There’s something about the beginning of September that makes me start looking at my fabric differently.
The lighter summer pieces aren’t necessarily ready to be packed away just yet, but thoughts are beginning to turn to sleeves, trousers, layers, richer fabrics — and those wonderfully satisfying autumn sewing projects.
So, what are you thinking of making?
One of the things I love about the Sure Fit Designs system is that your fitted pattern doesn’t dictate the garment. It gives you the starting point to create it.
From your Dress Kit…
Perhaps a simple midi or maxi dress with long sleeves, made in a fabric with a little more weight or texture.
Or forget the dress altogether! Your Dress Kit bodice can become the starting point for autumn tops and blouses, tunics, skirts and layered pieces. Change a neckline, move a dart, add fullness or alter the sleeve, and that familiar fitted foundation can head in a completely different direction.
Even a favourite summer design might only need a change of fabric or the addition of a sleeve to carry it into autumn.
From your Shirt Kit…
Autumn and shirts seem made for one another.
Think relaxed overshirts, longer shirt-jackets, tunic shirts, softer blouses and easy layering pieces. Play with proportion, pockets, collars and cuffs, or simply make a favourite shirt again in a completely different fabric.
Corduroy, brushed cotton, denim, chambray or a soft wool blend can completely change its character.
From your Pants Kit…
It definitely feels like trouser season again.
Wide and relaxed trousers continue to provide plenty of inspiration, but straight, wide, tapered, cropped or somewhere in between — start with the fit and proportions that work for you, then create the style you actually want to wear.
Wool blends, corduroy, denim and twill are natural autumn choices, while pleats, pockets and other design details can give one well-fitting pants pattern many different lives.
Or perhaps all three?
Between your three main Fitting Pattern Kits, you could create the beginnings of a smart office capsule, or go more casual with a pair of trousers from your Pants Kit, a denim or field jacket from your Shirt Kit and a top developed from your Dress Kit — pieces designed to work together and, importantly, designed to fit you.
You don’t have to start from scratch every time inspiration strikes.
Start with your well-fitting sloper. Then decide what you want to make.
So, as we head into a new sewing season, I’d love to know:
What’s on your autumn sewing list?
Until next time,
Caroline
P.S. Don't forget — autumn sewing doesn’t have to stop with your own wardrobe! With your Shirt Kit, Men’s Pants Instructional Package and Children’s Kit, you can put those Sure Fit Designs principles to work sewing for the rest of the family too.