Fall Capsule Collection: How I've Been Planning

So, you know what I'm planning to finish and make anew, this autumn. At the risk of fancying things up, I decided I had to give it a name. I mean, how will I title things, categorically, without a name?

I've done my best to make the name, such as it is, entirely unprepossessing. (Now that's a word you don't hear every day!)

Brief recap: I'm going to make:

• 2 pairs of yoga pants (KS 3115)
• 2 t shirts (My own pattern, based on a sloper by Built By Wendy)
• A mock wrap top (V8323 - the surplice style, with 3/4 sleeves)
• Culottes (B5681) in denim
• I'm also going to finish 2 outstanding - and let's hope that's how they turn out! - knitting projects - a triangle wrap and a pretty complicated, fitted jacket cardigan

For starters, my darling is back from the spa! (Scott told me, as the machine arrived, that it was the first time he'd seen me smile in days. In my defense, I've been managing a hideous headache for more than a week - at the "wrong" time of the month, just to fuck with all of my methodology - and I have no idea of what's what. Only that everything is miserable when you're in pain.)

Here's an inventory of work done:

It stands to reason, though I was unaware till I went on this journey, that vintage Vikings are amongst the most expensive to service (a few independent quotes bears this out). Apparently they take longer to look over, not all mechanics are schooled in their ways, and the parts are hard to come by, should you need them (in the scheme of things). For your info, including courier, both ways, taxes and all the things shown on the receipt, the final bill was $180.00. That's not negligible given that the machine itself, including delivery from America, cost $350.00. Mind you, if I don't have to worry about it for a couple of years, and it works beautifully, it will be money well-spent.

I have only just briefly tried the machine and I have to say it feels different - much smoother - and the stitches (with barely any tension adjustment) are lovely and even. Now, I'm not getting excited till have a chance to see things in action on a variety of fabrics. Just sayin', it's starting off well. Note: The machine is under full warranty for 3 months.

What I intend to do next, in aid of getting used to it (to return to the topic of the Fall Capsule Collection), is to practice stitches on my capsule-chosen fabric swatches, to ensure I use the best needle and settings on each.

Here are those swatches:

For the yoga pants:

Black ponte - very nice weight and gifted to me by Susan which formerly I used to make this Tiramisu...

Mystery exercise fabric in indigo, which recently resurfaced. I know it looks black but it's not.

For the wrap top, either of these fabrics may work (though they will fit completely differently given the difference in fabric properties) - in addition to the black ponte above:

This is the fabric I used to make that crazy tricky, Grecian beauty: Vogue 1287

I used this fabric, long ago, to make V8413, a really lovely and practical garment I somehow manage never to wear.

For the T shirts:

This fabric made V1027, that dress I really didn't enjoy making, but which I've worn rather a lot (even though I could have made the bodice longer and the stitching stronger where the belt-tie meets the waist.

And this fabric, which looks like nothing in the swatch, is the GORGEOUS Modal I used to make the Coppelia...

If you think you've seen them all before, that's cuz you have. Well all of them except for the dark navy exercise fabric (mystery textile). I don't even think I can tell you were that came from - and it's the only one I can say that about. I think it might have been the Spandex House, years ago. Well, it sure is gonna come in handy now!

My point: When I use these fabrics in the context of new patterns, I don't think anyone's going to be able to identify them with pre-existing garments, made in the same fabrics. I suppose we're about to find out.

I don't really care, though. These are basics. They're not there to dazzle, but to blend elegantly with other pieces. The fabrics are good so I'm not concerned. As long as they suit the pieces I make - and as long as those pieces fit properly - they will serve me very well.

Today's questions: What do you think of my machine service bill? Does it seem reasonable? And how do you feel about my chosen shipping to and fro option? What are your thoughts about my fabric choices? I know the swatch photos aren't gorgeous, but I'm curious to know which is your fave. Let's talk!