Autumn Pattern Wishlist

I’m a slow sewer. It takes me ages to finish things, usually because I get distracted by the next project.

I currently have one unfinished skirt, one dress that I have made a toile (practice piece) for and got all my pattern pieces ready to go and one blouse that I never got around to finishing because I got scared of buttonholes. I have since conquered my buttonhole fear though so there’s really no reason not to finish that one. Oh! I’ve just remembered I have made (thrown together) a pair of dungarees for The Refashioners challenge that I need to take in at the waist and turn up the hems. Yikes! I didn’t realise there was quite so much.

I need to put all of those aside this week as I am making something for my sister, who’s birthday is coming up! It’s secret though so I’m afraid you shall just have to wait!

But, as I said it’s good to have goals… or at least dreams!

With autumn around the corner (favourite time of year, if you follow me on Instagram I may have mentioned it once or twice) and winter not far behind it’s time to start thinking cosy. One of my biggest downfalls is being attracted to patterns that don’t really suit me, or that aren’t suitable for everyday wear. So I’m trying to be a bit more practical in my sewing plans and make things that I’m going to be able to wear on an everyday basis.

I present to you my pattern wish list.

Let’s start with Tilly and the Buttons. If you haven’t heard of Tilly yet you absolutely have to check out her patterns. They are great for beginners and her instructions are so clear. My only issue with these patterns that sizes don’t go up very far. Particularly, for me, in the hip region! But luckily I only have to do a little bit of grading to make it work. So I still love them!

The Bettine dress is Tilly’s best seller. It looks super comfy to wear, if you get the fabric right. I’m tempted to alter the skirt slightly so that it flares a little, rather than hugs the hips. I don’t know… maybe I like it the way it is.

I love the Coco top, and the dress version too. It’s the perfect snuggle top I think. The dress version would look great with leggings or thick tights and welly boots to go stomping about on an autumn walk!

Next up is a couple of patterns from Sew Over It. I haven’t yet made any of these patterns but I often swoon over them. I love the flattering feminine shapes and I think they would work really well for my figure.

I actually already have this pattern AND the fabric to make it. The only excuse I can give you for not getting round to this one yet is that I’ve only tried a couple of basic knit fabric tops so far, so this is going to be a step up in skills. I love a wrap dress, and this is perfect for cooler months. Oh… the fabric I’ve got set aside for this is a navy and white polka dot!

I’m fairly certain Doris won’t get made, this year at least! I loved this pattern as soon as it was released but I’m not sure if its one of those less practical makes I mentioned earlier! But how gorgeous is that shape?!

Now this is a bit more practical. This pattern by New Look came free with Sew Magazine one month. I haven’t sewn raglan sleeves before – where the sleeve extends to the neckline. I can see this kind of top being extremely wearable with jeans… maybe not a shimmery silver skirt as on the pattern cover. But that might just be me. I do quite like the pencil skirt style though. Made in a knit fabric… ticking the comfort level box right there!

Now for a couple of patterns that will really test my sewing skills. So far I’ve gone for stretchy knit fabrics that need minimal fitting or have fiddly fastenings to insert, except maybe a zip. But I would love to make a shirt and a shirtdress. This means dealing with buttonholes, plackets, collars, cuffs and getting the fit right! Oh my…

This is the Archer Button Up Shirt by Grainline Studios. I picked this one because there’s not too much fitting that needs to be done here, it’s a fairly loose style that would look awesome with jeans or a denim skirt and leggings. I would love to make it in a check or chambray fabric, keep it casual!

And finally McCalls 7351. This shirtdress has had some fantastic reviews, especially over at Curvy Sewing Collective which is a great place to go have a scroll around if you are blessed with a few curves. I think a huge plus point for this pattern is that it comes with multiple cup sizes, meaning I hopefully won’t have to do a full bust adjustment! Hooray! Most patterns come fitted for a B-Cup meaning all sorts of adjustments need to be made for most people. Obviously that’s the beauty of sewing your own clothes, you can make them to fit your personal proportions, but if a pattern comes with multiple cup sizes it just means you can get on and sew it up a lot sooner!

This pattern has so many variations which is really great value for money. I don’t think there is any style on the cover that I wouldn’t make. Depending on your choice of fabric it can be really casual and easy to wear or it can be more formal and work appropriate. Winner!

Only time will tell as to how many of these patterns actually get made in the next few months, place your bets now!

Do you have any sewing plans for autumn and winter? I’d love to hear what they are. Or do you think I’m missing any key patterns from my list?