6 PAC Spring

I have finally taken the plunge and joined in with Elizabeth's excellent 6 PAC. (http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,18592.0.html) Four times a year Elizabeth starts a seasonal 6 PAC topic and sets out the terms and conditions of the mini SWAP.  I have lurked and enjoyed reading about participants trials and tribulations and their eventual successes.  The appeal of this sew-along is the smaller number of garments required to complete.  The philosophy behind this is that it is more achievable for those that have limited time - 6 garments is doable in three months.  It is about time that I front up and actually participate.  The beauty of this 6 PAC is to produce 6 garments in a neutral colour and aiming to produce a "column" outfit.

I have set myself some other conditions - all materials that I use must come from the stash or collection. Patterns are decided on and then all other options are put away - this is necessary otherwise I will flit from pattern to pattern and never put scissors to fabric.  So after some pleasurable time fondling fabric and browsing patterns I have made a selection.

The backbone of the 6PAC is a tan polished twill weave linen purchased from a bargain store many years ago - the photo does not show the colour very well.   I have decided to use Burda patterns as I have had success with these recently and need very little alterations for a flattering and good fit.  I am hoping that some of these patterns will become TNT's that I will use over and over again.

This photo from Burda WOF 8/2002 is my inspiration (the colour of my fabric is almost this tan) and I will make up the jacket from this issue (134) twice, once in the tan and again in a heavily textured cotton knit with a little stretch.
The aim of the 6 PAC is to produce two mix and match outfits that are casual and comfortable but still stylish enough to wear in the classroom.

The second pair of trousers is in a silk tussah stripe that I purchased from Global many years ago when a very dear friend came out from Washington DC and we toured the fabric shops of Auckland.  Nancy was searching for Linen and found it at a much better price than in the States. I love the coral in the stripe and have saved this for when I ...lost weight...found the perfect pattern...etc,etc.  But no more waiting for that perfection, I am living in the NOW so after carefully measuring and fitting I am cutting into it.

Coordinating with these neutrals is a light coral silk knit that blends in well with the silk stripe and a nylon mesh paisley print.  I have decided to make the silk knit into a cowl neck top and it should be a snip to make up. Burda WOF 4/2012.

Next step is to copy patterns out now that I have the plan.  Watch this space!