Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Challenge

Have you ever wanted a color coordinated wardrobe?  I have, and so the vintage wardrobe sewing challenge begins.  In this post I will share:

• ​basic materials
• color scheme
• wardrobe planning
• the schedule
• the rules to enter​

In the past, I enjoyed The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project and learned so much, so I'm excited to host The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Challenge for beginners!  You are invited to sew along. 

​Why sew a basic wardrobe?  Along with savings, here are my top 3 reasons:

1. The Patterns (1950 vintage simplicity patterns are easy with tailoring)
2. The Colors (you can choose fabric colors to enhance your skin tone)
3. Mix-and-Match (each item can match for many outfit combinations)

The house-wife plies her needle and her thread,
Long after idle people are in bed;
The rent is small, but she full well doth know,
That little rents to larger ones will grow.
—Barber, 1857

Basic Materials

The basic materials I bought for The Vintage Wardrobe Sewing Project included:

• Singer Simple Sewing Machine ($100 @ Walmart)
• Simplicity Sewing Pattern - 1950's Vintage with Separate Pieces in my size ($10 @ Etsy)
• Measuring Tape (on hand)
• Fabric Scissors (@ Walmart)
• Fabric Chalk (@ Walmart)
• Needles (@ Walmart)
• Pins (@ Walmart)
• Fabrics - See pattern for suggestions ($4 - $13/yard @ Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics)
• Sewing Notions -  such as buttons, zipper, etc. (See pattern)

Color Scheme

The color scheme may very well be the most important detail of planning a color coordinated wardrobe.  For the challenge, I want a wardrobe that incorporates gray linen as the basic neutral.  I plan for 3 main colors .

1. Gray (in a linen fabric)
2. Red 
3. White

Fabric shopping during this decision process is key.  Tips!  Mix colors opposite on color wheel or tertiary.  Mix colors with the same undertone (cool or warm undertones).  Mix solid with prints for interest.  Keep prints small and gentle if you are under 5'6".  To appear thinner, keep stripes vertical or none at all. Choose fabrics, that when you scrunch them, don't wrinkle easily. 

Wardrobe Planning

I started wardrobe planning with tracing paper, colored pencils, and my pattern.  That turned into a template that you can color.  After coloring with colored pencils, numbered each piece.  

​My rule for this wardrobe is that everything should mix-and-match to create a maximum number of outfits. 

The Schedule

As moms, you may find that sewing time can be limited, so if you participate, I hope you find this simple goal of one sewing item per month reachable.  

 ​April - Basic Suit Jacket (gray, linen)
 May - Basic Suit Skirt (gray, linen)
 June – Basic Shirt I (white, cotton)
 July – Basic Shirt II (red with white polka dot)
 August – Basic Shirt III (undecided)
 September – Dressy Skirt (or Dress)
 October – Accessories (make and buy as desired)
 November – Coat, optional (red)
 December – feature top projects & announce winner

The Rules to Enter

1. Use a vintage sewing pattern. I usually purchase my 1950's Simplicity Patterns from Etsy.  My goal is to spend $10 or less for a pattern. When I find my pattern, I often do a comparison price search online. I no longer purchase from amazon as I have had items that were never sent to me.  Note! You will need to measure your bust, waist, and hips to choose the correct vintage pattern size. Vintage patterns display the bust size on the front (look at the back of pattern as well for sizing guide).
2. Gather materials needed for your first project only. Don't get ahead of yourself.
3. Sew and post. Sew the first project and take a picture of it. Post it to instagram with #vintagewardrobesewingchallenge and @totalhomemakeover.co  or you can blog about it and link the blog post in the comments below.
4. Repeat. Each time you repeat steps 1 to 3, you will be entered into the challenge.

The Prize

The real prize and reward for this challenge, is, ofcourse, your wardrobe and sewing skills. I have so enjoyed creating my own pieces!  Each project you enter is one entry into our box of entries.  We will randomly select one winner to recieve a sewing box to organize notions and supplies purchased from Hobby Lobby. We will contact the winner via Instagram or Email (if under comments).

​Must be 18 or older living in the USA.