Kickstarting my basic capsule wardrobe with these 7 pieces

If I were restarting my handmade wardrobe all over again, these are the items that I would sew first. Make sure you watch to the end because I also include a bonus item!
Note: If you have a specific question about something in the video, it would be so helpful if you could leave a timestamp in your comment. That way I can easily find what you are referring to without having to rewatch the entire video. Thanks!
Helen’s Closet Cameron: helensclosetpa...
Victory Patterns Frances: victorypattern...
Pattern Emporium Keep It Simple Babe Tee (affiliate): patternemporiu...
True Bias Zoey (includes neckline expansion): truebias.com/c...
True Bias Ogden: truebias.com/c...
Elbe Textiles Weiland: elbetextiles.c...
Papercut Tula: papercutpatter...
papercutpatter...
Paradise Patterns Protea: paradisepatter...
Pattern Emporium Grab a Cuppa Cardi (affiliate): patternemporiu...
M8058: simplicity.com...
Pattern Emporium Every Day’s a Weekend Dress (affiliate): patternemporiu...
Sew Over It Kitty: sewoverit.com/...
Style Arc Hope (with extension): www.stylearc.c...
Simplicity 8797: simplicity.com...
OOTD: New Horizons Riviera Raglan: patternniche.c...
video: • Saddest Potato Sack Dr...
True Bias Lander: truebias.com/c...
video: • Video
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Pattern Emporium: patternemporiu...?aff=140
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My measurements: 4'9" tall and C:32 W:26 H:36 inches

[@clairebuchanan6199]

I love the fact you do mention the same patterns and are consistent! Chasing after the most recent pattern is exhausting!

[@knottygnome]

i completely agree. i've mostly stopped doing it myself and it's been a relief.

[@blufaerie]

I agree. Also, it speaks to your style which I feel is similar to my own. No apologies needed.❤

[@helenthompson9211]

…..and very expensive 😮

[@mscurlypixie1]

I do appreciate you recommending the same pattern. It is great to find a pattern you love and being able to use multiple times.

[@knottygnome]

definitely!

[@untitled1234-n8d]

What a cute concept for a video! I loved hearing your choices. I've watched almost all of your videos, and I couldn't predict what you were going to choose for this video. Talking about the same patterns might stand out to you while you are making the video, but the people watching probably won't notice or care. I agree with that previous commenter that it's nice to hear the patterns that you return to, rather than just the one and done patterns.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the reassurance.

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Great video I agree when you find a a patterns that work for you tend to make a few and change them up

[@knottygnome]

it took me a long time to learn that lesson but it's one totally worth learning.

[@mairead5891]

Thank you so much for this. You don't need to apologise for mentioning the same patterns - I love hearing what others find to be tnt patterns. You've compiled a thoughtful collection, and I love that you included patterns with multiple variations - it's great when you get a good bang for your buck!

[@knottygnome]

for sure! i like being able to add different details when i can.

[@downtoearthsewing]

This is great! I actually prefer to hear what patterns others find worthy of keeping/making again more than the constant avalanche of new patterns! And also it is good to think in terms of what are the basic pieces we were day in and day out, with emphasis on comfort and versatility.

[@knottygnome]

definitely! i'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I have a few which I finally turned into permanent patterns on tagboard. They are bases for clothes. New Look 6275 jumper that I can change up in various ways to suit myself and trends that I like. New Look 6298 is a timeless basic knit dress. New Look 6730 are separates. I do the pants as straight or slim leg, the pencil skirts as below or above knee and alter the tops to be more formal or casual in looks or fit. Last of New Look is 6535 and I made the longest one with a hood and button fronts. Butterick B6797 as a base. I can do a silk tee or draft collars or what have for wovens. B6848 I do for knit tops and altered for a t dress. I have an old 15 yr Butterick that I still do and added collar and sleeve options to it. B6998 for cargo pants and shorts. I added 2.5 inches to the rise. B6911 for straight leg or skinny jeans. Burda 6573 because they are fun. I added front and back pockets. Vogue V1837 for a winter coat. McCalls M7813 for blazers. I use that as a base either to make it more fitted or as it. I love blazers! That one brings me back in the day during my Punk/Goth days as a kid in the 80s. Also can be used for professional work. Can be made in a variety of fabrics. I do mine as a two to three button. The pants and skirts do well as ponte knits or stretch twill, denim or corduroy. I consider them basics that can go from business professional to casual Goth/Punk/Bohemianish...

[@knottygnome]

thanks for sharing your TNTs!

[@apwhoa7767]

Great core patterns with clean lines. ❤

[@JulieH1958]

I like it when someone talks about patterns they have actually used and liked (as well as why). And using this approach for this vide was important, because t would be very distressing to lose everything and start agin from scratch, having your go to patterns would remove one stressor I think. I really enjoyed the premise of this week's video, your pattern selections and rationale for these choices. Thanks very much!!

[@knottygnome]

so glad you enjoyed it!

[@cindycash1772]

Great video... very thoughtful provoking... I never get tired of you recommending the patterns you like n find useful... I have a different body shape n my patterns are better for me but your choice of materials n styling always get me inspired... thank you for your thoughts n inspiration...

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much for watching! i appreciate it.

[@CreativiteeByT]

Great video! If the pattern works for you then it works for you! You also get more for the money spent when making multiples. Thanks for sharing!

[@knottygnome]

thanks, Talisha! yes, it always feels great knowing when the cost per use of a pattern is very low.

[@SeamsLikeAGoodIdea]

You always think of good ideas for videos. This is a good one! I agree with others below - it's so good that you use the same pattern more than once. It's so helpful to know what works for you and why. I've commented on the red dress before (the longish flowered one) - but it's a real stunner on you! Thanks for another good one.

[@knottygnome]

thank you! i also have many "one and done" patterns. i don't want to make it seem like i actually use a capsule of patterns--just some i reach for more than others.

[@MariaSantos-dz9lh]

I love this premise. I also have a ton of patterns, and I don't think I will use them all. I have been thinking of making a folder with my. TNT patterns. The ones I keep using that fit me well.

[@knottygnome]

i still like to try new things but lately i have been utilizing my tnts more. it's good to go back to them whenever you need a mental break.

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Love the concept of this.

[@christinewhitehair6889]

Okay for one if I lost all my handmade clothes I would be in shock so your video would really help me in the recovery process 😮. I'm like you love a button down. The reason is it's so versatile. First I think the buttons draw your eye to center of your body and actually have a slimming effect. Plus if you are older and have a derriere that is less than attractive long shirt tail covers that. That's not u Sara, u look great. The one pattern I use quite often is mccalls 3517. I like this one because its a rolled collar, no collar stand, has a facing that makes it so the underside of your fabric doesn't show. Your collar splays perfectly open against the body of the shirt and forms a v-neck, which a lot of us look good in. I have hacked many ways. I put a bust darts in and back yolks. I've made long and short sleeve, sleeveless. I make it longer for pants shorter for skirts. Tie in front over a dress for a very casual jacket. Anyway the list could probably go on but that's my 2 cents. Love your videos Sara!

[@knottygnome]

it looks like a really nice pattern with lots of options!

[@christinewhitehair6889]

@@knottygnome yes, it's out of print but does show up on the ebay, Etsy, ect.

[@sewhealthymom236]

I love the Mave Skirt pattern from True Bias since it’s so versatile.

[@knottygnome]

i could see that! i don't own that one but it does have lots of nice options.

[@beochar]

I really enjoyed learning about your TNT favorites. My go to button up shirt is the Pattern Emporium All In Easy Fit Shirt - I have made it many times and another is on my sewing table now.

[@knottygnome]

thanks for sharing! i have that pattern. i should give it a try someday.

[@yvetteschroed741]

This video was very thought provoking. Thank you. Mulling over my personal list this week as I plan a fall update to my closet.

[@knottygnome]

glad it was helpful!

[@robinduggins2561]

I recently went through a similar thought process and went through all of my patterns. I found that many of them were quite similar to others I had and I chose to keep 1. Most of the patterns were from books I have because I can retrace and alter the patterns to fill a specific look plus with my changing post menopausal body I can change the size easily. When eyeing other books I make sure that it has unique/different patterns from what I already have.

[@knottygnome]

oh man if i tried to downsize like that i'd only have like 20 patterns left. *shivers at the thought*

[@robinduggins2561]

@@knottygnome I'm more minimalmist than most.My husband can't seem to get rid of anything. I rex

[@robinduggins2561]

I recently got him to get rid of 20 year old computer parts that won't work with todays systems.

[@clairec20]

Hi Sara , I also wish I had only bought patterns which I had every intention of making and wearing. I have the Hope pattern and not made it yet - probably because Summer hasn’t been great this year. I was pleased to hear that you think the extension pack is worth getting as I have been swithering about buying it - I will get it next time there is a sale. Thanks for taking time to do the vlog❤

[@knottygnome]

you're welcome! glad you enjoyed it.

[@cedar0girl]

Great video! I vote for the T&T patterns! Because I'm relatively new to garment sewing, i haven't yet tried knits. I've made several hinterland dresses and hacks from Sew Liberated (easy fitting and great in linen) and simple straight pants (Allegro and Poppy) etc. I LOVE your choices and will definitely come back here when my skills are more advanced. Thank you for sharing your experiences ❤

[@knottygnome]

i'm so glad you found it helpful and good luck on your sewing journey!

[@Heyreneesews]

I always enjoy your videos. I would repurchase the Olya shirt for sure.

[@knottygnome]

i haven't tried that one. i worry it might be too oversized for me. i know lots of people love it though. thanks for sharing!

[@cheryl3366]

I would want a sweatshirt. I love Itch to stitch, pattern. I can honestly say I like patterns that come with cup sizes. I love the free pattern with the extension packet. But I've made several of the patterns and found them all to be easy to fit with lengthen and shorten lines.

[@knottygnome]

thanks for sharing! i forgot about loungewear, i could've done a whole section on comfy clothes as well.

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

Well, I know I have too many patterns b/c I was impulsive and fooled myself into thinking I'd use them without considering how I really live. Designers use a basic block and change it - when you get something that fits you, different fabrics and style tweaks yield such different results. Most of us have a comfortable style "uniform," too. I'm thinking of Karon Euter and Simplicity 1538, I think, that she uses time and again. Classics are classics for a reason, trends are fun for a while. I love seeing your artistic expression with fabric and pattern choices that are carefully considered. As for me, I have one skirt and hardly ever wear it 😁!

[@knottygnome]

thanks for sharing!

[@InAgatasCottage]

Lovely video. I oftem use same patterns over and over again. If i had to choose, I would probably use a few self drafted patterns for basics.

[@knottygnome]

i'm sure you get a perfect fit! great idea.

[@sewonsister]

My tnt patterns are the Ashton top, the Gilbert shirt, and the Arden pants. All of these are from Helen's Closet. They just fit me well and work really nicely for where I live (hot in the summer). I am looking for a nice wide leg knit pant pattern for winter. I am going to try the Walk Boldly Pants from Pattern Emporium. I also love Style Arc Patterns and I have had some success with getting them to fit well. Thanks for the video!

[@knottygnome]

Thanks for sharing! i really liked the ashton as well and could see myself making more, especially with the expansion.

[@karolmolpus9536]

We need to recognize what pattern and style is good for us individually ❤

[@knottygnome]

definitely!

[@elmienkruger9320]

Dear Sara. Thank you so much for this video! Your thought pattern on starting a capsule wardrobe is excellent! I enjoy all the content you create and your beautiful, well made, fashionable garments. 🤗

[@knottygnome]

i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindarogers4188]

Thank you for sharing

[@brendaeverett5790]

Oh my gosh I live in western New York too! And boy do we need coats around here, unfortunately! I feel like I'm the only person doing garment sewing in my area so it's good to know there's at least somebody else! I live near Jamestown so really southwestern New York.

[@knottygnome]

yes, a coat is a must for more than half the year, it seems.

[@marlysmithsonian5746]

I love finding out everyone's TNT. I have a few, and I do make some new patterns but, I got back to mine and I love to find out other good patterns to use. Thank you.

[@knottygnome]

you're welcome!

[@riittatammi1149]

I really loved the idea behind the video, and why shouldn’t you mention those patterns that are The Ones for you? I liked to hear about the different variations and versatility of the patterns!

[@knottygnome]

i'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@robyn3349]

❤

[@pamwelch6893]

Great video ! I'm curious did you knit/ crochet your purple sweater top at about 9:50 in the video ? It's beautiful :)

[@knottygnome]

yes, it's from a book--knitting lingerie style. thank you!

[@melaniefrank7413]

I don’t mind the repetition

[@tomokoichi]

No need to apologize. Tried and true patterns are what makes things sustainable! It also means you invested time to work to make the fit just right.

[@knottygnome]

i agree, that's one of the best things!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Cool! The Sew Over It Kitty looks like a winner. SewRena and Ashley Main Makes just announced ShirtwaistSeptember and as the lover of a good shirtwaist, Kitty looks wonderful.

[@knottygnome]

it's a lovely dress. SOI has several options for shirtdresses that are all wonderful.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

Interesting choice I usually purchase my bottoms. Not a skirt person but I have many skorts, memade and RTW from the discount rack. Though I did buy one at a club house at golf course in the spring that I've been trying to justify$$$ it was very hot and I only brought slacks. Soooo kinda justified Tanks I would always replace *Arizona tank MFMermaids *Tidal top LNotions )very versatile) great as a fitness top *SantaFeTop Hey June, great fitness top just remove the flare at the hem I've added hem-band and no hem-band but get rid of the silly flare *Cheyenne shirt HeyJune *Nosara shirt Itch to stitch *Harper Cardi Sinclair *LaBella Donna LNotions (I've made this sooooo many times changed the sleeves several different ways great pattern) *Arlington top LNotions great sleeveless, short sleeves ¾ sleeves etc hem-band *Tabitha Top LNotions ditch the yoke, change neckline to neckband, add woven shirt trail or just hem-band. This is my go to t-shirt,tank, pullover ... So versatile *Vest Burda 7499 very versatile I tend to copy the same neckline on most of my knit tops. Rarely follow the pattern for given neckline LaBella, Tabitha& Arlington I could prob make with my eyes closed I've made so many versions. Though the Tidal is right up there in # of makes for a tank

[@knottygnome]

thanks for sharing your list!