Inspiration Board: Summer Essentials Sew-Along

Join the Summer Essentials Sew-Along and the Flickr Group!

I recently wrote about different approaches to sew-alongs that you could incorporate into the Summer Essentials Sew-Along. Like others, I'm doing a bit of mish-mash: Some stash-bustin', some vintage pattern sewing, but I was totally taken with the approach of Colette Patterns Spring Palette challenge and whipped up this inspiration board using Polyvore:

This is my attempt to 1) use fabrics in my stash 2) create a story around those colors and 3) find a balance between neutrals and distinctive colors 'cause what's summer without a little wow?

For my palette I've selected Purple, Red, Green (lime & chartreuse), Ivory and Navy/Black. My skin tone looks better in deep colors like purple and red and I recently procured two gorgeous bits of green fabric. I'll balance out these vibrant pieces with two neutrals, cream and navy.

When I think of these colors, I think of the town where I grew up. Most people think of islands and think of the near-white sand, the aquamarine of the ocean. I grew up, however, in a valley between two volcanic ranges, where rain was common. Waxy-red anthuriums, apple banana trees whose fruit make the sweetest lumpia and bread, purple orchids that hung from plumeria trees. Everything nearly overripe, overgrown: nature taking its course.

With these colors, I'd like to sew the kind of clothes that are both laid back and feminine with the clean lines of my fave fashion decade, the 60s. The kind of threads that make you look good without being overdressed, excellent in high heels or slippers. Not so precious that I can't get dirty.

I've got my list of individual essentials but I'm still compiling the images. With the Poolside Pretty covered last year plus two handmade BurdaStyle Ruby Shorts, it looks like this summer may be all about dresses and blouses and skirts!

Can't you see it? An eggplant-purple dress, an anthurium-red skirt and a perfectly fitting ivory blouse? Or how about a tiered lime green knit dress, navy shorts, and a lightweight chartreuse jacket that can be thrown over anything? Have I mentioned the denim mini dress with pockets??

Oh my. So much sewing. You'll have to remind me that five-ish garments was my idea. :)

You can join the sew-along at any time, but those of you who are reading: Welcome, welcome!!