I have found a packing system that simplifies living out of a suitcase: a collection of mesh envelopes that keeps garments neat and organized. Mine came from Eagle Creek (www.eaglecreek.com), but similar versions are available from other companies, or you can make them yourself.

• Vogue 7395: View A is a beautifully shaped finger-tip length jacket that's easy-sewing and fits most figures with little or no alterations. The roll cuff makes sleeve length adjustment a snap. Use a light raincoat fabric, in a great color and embellish with paint, appliqué, stencil, or stamps. View B of this same pattern could be adapted to be single-breasted and made quilted and reversible.
  

• Burda 8816: lengthen to 3/4-length and extend center front to add buttons.
  

• Vogue 2232: is a dramatic raincoat possibility. I'd adapt the length to a 3/4-coat (between the two lengths shown), extend center front for buttons, and add a small stand-up collar for warmth.
  

Jacket/Vest
ReVisions, Java Jacket: with detachable sleeves it's one of the all-time great patterns for a vest or a jacket.

Tops

• Vogue 7337 (Marcy Tilton design): is an assortment of great-fitting basic T-shirts. I used this as a starting point for the two camisoles. An option for the slant V-neckline tops is Burda 8918.
  
• The acid green knit sweater/cardigan: copied from a favorite shirt. Similar patterns are Vogue 1509, Burda 3129, or 3214 (change the neckline).
  
• The black, slinky knit T-shirt was purchased ready-made.
  

Skirts
Burda 3005 and 8898: are slim ankle-length wrap skirts similar to the out-of-print Miyake pattern I used.

Pants

• Those in the article are narrow-leg, fitted pants made in stretch woven fabrics:
  
• Burda 8873: has a narrow-leg and jean styling. I adapt the hip hugger to a natural waistline.
  
• Burda 2998: is similar to the black stretch-woven flared pant to the far right on p. 79; this pattern could crop easily.
  
• Burda 8885: is a classic yet updated trouser with slim leg.
  
• Vogue 7179: Sandra Betzina's slim pants are a big yes to nearly all figures in both ankle and cropped lengths.
  
• For soft, slim, drapey pants made in soft woven fabrics, try Textile Studio 1001, Sewing Workshop Kinenbi Pant, or Stretch & Sew 706.
  
• Leggings--Burda 3182: is not too tight and can stand in for a pant, pajama, or exercise gear.
  

Purchased ready-made:

• Backpack bag (microfiber made by Groom, a French company, sold in the US. Their Paris shop is #13 Rue Cherche Midi, Paris 75006, Tel 01 45 48 49 36): I've bought several of these bags. I love the lightweight, simple functional design, and you can toss them in the washing machine. The cost is under $100, and you should be able to call Paris and order one ... I sent them home as gifts to friends. Reference # 9432, the style is Cappuccio; they come in three sizes GM, MM (my bag pictured), and a smaller one, PM; available in black, brown, red, and other colors as well as in leather (which is heavier and more costly).
  
• Shoes: Grid black flat and purple boot are by Arche; strap sandal is by Simple.
  
• Crinkle eggplant top and black slim leg pants are by Babette (www.babettesf.com), who has two shops in San Francisco.
  

Items available from Marcy
To order, email marcy@cdsnet.net

• ReVisions, Java Jacket pattern: jacket/vest that Marcy did with removable sleeves. $12 + $3 S&H, $15 total. (Check out all of Diane Ericson's patterns and stencils at www.revisions-ericson.com)
  
• Vogue 7337 Marcy Tilton design "eclectic twin-set", long-sleeved T-shirt, shell, cardigan, and the basis for all the T-shirt tops, $16.95 + $3 S&H.
  
• Black sturdy nylon screen with latch travel/shopping bags in two sizes: Medium: 14 x 16 x 5 in. $40. Large: 17 x 18 x 6 in. $45 + $5 S&H.
  

Marcy Tilton sews travel wardrobes each season in her studio in Cave Junction, Ore.

Photo: Gary Gold

From Threads #100, pp. 76-81 Purchase back issues