April’s Pattern Picks
So to keep me distracted a little while I have been browsing the internet to find you a fabulous collection of patterns that would work with the fabric that went into the April ‘French Fancies’ boxes.
Yet again, so many beautiful patterns it’s so hard not to just save a million of them to the folder on my computer. So if there is nothing in this post that takes your fancy don’t panic, there really is something out there for you.
Take advantage of the pattern database on The Fold Line’s website to enter in the type of fabric you have and how much of it there is to see what’s available.
The Mini Box; 1 meter of Georgette
I don’t usually include patterns by the Big Four (McCalls, Vogue, Simplicity and Butterick) but actually, I should. Most of us started off sewing with one of these patterns and there is such a huge selection. Vogue V9002 is a loose fitting flutter-sleeve top that gives you the option of contrast side panels and/or sleeves.
Another Vogue pattern that allows you to play with contrasting fabrics is V8877. Again it’s a loose fitting, pullover style but this time the contrast panel is across the yoke. The sleeves are a batwing-style so perfect for a floaty fabric in the summer.
What’s that? A free pattern to download? Lovely! Pauline Alice, who’s dress pattern went in to the Luxury Box this month, has on her website the Bailén Top and Dress for you to download. A bias cut, strappy top, it’s finished with bias binding at the arms and neckline and the straps are made from bias binding too, although I think you could always use the Frou Frou spaghetti cord that went into the boxes to make the straps.
The lovely, floaty Magnolia Shorts from Sew Caroline are a great summer holiday style. Made to look like a skirt but with the comfort of shorts – hooray no chaffing! This is a great beginner pattern to use with any lightweight fabric, including jersey for a more sporty feel.
Have you noticed the sewing community is currently mad on underwear patterns? With good reason I think when there are companies like Evie La Luve creating the most gorgeous patterns like this Kitty Sleep Mask or the Minnie Flared Tap Pants. Even better, as PDF patterns they won’t make you have to run out to the shop halfway through to buy extra paper!
The Classic Box; 2.5 meters of Georgette
The georgette fabric is absolutely perfect for loose fitting blouses, even better is that it’s pretty crease resistant! The Lottie Blouse is a simple pussy-bow style that is a great beginner level sew but with the added challenge of using a slippery fabric. The pattern also comes with a pencil skirt, making a great handmade office combo.
I love that the patterns by Sew Me Something are named after Shakespearean characters, such as The Imogen Top. A simple but elegant style with a yoke neckline and raglan sleeves. This pattern can be used in so many different fabrics to make completely different garments.
If you are a regularly reader of Love Sewing Magazine, you might now be in possession of McCalls M7381. With four different style options you can switch up the length, the sleeves and the centre front bodice. I have a little over two meters of the georgette fabric left for myself and am thinking of giving this one a go.
If you’re looking for something more playful, then the Marigold Jumpsuit by Tilly and the Buttons might be for you. There is also the option of leaving the bodice and just sewing up the trousers.
I absolutely love the Kimono Jacket from Sew Over It, perfect for layering over plain t-shirts in the summer and brightening up an otherwise neutral outfit. With no zips or buttonholes or fitting to deal with and just four pattern pieces this could be a really quick project.
The Jasmine Blouse by Colette is a lovely figure-skimming top, cut on the bias with a long or short collar and two sleeve options. The version with elbow length sleeves gathered into cuff gives it a slight 1940s land-girl feel depending on your choice of fabric.
The Luxury Box; 3.3 meters of Viscose Rayon
For an intermediate pattern with lots of detail, The Azaire top and dress from Gather is great. It features a curved yoke, boat neckline, peplum with back darts, an invisible zip and is fitted at the bust. It also comes with two sleeve lengths both featuring a petal shape at the cuff.
The Cardamome Dress from Deer and Doe is a great, flattering style shirtdress. It features a bib, which you could add piping to for an extra detail and is cinched in at the waist. You can choose to go sleeveless or add three-quarter length sleeves.
The Emery Dress by Christine Haynes is a firm favourite amongst many, possibly because it is perfect to make with those bright and beautiful quilting weight cottons as well as those with slightly more drape. The bodice is fitted with darts at the bust and waist at the front and back as well as neck darts in the back. Choose from short or three-quarter length sleeves and either a flat bow at the waist or a flat, pointed collar.
Named Clothing released their newest pattern collection last month and amongst them was The Reeta Midi Shirtdress. This is a great summer style, buttoned down the front with a drawstring waist to give it some shape.
For a shirt pattern you could try the Sarah Shirt from By Hand London, a gorgeous button-up swing shirt that “clings and skims in all the right places”. Choose from a rounded collar or more traditional pointed collar and two sleeve lengths.
Finally, for a top pattern that comes with not one, but five different sleeve options, take a look at the Primrose Peplum from Sew Caroline. Big sleeves are on trend right now so this three-quarter length version with bell cuffs are perfect to join in on the trend whilst still being able to safely go about your day and not worry about accidentally dunking your sleeves in your soup!
I’d love to know how you plan to use your fabric this month, leave me a little comment below with your ideas.