Part 4 - Planning your Summer Sewing Collection
Now that we have ideas and patterns picked for what we want to sew, it's time to pick fabric and get to sewing!
When picking fabrics for the summertime, keep the weather in mind. I like to pick fabrics that breathe well and are nice and lightweight. Light linens, rayons, cottons, chambrays, and blends are good choices.
Try to adhere to the fabric suggestions on the patterns you chose, and get to sewing!
These are the patterns I ended up choosing for my collection:
The Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory. I ended up lengthening the leg on this pattern, as it's supposed to be a crop length, but I wanted a full pant length. I used this fun tie dye looking fabric from JoAnn which was 100% modal rayon. It's so comfortable and airy... I love it!
The next pattern I chose was McCall's 7164. I wanted a fun wide-legged beach pant, and this pattern fit the bill. I chose version D, with the pleated panels down the center legs. I think it adds just a little extra detail, which I really like. The fabric I chose was also from JoAnn. I found this beautiful black floral rayon which was perfect for these pants. These pants are so swishy and fun to wear!
I had some amazing yellow gingham I had picked up at a street market in Amsterdam, that I ended up making a Zinnia Skirt and an Aster Top, both from Colette Patterns. I chose to do matching separates, so I could wear them together to look like a dress, or wear them as separates... I love having that option, and I think these two patterns pair well together.
The last item I made was a pattern from the 80's that I absolutely adore... Simplicity 7443. It's a simple dress with a gathered waist and a "v" detail on the front bodice. I used a chambray fabric (no longer available) I found at Fabric Mart and used a scrap of white Rayon I had for the bodice. This dress ended up being such a nice surprise! I knew I would probably like this dress, but I didn't know just how much I love it! It's such a simple design, but it's comfortable and cute, and suits me well.
So there you have it... my Summer Collection! I didn't end up making any shorts, but I might end up making some next month... along with a few extra tops. I feel good about this collection though and if you make anything for summer, make sure and let me know! Email me here, or find me on Instagram... that's where I tend to hang out the most. :)
Thanks for following along!
