Harriet’s Pattern Picks for May

I thought it would be nice to suggest some patterns that I think would work splendidly with any of the fabrics from the boxes and make you look like the best-dressed wedding guest- just be careful not to upstage the bride! I looked through lots of lovely patterns… and some might’ve fallen into my basket – oops!

Mini Box

First, let’s delve into the patterns that you can making using what comes in the mini boxes – 1m of the poplin fabric, and three lovely fat quarters.

The Pollux Top by Opian – The epitome of a wardrobe classic with a bit of a twist! I think that this top would look really great with the poplin as the main fabric, paired with one of the fat quarters for the front yoke. The construction looks like it should be nice and simple, and you end up with a really great top that has an interesting feature piece. This pattern would work great for beginners, but if you’re more confident, you could even try adding a frill around the yoke if you fancy

Louise top – Republique du Chiffon – I think that all of the patterns that Republique du Chiffon come out with are stunning, so it’s not surprising that I’ve managed to sneak one into this post. Their Louise top would work brilliantly at a Spring, Summer or Autumn wedding – you could layer it over a long sleeved top (or turtleneck, we in the sewing community do love those) or wear it on its own paired with a skirt, shorts or trousers. This pattern works particularly well with drapey fabrics like the cotton lawn included in this month’s luxury box, but should also look great with the poplin.

Butterick 6013 – A cute little dress for any children that might be coming to the wedding! This pattern comes with lots of different variations, and should fit into the poplin with a little bit of pattern tetris. The dress has a bodice with a raised waist, ties at the back, a flared skirt, back zipper and a narrow hem, and the variations include:

• A sleeveless, lined bodice with a high-low hem (both views A and B)
• B: sleeveless, with a Peter Pan collar
• C: Flutter sleeves and two-tiered skirt
• D: Puff sleeves and two-tiered skirt

Franki Top by Wearable Patterns

This one’s a really new release, so it’s come out right on time ready for a casual Summer wedding! The top can definitely be dressed up if it’s paired with jeans and heels, and you’d look a knockout wearing it in this month’s printed poplin. There are two versions, but the first one (pictured) is my absolute favourite! It features a scooped neckline, ¾ length sleeves with lovely keyhole features and ties, and a ruffle around the hem. And the best part is, it’ll be something that you can easily wear on a day-to-day basis too.

Classic Box

New Look 6493 – This is the pattern that I chose to use for my make this month, and I’m really pleased that I did! As with any of the ‘Big Four’ pattern companies, the pattern comes with lots of variations, which makes it the perfect choice if you’re on a bit more of a budget. Due to the width of the fabric and how many pattern pieces there are, only views C or E (the mini dress and playsuit) are really options, unless you really funk up the pattern and add contrasting fabric to the mix. The princess seams on the wrapped bodice look really elegant, and I’m thrilled with my finished make, although a word of warning – the bodice does come out a lot baggier than the pattern picture makes it look, so I’d suggest either making a toile, or sizing down. Something else that you could do to add a little pizazz is to add the lace trim included in this month’s box around the hem.

Megan Nielsen – Sudley Dress

This one would also work brilliantly in the poplin fabric or the cotton lawn in the luxury box. The dress is very loose fitting, so would be great for hotter days or a more casual dress code, and features a keyhole cutout, Peter Pan collar, gathered waist, ties and three different sleeve lengths. Because of the loose fit of both the dress and blouse (and the absence of any darts at all), the pattern is completely reversible; you can wear the collar and keyhole at the front or back so that you can have two garments in one!

By Hand London Georgia Dress

This pattern works great in poplin, and I think that the print of the fabric will look gorgeous made up as this dress – I sort of wish I’d chosen this for myself to make! There are a few variations for you to decide between so that you can make the dress that you think best suits you. The dress has fitted cups and a panelled skirt which hugs the waist and skims the hips, and variations include either slim straps, or a larger faux-nautical collar. You can also adjust the length depending on how much leg you’d like on show!

Luxury Box

Nina Lee Kew Dress

Of course, the Kew dress! This lovely Nina Lee pattern was included in the luxury boxes this month, and will work brilliantly with either version. The perfect dress for a wedding guest if I ever did see one!

Sew Over It – 1940s Wrap Dress

I feel like it would be silly not to include a Sew Over It pattern when it’s Lisa Comfort’s fabric range that we’re talking about! The vintage inspiration behind the 1940’s Wrap Dress makes it the perfect candidate for wearing to a wedding, whether it’s a royal one or not! The dress features a wrapped bodice and skirt, which are secured at the waistband with either buttons or popper studs (depending on your preference) to keep everything nice and secure. The bodice has a really lovely collar and shoulder pleats – very elegant – and the wrap skirt has a slight A-line shape.

Colette Patterns – Dahlia

The Colette website suggests that this pattern would be great for beginners, and I’d agree! There are two versions of the dress, and both are very different – so you pretty much get two patterns for the price of one! Version one (the grey one) includes raglan sleeves, so the sleeve insertion won’t be too tricky, a pretty gathered neckline, and a waist yoke with little gathers into it to add some pretty shaping without you having to make any pleats or darts. The skirt for version one is only made up of three pattern pieces too, so it won’t interrupt your gorgeous fabric! Version two is very different, with a scoop neck and straps made from bias tape. The skirt has six panels, so would break up the print a little more – but there’s no reason why you couldn’t combine the bodice from version two with the skirt from version one!

Victory Patterns – Nicola

Nicola can be made in so many different ways – as a blouse or as a dress, with a contrasting bodice and skirt or all in the same fabric. The dress design features an overlapping petal sleeve (something that I’ve never actually come across before, but looks really pretty), a wrapped front bodice and a tulip skirt – floral techniques all round! The websites suggests that the pattern will be suitable for an advanced beginner, but it’s worth baring in mind that there are definitely a few trickier techniques involved, so unless you’re really confident, I’d recommend making a toile before you cut into your beautiful cotton lawn!

Happy Sewing!!