Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Eleven More Menswear Months

The next eleven months of Darron's twelve outfits are starting to take shape.  We rummaged through my fabric and picked out a few bits and pieces that he likes.  Adding that to the bit of shopping we've recently done and here's where we're going:

October:  Another pair of Jeds, this time in light weight, chocolate brown drill.  A white, green and blue checked shirt.  The pattern for this is a Style pattern from 1984.  It's a great simple slim fitting shirt with different sleeve lengths, collar and pocket options.  I made a muslin to check the fit and all important sleeve length, both of which were spot on.  Joss then claimed the muslin and wore it shopping.  Finally a Strathcona Henley jumper in a gorgeous olive NZ merino knit.



November:  A pair of chino shorts with a contrast check pattern turned up cuffs and pocket binding.  This will be the first modified Jeds of the project.  A raglan long sleeve tee, possibly with a henley placket in this blue slub jersey.



December:  A pair of mango coloured canvas shorts, Jedediah of course.  A plain white crew neck tee from the Strathcona pattern and a sailboat print shirt from the same shirt pattern as I used for October.  The short will have long sleeves to fold up to elbow length.  (I am making myself a shirt in this sailboat fabric too, matching his and hers.  We're one step away from matching tracksuits!)



January:  Another pair of shorts, maybe cargo shorts or denim and an interesting tee.  We've been looking at colour blocking and interesting patterned knits for this one, but haven't come to a final decision yet.

February:  A short sleeved Starthcona henley with contrast placket and pocket, possibly in this rusty coloured jersey.  With a pair of wider legged Jedediah pants in a summer weight fabric, I'm looking for a nice linen blend for these.


March:  I'm going to have a go at mens jeans in March.  They will be joined by a mustard V neck jumper and a button down shirt.


April:  Heres where we really get challenging!  A three piece navy wool suit, with a dress shirt and tie.  This will be a big month, there is a lot of work in tailoring a mens suit.  I am searching for a pattern for this, it's difficult as there is really not a great variety of menswear patterns about at the moment.  Maybe Vogue patterns will release something, but I'm not holding my breath. 

May:  May's outfit will be based around a Newcastle Cardigan.  We haven't planned the details of the last few months outfits, just key pieces at this stage.

June:  Pump Jockey.  This is the only knit for the project so far.  There is a possibility for some accessories along the way, but we need to see how they fit in.

July:  Winter pyjamas and a warm hooded robe.  I have a pattern for the robe already, and mens PJs are the one thing there are plenty of patterns for!

August:  The final month!  For August we're looking at a button down shirt with contrast under the collar and inside the cuffs and button bands.  A waistcoat and maybe another cardigan.  Pants of course, we just haven't decided what type.  If March's jeans are a success, there could be another pair of jeans here.

So that's our outline!  I have accumulated a bunch of patterns in my travels, there are some decent simple patterns from the 80's, some poorly styled but versatile patterns from the 70s and even some interesting pocket details on a pants pattern from the 60s.  


With the Thread Theory patterns as well (they're releasing a beautiful coat pattern soon too!) I've actually got a good variety of garments covered.  Menswear seems to be variations of the pants/shirt/outer layer combination, so mixing up detailing, layering, fabrics and styling seem to be where the variety lies.

Has anyone else found some great menswear patterns?  

2 comments:

  1. you're amazing. What an impressive task to take on - so many outfits.

    I always feel menswear is so much more challenging than other sewing, not sure why? Really, it's the same principles!

    Looking forward to those matching tracksuits, too ;)

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    1. Thanks so much! I had felt the same about menswear, I found that the fitting so far has been easier (not so many ins and outs in the body shape) but the detailing has needed to be more precise.

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