My sewcial isolation activities are in limbo:
I’m either waiting for fabric to arrive for patterns I have or I need the A0 printshop copies of my PDF patterns to arrrive so that I can use the fabric I have at home. Things have definitely slowed down a lot over the last couple of weeks, understandably.
After my success with the Deer and Doe patterns that I’ve reviewed over the last few weeks – go here to see the Lupin jacket and here to check out the Réglisse – I’m ready to take on a few projects I’ve been lusting after since I started sewing but was not quite brave enough to take on.
PLAN 1:
By Hand London – Hannah dress
I have seen so many versions of this dress following the hashtag #bhlhannah and haven’t seen a single version I don’t like. I particularly love the variation of sleeves that come with this pattern and will make them all at some point.
Hannah is a quintessential wrap dress pattern featuring a gathered skirt and a sexy scoop neckline. It can be made as casual or as dressy as you want – from beach casual to full evening glamour. I plan to make a couple of variations; the first one will be made from this woven twill fabric from Sew Me Sunshine:
If this doesn’t scream sun and ice cream, I’m not sure what does. This colour is just so beautiful and I know that, given the drape of the fabric – which, as a bonus, is made with more environmentally friendly fibres, making this a more sustainable project – it will make the most perfect summer dress – I’ll most likely make Variation 3 – the tulip sleeves.
However, I also love the bishop sleeved version which makes this dress so versatile for every season. I also love the classic vintage Hollywood feel this version gives.
I bought an ex-designer unicorn print fabric from Sew Me Sunshine and I put it aside not knowing what to do with it – until now!
I know Harriet recently got some more of this in stock which you can find here (along with other gorgeous deadstock fabrics). I’ll also come back to this pattern to make a more glitzy version for evening wear but that’s not on the cards for a while yet.
Plan 2:
By Hand London – Flora Dress
This pattern exudes all the classic elements you want in a dress – featuring a cinched waist and voluminous pleated straight or dipped hem circle skirt, Flora begs to be worn to a party – I’m thinking Christmas and New Year! Maybe my birthday next year as I spend my birthday in social isolation yesterday. Saying that, Simon made sure it was a lovely day!
There are two entirely different bodice variations – both are beautiful: a classic sleeveless faux-wrap style or a more demure high square neckline. I haven’t decided which of the two to go with yet, but I have a fabric in my stash that I want to use for this – a metallic brocade – as it will make the most of the structure of the dress.
This is one I picked up a couple of months back from The Fabric Guys and I’ve noticed they have recently brought it back into stock – you can find it here. The pictures simply don’t do it justice – these colours are even more vibrant and shimmering in real life!
PLAN 3:
Jennifer Lauren – Juniper Cardigan
Cardigans are a wardrobe staple for me – let’s face it, there has to be something in the librarian stereotypes that comes from the truth. I also live in Ireland, and you can have all four seasons in a day – cardigans are very useful, believe me.
Now, I’m a little hesitant about this pattern – I classify myself as a adventurous beginner when it comes to sewing… this pattern is aimed at an intermediate to advanced skill level. What I’ve done is order a relatively inexpensive jersey to practice with because this is a pattern I want to master as I’ll be making the cropped version of these in every colour in the most sustainable fabrics I can source; cropped because they suit the style of dresses I wear every day.
PLAN 4:
Butterick 6285 – Variations A & B
And – because I wear dresses pretty much every day – I’m challenging myself to branch out. I’ve made a few skirts since I started sewing, my favourite (and oh so simple) pattern was reviewed here a few weeks back. However, I’m not all that interested in plain tees and camisoles so when I found this Butterick wrap jersey pattern, I was instantly sold.
The tie detail elevates this above any top I’ve seen while shopping – and it would look equally as striking in plain or patterned fabrics. With the right skirt, it could pass for a wrap dress – and depending on the weight of the fabric, as suitable for winter wear as it is summer.
The Waiting Game
And so I wait, as patiently as a woman with an Aries temperament can, on my supplies arriving. I look forward to getting stuck into these projects and will undoubtedly follow with reviews for them all! Nothing for it but to ‘Stay Home’ and watch the letterbox.