Sweet Shoppe Designs

I stayed busy sewing gifts for the littles for Christmas right up to the 11th hour. Then, I was horribly sick for the next two weeks and slept 20+ hours a day. When finally I woke up starting to feel better, it hit me: I've got just one month until we're back in Hawaii!

I'm SO ready for it, but my wardrobe definitely is NOT.

I made a list of what I wanted to pack, compared it against my closet, and realized I've got a LOT of sewing to do. I was so overwhelmed that I felt paralyzed, unable to wrap my brain around what to do first.

When the fog cleared, I went into AirTable and worked my database of patterns and fabric, flagging everything that qualified as "Island Wear". Looking at only those 36 fabrics and 27 patterns made me feel much less overwhelmed.

It took me several iterations to build and refine my plan - mostly to remind myself I don't have time to sew a ton of new patterns that haven't yet been muslined to properly fit me - and I think I've landed on a good solution.

I'm making 4 or 5 pairs of walking shorts using my favorite wide-leg pants pattern: the Calder by Cashmerette.

I'm using my favorite swing top pattern - the Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions - to make a bunch of lightweight knit tops.

I'm hacking the Jennifer Sports Bra pattern from Porcelynne into a swimsuit top by adding a peplum.

I'm using my favorite leggings pattern - the Ninja Pants from 5 out of 4 - to make a pair of swim shorts.

When I muslin my beach cover-up, I'll do it in a soft knit so if it turns out wearable, I can use it as a robe.

And I'm only making two dresses - one for the luau, one for a night out - and while they're both patterns I haven't yet muslined, I think they're doable; neither one should require multiple iterations for fitting, as one has a shirred back and the other is loose and flowy.

Finally, instead of a more complicated cardigan to go over the sundress, I'm using the ultra-simple Carroll from Cashmerette to make a reversible shrug.

As much as I've simplified my plan, it's still incredibly ambitious. How much I'm able to sew will be entirely dependent on my migraines and fatigue. But I've got 3 1/2 weeks and I'm determined to do as much as I can!