SEVEN SUMMER BUYS YOU CAN SEW YOURSELF
SEVEN SUMMER BUYS YOU CAN SEW YOURSELF
One of the best parts of having sewing as your superpower is that you can sew what you see. When watching the telly, browsing the racks on the high street or scrolling on social media, I find my mind drifting off to sewing pattern matching. It is one of the most posted requests in our Facebook group, so I know I am not alone in this.
So, I've pulled together some high street summer buys that have jumped out to me lately, and the sewing patterns you could use to make your own version.
The Beyond Nine Co-ord
Linen is quite possibly the best fabric you can wear in the summer thanks to its breathability and the moisture-wicking properties it has. Beyond Nine is a small batch fashion brand that has an emphasis on flexible clothes that fit you, and not the other way around. They use gorgeous stripe and check linens that read Merchant and Mills fabric! I've seen a few makers recreate this look, and if you want to have a go yourself, this is my recommendation.
The Patterns:
TOP: Helen's Closet Ashton Top
BOTTOMS: Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants and Shorts
The Oliver Bonas Bold Dress
OB are the go-to for summer dopamine dressing. They have so many pieces to desire in stock at the moment, but Kate snapped this dress up and we've had so many comments on YouTube asking for a pattern match. Just make sure you find a bright, bold stripe to make it up in!
The Pattern:
The Mint Velvet Faux Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are like Marmite. Some people love them, and some people can't abide the idea of going to the loo while wearing one! If you are in camp number two and would love something that looks like a jumpsuit, but doesn't present the same logistical issues, a faux jumpsuit is the way forward. I love this Mint Velvet set, so found some patterns to recreate the look.
The Patterns:
TOP: Wardrobe by Me Boxy Shirt
BOTTOMS: NH Patterns Sienna Trousers
The Simple Sézane Tank
Simple styles are a great way to go when it is warm, and a tank is a summer wardrobe workhorse. Sézane put a chic French twist on everything they do, and this pretty tie shoulder really elevates the humble tank. Hunt for the prettiest print and check out my perfect pattern match!
The Pattern:
The Toast Summer Shirt Dress
Toast is the place to find garments that are designed to last, and a summer shirt dress will never go out of style. They have this staple shape in a number of prints, from the geometric to the ethereal floral embroidered beauties. I have a great pattern match for you that includes long sleeves, so you can make an autumn/spring-friendly one too!
The Pattern:
Tilly and the Buttons Lyra Shirt Dress
The Marks & Spencer Midaxi Tiered Skirt
A summer skirt is a very useful thing, and I always have my eyes peeled for one that has something special about it. I spotted this M&S trendy midaxi skirt and knew I had seen a pattern exactly like it, so here you go!
The Pattern:
The Kitri Shirred Dress
Whether you have a wedding to attend or need a summer dress that makes you feel great every time you wear it, you cannot go wrong with a shirred dress. Kate has a gorgeous navy and orange spot shirred dress that had many comments on when she wore it for a YouTube video, so if you want to sew your own, this is the pattern to do it with.
The Pattern:
Victory Patterns Sofia Shirred Dress and Top
If you ever need help hunting for a pattern to match inspiration you have found along the way, drop a picture in our Facebook group, and the hive mind will do their best to help!
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Such a brilliant article. Really inspiring, thank you.
I always find this so much fun – showing the patterns you can use to make the cutest clothes from the most beautiful brands yourself, often for much less money!!