you know Karen Templer, right? I pretty much assume anyone who reads this/follows me probably already knows about Karen. But if you don't (you can thank me later ;) ) you can familiarize yourself here. Basically, she is a powerhouse of handmade wardrobe inspiration and blogging and knitting notion supplies.

(screen grab from Karen's blog Fringe Association)

which brings me to a cool thing that Karen started, which is called "Summer of Basics". basically (lol, pun intended), you pledge to make 3 garments (knit, sewn, etc) that will really be workhorses in your wardrobe - fill gaps, etc, over the summer months (starting in June).

I've never done it before, but I'm really trying to work on my sewing this year, so I'm giving it a red hot go.

Here's the plan:

cline sweater

(screen grab from @ebonyh instagram - how freakin lovely does she look?!)

Pattern Specs: Cline Sweater by Julie Hoover
Wool: 500g (yardage unspecified) DK/8ply(ish) weight Naturally Colored Wool bought at the Bendigo Sheep and wool Show 2016

the wool (the entire 500g is in ONE skein - still need to wind this sucker, but it's freakin huge)

why? I have a sweater that looks similar to this (or I should say that I stole my dad's sweater when I was home), and it's the first thing I reach for. I love this color of wool & I've been looking for the perfect pattern for this wool since i bought it. I love the simple shape, but smart details, like the double collar (or whatever that's called) and the dolman sleeves that are just cute and not too 80's.

dress no 2
(with short sleeves)

screen grab of Essex linen cotton from A Verb for Keeping Warm website <3

Pattern Specs: lengthened Dress No 2 (I have a lotta leg) with short sleeves (I think)
Fabric: undyed cotton/linen fabric from Verb - with an intention to sew this puppy, see how it fits, then maybe overdye it this summer

why? I want to get better at sewing my own clothes and have found this dress really straightforward when I've made a muslin before (though I always stall at the bias binding ugh) - and I wear so much beige/undyed, this will get plenty of wear & can be updated with dyes and painting etc. The pockets are a big draw for me, too. I think I will put them slightly to the side, closer to the side seam.

In The Folds Peppermint Mag Jumpsuit

Pattern Specs: (free!) downloadable pattern written by Emily of In the Folds (former podcast guest - here!), without belt
Fabric: TBD color of Merchant and Mills Laundered Linen from Verb <3

why? it's no major secret that a fking love jumpsuits, but tbh *making* one feels like a big stretch for me, so this is not only about making a cute-ass garment that I want to wear, it's about conquering fears of sewing things like pants and jumpsuits, slowly slowly.

stay tuned for updates about the Summer of Basics, follow along with #summerofbasics & #closeknitdoesbasics && an upcoming post about my favorite basics knitting patterns!

cline sweater

dress no 2 (with short sleeves)

In The Folds Peppermint Mag Jumpsuit

dress no 2
(with short sleeves)