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10 New Year's Eve Frocks – Sewing Pattern Roundup

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Most sewists suffer from a common affliction, the desire to make something new for every holiday, birthday, vacation or big event. Even when there is little to no time left, the sewist will attempt to sew something new to wear. Even if she must stay up well past her bed time and ignore other supposedly important things like dirty dishes, she will push on to finish that frock. New Year’s Eve is, of course, no exception. Who doesn’t want to be adorned in something fabulous when the new year arrives? If the siren call of the last minute party frock is whispering in your ear, I’ve rounded up a few of the patterns that have caught my eye this year. Happy Sewing and Happy New Year!

1. Sophia Dress by By Hand London
I bought this pattern just after Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to making it in the new year. I love the dart lines around the bust. So chic and sophisticated.

2. McCall's M7540
This pattern comes with a cropped top, fishtail skirt and this super awesome jumpsuit. Just the thing if you're looking for some drama in your NYE outfit.

3. Simplicity 8258
This classic princess seam works for everybody. It has the option for sleeves, comes with in-seam pockets and is available in plus sizes.

4. Ida Dress by Seamwork
I love the little cap sleeves on this classic that give a nod to the power suit. I think this dress would flatter a range of ages and is great way to show off a special fabric like brocade. 

5. Butterick B6413
This gorgeous keyhole wiggle dress, designed by Gertie is inspired by a dress Marilyn Monroe wore in the movie Niagra. You can read about her inspiration here.

6. BurdaStyle Off the Shoulder Ruffle Dress 12/2016 #123
This is a fun flirty number, reminiscent of the flapper era. 

7. Vogue V1498
I love the criss-cross bodice, wrap front skirt and slim silhouette of this dress. 

8. Seabell Dress by Papercut Patterns
Made up in fancy fabric the short hemline and bell sleeves will make you the belle of the ball.

9. McCall's M7429
This dress provides lots of coverage without sacrificing any of the drama. Plus it's for stretch knit fabric so you're sure to be comfortable too.

10.  Leotie Midi Dress  by Named Patterns
I love the dramatic neckline of this dress and the opportunity to use a contrasting fabric on the bodice.

Are you sewing anything for New Year's Eve? What's your favorite fancy frock style?

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15 Holiday Gifts for Sewists

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Whether someone is a beginner or an advanced sewist, the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in extra special sewing accoutrements. Here are a few of my top picks, including some personal favorites and some from the top of my sewing wish-list. What's on the top of your list this year?

15 Holiday Gifts for Sewists

1. Scissors Sweatshirt
Wear your hobby on your chest with this super cool sweatshirt. 

2. Thread snips
Hard to believe but I don't actually have a pair of these. But I know sewists love them and I hope to try them out some day.

3. Unicorn embroidery scissors
How can you not love UNICORN SCISSORS!!! 

4. Pin magnet
A pin magnet is super useful, because sooner or later you will definitely spill some pins and a magnet is the best way to pick them up extra quickly.

5. Colette Sewing Planner
I received a copy of the sewing planner back in September and I've loved using it to record all my makes. See my review here.

6. Fashionary sketchbook
One of my goals is to build my fashion sketching skills but in the meantime, the fashionary sketchbook provides a croquis to draw all your fashion ideas on.

7. 2017 Embroidery Calendar Kit from Purl Soho
Even the most dedicated of sewists, gets curious about other crafts from time to time. A great way to learn a new skill and try out a new craft is with a kit. This calendar kit is a great end-of-year gift and the perfect intro to embroidery.

8. Tailor's Beeswax
Hand sewing can be tedious but it's much more enjoyable with the right tools. 

9. No Regrets Enamel Pin
The perfect stocking stuffer for all your sewist buddies.

10. Ceramic Button Pattern Weights
I tend to use whatever is at hand for a pattern weight but these little cuties would be the cutest cutting companions.

11. Fringe Supply Co. Field Bag
Everyone can use a bag or three and the Field Bag is the ultimate for crafters.

12. Maker Tee from Megan Nielsen
I love the design of this tee and a part of the proceeds go to fight human trafficking.

13. The Beginner's Guide to Dressmaking
An essential for any beginning garment sewist.

14. Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing
This has been my go-to sewing reference for over a decade.

15. Acorn Tape Measure
Seriously the cutest tape measure ever. 

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10 Fall/Winter Dresses – Sewing Pattern Roundup

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10 Fall/Winter Dresses – Sewing Pattern Roundup

While many dresses can be worn throughout the year, the fall/winter dress is distinct in a few ways. It preferably has sleeves and a little more coverage than your summer sundresses. It also needs to lend itself well to layering with tights and sweaters. Here I've rounded up 10 of my favorites for the season with a mix of casual and fancy styles that will cover any occasion.

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