Autumn Sewing Plans using The Curated Closet Step1, Inspiration. & Winter Fabric Hunt

[@AlexJudgeSews]

AD: Try Readly, with my link you can get 2 months free, which can be cancelled at any time: readly.com/alexjudgesews

[@barbarag-s265]

Many local authorities in the UK have free online access to magazines of all types for their library members. You just have to be a library member and register for the service.

[@susanhardman5627]

You are singing my song! I know I have needed to reassess my wardrobe. You have inspired me to get moving! ❤

[@SonyaWright1611]

Hi Alex, What fabulous timing. I have just thrown out 99% of my wardrobe after losing over 40 kilos and nothing fitting. I have also not long started dressmaking and have been collecting fabric and patterns. I have made only a couple of items so far (Pattern Emporium patterns) because I didn’t want to spend a lot of time making garments only for them to no longer fit. I have been looking at trying a capsule wardrobe. I watch your videos and then you do a curated closet 😮 I am falling in love with clothing and fashion again after years of hating clothes and seen it only as a necessity due to my size. I want to lose a bit more weight before I get to my goal but have started on my wardrobe. I need to find out what suits me now and what I like to wear. I am now going to get a copy of the book and start the progress with you. Thank you for your videos I always enjoy watching.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Sonya, 40 kilos is astounding! no wonder you've had to clear a lot out. I'm having a similar issue althoughI haven't lost nearly that about, but it's enough that things aren't fitting. it feels like a good opportunity to start anew and really enjoy the process ❤❤

[@glendavizecky7581]

Tomkat Stitchery has a great video on Ponte patterns and sources. Goid luck on your wardrobe redo.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for the tip!

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Alex, I always find Guthrie and Ghani have high quality fabrics and Lauren has just put a video out saying she's getting loads more fabrics in very soon 👍. I love how on her videos.. she shows how the fabric moves too... so helpful 🙏👌💖

[@christinemartin9449]

Yes, just looking at the previous comment and I watched the KZbin vlog of the Instagram video from Guthrie and Ghani last Tuesday and they had quite a few sweater knits. I will bear this in mind tomorrow at Minerva's pop up shop and let you know.

[@karenminet9275]

I also love a good ponte. For me, I only buy ponte with some viscose in it for the hand and drape. And I never buy ponte with nylon in it because it is too stiff. So a poly/viscose/elastain is perfect.

[@valclements7092]

Morning Alex, Whitney from Tomkat Stichery just did a vlog on her favourite fabrics and where to buy from. The ponte she likes was from Minerva. I’m enjoying this journey. Have a fantastic weekend. Val❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh thank you!

[@detree930]

Guthrie And Ghani have some lovely sweater knits and they also have some ponte . hope that helps . It seems the author of the book knows me too well too . Loving following along

[@clairehemingway9642]

I used to love those quizzes in my magazines when I was younger but I always used to cheat! Also, who doesn’t love a sale/bargain? Merchant and Mills usually have a good range of plain fabrics. The 8oz sanded organic cotton twill is particularly good. You can buy sample cards of all the colours.

[@sarahel2114]

As ever a thoughtful video. The Robert Kaufman Ventana Twill range comes in many shades and is a decent weight,Sew Me Sunshine tend to carry many of the shades. Merchant & Mills have some lovely twills, but limited range of colours. M & M also have some interesting more drapey fabrics in a blend of fibres e.g. linen & lyocell, I’m guessing that’s mid weight, but think M & M list precise weights on the site. Guthrie Ghani carry the Meet Milk tencel twill which is mid weight and drapey. Happy shopping!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much for those suggestions, I'll check them out ❤❤

[@derynporter5287]

I’ve just started reading the book and it really makes you think - in fact it’s quite confronting! In case anyone else is feeling a bit uncomfortable as they undergo the process, I’d like to recommend a book called ‘Sara Berman’s Closet’ by Maria Kalman and Alex Kalman. In her 60s, Sara took the decision to wear only white and kept her clothes beautifully arranged in a small closet. The pictures of the closet give me such a feeling of peace and satisfaction as everything matches and has its place. Just what I’m aiming for.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

wow that sounds great, I'll have a look, thanks.

[@jennetthamilton971]

Here in Canada and maybe other counties we can access Pressreader through our local public libraries for free. It seems to be quite similar to Readly. I have found as i get older I'm not a fan of polyester fabrics. My favourite pair of slacks are a rayon spandex blend, and the best part, they are a designer brand, i found at a thrift store. I would love to find similar fabric to make my own. As I follow you through this journey it's making me really think about what i want to make for my wardrobe and figure out my style. As an example, while i love dresses I never wear them. Before I buy the book I will see if I can get it from the library.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Hooray, that's great to know there's a Canadian option. I totally agree about polyester, I was in a department store yesterday and stunned by how much of it is being used. £120 for a recycled polyester dress! Recycled poly is still poly.

[@maggiebolton3613]

I took advantage of the Readly offer last time you featured it and love it and will subscribe once my free trial is up, love it

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Agreed, I hope everyone knows that my endorsement of it is totally genuine x

[@jacquelineclifford8285]

Blackbird fabrics have a range of chino fabrics.

[@cathmckeever2728]

Echo the feedback on Guthrie Ghani. Lauren’s fabrics are always fabulous quality. I recently got a lovely tencel ponte from New Craft House. Has got me on the hunt for more ponte clothing Patterns I might enjoy wearing. Loving our vlogs, thank-you.❤

[@AlexJudgeSews]

All this Guthrie and Ghani love this week and I'd almost forgotten them! I also loved the Sinclair patterns metro pants that I made in Ponte, I had to take down the video due to someone fraudulently claiming a copy write issue that I couldn't be bothered to argue. I'm thinking of making them again this year.

[@faydiva8863]

Fabrics Galore mentioned a twill type fabric on Instagram this week in about 10 or so colours

[@AlexJudgeSews]

ooh I'll check them out, I used to live nearby before I started sewing, but really wanted to give it a try (early '90s!!) so I feel fondly towards them as a company ❤

[@pamelabaker4127]

Another shout for Guthrie Ghani. They have trouser fabric in lightweight wool and a beautiful Bamboo/ Polyester mix. Also Sweter knits and probably anything else you ‘need’.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Great suggestion!

[@sarahmay3307]

I’ve ordered the book from the library! I’d suggest merchant and mills - they have 8oz and 12oz sanded twill which I’ve eyed up. I’m desperate to visit Rye and feel all their fabrics. I also second someone’s suggestion of the Robert Kaufman twill which sew me sunshine sells.

[@dseboem]

I've got my pattern emporium wide leg trousers on my to do as well!! Love what you are doing here.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes! Thank you!

[@michellestrange4716]

will be very interested in this through over the next few weeks. thank you Alex for super content

[@emma__sews]

Sew me sunshine I think have a good range of trouser fabrics like cotton drill, also Guthrie Ghani always have really good quality fabrics

[@The_Gemini_Stitcher]

Hi Alex. I’ve been reading this book on hols and plan to start on my return. I have a very small vlogging channel and will also be talking about it on there, but will tell viewers to watch your journey as well. Can’t wait to see our different journeys and our wardrobes at the end. I took early retirement and now make all my own clothes but still have a lot of workwear I no longer use and hopefully this will help me redesign my wardrobe xx

[@sewmytroublesaway]

Oh I'm dying to hear the answers to your fabric questions! I've been searching for pant fabric!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'll keep you posted x

[@Sew_Learning]

Hi Alex, enjoying this journey with you. I’m starting my me-made wardrobe for summer as a brand newbie to sewing and have impulse bought quite a lot of print fabrics. Then I thought, how am I going to make this coordinate? So I bought several plain no-print fabrics where the colours complement the prints. (Mustards, greens, browns, blues and a fuchsia). The plan is to make tops/dresses with the printed fabric and skirts/shorts with the plain fabrics. It’s too hot here in summer for long pants (I tend not to go out much at night anymore, when pants would be appropriate). Hoping that plan works. My current wardrobe is probably 10 years old and it’s time for some additions. Am taking the curated wardrobe philosophy onboard. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💞🌻🌺🌼🌸🇦🇺😎✨

[@sewsisteranna]

Terrific vlog Alex - really interesting (says she with a wardrobe full of floral prints!!) Just about to have a look at Readly now the offer is for Australia - many thx

[@constancegarcia8053]

Try Blackbird Fabrics or Beyond The Pink Door Fabrics. Both have beautiful knit fabrics and ponte fabrics. Love your vlog.❤

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh thank you!

[@alisonmcinnes7904]

Tessuti have some lovely quality pontes

[@jillmcphail6207]

Thanks Alex. I always love your vlogs and I so admire your style. Try Roy’s fabrics in Leicester for twill. He always has some good fabrics in a wide range of colours. Unfortunately he is not online. However, he goes to all the shows.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for the tip!

[@zornikzornuk3187]

Always a pleasure to see your video, keep the good work

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you very much!

[@clairequinlan6235]

Great video. Fabric wise - Beyond the pink door for chino type twill stretch and non stretch . Last Sundays live included these. Tom Kat stitchery has done a video on ponte , viscose rather than polyester@ Minerva . I think she also has a download on links to different fabric sources.

[@Kiltsnquilts]

I have got the book out of the library….I don’t have a lot of clothes so I will probably end up with more but that’s great! Clothes instead of fabric for me haha. I bought the balloon sleeve top from PE and have also just bought the new pants from Ose patterns - Gannon pants. Love them! My preference is to be able to nail down a few patterns that can be my go to and make in many fabrics….I’ve made about 8 Maya tops over the last 4 or 5 years! I mostly buy plain fabrics - also my preference - but also black and white stripes and some bright prints. I need to buy some calico and get over my dislike of toiles haha.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Sound like a plan, I'm thinking about the new Ose pants pattern, trying not to buy all the new shiny things 😂

[@Kiltsnquilts]

@@AlexJudgeSews I don’t usually buy a new pattern right away but those pants have everything I love and want in a pair of trousers! Couldn’t resist haha.

[@marymclaughlin1907]

Marcy Tilton and The Sewing Workshop both have beautiful quality viscose/nylon/spandex ponte. Perfect for pants. Good service, both will swatch for you. I’m sure international shipping is not cheap ☹️. I also purchased lovely, unusual sweater knits from both.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for the tips!

[@shelleywhetter379]

Blackbird Fabrics have more than one type of Chino twill fabric and there is a discount if you are a Seamwork member. Stylemaker Fabric in the US also carry a couple of different types of Ponte. They may also have sweater knits.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I'll check them out ❤

[@kathlittler3014]

Hi Alex, Abakhan have some Italian suiting, I got some lovely black, am going to make another pair of Pietra wide legged trousers my material has a slight stretch which I love

[@AlexJudgeSews]

oooh guess who's going into Manchester later today and was planning to pop into Abakhan!

[@kristenbradley5737]

Pound Fabrics have some jegging fabric. Inspired by your video last week I’m now working through the Curated Closet and like you doing the first two steps side by side. Looking forward to following your journey.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That is awesome!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Kristen - I love you, I've looked and I'm fairly sure it's exactly the same fabric I had before, so 4 metres are ordered and on the way - thank you so much ❤

[@angelalysandrou4830]

I’ve just received from Fabrics Galore a fabric called Home furnishing brushed Panama weave, they advertised it as medium weight, it’s really nice quality and they carry it in loads of colours x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Brenda_O]

Love this Alex. I've requested the book from our local library. Great timing with planning for spring/summer sewing. We're currently lurching between hot 'summer's on the way' and stormy cold weather haha. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Love this idea. Just ordered the book. I think it will be so helpful. I am with you on the journey for more solid fabrics. I am also on the hunt for viscose ponte. I want to make the True Bias Loda dress.

[@Hagardashery]

Really must pick up my copy of the book Alex and start! I’m after all those fabrics you requested so will be interested in what you find. Lastly - I took advantage of your last Readly offer and absolutely love it! I’m going to be carrying on with my subscription after the 2 months are up - big thank you 🙏🏻

[@No_raw_edges]

Very intrigued by this concept & loving you vlog. I too am desperate to make the Pattern Emporium trousers but like you have yet to find a suitable Ponte fabric so hope there are some good suggestions. I made a Vikisews Andie dress last winter using a lovely sweater knit from Guthrie & Ghani and also an oversize jumper (can’t remember which pattern) using a very similar fabric from Sew Me Sunshine. Both have been worn & washed loads & not a bobble in sight! Looking forward to wearing both again this year so highly recommend.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Brilliant thank you, I often forget Guthrie & Ghani!

[@Sew-and-sew]

Hi Alex. Great video. Book just arrived so inspired and ready to get started. Thank you for Readly offer 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@kgflcreations]

I’ve heard about this book before, and it looks to be very interesting 🧐. I might have to get it from Amazon 👍👍👍. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book 😊😊😊. Karen

[@michellebeyer1096]

Such an interesting vlog as always Alex. I'm reading the Curated Closet along with you as I realised my daughter has a copy so hoping it will help me with my wardrobe trials and errors! Guthrie & Ghani were showing some lovely looking knitted fabric the other day on Instagram although I don't know what the content of it is. Looking forward to what you find regarding fabrics.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Brilliant!

[@georgianasstudio]

I guess you'd be wanting cotton twill not viscose twill for trousers if you want more structured?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, but I do love a good viscose twill for dresses etc

[@amdelorey]

Do you shop with Blackbird Fabrics? They have great fall fabrics. Great jeggings fabric at Mimifabrics (Canada). My favourite ponte is from The Fabric Store. Not sure what they have now. Whitney also has some ponte recommendations on her sew along vlog about the Style Arc Parker Ponte pants. Thanks for Readly idea so it made me go and borrow some magazines online from my library. I am following you and Sarah at Knotty Gnome who is doing similar fall planning. Thanks Alex.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'm envious of those of you who are close enough to Blackbird fabrics, I've no idea what the shipping would be, but I suspect it'd be a lot x

[@TheHaymeadow]

I think the Be Mine blouse is a staple piece in any wardrobe Alex, so many different blouses depending on the fabric choice, you can’t go wrong 😉 Good luck on the fabric hunt. Have you had a look at Itokri lately for mid- heavy weight linens/blends, cotton/blends. Here are some Australian fabric stores that may have some options; The Dahlia Sewciety, Melco fabrics, Wattle Hill, Maaidesign and Cloth Edit. To be fair you guys have a much wider selection than we do 😊.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You're right, thanks for the enabling. It's true we have more choice, I'm so pleased that Kristen is selling fabric now, she has great taste.

[@TheHaymeadow]

@@AlexJudgeSews my pleasure 😁 happy to be of enabling service 😉 My stash has grown thanks to Kristen and I’m not sorry!

[@lindacrusco-stebbins9187]

Alex- if there's a way to insert a screen shot let me know. If not Mood Fabrics in NY has some BEAUTIFUL Ponte - I have it in 3 different colors. I think it would be too heavy to use to make the PE pants. I use it to make pull on pants. It's called Papillio Premium Stretch Ponte Knit & it comes in over 30 colors. It's 62" wide & 390 gsm. Fiber content is 62% rayon 32% Nylon 6% Spandex. I wash it in cold water & hang to dry. Hope this helps. linda

[@AlexJudgeSews]

30 Colours!!! it sounds similar to one I found as a one off in my local fabric shop and just the thing, thanks so much

[@emma__sews]

What about ponte for jeggings? Guthrie Ghani has some lovely sweater knits. They look knitted.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'm keeping ponte up my sleeve if I can't find anything similar to the one I used before - I've now looked at the G&G fabric, it looks amazing.

[@lorainemunro7969]

🐯

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

Always interesting chat Alex. Try beyond the pink door for faux angora though.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks, I know Andrea stock it, but she favours pastel colours and they're not 'me' - I'll see if she's 'Winterised' recently

[@krimhildshutte2132]

When and where are you going to be in Germany? I’d love to meet you.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I was thinking the same Astrid, but I'm only going for a weekend so not much time, I'll be in Ratingen (near Dusseldorf).

[@krimhildshutte2132]

@@AlexJudgeSews, enjoy your time there. Maybe next time there’s more space!

[@laurenadderley5021]

Hi Alex, I always enjoy your videos. Sorry if I’m being a dope but I can’t see any link to Readly in the description box? Thanks, Lauren

[@laurenadderley5021]

P.s. Beyond the Pink Door have a heavy ponte which is largely viscose

[@AlexJudgeSews]

oh no, it's in the description box for me, here it is -readly.com/alexjudgesews

[@laurenadderley5021]

How strange. It was greyed out and wouldn’t let me click on it yesterday but today it’s working. Thank you for reposting the link.

[@tovekjellerd6552]

Great offer on Readly Alex, but is Europe not included?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I believe so, it's just that last time some countries the offer came up as one month rather than two free months - hopefully Europe should be ok

[@murielbailiwick2978]

Higgs and Higgs

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@sewingsecondhand]

I've been documenting what I wear for 4 years, I have a notebook on my bedside table and transfer the data to a spreadsheet every so often. I have a rotating small capsule wardrobe on the go at any one time and once an item has been worn 10 times I swap it out for something else. It's been a very interesting process and one which I enjoy. I am trying to whittle down my wardrobe, by wearing things out, to the point that everything is worn at least 10 times per year and have almost reached that stage. I have, at the time of writing, 53 items on rotation, and have discarded 55 items over the 4 years. My most worn item is a skirt on 70 wears and still going strong. I would have got fed up with it but as I put the skirt away after 10 wears this helps keep it fresh. However, I have only sewn 6 new items this year and would like to sew more. The 2 processes are not compatible.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Wow, I love this. it's the kind of plan I'd enjoy, but I'm not sure if I'd keep it up - it sounds perfect though. I read something from a blogger saying that if she's bought something new and not worn it within a week she sends it back - I thought that was a good tip too.