I've seen some beautiful versions of this and I can't wait to make my own. I would also like to tackle a more demanding pattern this year and the Kelly Anorak by Closet Case Patterns is the way to go I think. And of course we can't talk about comfort, without including a relaxed t-shirt pattern. The new Seamwork Jane pattern is the ultimate classic t-shirt that everyone has to have in their wardrobe. Coming spring I know I would love to have a light duster coat, like the Londres trench Coat & Jacket by Orageuse Patterns and last, but not least, I'd love to make a long shirtdress, like the Hermes by I Am Patterns.

So, what do you think? Do you have a #makenine list for 2017? I'd love to hear about it! 

 Aaaaaaand she's here!! I'm sure you all know by the title, what I'm talking about! You've seen hints and teasers of her for quite a long time and the time has finally come. Let me properly introduce you to the lovely Alix! She is the newest addition to the By Hand London squad.

A beautiful design, inspired by the dreamy glamour of the '70s, featuring some pretty interesting details(V-neck yoke, inset waistband, billowing raglan sleeves, tie back belt and a full skirt, pleated at centre front and back). And her best feature? No zipper!! No type of closure whatsoever, no fiddling with installing it just right, no nerve-wracking stage, no cursing! Just slide it on and peruse your way through the day or night!  


 I made Variation 2, the mini dress. As I'm not a standard size, I graded from a 8/12 bust to a 10/14 waist and hips and the fit was pretty spot on. Other than that, I didn't make any alterations to the pattern, which was pretty amazing! I mean, even the length didn't need any fiddling with! Oh By Hand London ladies, how you cease to amaze me every time!

The pattern came together flawlessly and it was a fairly easy sew, which demanded just a little focus to get the details right. The instructions were nicely illustrated and really clear and easy to follow.


I used a soft drapey viscose fabric and paired it with thigh-high boots for the ultimate 70s vibe! It's possibly one of the most comfortable dresses I own.

Happy October everyone! Autumn is officially here!

Currently I'm in the process of planning and sewing my perfect fall wardrobe. So, I'm here to show you my first fall make!

The pattern is from My Image magazine. My Image is a Dutch based sewing magazine created by a Jet and Martin. I'm always up for trying new sewing magazines and books, so I was really excited to see what this one had to offer! And I wasn't disappointed! The magazine comes with 16 sewing patterns for women in sizes 34-52(XS-3XL) and contains instructions in 5 different languages!!!The designs are modern and really well drafted, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

I choose to make the M1665 dress/top. I cut a size 38 for the bust, grading to a size 40 for the waist and hips, but I did modified the pattern a little.
I wanted to make a long top with open sides, since I have a RTW summer top like that which I love. Since I wanted a more flowy fit, I straightened the side seams (connect the underarm with the hem with a straight line). I used the dress length of the pattern for the back and I shortened the front by 16,5cm. Lastly, I only sewed the sides for 12cm under the armhole. The neckline is finished with a binding and I used a twin needle for the sleeves, but I left all hems and side seams raw, because..., well ain't nobody got time for that!


I used the loveliest, softest ribbed knit in a gorgeous evergreen color, which gave the perfect drape to this top!




I really love this top! It is cosy, comfy and has plenty of room for all the fall pastry eating I'm planning on doing! I don't know about you, but it ticks every singe thing in my list! And I really recommend checking out the magazine!


Jet and Martin were kind enough to give a 25% discount on all their products until the 1st of November! Just enter the code: wardrobe. They also have a lovely magazine full of children's sewing patterns, called B-Trendy, that is really worth checking out!

So, how about you? What is on your sewing table right now?

The Azaire giveaway winner is.....Sara! Congratulations!! Please contact me with your address at thewardrobeproject.email@gmail.com.

Hello everyone! I'm here to share a project that has been in the works for some time. A while back, the lovely ladies from Gather contacted me for a pattern testing. I was a fan of their work for a while and of course I was excited to work with one of their patterns! I mean look at these beautiful pattern illustrations!


I tested their new Azaire pattern, a chic and flattering top and dress. It features a fitted bust, curved yoke, boat neckline, peplum, back darts and an invisible zip. There are two sleeve variations; ¾ length sleeves with a petal cuff or short petal sleeves. I made the top option, but I shortened it by 10cm in order to suit my style better. I went with the short petal sleeve option and I couldn't be happier. 

Although the pattern calls for a woven fabric, I decided to be a rebel and I went with a stretch lace fabric for the front and sleeves and a see-through knit for the back panels. I cut a size 12 for the bust, grading to a size 14 for the waist and hips, because I wanted the top to have a more oversized fit. I didn't add a lining and I didn't need any zipper closure, due to the stretch of the fabric.



The pattern is addressed to intermediate sewers, but I believe that an advanced beginner with a little patience would be able to tackle it with no problems. It is a really well drafted pattern, with easy and very clear instructions. And what I love most is that it comes printed in a thick paper( torned rice paper drama, anyone?). 

Overall, I loved working with this pattern and I can't wait to make a long sleeved version!

And the good news are that the lovely girls from Gather were so kind to offer me an extra copy to giveaway to one of you! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me how do you plan to make this pattern. I will pick a winner next Monday(Sept.26).