Summer 6PAC: 6 piece summer capsule part 1

Spring 6PAC Chambray, lilac, grey
Spring 6PAC Chambray, lilac, grey
Spring 6PAC Chambray, lilac, grey

The 6PAC tradition continues, and today Elizabeth has written about the latest edition of this ongoing project, over on her blog. There’s a thread about it on Stitcher’s Guild as well. Originally 6PAC meant 6 Piece Autumn Capsule, but the abbreviation has followed the idea through the seasons.

Although summer still seems a long way off (it’s cold, grey and breezy in Shropshire today), it is time to put away the woollens and fleeces and think about sewing for warmer days.

Elizabeth suggests sewing two pieces each month with the aim of creating a coherent mini collection. Over the seasons this should build into a wardrobe of basics and accent pieces that all work together, but still allowing your style to evolve over time.

Of course it’s pointless sewing clothes that will never be worn, so it’s worth taking the time to identify the gaps. There are always gaps in my wardrobe: I wear favourite clothes to rags, I lose weight (or put it on again), and I buy things that Just Don’t Go.

This summer I want more skirts and summer trousers. I have plenty of jeans and navy blue trousers, and a couple of worn-to-death summer skirts. I want shirts and long sleeve tops I can wear when it’s cooler (most days, then). I want a lightweight jacket/shirt that will do instead of a cardigan.

I’m going to start with a skirt made from a piece of floral linen I bought as a remnant from Laura Ashley years ago, and add a cream top. I still haven’t sewn Christine Johnson’s keyhole neck top, so that will do.

ChristineJohnson Keyhole Top
Christine Johnson Keyhole Top

I love chambray, so either a jacket in a soft blue chambray or a sleeveless shirt. I like the style of this Boden jacket, maybe with some white detailing on the blue. I made a similar one in navy Ponte from an Ottobre pattern which would work.

This would also work in the lilac ponte.

Boden Ivory jacket
Boden Ivory jacket

Summery trousers in grey linen mix. Lots of patterns to choose from here, but there may be fitting issues!

Thread Theory Camas blouse in a navy pin spot jersey

Thread Theory Camas blouse
Thread Theory Camas blouse

And another top, this time a classic striped long sleeve tee.

For May I will start with the linen skirt and Christine Johnson top. Which will also make some inroads into the stash.