Literary Sewing Circle: More Inspiration!

 

It's time for more inspiration for our sewing projects drawn from All the Things We Leave Behind! This week I'll be looking at some of the imagery and the outfits mentioned in the book to spark some ideas for our own sewing. 

I found this book rich in imagery, and any of those fleeting mentions could spark a project. From the opening of the book, when Violet says "I've seen the Saint John River, its surface sparkling in the sun like a disco ball as it flows merrily alongside the highway", there are so many images of nature, her surroundings, and memories. 

You might want to take on a Saint John River inspired project literally, by using the River Dress by Beaton Linen for a mellow outfit that fits right in with the greenery

Or you could take a crack at the River Dress by Caroline Hundsholt - it offers some amazing opportunities for artistic fabric choices. Maybe even something shimmery mixed in there.

Or maybe just think about the River Tunic by Diane Ericson for a zero-waste project that's quite flowy.

You might even want to try one of these in a shimmery disco ball fabric like this one on Etsy if you are feeling particularly adventurous! 

Of course you might be more inspired by the description of The Purple Barn. "An enormous rectangle, a hundred-foot-long barn, painted purple. Really it's lilac or mauve, a rich purple softened a bit, like with a good dollop of white stirred in."

You could try making the Frenchglen Barn Jacket by Green Pepper Patterns (maybe in a shade of purple?)

Or maybe the Purple Top/Dress by JoliLab (known as Violette in French). It has pretty options!

Or in a nod to the description of the Purple Barn, you might try the low waste Mauve Skirt by EcoJolie. 

Or perhaps the Lilac Blouse by LysimaqueSew on Etsy - pretty sleeves, maybe a bit of a 70s vibe going on to suit the book.  

Or accessorize with the super cute Lilac Mini Messenger Bag, a free pattern by Blue Calla Patterns. 

Then there is another floral motif to consider, when Violet talks about the quirky signage for the Purple Barn. "There's a flower garden at the base of the giant sign. Pink rose bushes are surrounded by a wide ring of bright yellow marigolds and big rocks painted white."

Maybe make a Rose button-down blouse by Jalie in a nod to this -- or the Marigold by Blank Slate Patterns! 

Marigold

Although you might find the 70s feel more with the Marigold Dress by StitchMaiden, or the free Marigold camisole by Mood. 

Mood Marigold Cami

A very striking image is that of the Rainbow Room in the old Vaughn estate, described when Violet first encounters the sunroom filled with coloured glass antiques. "There is a section of greenish-yellow Vaseline glass, one of pink and green Depression glass, marigold carnival glass, cranberry glass, a group of old cobalt-blue poison and perfume bottles and sun-tinted amethyst glass. Then across the windows at the front of the cottage, the ones facing the water, there is a huge collection of ruby glass."

You might be inspired by the colours to make the Cobalt Trousers by Caledonia Dreamin' -- there is even a bell bottom version there for a nod to the 70s setting of this book. 

Or perhaps you'll try the Amethyst Top & Dress by Boo and Lu instead

Maybe something 30s inspired in pink or green to match that Depression glass, maybe one of many from EvaDress patterns

Or it could be that wall of ruby glass that perks you up... 

With the Ruby Dress by Made by Rae

Or maybe the Ruby Dress by Dressmaking Amore for a more fitted look! 

Or you might just reflect this image in your fabric choice, like this one found at SewingPartsOnline 

Then there are the many antiques in the book. Maybe they will inspire you to make something vintage, whether that's in a fabric print or a specific antique that's mentioned by name, like the poodles that one customer loves: "Mrs. Harris is in checking if we have any new spaghetti poodles. She collects them. They're little department store china trinkets with "fur" that resembles miniature pottery spaghetti noodles."

The obvious make for this one is a classic Poodle Skirt. Here's a quick video tutorial to draft your own, with MADE Everyday. 

Or if you are more inspired by the pottery spaghetti noodle fur, try this Spaghetti Dream Frock by Lydia Naomi! 

Or perhaps it is a simple dish that catches you! 
"A customer comes to the counter...carrying a pressed glass butter dish, carefully holding it in front of her with both hands...The woman sets the dish down on the counter and traces a finger over one of the maple leaves in the pattern."

You could find the Maple Dress by CocoWawa Crafts and make something inspired by that lovely antique. 

Or maybe combine it with the plethora of quilting in this story and try out the Maple Charm Quilt Pattern from Coriander Quilts on Etsy.

And speaking of quilts, perhaps all the quilts by Quinny in this story will spur you on to make a quilted garment! You could get your hands on Sewing Quilted Patchwork Jackets, the new book by Fit for Art Patterns, which includes 10 projects and two base patterns for you to make a fun quilted garment for yourself or a child. 

Or you could investigate any of these Top 10 Quilted Jacket patterns shared by The Fold Line! 

Maybe it will be the Seven Birches Campground where Violet and Jill are staying that inspires you - try the Birch Unisex Tee by Samantha Marie Designs

Or have fun with the Christmas in July events at the campground by putting together this felt garland by Lia Griffith! This is a dual inspo referencing the pop tab garlands at the Snack Stop! 

You might find Violet and Bliss' childhood scrapbook full of license plate rubbings interesting and be inspired to make this Wristlet by Sue OVery

Or you might be more inspired by the historical village where Jill works, to make some retro clothing. When Violet goes to help serve at a wedding there, she says she throws off her day wear (and blue eyeshadow) -- "I get all ready: slip, bustle, full-length burgundy skirt, a pink calico blouse with a high neck and puff  sleeves." 

That could be something like this Edwardian Skirt by Black Snail Patterns

And that could be combined with the Antoinette Shirt by Isa in Stitches (also a modern look!)

Or the Regalia Blouse by Sew House Seven, also a popular modern blouse that could fit nicely into historical wear!

I hope that you have both been inspired by this post, and are enjoying the reading. Please share any inspiration you might be thinking of for your own project! 

And also, please share any quotes from the book that have jumped out at you so far, and thoughts about which parts have really caught you. Any striking images, characters, moments, settings?