Summer Capsule Wardrobe Module 2 | Sewing with Fabric Remnants
If you've ever looked at your fabric stash and thought, "I really need to do something with all of these leftovers," you're definitely not alone. That's exactly what inspired this second summer capsule module.
For this round of sewing, I gave myself one simple rule: I couldn't buy any new fabric. Every piece had to come from leftovers, remnants I'd picked up along the way, or fabric that was already sitting on my shelves waiting for the right project.
I love little sewing challenges like this because they force me to get creative. Instead of shopping for new fabric, I'm shopping my own stash—and I think you'll recognize quite a few of these fabrics from projects I've already shared. Read on or watch here:
The Challenge
If you've been following my summer capsule series, you know I'm building my wardrobe in small, coordinated modules that all work together. This second module is a little different because every piece has to come from fabric I already own.
Some of these are leftovers from my first summer capsule module, some are remnants I've been saving for years, and a few are pieces that were just too pretty to throw away after another project.
The Three Tops
Closet Core Core T-Shirt
The first top is using the leftover fabric from the dress I'm wearing in the video. This citron green cotton spandex jersey from Style Maker Fabrics is one of my favorite knits, and after cutting out the dress, I had about a yard and a half left—just enough for another everyday basic.
I'm planning to sew the free Closet Core Core T-Shirt, which I've made several times before. I love the relaxed, boxy fit, and cotton spandex jersey is perfect for a project like this because it's soft, breathable, and holds its shape beautifully. I know this is going to become one of those t-shirts I reach for all summer long.
Love Notions Summer Basics Tank
Next up is another pattern that's become a staple in my wardrobe: the Love Notions Summer Basics Tank*. I started with just two yards of this salmon-colored knit, and after making a t-shirt, the leftover pieces are a little...creative. Thankfully, I think there's just enough fabric left for another tank.
I made this pattern before my Florida trip earlier this year, and it's become one of my most-worn summer tops. It's simple, comfortable, and the bound neckline and armholes make it a great option when you're trying to make the most of smaller pieces of fabric.
Seamwork West Shirt
The third top wasn't originally part of the plan. Jenni and I were pulling fabric for another project when she came across this rayon challis remnant I'd bought from The French Seam years ago. As soon as we laid it next to the rest of the capsule fabrics, we both knew it belonged in this collection.
I've been wanting another relaxed button-up shirt, so I'm planning to sew the Seamwork West Shirt*. I loved the version Jenni made last summer, and this lightweight rayon challis has exactly the drape I was looking for. I think it'll pair perfectly with the more streamlined bottoms I'm making for this module while mixing easily with pieces from my first capsule as well.
The Bottoms
Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants
I've been saving this leftover micro-stripe linen for exactly the right project. When I cut out my Cashmerette Everett Shorts and my hacked Cashmerette Vernon shirt, I was incredibly careful with my layout because I was hoping I'd have enough fabric left for the Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants*.
I think I've got just enough...but we'll see! I've wanted to make this pattern ever since it was released because I love the subtle barrel-leg silhouette. It's modern without feeling too trendy, and I think it'll pair beautifully with almost every top in both of my summer capsule modules. If I end up a little short on fabric, I do have some coordinating solid linen that would work, but I'm really hoping I can make this micro stripe work. So, say a little prayer for my pattern Tetris skills!
Closet Core Chloe Jeans Hack
For my second pair of bottoms, I'm taking the Closet Core Chloe Jeans and turning them into shorts. You all know I belong to several different pattern clubs, and while I've been sewing quite a few Cashmerette patterns lately, I thought it was time to revisit some of my Closet Core favorites.
I recently shortened a pair of Closet Core Frank Jeans into shorts for my daughter, and they turned out so well that I wanted to try the same idea with the Chloe pattern. I'm using a heavyweight cream linen remnant from another project, which has enough structure to give these shorts a denim-inspired look while still being comfortable for summer. I'll stabilize the waistband and crotch curve since linen likes to relax with wear, and then it's back to a little more pattern Tetris to see if I can fit everything onto my leftover fabric.
Finishing the Module
Ready-to-Wear Cotton Sweater
Not every piece in a capsule wardrobe has to be handmade, and for this module I'm actually shopping my own closet for the layering piece.
When I was in Florida earlier this year, I picked up a lightweight cotton sweater that's become one of my most-worn pieces this summer. It's perfect for restaurants, church, or anywhere the air conditioning is just a little too enthusiastic. Since it's already filling that role so well, I don't see any reason to sew another layering piece. Sometimes the best sewing decision is recognizing when your wardrobe already has exactly what it needs.
Seamwork Lilac Dress
The final piece in this module is a dress made from the last of my beautiful printed linen. You've already seen this fabric in my hacked Cashmerette Vernon shirt and coordinating skirt, and I was determined to find one more project that would let me use every bit of it.
I'm planning to sew the sleeveless version of the Seamwork Lilac Dress*, which is available as a bonus pattern for Seamwork members. I love the empire waist, and the straighter skirt is a great fit for the amount of fabric I have left. At this point, my remnants are definitely in some interesting shapes, but because the bodice and skirt are separate pieces, I think I can make it work. It's one more reminder that those leftover pieces often have a lot more potential than we think.
Bringing It All Together
One of the things I love most about sewing in capsule wardrobe modules is seeing everything start to work together. For this second module, I've added dark blue and cream while continuing to build on the greens, salmon, orange, and printed linen from my first module.
Every piece has been chosen so it mixes and matches with garments I've already made, which means I'll end up with far more outfit combinations than seven pieces would suggest. That's one of my favorite parts of planning this way—each new project makes the entire wardrobe more versatile.
Download My Summer Capsule Wardrobe Plan
If you'd like to see my complete summer capsule wardrobe plan—including both modules and every pattern I'm using—you can download the free PDF ➡️HERE
It's a great way to see how all of these individual garments fit together into one cohesive handmade wardrobe.
More Capsule Wardrobe Inspiration
If you're enjoying this series, be sure to check out:
Each project builds on the same philosophy: sew garments you'll actually wear, choose fabrics intentionally, and create a wardrobe where everything works together.
