July Inspiration
You may have noticed that I’ve been reducing my blogging to one post a week, rather than two so that I can spend more time working on growing the business. I wanted to make sure I still include inspiration for both the main fabric and the fat quarters, so here they are in one go for you.
I’ll start with my pattern picks for your July fabric.
Apparently there’s a big trend at the moment for off the shoulder garments, you may have noticed? If you’re lucky enough to get away with this style without suffering the pain of a strapless bra you might like one of these two patterns. The first is a DIY tutorial from With Wendy and the second is a free pattern from On The Cutting Floor that features a a gorgeous ruffle too. This pattern requires 1 1/2 yards of fabric, but this would look fab using contrasting fabric, maybe a chambray for the body and your broderie anglaise for the ruffle?
The Waterfall Tank from Sew Caroline is a gorgeous breezy summer top with the layered detail giving it a bit of extra interest. If you’re in need of a cute pair of pyjama shorts for the summer this Simplicity 3696 would be perfect with a cute matching top in a knit fabric.
Another free pattern download for you is the Orla dress from French Navy. If you want to see a few gorgeous Orla dresses check out the blog series from Allie Jackson for some fab inspiration. For a cute pair of shorts try the Iris pattern from Colette, you could try layering them with a plain cotton underneath in a different colour to peep through the little holes in the broderie anglaise.
A classic pleated skirt from Sew Over It, the Lizzie is fully lined making it perfect for the broderie anglaise and is great for beginners as well as being a quick and easy make for more advanced sewers. From a relatively new-on-the-scene pattern company, the Bloomsbury blouse from Nina Lee is a great Edwardian inspired high collar blouse with some rather fabulous ruffles.
For the Luxury fabric, the latest pattern from Cashmerette would look great. The pattern comes as a dress or a top and has a cute little back detail whilst still being bra-friendly – rejoyce! If you fancy jumping on the culotte trend this summer try the Tania pattern from Megan Nielsen, gorgeously floaty and comfortable for a warm summer day.
The newest pattern from Closet Case has been really popular. The Charlie Caftan features a deep V neckline, kimono sleeves and big pockets! Alternatively you might like the Serena Maxi Dress from Simple Sew would look gorgeous in the georgette at a summer wedding.
Onto those beautiful linen fat quarters now, wouldn’t they make the perfect tea cosy? This tutorial shows you how to make a super simple quilted cosy for your tea pot.
You could also make some matching quilted fabric coasters for a cute tea time set.
To make some comfy outdoor seating for the little ones at a family picnic follow this tutorial for turning a standard envelope cushion into a boxy floor cushion. There is a link to find out how to make the envelope cushion first if your not sure.
Finally for any al fresco dining this summer you could make this sweet patio place mats with pockets for keeping cutlery and napkins safe.
I hope this suggestions have given you some ideas for using the goodies in your July boxes, or have at least got the creative juices flowing. I’d love to know what your plans are.