The Summer 22 capsule
I don’t know what it is about travelling that makes me want to live a perfect version of my life. I get hung up on everything, including the clothes I packed or sometimes, forgot to pack. Instagram makes everything more intense. If you’re somewhere Instagram worthy and don’t come home armed with ‘content’, is it even worth it? (It is…right?) And maybe it’s the chance to live a small, perfect version of your life, away from the responsibilities of home too, that makes me almost too anxious to enjoy going away.
This obsession with living my best life holiday life, means I also get obsessed with packing a handmade wardrobe. Going fully #memade isn’t possible at home with a bursting RTW wardrobe, but on holiday, with a small carry-on, it seems rude not to.
Last year I sewed a bunch of stuff for my Summer 21 capsule and it felt amazing to wander around the different islands wearing clothes I’d made. The pictures were beautiful and I knew there was no going back, I was going to be a handmade traveller from now on.
So this year, with two full weeks to account for I wrote a list of items I’d need, 5 dresses, 5 bottoms, 5 tops etc and got to the number 22. I’d need 22 new items to be able to live my fully handmade holiday dream.
Sewing
Typically I procrastinated – I wrote lists, I opened tabs of fabric and patterns – I didn’t start until I had only 15 days left before my flight. And a full time job. And plans already in the diary. I also didn’t do strategic things like compile all my PDFs and cut all my fabric in one go. I was haphazard and crazed. In the last week, with a full work diary and tons to get done before I put my Out Of Office on, I was sewing until past 2am. I bruised my knees rushing in and out of my sewing chair. I suffered many a pinjury. The less said about this bit, the better. But at some point I’ll share my reflections, including on the role anxiety played in the process.
How did I do?
I made 15 new pieces in those 15 days. I don’t know how, honestly. And along with previous capsule pieces, I packed 32 items including accessories and swimwear.
Next time
Because the sewing was so haphazard I didn’t plan colours and fabrics. I had tops without a perfect pair of bottom to wear it with, there were things I really missed (more strappy, throw on tops) and there were items I wore almost every day. Here’s what I learned:
Pros
So many of the pieces was made in linen from the same shop that they naturally went together. It helps so much when your textures match. My preferred linen is from Ray Stitch in Islington and is just the most wonderful quality linen.
I was so glad to have made a light jumper, I wore it loads in Tinos and then for all of my flights. I haven’t always included this in a hot weather packing list, but I’ll never forget it after this trip. Choosing an oversized fit and a light colour also made it super versatile.
White tops go with everything, no matter the colour of the bottoms, they’re the most versatile addition to the wardrobe. The Bridget bodysuit was very handy, although it would be ideal if I had a bra that worked with it as I spent a lot of time covering up my nipples!
I really focused on comfort when it came to waistbands. It sounds silly but so many of my summer holiday wardrobes fit best on Day 1, before I’ve eaten my way through a 2 week holiday. But all of my pieces worked when I was feeling full up and happy, so that was a huge win.
Colour is a wonderful thing on holiday. Normally I just get seduced by black, white and maybe an orange or two. This year I embraced bright avocado green and was so glad I did, I always forget how much I love wearing colour on holiday.
Learnings
I need to make sure each piece has more than one thing it goes with - either in terms of colour, shape or fabric. There can’t really be things that only go with one other piece.
I definitely wanted more ‘chilling out’ items, like the Essential Shorts and my Axis Tank. I’ll make sure I make more of those, they’re quick to make and small to pack, there’s no excuse. Also adding the Joan tank to my list.
I found myself itching for a few more throw-on classics, like a light flowy skirts or some t-shirt dresses. I forget there’s such a thing as ‘breakfast’ and that I don’t always feel ready to think about actual clothing in order to go find it.
More bags and accessories! My Scrunchie tote was a welcome addition, but I could definitely have done with one or two more evening/day bags and possibly one in a more neutral colour.
I didn’t anticipate quite how wonderful it is to wear your own swimwear. I really wished I had sewn more of it. A few bikini tops might have made handy essentials too.
More layering items! I kept seeing people wearing really beautiful shirts, on the beach, out to dinner, open, closed and tied and I wished I’d made a few myself.
What’s on your capsule list? What should I be adding to mine? Do you travel with a #memade wardrobe too? Share your experiences, thoughts and pattern ideas in the comments.
