Be your own designer

My unpopular opinion: the word "custom" gets overused. When it comes to home sewing, everything we make could be considered custom, because it's being made for one.
 
But what I consider to be custom is when the fit, the fabric, and the design choices are considered specifically and intentionally before the machine is even touched.
 
One of the most fun and creative parts of the Capsule Course is definitely the preparation period when you get to choose your fabrics and trims, and decide which of the hacks and additions you want to do. 

What you take from the course and what you want to challenge yourself with is completely up to you. The course is fully tailored to your own design process - because you are the designer!
 
Once the forum opens, everyone is encouraged to share their fabric swatches and palette ideas. You're essentially challenged to distil your style and wardrobe into a couple pieces of fabric. It's so exciting to see that as the seed for an entire collection of clothing at the end of 3 months. 
 
If you're thinking about joining the 2026 Capsule Course or you're interested in how I would curate fabric for these pieces, here are my recommendations...

 

Celia Dress

For the Celia Dress, we’ve chosen linen which works really well in this style and would be breathable and comfortable in summer but also can be layered very easily for chillier weather. 
 
If linen doesn't sound like your cup of tea then I'd say choose something that has a good drape so that it works with the natural movement that this cut has - tencel is another lovely option. While a poplin would work, it might be a bit one dimensional since it’s so crisp - unless the structured, bold look is what you’re after. 

 

Over Shirt

We’ve chosen to celebrate the features of denim fabric with this version of the Over Shirt. This project includes an option to use selvedge denim on the side seams, which is usually used for trousers. I think it's a really fun challenge to try and include the unique features of fabric into your construction because it makes fabric curation all the more creative. 
 
We’ve created design details inspired by the classic denim jacket - adding the front yoke and the really beautiful internal pockets with the flap opening. The really clean finishing sings on denim and we hope you take on this challenge and don't let denim intimidate you and your machine!

 

We also added the hem facing and the tabs and two way pocket to make it really functional as a lightweight jacket more so than a shirt. I'd love to see this in a patterned or washed denim to elevate it even further as the perfect 'shacket'. 
 
It's all in the details with this make, as we chose to add a little nod to the colour of our selvedge edge in our button holes with the coral thread, which pops against the blue denim.

 

Darcy Coat

For this version of the Darcy, we went with a gabardine (the same fabric but in two different colours) for that classic trench look - a twill or drill would work nicely too. The trench Darcy would also work really nicely in wax cotton but you’d have to sew through 6 layers of fabric so I would suggest opting for a lighter weight.

With this project, you get to play with the features, fabric and colour contrast to explore the different design options and create a statement coat that reflects your style and the impact you want to make.

 
With the pattern additions, you could leave off the front storm shield and only have the back, or only have one side, or only have the shoulder epaulettes with the cuff tabs and belt loops... the options are endless! It’s almost like a colouring book with this piece - picking which bits you’d want to be a contrast colour and what effect you’d want to go with.

Day Tote

And with the Day Tote, you can choose colours and textures that complement the whole outfit. You can use the straps on the handles for a pop of colour, especially if you want an accent colour to run through the capsule. 

As you can see, we've tried to give you as much license as possible to make these garments your own through fabric and design.
 
It’s your creative journey.
 
Taking part in this course is your opportunity to step away from stress and intentionally take your time with your hobbies to make a really beautiful set of clothes for your wardrobe.
 
Express yourself through this capsule and set yourself up for a year of fantastic sewing!
 
Hetty x