Literary Sewing Circle: Inspiration!

 

It's the first week of our Literary Sewing Circle featuring Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Have you found a copy yet? Have you started reading? If so, how are you finding the opening chapters? 

Today's inspiration is going to look at some of the characters in this story; we'll find ideas based on their names. Here are a few suggestions of projects you could make based on these elements. 

We'll start with our main character, Sophie Hatter. There are so many choices with this name. 

You could start by considering the Sophie Dress by Ora Lin patterns - this one almost evokes the dress Sophie wears in the Ghibli movie as well! 

Or you may want to go more modern with this Sophie Dress from Tessuti

Or you might go a little more boho with the top or dress view of this Sophie pattern from Hubba Ding

We could also look to Sophie's sisters, Lettie and Martha, for project inspo. You could go a few directions with these ones. 

You might want to go minimal waste with the Lettie Skirt from Goldfinch Textiles

Or dress things up with the free Lettie Puffed Sleeve Dress by Tiana's Closet 

Or maybe you just want something to carry all your magical implements in, in which case you could consider tackling the Lettie Mini Bowler Bag by Kaya Papaya

Or Martha may be the one to inspire you; perhaps the Martha Dress by Tilly & The Buttons would suit

Or you could be looking for a different vibe and go with the Martha Dress by Dhurata Davies 

But you might also just want to go casual with an oversized button down top, like the Martha Shirt from Style Arc 

Perhaps it's Sophie's stepmother Fanny who inspires your project! You could try any of the multitude of Fanny Pack patterns shared in this Threads roundup of fanny pack patterns, including some free ones. 

Moving on the the Moving Castle, there are a few characters of interest in Howl's surroundings. You might find his apprentice Michael inspiring, with this Michael Traveller Bag  from UhOh Designs to pack full of things from Ingary

You could also try this simple banded collar shirt, the Michael by EF Patterns on Etsy 

If you want to throw a bit of a French accent onto that, you could also try out the free Michel beanie from I AM Patterns ;) 

Or Howl himself -- but aside from some cosplay patterns based on the movie, there's not much I can find for Howl! Not even under his multitude of names. 

Howl Cosplay from the Movie, by MarquiseCubey

Except for this knitted Howl, or neck warmer by SheepKnits (read the blog post for an explanation of the difference between the two, and why this is a Howl) 

Instead you might look into Howl's sister Megan! Try out the Megan Maxi Skirt from Liberty Fabrics 

Or just this quick Megan Dress/Pinafore from Melanie Patterns 

 

Sophie's pet dog/protector who shows up later in the book has many names, although he only really recalls Percival and Gaston. Those might spark an idea for you, with something like the Percival Laptop case by RLR Creations

Or the jersey Gaston Jacket by I AM Patterns

You could even try out this free mini plushie based on Calcifer! 

Maybe you'll go farther afield and look at a side character as the inspo for your project, there are quite a number of those. 

Mrs. Fairfax, who takes in Martha for training at the beginning of the book, might inspire this quilted Fairfax Jacket by Cashmerette, as found in the book Sewing the Curve (and worn on the cover)

The Wizard Suliman's original name might make you decide to make a version of this Sullivan Sweatshirt by Sewing & the City

Or Lily Angorian might be your starting point for this Lily Blouse by The SewClub Patterns

Or even this more casual look, the Lily Top by Experimental Space

It could be the elopement of Jane Farrier with the Count of Catterack that inspires you, as the result of one of Sophie's first unintended magical hats. You could make the Jane Shirt Dress by the Fabrics-Store.com

And maybe even top it off with a little pleated hat aka Jane's mushroom pleated magical topper. Try this tutorial by the Sempstress for one idea. 

Or it might even be the King's young daughter Valeria, who takes a fancy to Sophie, who gives you your project idea. You could look at the Valeria Dress by Mirastern

or even add on one of these Valeria Detachable Collars by StitchMaiden to any of your projects

I hope that this post has started your ideas flowing! Have you got into the read yet? Are there any elements that are making you think? If you already know what you want to make, feel free to share in the comments!