Like many sewists, I am afflicted with the pre-travel compulsion that makes me want to sew everything so I can take it all with me. Even if I spend months and months planning and sewing for the trip, I still end up sewing new things in the days (or nights) before a big trip. At the beginning of May, I took a week long trip to Copenhagen and despite starting my planning and sewing in January, I still made three last minute garments. I spent some time thinking about why we do this to ourselves and I have a few theories. One, it’s fun to wear new things and when we go to a new place we often need different kinds of clothing. Two, we want to feel fabulous on vacation and a new handmade garment is a great way to feel so. Last but not least, we’re worried that we are going to miss sewing while we’re gone and need to get in as much sewing time as possible before leaving. What are your reasons for last minute travel sewing? Let me know in the comments.
DIY Striped Turtleneck – Seamwork Neenah Pattern
I spent months planning my wardrobe for my trip to Copenhagen (see my initial moodboard from way back in February here) and of course I was still making things at the last minute. On my last two big trips to Europe and Japan, I found the weather to be too cold for my wardrobe, which is really not surprising considering I live in Los Angeles where it’s basically summer all year round. So for Copenhagen in early May I wanted to be extra prepared. I had made a turtleneck using the Piper Top pattern but the fabric and cut are a little drafty to satisfy my warm layer goals. I wanted something that would be a closer fit with a softer fabric and this top jumped into my sewing queue.
DIY Compression Leggings – Review of the Avery Leggings pattern by Helen's Closet
Today I'm really excited to share a new make with you. These compression leggings have been on my to-sew list for my upcoming trip to Copenhagen and I've finished them just in time. The pattern is the Avery Leggings by Helen’s Closet and it's amazing. I’ve made a few pairs of leggings before, using a pattern I drafted myself and the Virginia Leggings pattern. They are really fun and easy to sew. And they make great wardrobe staples. The Avery Leggings by Helen’s Closet is an upgrade from the basic leggings pattern. It features a two-piece waistband and a gusset making it more similar to athletic wear. I especially love the high waisted option and that the gusset provides more comfort and ease of movement.