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The Colette Diaries

Colette ‘Eclair Dress’, and rockin’ some handmade bags!

So I’ve decided to embark on a pretty ambitious project. My goal is to make all of the Colette Patterns, from easiest to hardest. I made the Eclair Dress earlier this year, and the instructions and design are just phenomenal.

The designer of these patterns, Sarai Mitnick, has provided me with her list in order of difficulty. I am giving myself a 6-week window to make each pattern. During that time, I will break up my progress into 5 chunks; once a week for 5 weeks, I will post in photographs and written play-by-play how I tackle each particular pattern. The 6th week will be my “finish” post, complete with a review of the sewing pattern.

I am not going to run this as a sew along because I think sewing such a huge wardrobe is a massive undertaking in itself. However, Sarai has graciously offered a discount on her patterns, one at the beginning of each 6-week session, in case you want to follow along. I’ll leave an open-ended linky in my 6th week finishing post, for you to post your finished clothing (since the linky will be open-ended, you can link it up whenever you happen to finish, even if it’s months later).

Just a little side note…I know that sometimes sewing clothing can get expensive. I am planning on using thrifted linens (curtains, bed sheets) on several of these projects. Most of these pieces I’ve procured for less than $2.

Below you can find the master schedule of the order in which I will be sewing these up. If you want to follow along at home, feel free to bookmark this page, as I will be updating this to include the links of each project’s post, right here!!

1. Ginger (July 18)
     {Week 1}     {Week 2}     {Week 3}     {Week 4}     {Week 5}
2. Crepe (August 29)
3. Sencha (October 10)
4. Violet (November 21)
5. Macaron (January 2, 2012)
6. Parfait (February 13, 2012)
7. Eclair (March 26, 2012)
8. Rooibos (May 7, 2012)
9. Cinnamon (June 18, 2012)
10. Nutmeg (July 30, 2012)
11. Chantilly (September 10, 2012)
12. Beignet (October 22, 2012)
13. Ceylon (December 3, 2012)
14. Oolong (January 14, 2013)
15. Negroni (February 25, 2013)
16. Lady Grey (April 8, 2013)

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13 thoughts on “The Colette Diaries

  1. Kristen says:

    I am so excited to watch you on this adventure! You are going to have the best wardrobe after all this!

  2. Kelly Irene says:

    You are definitely ambitious…but in a good way! I could totally handle having a wardrobe made from these patterns! I am really looking forward to seeing the finished projects (and maybe making a few myself 🙂 I’m thinking I may save some of my monthly sewing $ to get some AMH voile for one of the tops!

  3. suemac says:

    Man you have set a tight timeline for yourself. Don’t get too stressed.

  4. Bree says:

    You’re so ambitious! I can’t wait to see your progress on this, and may just have to join in a few. Good luck!

  5. Kim says:

    I am sure they will all be easy for you b/c you are brilliant!!!!!!

  6. Emilie says:

    Oh my! What a challenge! I wish I had that kind of time on my hands (and budget, even though you say you get cheaper fabric, the patterns themselves will cost a fortune!)
    Anyway, I will definitely sew along with you on a few of them. I am still waiting for the Ceylon to come in the mail and I’ve been loving the Beignet skirts I’ve seen. And the Lady Grey… ahhh that beautiful jacket (although I’m a bit more intimidated by that one since it says it’s an advanced pattern).

  7. Messy Karen says:

    i’ve wanted to make the Violet blouse. and look forward to watching you get things done.

  8. Kate S. says:

    Wow, what an exciting and ambitious project! I look forward to seeing how it goes and likely getting inspired to try some of them myself too 🙂

  9. two hippos says:

    what a great project, look forward to reading!

  10. Anonymous says:

    Now that three more Colette Patterns have been released will they be worked into your schedule?

  11. fourkid says:

    Did this get backburnered, or the links just not up, or ….? It is an ambitious project, but I am looking forward to seeing it. I am currently doing the Beignet – I would love to see your version (though it is still a future date on your tentative plan.) I think I should do a plan like this for your patterns! I have several and so far only have one done up – this would be fun and motivating.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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