October Box Inspiration
I’ve had some really lovely feedback from customers who were as excited to receive their boxes as I was to pack them up and ship them off. A few people have already made some lovely items with the contents of their boxes and posted them on Instagram, there may have been some squeals from me when I saw them. Don’t forget if you post a picture on social media to tag me in the comments and also to use #sewhayleyjanemakes so that I can see everything.
I thought I would do a couple of inspiration posts each month with ideas of garments you might make using the fabric that comes in your box. This is just to get ideas flowing and is not a complete list at all. There are thousands of patterns available to you, and with everyone having such different styles it’s totally objective. What suits one will not suit another. So use your imagination and go wild.
A great place to look for patterns is The Fold Line’s pattern database. Just select the fabric type and if you know what type of garment you want to make; dress/skirt/top etc, and a huge selection of patterns pops up for you to browse through. But here are a few ideas to get you started.
The Mini and Classic Boxes come with a length of rayon that drapes beautifully, making it perfect for so many garments. Given the time of year I’m seeing some fabulous skirts or dresses worn with thick tights and boots. Personally I’ve decided to have a go at the Alex shirt from Sew Over It’s city break capsule wardrobe collection. I bought the book as soon as it came out, so I should make it worthwhile now.
The Azaire from Gather is a top and dress pattern with a peplum and two sleeve variations. It’s classed as an intermediate pattern on the website so is great if you’re ready to up your skills. You can also make it with contrasting fabric for the yoke so perfect for smaller amounts of fabric.
The Adrift dress and skirt from Papercut Patterns is super floaty and feminine with the ruffles and wrap skirt. On it’s own it’s a great summer dress but with tights and a cardigan I think it can be worn year round.
The Bristol Skirt by Seamwork is a quick and easy make that can be used in so many different fabrics to create a totally different look. With an elasticated waist making it super comfy, it also has a hidden pocket… who doesn’t love a skirt with pockets?
McCalls 7193 is oh so floaty!! Again it can be made with a contrast yoke, you could even get creative here and contrast different parts of the patterns such as the cuffs or bias facings.
Another cute little elasticated skirt from Kwik Sew is 3794. It’s a really simple pattern that uses very little fabric. Definitely one to wear with tights and boots in the autumn.
Something a bit different is the Helmi Tunic Dress and Blouse from Named Clothing. This loose fitting garment is perfect for a fabric with good drape and has lots of interesting features to it.
The Luxury Box came with 3.5meters of Art Gallery Knit Fabric, so soft and pretty! It has a navy background with white leaves and feathers printed all over it. The box came with an Ultimate Wrap Dress pattern from Sew Over It which works perfectly with the fabric. I’ve personally had this pattern in my stash for a while but haven’t managed to get round to making it yet, it’s on the to do list!
Of course if you have that pattern marked for a different fabric there are loads of others to try. I love this Out and About Dress by Sew Caroline and it’s a PDF version so you can get it to your inbox straight away! It’s a seriously great everyday dress, loosely fitted at the waist it also has different sleeve and hem options. I think it’s so flattering, this is absolutely one for my wish list!
A couple of dresses from McCalls, the first is the 7432 a really simple, flattering shape. Or there’s McCalls 7353 which has a raised elasticated waist and a couple of different neckline options. Both are great for this time of the year!
And finally, a couple of top options for your knit fabric. The Aberdeen top by Seamwork is a lovely loose fitting batwing-style tunic. I love the V-neckline included, very flattering. Or we have what is probably one of the most popular patterns by an Indie designer, the Coco top and dress by Tilly and the Buttons. A serious staple top, I can’t believe I haven’t made one of these yet. I love the tunic length and it can be made even cosier with the addition of the funnel neckline.
So, those are just a few ideas to get you started with your main fabric. Come back next week for some ideas for those fat quarters.
Have you made anything yet? Let me know in the comments, or tell me what your plans are! I’d love to do a round-up post at the end of each month with your makes.
Happy Sewing!! XX