Literary Sewing Circle: Inspiration!

 

It's the first week of our Literary Sewing Circle featuring All The Things We Leave Behind by Riel Nason. 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 and places 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, Violet Davis. Violet tells this story, and her perspective shapes everything. Maybe you will want to make an outfit based on these options. 

First we have the Sinclair Patterns Violet Ruched Tee It has pretty lines and feels like it could be a relaxed summer top.

Or maybe you're thinking more delicate with the Seamwork Violet Blouse

And there is also the choice of a complete outfit all in one with the FibreMood Violet Dress 

Perhaps you're thinking more of something inspired by Violet's calm and reliable boyfriend Dean, If you want to make something manly, consider the Mood Fabrics Dean Jacket 

Or if you're thinking something more comfy, try out the Bobbins & Buttons Dean Sweatshirt 

Of course you might be inspired by Violet's best friend Jill. You could make the very 70s Jessilou's Closet Jill Wrap Skirt  

Or for more 70s fun, check out the Sew Hungry Hippie's Jill Tunic 

If Violet's parents are the ones you catch your attention, you could make the IThinkSewBags Charles Duffle Bag (on Etsy) as something her dad Charles might have used in his travels.

Or perhaps the easy wearing DG Patterns Anne Dress will reflect Violet's mom Anne instead. 

You could even be inspired by Pepper Shaker, the resident cat at the Purple Barn! Check out the Made For Mermaids Pepper Puff Sleeve Top  Imagine it in a fabulous feline novelty print! 

Or this fun pattern, the OhMeOhMy Sewing Pepper Top & Dress It's so 70s! I could see Violet or Jill wearing this one.

Looking outside of Violet's immediate circle, the caretaker of the Vaughn estate and his wife offer some potential. While I couldn't find a pattern for Cecil, I did find the Style Arc Mavis Knit Tunic for his wife. 

Of course the Vaughns themselves might be the source of your inspo, with matriarch Ivy offering a wide range of potential makes.  There's We Are the Fabric Store Ivy Dress & Top, or the Ivy Pinafore by Jennifer Lauren. 

We Are The Fabric Store

Jennifer Lauren

It could be that George and Alvina Quinn (aka Quinny) are the two that catch your eye...while there are numerous George's out there, I am focusing on Alvina with this Free Alvina Beanie in Crochet If you know how to crochet, it's cute! 

Or you might focus on the Quinn part, with the Merchant & Mills Quinn Trouser

Then you could add on the 5 out of 4 Patterns Quinn Cardigan for coziness

Or with a slight spelling change, you could highlight their patchwork prowess with the Quin Patchwork Dress, a free pattern from Fabrics-Store.com 

On that note, you might be inspired by King's Landing, the historical village where Jill works. You could make any historical outfit from that earlier bustled up era, inspired by Jill's costumes or the one Violet is quickly packed into the day she helps out at a wedding. The wardrobe genius at King's landing is Elsie Mackay and there are a couple of outfits that might suit her. First an historical one, most suitably, with the Wearing History Elsie 1910s Blouse

Or just for a more relaxed 70s vibe, the loose fitting Mocha Elsie Dress could be a fun pick. 

You might even find yourself inspired by Violet and Bliss' special deer, Speckles, and decide to make this free Speckles Quilt by Tilda's World to use up some of your scraps. 

Or maybe it's the locations that appeal to you, like the Seven Birches Campground where Violet and Jill are staying for the summer. You could try the Birch Dress by Mood.

And then add on a great 70s style waistcoat, like the Birch Vest by Patternscout!

You could be inspired by Violet's actual home community across the river from Seven Birches, Riverbend - if you knit you could try this Riverbend Scarf from Garn Studio.

Or you might just try finding some of the Riverbend Collection fabric line by Noodlehead and making something from that! 

Whatever you choose, I hope you are enjoying the read and finding lots to inspire. 

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Have you connected with any of the characters yet? Is there one you particularly like? Anyone that you dislike? What do you think of the time period, the New Brunswick setting, and the narrative style? Do any of the characters spark ideas for a project yet?