Literary Sewing Circle: Inspiration!

 

It's the first week of our Literary Sewing Circle featuring Snap by Susin Nielsen! 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. 

Let's start with our main characters. Frances, Geraint and Parker are the heart of this story. One name from this trio may be the inspiration to get you started. 

There are lots of great ideas based on Frances! You could start with some relaxed Fran pyjamas by Closet Core, hopefully they'll be in better shape than the ones Frances was wearing at the beginning of the book... 

Or you could try the Frances Tee & Dress by Victory Patterns, for a comfortable but slightly more elevated look than sweatpants. 

The Frances Shirt Dress by Pattern Sewciety might reflect the kind of outfit Frances might have worn for school visits or for court dates, to look respectable! 

Or this pretty tee, for backyard parties or coffee dates with her writer friends, the Frances Top by FibreMood 

Maybe it is Frances' swimming habits that appeal to you most, and you want to make something inspired by her days at the pool. You could try the Frankie One Piece Swimsuit by Edgewater Ave

Now for Parker - she has a much younger, DIY aesthetic, with her self-made outfits. You might be inspired by a loose tiered dress that could reflect her relaxed style, like the Parker Skater Dress by Styla Patterns 

Or self-drafting a tank top could be something to give a nod to her handmade designs, too. Maybe this Parker Panel Tank Tutorial by Sew Daily  You might even be able to make this using tea towels like Parker does. 

Or perhaps you're thinking of something fancy like the silver evening dress she dons during the scene at the hotel near the end of the book, in that case you could try out something like the Parker Pencil Dress by Luyion on Etsy 

There wasn't much out there inspired by Geraint, at least not by his name! But this Geraint Bag by IThinkSew could be just the thing for him to carry as he's rescuing odds and sods from around the bay! 

There are many inspirations you can take from the family members of our main characters as well. 

Geraint's son Keanu could inspire a backpack he might use to carry his schoolbooks. The Keanu Backpack by UhOh Creations  would be perfect! 

You could also make yourself a dress just inspired by the name! The Keanu Dress by MOCHA  is a lovely one. 

Geraint's estranged wife Darlene could inspire an outfit, maybe the Darlene Dress by Tiana's Closet - it's also a free pattern.

Or Parker's family might be your inspo. Her boyfriend Alexei could be reflected by the Alexi Knit Top by StyleArc

Or her mother Sharon could spark some ideas! The Sharon Bag by Ithinksew would fit Sharon's peripatetic lifestyle. She could tote stuff in this one for sure. 

Or the Sharon Ruffled Top by Tiana's Closet is a possibility - it reflects her lifestyle down in Mexico, quite light and holidayish. 

Frances' family provides a bunch of potential! You might be inspired by Daisy and her post-uni lifestyle, with the Daisy Dress by Winslet's 

Or maybe something more functional, with the Max Overalls by Minapop Studios as a nod to her son Max. 

The Jeremy Bow-Tie by Youtique Bridal (pattern link under video) is a great fit for Jeremy

Or, Jeremy's new partner Kelly could inspire a make of the Kelly Anorak by Closet Core 

Frances' mother might make you think of the Cordelia Dress by Veronica Tucker  - it's a pretty summer dress, easy to wear. 

Frances' best friend Jules might inspire you to make the Jules Woven Tunic by Style Arc - she might wear something this casual for one of her dinner parties. 

And then carry the Jules Bag by Lacus Bags  to complete the outfit. 

Meanwhile, Jules' wife Carmen might give you ideas for a whole outfit, with the Carmen Pants by Sew Creative Lounge

Made alongside the Carmen Blouse by BianSewStudio - a free pattern

It could be a few of the side characters who catch your interest. Their Anger Management instructor Dennis might show up with the Dennis Knitted Tie by Kathleen Dames on Ravelry

While their corrections officer Carol might wear something practical like the Carol Jacket by Silhouette Patterns 

Or she might even dress up a little with the Carol Sweatshirt Dress by Pattydoo -- not too dressy for Carol! 

Their fellow Anger Management class attendee, Byron, might inspire you to make the Byron Romper set by Sinclair Patterns 

Or when we meet Parker's former boss near the end, she could inspire the Wanda Wrap Dress by Wardrobe by Me

Or perhaps you might be thinking more along the lines of this simple Wanda knit top by Sirena Patterns, which would go very well under the denim overalls that Wanda wears when she meets up with Parker, Frances & Jules. 

Frances' new friend Eoin might inspire (using the more usual spelling) the Owen Trousers by FibreMood

While nosy neighbour Cheryl, who always gets her knickers in a twist about everything, might make you think of the Cheryl Panty by Pin Up Girls 😄

For more full coverage she might also go for the Cheryl Bodysuit by FibreMood

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I hope this journey through the character names has given you some potential ideas! If you have other suggestions or ideas for your own project, feel free to share in the comments for others to explore. And I hope you've gotten your hands on a copy and have enjoyed it so far!