summer

5 Essential Summer Sewing Patterns

I have just a few requirements for my summer wardrobe. It must keep me cool, comfortable and have the ability to be layered. I spend most of my days in shorts, or dresses and rompers with the occasional cardi or button down for cool nights and heavily AC'd buildings. And of course for my too-rare beach days, a swimsuit. Today, I'm sharing a few sewing patterns that will take you through summer in me-made ease. What I also love about these patterns is that they are basic designs that can be made and worn over and over again. 

5 Essential Summer Sewing Patterns

1. Vallyne Tank by Seamly
A good basic tank top is essential for any summer wardrobe. I've been wearing a lot of DIY racerback tanks that I traced from an RTW shirt but I'd really like to try out some tank and t-shirt patterns. I really like the classic design of the Vallyne Tank. It's something that will be in style forever. Also, these styles are so quick to sew, it's probably quicker and a lot less stressful to sew one yourself than heading to the mall. 

2. Sanibel Romper by Hey June
I made the Sanibel Dress a few months ago and since then I've probably worn it more than other dress in my wardrobe. It's a great design that looks polished but is still really comfy. I recently did a little Sanibel Romper hack from a dress I rarely wore. I used the bodice from the dress and cut up the skirt to make the shorts. I really love it and can't wait to make the romper.

3. Spring Shorts by Peppermint Magazine
I really love wearing shorts in the summer and probably have too many of them already but there are still a lot that I want to try out. At the top of my list are the Spring Shorts. It's a free pattern from Peppermint Magazine with a comfy drawstring waist and curved hem. 

4. Sylvie Dress by Christine Haynes
More than any other season, summer is the season for dresses. The Sylvie Dress is a classic design that will take you to summer weddings, graduations and even to work. Just the style of dress that everyone should have a few of in their wardrobe. 

5. Soma Swimsuit by Papercut Patterns
I love all the variations in this pattern, a one-piece, bottoms and two tops. I recently made a test version of the bikini top version 2 using a double knit that can be worn as a lounge bra. I really love it and am imagining all the non-swimwear possibilities of this pattern. I'm also planning to start a swim version of the one-piece very soon. 

Do you have any favorite summer patterns? 

DIY Tutorial – How to Add a Shoulder Cut Out to Any Pattern

DIY Tutorial – How to Add a Shoulder Cut Out to Any Pattern

Hi friends! Today, I'm super excited to announce that I have a new tutorial over on Bernina's We All Sew blog. The cut out shoulder (aka the cold shoulder) is more popular than ever this summer and lucky for us it’s really easy to DIY. In the tutorial, I first show you how to hack the drop shoulder design of the Hemlock Tee pattern, a free pattern from Grainline Studio (sign up for their newsletter to get the pattern). Then I give tips for adapting other shoulder designs too. 

12 Gorgeous Summer Knitting Patterns

12 Gorgeous Summer Knitting Patterns

Summer knitting calls for lightweight yarns, small projects and lace when at all possible. When knitting in the summer heat, the last thing you want is a big pile of wool sitting on your lap. It's also prime travel season and the knitting project I love to travel with is socks. They are fun to knit and won't take up a lot room in your carry-on.

Since moving to California, I've nearly stopped knitting. I make a pair or two of socks a year, sometimes a hat or an occasional baby sweater. Whereas when I lived in Oregon, I knit countless hats, mittens and a fair number of big bulky sweaters. Here in southern climes though, I have little need for sweaters, especially bulky ones. So my knitting has dwindled and sewing has stepped in to fill my making hours. For a few years now, I've been thinking that I was just knitting the wrong things and should try a summer knit. So to inspire myself (and you!) I put together this little roundup of summer knitting patterns.