I used to love algebra. I was horrible at math generally, but algebra made sense to me. Maybe it was all the letters instead of only numbers. Anyways, after reading all of Ruth’s posts on the Stitcher’s Guild Algebra SWAP I thought I could do the math without taking away any projects from the catch-up queue.
Algebra SWAP 2014 = (3 X 3) + 2 = 11
In other words, three separate outfits comprising one bottom/two tops; or a bottom/top/dress; or a bottom/jacket/top; and two extra pieces (wildcards). My plan evolved after sifting through all the never-made muslins, patterns and fabric that were sitting out waiting to be made since…. well, since forever.
So here’s my ideas for the next couple of months, in no particular order. I’m happy to say that everything except the red and white dresses and the Marfy blouse are cut and ready to sew.
I find that I don’t really know where to begin if I let myself sew randomly, and really need the structure of a goal or a plan. Let’s see how far I get!
Mezzo Couture 
Hallo there from Germany, somewhat anonym, but I am a silent reader with my first comment 😉
I want to encourage eyerybody to try the Burda dress. I have made it in a soft pure wool jersey and I love it and not difficult to make. BUT there is one thing I would really change: The armwholes are much to deep! Be careful there! Good luck!
Hi, Marion! Thanks for the tip about the armholes. Keeping that in mind as I sew. Unfortunately, I’ve already cut it (without a toile – bad bad bad!) so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Tied up loose ends all packaged up nicely in a plan. Purfick.
Purrrrrfick, indeed!
I really want to see how both of your dresses turn out. They are both on my wishlist… I only wish I also had such a lovely teal wool crepe! Good luck!
You’ve already gotten a good start with your latest outfit! I like seeing how everyone has different ways of working. I don’t like to cut out my projects until I’m ready to start sewing because sometimes I change my mind and decide to do something different with the fabric. (That’s because there is such a long lag time between my idea and the actual sewing of it;)
ooh, I love your plan. I’ll watch with interest! I have one or two things that I’m really loving right now, a lace top, that new Rucci Vogue pattern; right now, I’m working on a quilt and then some other “gifty” things. Can’t wait to see your results!
What a great visual! I recently bought a diary for the sewing room to stay focused on my projects, it really helps. Now I’m thinking of adding some graphics too. I’m looking forward to see your wildcard Burda dress, it’s on my list for quite some time now!
I liked how you laid everything out in a visual. I need to have something in front of me to keep me on track. That would help so much. I’m doing something similar and in the process of choosing patterns and fabric. Great inspiration here.
Ramona
I’m looking forward to your Burda wildcard dress! I’ve been toying with the thought of making it for a while (did you know that is was in the magazine a little while back in standard sizes and the same dress in the plus size you are showing. I just thought I should mention it in case you don’t want to grade down from the plus size). Anyway, I was a little confused by the instructions, that’s why I never got round to making it, so I’m interested in how you get on!
Yes, I’ve wanted to make that dress since seeing it in the regular sizes in the November 2012 issue. I am right between the plus and regular sizes, which is a bonus because I have the pick of the two worlds!
OK- so make life easy and go with the logical and sew 1 X 3 first (set 1). Then you have an entire head to toe outfit (plus dress). I really like your sets, colours, patterns and planning. I could always get the maths and the algebra at school – it was the sine and cosine that lost me!!!! Just as well we’re not lost in the middle of the Atlantic…..
I love your plan! It looks enticing! I, too, need focus and direction or I’ll slack off and become distracted doing something else. Likewise, I’ve learned, I can’t over-commit myself or I won’t get anything done either. Your plan is that perfect Goldilocks plan… not too long, not too short… juuuuust right 🙂
Especially bcuz it ties up all those poor lost sidetracked projects!