Time to Shine Capsule Collection is done! Or is it?

This is the final blogpost in the ‘Time to Shine Capsule Collection’ series that I made in light to the BERNINA 590 Crystal Edition. A series in which I managed to sew a wardrobe within a predetermined colour palette and the ‘Time to Shine’ theme. A wardrobe that will last for many years to come. Beforehand I thought it would be quite a challenge, because I usually don’t plan what I’m going to make. That has changed completely with the creation of this collection. The items in my wardrobe are now so coordinated that I can mix-and-match endlessly. I will continue to plan more to get the most out of my wardrobe.

BERNINA 590 Crystal Edition

It’s your time to shine! Experience the beauty of the B 590 Crystal Edition. With an incredible inspiration kit including dazzling Swarovski® crystals, extra feet and exclusive embroidery designs, this limited edition will let your artistic side shine. The handy trolley set and embroidery module make this Crystal Edition complete!

Learn more

Capsule collection

Plans

18 pieces and 3 accessories

As I approached the end of the series, I knew there was one item missing: the wide-legged pants. Just like the one featured in the latest Inspiration Magazine: Philine. So it quickly rolled out from under my sewing machine in black. The fit was right on. The zipper has been moved from the side to the back seam (this makes it easier to make the pants slightly wider or narrower in the future) and belt loops have been added.

Philine (Inspiration Magazine 3/2022)

Challenges

Sticking to a predetermined plan wasn’t my only challenge during this series. There were more challenges and some firsts. This is what makes it such a fun project for me to work on. Everything I learned during this process I will take with me in my ongoing ‘sewing journey’.

I did my first sew along with the Megan blouse. In a five-part sew along I took you through the whole process from printing a PDF pattern to the embroidered details and hacking a pattern.

Step by step

Red Megan

Embroidery details

Sometimes you’ll not be able to find the perfect fabric with which you want to create a certain look. In that case, the challenge is to mimic the fabric. In my case to embroider large polka dots. After a number of test rounds (pun intended!) the pattern pieces were embellished with the polka dots and the long sleeve t-shirt was sewn. Read that blog here. It turns out to be a masterpiece when I look at how many combinations can be made with it.

Test rounds

Polka dot look 1 (of many)

Polka dot look 2

More first times

I embroidered on satin for the first time with both the Megan blouse and the Refashion bomber jacket. With the right needle it went very smoothly. The impact of metallic thread on satin is so cool, I will definitely use this more often.

One side done

Shine!

For an upcycle project I made lace appliqués myself for the first time with the Embroidery module M. The moment you immerse the embroidered lace in water so that the soluble fleece disappears is like magic. My heart skips a beat. Do you have that too? Watch the video here.

Magic!

Lace applique

And also for the first time I managed to make a lining in a split skirt without it pulling or squeaking out. It was sewn by hand and not by machine.

Hand sewn facing and lining

Hand sewn to the split

Again

In this blog series I work again with the ‘difficult’ fabrics satin, sequins, velour and faux leather. My previous experiences with these fabrics provided useful tips that you can read in this blog. From using painter’s tape to wearing latex gloves and safety goggles.

Soft hands

Velour

Again, I couldn’t resist processing leftovers. The projects beret, wrist warmers and the statement collar are examples of this.

Statement collar

Beret

Wrist warmers

For the capsule collection I reused a number of patterns. How nice is it if you have already gained experience with a pattern and only then have to cut into that expensive or challenging fabric? For two projects I dared to make my own pattern: the bohemian dress and the half circle skirt.

I dared to cut the Mood fabric (Thank you Mood!)

Pattern boho dress

Done

Circle skirt and Mood blazer

Endlessly

During the photoshoot of the entire collection I accidentally photographed an item that appeared here on the blog, but was not (per se) part of the capsule collection: the frilly skirt with leftovers. By adding one more item (that largely matches the colour palette) multiple looks can be added.

With frilly skirt

Even more options

Finally

The series of blogs was not only fun. but also very insightful. It has taught me even more what my style is and what principles I want to use for my memade wardrobe. From now on for every item I make I want to consider these points:

Timeless design
Cool & elegant
Beautiful details
Mix & match
Luxurious fabrics or unique prints
Smart basics
Sustainability

Do you also have such a list? The suit I made meets all these points and is the most worn of them all to date. Moreover, it is also very comfortable!

Favorite!

In total I sewed 18 garments (incl. upcycled projects) and 3 accessories (2 trousers, 2 blazers, 1 bomber jacket, 1 jumpsuit, 2 blouses, 1 sweater, 2 shirts, 1 t-shirt, 1 top/blouson, 1 long sleeve t-shirt, 2 dresses and 2 skirts). I can combine these almost endlessly. This also became apparent while photographing the different looks, I came up with even more combinations that I will definitely try out.