DIY Roundup – 10 Summer Dress Sewing Patterns

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It is definitely starting to warm up in Southern California so I’m, of course, thinking of the dresses I want to make and wear. I have lots of fabric that is perfect for summer dresses and a big old list of patterns that I want to try out. Here are a few of my favorite patterns for the season.

10 Dress Patterns for Summer

1. Trevi Dress by Hey June
I love the button back and the swingy shape. I can easily see it becoming a wardrobe staple. I already have the pattern printed. Now I just need to choose fabric!

2. Willow Tank Dress by Grainline Studio
I love the simple shape of this tank dress. Grainline always makes the most perfect basics that will never go out of style.

3. Lodo Dress by True Bias
Another winner! I love the slight cocoon shape of the dress and the v-neck.

4. Acton Dress by In The Folds
This was one of my favorite patterns of 2016 (see my review here) and I’d love to make it again. I’m absolutely in love with the neckline and I’d like to try it in a floral print.

5. Darling Ranges by Megan Nielsen
This dress has been on my list for ages. I’ve even had it printed out for longer than I’d like to admit. But this summer will be different because the pattern is part of Sew My Style (for August) so I have extra incentive to sew it up.

6. Rumi Tank Dress by Christine Haynes
I love the look of a racerback dress. I made the Rumi Tank last year (see my review here) and I have a perfect bright coral fabric that would look great as a dress.

7. Gabrielle Dress by Seamwork
This is a brand new pattern from Seamwork magazine. The flirty skirt and cut out back is just perfect for summer bbq’s.

8. Highlands Wrap Dress by Allie Olson
This is another relatively new pattern. I love the classic style of this wrap dress and the short sleeves are just perfect.

9. Anneli Double Front Dress by Named Patterns
This takes a basic maxi tank dress and elevates it with a really cool front overlap.

10. McCall’s M7407
This dress is comfortable, chic and fun all rolled up in one. I love the swing of the skirt and can totally imagine living in it all summer.

Do you have any plans for sewing dresses this summer? What pattern do you plan on using?

My 5 Favorite Podcasts to Sew With

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I don’t know if it’s a sign of craziness or creativity, but I’m always looking for more – more things to watch, to listen to, to inspire me. Just more. So whether I’m at home sewing or on the road, you will often find me listening to podcasts. They are great break from the news or those awful radio commercials and I always end up feeling like I’ve learned something and am inspired to take on the day. There are so many different podcasts out there, created by people from around the world. They are a great source of information and inspiration that you won't be able to find in mainstream news. 

1) CRAFT-ish

CRAFT-ish is hosted by Vickie Howell, a knitwear designer and major player in the online crafting community since its inception. She interviews a variety of crafters and creatives about what inspires them, the nature of working in the craft/design/art field and creative life in general. I’ve loved every episode, even when the interview is with someone in a very different field. (BTW, the latest episode is with Kat Coyle, the designer of the pussyhat and owner of my LYS. I had the pleasure of spending time in her delightful shop last month and I was so delighted by the success of pussyhat project. If you’re in the LA area, you should definitely check out her shop.)

2) Crafty Planner

I love the Crafty Planner podcast for its thoughtful and probing interviews. While the episode focus on crafting (especially quilt making), I really appreciate that the host Sandy Hazelwood dives into topics of race and gender. It’s fascinating to hear about different people’s creative journeys and not just skim the surface on how they got there. 

3) Maker Style

I might be a little biased because I was interviewed for an episode of Maker Style last Fall but it really has become one of my favorite podcasts. The host Rachel Felix focuses topics related garment sewing and I feel like I learn something from each one. Each episode is a satisfyingly short 30 minutes, perfect for a short commute day.

4) You Must Remember This

You Must Remember This is an hour-long podcast about old Hollywood history. Each episode is about a different Hollywood star and each one is fascinating and fun to listen to. The host Karina Longworth has a very calming and steady voice, perfect for telling the stories of triumph and tragedy. If you have any interest in old movies (or celebrity gossip), then you’ll love this podcast. 

5) Song Exploder

This is a really fun and insightful podcast that looks into the making of a song. Each episode features a different musician talking about one of their songs. They might talk about the inspiration or the writing and recording process. It’s always interesting to get a little behind the scenes peek at what goes into making a song. I also love learning about different kinds of creative people and how their creative process works.

So now tell me, what are your favorite podcasts?

10 Sewing Patterns for Winter Warmth

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I feel like I say this all the time but here I go again. Los Angeles is rarely cold and I hardly ever need a coat or bulky layers. Most of the time, just a scarf will do. But when it does get cold, as in below 60F, my body is so unaccustomed to it that I am freezing. I know it's ridiculous. This winter has felt particularly cold though and my coats and sweaters have been in frequent rotation. Here are a few of the sewing patterns designed for maximum warmth that I've been eyeing this season.

1. Simplicity 8262
This dramatic and stylish coat is designed by Leanne Marshall and comes in two different lengths.

2. BurdaStyle Poncho Hoodie 11/2016 #126B
Probably the cutest and chicest poncho I've seen in a long time.

3. Lonetree Jacket by IndieSew
I love all the pocket details and the waist drawstring in this jacket. It's the kind of thing that I'd be pretty likely to wear in my mild climate. 

4. Vogue V9136
If I needed to wear a wool coat regularly, I'd love to have this one in my wardrobe, the tall collar and asymmetrical front are so gorgeous.

5. Geodesic Sweatshirt by Blueprints for Sewing
I love the geometric lines of this unique sweatshirt pattern.

6. Hepburn Turtleneck by Itch to Stitch
Turtlenecks are one of my favorite ways to stay warm in cold weather and the Hepburn Turtleneck is a classic that fits into any wardrobe.

7. Cascade Duffle by Grainline Studio
Another classic design from Grainline Studio, the Cascase Duffle coat features an optional hood and the cutest toggle front.

8. Ellsworth Coat by Christine Haynes
A classic pea coat style with a notched collar. Choose a light weight fabric for warmer climates or a heavy wool for colder temps.

9. Neenah Dress by Seamwork
Pair this turtleneck dress with tights, boots and a cardigan and you are set!

10. Dropje Vest by Waffle Patterns
I love the darts at the neckline of this super cute, lined, hooded vest.

What are you sewing for the winter season?